Wendy Goldsmith, Over 20 years in the Entertainment Industry- Successful Plus-Size Model

Wendy Goldsmith has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She is a successful plus-model and was a cast member for the t.v. show “Why Did I Become A Model.”

You’ve had a successful career in the entertainment industry. Share a pivotal moment.

I have over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. During the summer of 1987, I worked in the Group Sales Department at Radio City Music Hall. While I was in college, I was the co-producer for the talent and fashion shows on campus. In the early ’90s, I was approached to grace the runways in and out of New York City for numerous designers as well as being in the spotlight for Black Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. After I left college, I became the Head Account Executive for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Negotiating advertising rates for over 150 newspapers and publications including The New York Times, The Daily News, and The New York Post. While working for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures, it was my responsibility to oversee advertising campaigns for countless films including Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith, Alien vs. Predator, X-Men: The Last Stand, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Day after Tomorrow, The Devil Wears Prada, Fantastic Four, Big Momma’s House 2, Walk the Line, Fat Albert, Cheaper by the Dozen and many others. I went back to plus-size modeling in January 2013 and was apart of and walked in shows which include: Walking for a Cause Fundraiser in Philadelphia with a debut on WABC- 6, Fashion with a Passion Fundraiser to help under-privilege kids, and Evolution of Curves Fashion Show Fundraiser which raised funds for Haiti. In July of 2013, I was among 200 models chosen to walk the runway in Fashion on the Hudson which highlighted over 20 designers and included numerous celebrities and media. In August 2013, after being on the newsstands for two years, Fashion Avenue News Magazine featured its first issue with plus size models and I graced the pages. Fashion Avenue News Magazine is seen in Milan, Paris, Europe, Asia, Australia, Tokyo, Brazil, and the United States.

I have been a member of the Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry (ALDM) since 2006 for The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of NY (GACNY). A congregation of over 23,000 people. In 2012 & 2014, I was the chair person for the fundraiser committee for the bi-yearly Worship Conference which is hosted by ALDM. Over 750 liturgical dancers come from around the world. Guest gospel artist/preachers such as Pastor Marvin Sapp, Pastor Marvin Winans, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, and more. In an effort to raise funds for Worship Conference 2014, my fundraising staff and I shocked many people by having a fashion show fundraiser at The Greater Allen Banquet Hall with celebrity designers. ALDM celebrated its 35th anniversary in Sept. 2013 and I was appointed to handle the outreach program which sponsored a young lady to continue her education in Africa. I am a cast member for a T.V. show called “Why Did I Become A Model” which was released March 2020 on Fox Network in Charlotte, North Carolina, and South Carolina while gracing billboards in Charlotte and Atlanta. The show is also on Amazon Prime with 43 million viewers. A pivotal moment in my life was when I looked back at all that I did over the course of the years and other individuals wanted me to help them with their projects, I realized that I had enough knowledge to build a solid foundation for my very own company. It was time for me to step out on faith. In July 2014, I became the Founder / CEO of a non-profit organization called Chidubem, Inc. www.chidubem.org

You are a plus-size model. Tell us about your career.

I went to a fashion show years ago with a friend and after the show, designers who were showcasing their line approached me and asked me, “If I ever modeled before and would I be interested?” I responded, “Yes.” Within a month, I was taking classes and going down the runway. I absolutely loved it. The clothes and creativity of the designers blew me away. Absolutely beautiful! I was able to grace many runways, magazines, and t.v. It was extremely rewarding because I am a plus-size woman and the modeling industry has opened up more to plus size women and men. I met a lot of amazing. powerful, and productive business-minded individuals and it has been great.

How are you a champion for women?

We come in all shapes and sizes. We are all beautiful. I believe that the world has put a label on what size a woman should be in order to model. I believe that plus-size models are taking the world by storm. I pray that when women read my story that they take the bull by the horns and walk in their purpose. We are strong. We are powerful. We are intelligent. We are determined. We are here to stay. YES, WE CAN!!

What is your advice for young plus-sized models?

Don’t ever give up. Keep pushing. When someone says no, around the corner someone will say yes. Invest in your craft. Get a good photographer & make-up artist (MUA). Take a lot of professional photos. Different looks. Be creative. Don’t expect someone to knock on your door. You have to get out there and network but because of the pandemic, find other ways to network while being safe.

Tell us about being a cast member on the show, “Why Did I Become A Model? ”

Being a cast member for the t.v. show “Why Did I Become A Model” was an interesting experience. I responded to a model call by submitting photos back in January 2020. The producer contacted me within days and wanted me to be on set in a short period of time. That was an issue because I had a prior commitment that I could not get out of. Of course, I spoke to the producers and was able to be on set in February 2020. The host of the show is a fashion designer name Vanessa Henderson. Her company is called Van Miller International. Vanessa Henderson basically interviewed the models and gave us the platform to discuss our journey as a model and other business ventures we are involved in. I met a lot of amazing individuals who I am still in contact with today.

Tell us about the great work of your nonprofit, Chidubem during 2020. What are your needs for 2021?

Chidubem, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for kids battling cancer and/or homeless through fund raisers and events. Chidubem, Inc. has done quite a few events in the community such as: surprising 90 women in a homeless shelter for Mother’s Day, feeding the community with free hot meals, sweater and coat drives for shelters, sponsoring youth in a shelter to attend camp, partnered with Universoul Circus, a sponsor for Feed the Multitude for Thanksgiving. In October 2019, Chidubem, Inc. presented “Walk to Healing Runway Show” with celebrity designers from the east and west coast including DJ Doc Martin from WBLS in order to raise funds for the pediatric division at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In February 2020, Chidubem, Inc., partnered with Macy’s in Valley Stream, NY for their Round-Up Event. November of this year, Chidubem, Inc. partnered with Feeding NYC for the first time by providing a free Thanksgiving box with an uncooked turkey and all the fixings. The boxes were given to individuals in shelters and anyone who was in need. I have a wonderful Board of Director, Semone Perez, who is rolling up her sleeves with me. Everyone can help by spreading the word about Chidubem, Inc. If you would like to donate or be on our email list please visit our website www.chidubem.org, or if you would like to be a sponsor for future events, let’s talk chidubeminc@gmail.com

How have you used your platform for change?

My platform has allowed me to touch many hearts and help change lives. We are living in a time with this pandemic where people need help. People are losing their jobs and have no clue where their next meal is coming from. I am grateful that I am in a position to be a blessing to someone, I try to go above and beyond just to try and relieve stress in an individual’s life even if it is just for a day. That is a start!

What’s next for you?

My next step is to continue to walk this path called life and be open to help where there is a need while enjoying every second of the day.

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