Meet Jessica Lopez in Metro Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lopez.

Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was a little over two years ago that my co-worker got me to do my first pin-up pageant. The event was the 7th annual Rockabilly Royale in Flagstaff AZ.  Something happened as I did my first pose off with a classic car in front of a large audience. I was no longer just Jessica Lopez, I was a pin-up known as Miss Queen of Curves! This was the best weekend getting to meet all the pin-ups and creating new lasting friendships. When they called my number for 2nd Runner-up, I just stood there. Then my friend said that’s you. I couldn’t believe it was me. I ran up on stage to be sashed. That is how I got bit by the pin-up pageant bug. Within a few months, I had my first pin-up shoot which led to my current adventure of being a plus sized model.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Luckily the pin-up pageant world opened doors for me and I have been able to keep consistent with my modeling. I count my lucky stars that I have found photographers that will photograph plus-sized models. Not all photographers are so willing. This is a tough industry to be in and even harder if you aren’t a size 6 or smaller. The difficulties I have are getting my work published or getting paid work. So far everything I’ve done is TFP (trade for print) except I did recently get my first paid pin-up photoshoot. I want to thank the Facebook group I’m a member in called Women Networking in Photography Phoenix Photographers, Models, and HMUAs. This group has really put me out there and I appreciate everything that I am accomplishing with their help.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently I try to keep my modeling separate from my pin-up, so I don’t get type casted. There are a variety of different looks that I can portray in my portraits. I think though when it comes down to it, I am more known for my pin-up. It’s definitely not a bad thing.  Everything about it I absolutely love. I would give anything to live in that era for just one day. When it comes to pageants I thoroughly enjoy being on stage and getting to answer my question and doing my pose-off in front of a crowd. There is nothing more exciting than the audience’s reaction. I am most proud of my 2nd runner-up title in the 7th annual Miss Rockabilly Royale, My People’s Choice award for the 2nd annual Miss Cycle Splash, and my People’s Choice award for the 1st annual Miss Pin-ups and Pooches. Most girls may be in it to win it but I purely do pin-up pageants for the sheer enjoyment I receive from them and also to promote body positivity and empowerment to the women in my community.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Continuing forth I will be a part of the pin-up pageantry world. I will also continue to further my path in the plus-sized model industry. Going forward I will be working with more photographers that want to be published and I plan on doing my part to get published. I’m great as a solo-artist but I also want to collaborate with other models and create magic with them. In the very near future I will be trying to get my foot in the door for my true passion which is acting. It has been over 20 years since my acting days, but if I can start modeling at 34, I can do anything. The world is an endless opportunity and I’m just beginning to make my mark.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicaceciliaplussizemodel
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jessicacecilia82/

Image Credit:
Cheryl Dunn, Anthony Jacob, Victoria Kincart,Vince Lee, Jane Pruit, Ashish Mehta,Erin Garcia,Sarah Logan

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.