Meet Damia Gordon AKA Sassy | Intl. Model, Author, Modeling Coach & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Damia Gordon AKA Sassy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sassy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Everyone carries a unique story, a narrative that propels them toward their chosen path. My story, the tapestry of my journey, unfolded long before I stepped into the world of modeling. In the formative years of my life, the dream to be a model took root, nurtured by hours spent engrossed in episodes of the Tyra Banks show, “America’s Next Top Model.” As a fervent believer in my aspirations, I vocalized my ambitions to friends and acquaintances. However, the response was not always one of encouragement. Some, shackled by discontent with their own lives, projected their negativity onto my dreams.

The enthusiastic anticipation of pursuing my modeling dream clashed with the disapproving whispers of others that echoed in the background telling me I’m “fat,” “ugly,” “too short,” “have a big nose”, “I will never be a model, which held me back. I internalized their negativity, and the dream that once filled me with excitement was momentarily set aside. Life, as I knew it, pressed on, and I experienced a turbulent journey marked by traumas that tested my resilience. Some of the traumas I experienced were, a domestic violence relationship, loss my voice to speak, shattered confidence, battles with depression which I lost 20lbs in a week and a half, and in my darkest moment, I attempted suicide while pregnant with my daughter, which I shared briefly on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith. I felt I didn’t deserve to live, and it was the only way to be free. I gave up, but I’m glad I wasn’t successful. I have a beautiful daughter. God had other plans for our life, rescued me and now I’m free.

Fast forward, my dual worlds of business and modeling converged when the opportunity to walk the runway for “Black Business Women Rock” presented itself. The lingering criticism hunted me, and I wrestled with whether I should give modeling a try. I then decided I would step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I knew the worst thing they could say was, “No”. To my surprise, they chose me. However, my lack of modeling knowledge became glaringly apparent, leaving me to question my readiness. On the day of the show, I stepped into the room with seasoned models, doubts flooded my mind, “I don’t know how to model.” “What do I do?” “Who do I talk too?” I decided to get out of my head, and told myself, I will be the biggest and baddest model anyone has ever seen. On the runway, uncertainty gripped me, but the applause from the audience became a symphony of encouragement. It was a revelation—I could do this. After that fashion show, I still wanted to model, but didn’t know what other steps I needed to take to move forward. Three months later I received a call from someone asking did I want to be in another fashion show. I said, “Yes”. I walked for 7 designers in that show. After that I still had a desire to model, but didn’t know where to start. A week later, I received other random opportunities. I was booked almost every single weekend for an entire year with fashion shows, and photoshoots by staying consistent with the process. There was no one really guiding me on dos and don’ts. The absence of a mentor compelled me to navigate my modeling journey through trial and error. It became clear—modeling was not just a fleeting interest; it was my passion. This experience fueled a newfound desire to pursue modeling wholeheartedly and helped build my confidence beyond what I’ve imagined.
Throughout my modeling journey and ability to stay consistent, I achieved milestones, accumulating a portfolio of accomplishments. Some of my accomplishments are, being in 90+ fashion shows including London, New York, Alaska, and CA, represented 20+ brands and counting, International Model, published in multiple magazines, in the movie, “A Holiday Chance”, featured in several music videos, guest speaker on several platforms The Michael Colyar Morning Show, Power Of Praise Network, Red Table Talk, Model finalist three times in a row for Cythnia Bailey from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, crowned Ms. Global Noble, Modeling coach/mentor, my own TV Show, a secret project I’m working on behind the scenes that will soon be revealed, and more.

As I continued to model, I saw that there is a problem in the modeling industry. I noticed there are so many models wanting to get into the industry, don’t know where to start, and struggling with confidence. This epiphany birthed a new purpose within me. I decided I wanted to be the solution to the problem, so I started my global/virtual/in-person modeling company called, Confident Curvess, LLC and I am the author of my book called, “The Little Black Book of Modeling” located on Amazon. It documents my journey, allows the model to document their journey, and it is a workbook too.

My company aims at being the solution to the challenges aspiring models face. My goal is to inspire aspiring models, that no matter your age, ethnicity, height, weight, disability, your background, or what you’ve been through, you can do anything you desire, as long as you are willing to put in the work to fulfill your dreams. Through coaching, mentoring, and comprehensive education, I aspire to empower individuals worldwide, guiding them through the intricacies of EVERYTHING about the modeling industry. What was once a dream deferred is, now a mission to uplift others. I LOVE WHAT I DO!!!! Never give up!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
• We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others? My business is one of a kind and unique in every way. Through a perfect blend of global, virtual and in-person experiences, my dynamic business platform provides aspiring models with the solid foundation they need to triumph on their modeling journey. We reshape the modeling industry and empower models from all walks of life starting at age 13 and up, all genders, sizes, plus size, ethnicities, by providing outstanding courses/program for group, private coaching & mentoring. Some of our services include, branding, becoming a brand ambassador, investing in yourself, confidence & mindset development, mastering the art of posing, modeling scams & awareness, runway mastery, budgeting as a model, social media mastery, utilizing my modeling workbook, “The Little Black Book Of Modeling,” and more. We are a modeling university that is transforming the modeling platform and rewriting the rules of success in this cutthroat industry. We are fostering a community of unity. Our unwavering commitment to banishing fears and instilling unshakable confidence in every model that walks through our virtual doors, we know they won’t leave the same way they came. Our guidance empowers these aspiring models to throw caution to the wind and stride confidently towards their dreams.

• What you are most proud of or excited about?
I am most excited that I am impacting and changing lives while doing what I love. I finally found my passion and now walking in my purpose. I’m also most excited that I never gave up, and don’t intend to.

• How did you get to where you are today business-wise.
I am grateful of how far I’ve come in my business. When I think about how it started from a desire, idea, writing it down, then executing the desire, and putting everything in motion, it brings me joy. I am a woman of many gifts and talents. My past business ventures of being an entrepreneur since elementary, several network marketing businesses during my adolescences, and now my own business, has prepared me for where I am today. I’ve surrounded myself around so many like-minded individuals, and built great connections. I stayed consistent, and persistent with the process.

• Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
My business journey has not been easy. I have had many setbacks. I view setbacks/failures as part of the process for growth, and self-development opportunities. Each taught, and will continue to teach me valuable lessons. I use that knowledge to improve on future decision making.

• What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I’ve learned not to hold on to things that no longer serve me, things I can’t change, and to stop depositing the negative opinions of people into my spirit. My goal is to stay focused on the purpose, mission, and vision God has given me.

• What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know I am authentically me. I am a beacon of strength, resilient, and exude confidence from the inside out. As an internationally acclaimed model, author, and the proud owner of Confident Curvess, LLC, my journey is not just about modeling and business; it’s a testament to the power of self-love and embracing one’s uniqueness. I strive to inspire models worldwide, reminding them that success knows no boundaries, and every curve is a story waiting to be told. My brand stands for empowerment, and my story echoes the triumph of confidence over adversity. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative and encourage every individual to embrace their own definition of walking in their genius. Never give up; you are the masterpiece of your own runway.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend knows when she comes to town and hang with me for a week, she is guaranteed to have a great time! Seeing that she and I love eating, I am a homemade chef, and I know how to critique food, we are definitely going to eat good. In no particular order we are going to Benihana’s restaurant ordering the six course meal (shrimp tempura, a salad, steak, grilled shrimp, chicken, fried rice, vegetables, and dessert), Versailles Cuban restaurant (half a chicken sautéed in garlic, onions and lemon, black beans, and white steamed rice), LA County Fair (enjoy some rides, games, and food), Javier’s Mexican restaurant, the movies, Glen Ivy Spa while being pampered from head to toe, and the last day we would just chill at my house while I cook a homemade southern meal (Salisbury steak, rice and gravy, corn & broccoli, cornbread, and a side of something to drink. Now this, is a great time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and books that contributed to my journey. I can’t name them all, but I first want to thank God for who he is in my life, loving me and never leaving nor forsaking me. I would also like to thank my parents, brother, daughter, Natasha McCrea, Audrey Hinds, Les Brown, Mr. Byron Nelson, and Katrina Graham. The books that helps me navigate in my career are, the Bible, “The Energy Of Money” by Maria Nemeth, and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Each of them have played a pivotal role in my life.

Website: www.confidentcurvess.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sassyclassymodel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/confidentcurvess

Other: Email: modelconsultant1@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DamiaGordon www.instagram.com/confidentcurvessllc

Image Credits
Katrina Graham Loyde Cordero Mike Harris Paul Kiefer Eli Hicks Victor Cantey Snvps