INSTRUCTORS

CHYNA MCGARITY  

PLUS Modeling 101 - 

As a working model for more than twenty-five years, Chyna McGarity is an expert in her industry.  Her modeling career was launched when a local fashion industry business spotted the Marietta, Georgia native in a drug store.  At her urging, Chyna began modeling as a straight size model at the age of 15.  Although painfully shy, her extraordinary looks and warm personality opened the doors to her future.  Working as a freelance model with several local designers and participating in fashion shows, Chyna’s childhood dream of becoming a fashion model was manifesting.

Her journey was not always an easy one.  With an abusive marriage behind her, two children in tow and now in between sizes, she was told by several agencies that large size models were not being used.  Undaunted, she entered a local modeling competition, winning first place.  With this achievement bolstering her self-confidence, she signed and began modeling for several agencies, including Michelle Pommier (now Wilhelmina Models), Elite Chicago, L’Agence, Kiddin Around Real People.  Her signature look garnered her many large clients such as Parisian’s Department Store, Eddie Bauer, Rich’s Department Store, and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

With an impressive body of work to her credit, Chyna authored “The Nitty Gritty of the Modeling Biz”, a treasure trove of invaluable information about the world of modeling. She shares her personal experiences as a successful model and gives insight on industry pros and cons. From sample modeling contracts to how to select a photographer or an agency, the book is filled with “insider” knowledge.  

BRIDGET CRIDER

About Face

Atlanta based self taught makeup artist and beauty trend expert Bridgit Crider has been working in the beauty and entertainment industry as a professional makeup artist for over 12 years. In that time she has made a name for herself by working with some of the biggest names in the industry and with some of the top modeling agencies in the country. Bridgit also thrives from working on great grassroots projects.

With an acute eye for detail, Bridget has been noted for her work with editorial, commercial, film, fashion and in the music world both big and small…. “I love the art of makeup. I love a clean flawless look and believe makeup should enhance a face, not overtake it.”  Her belief is that a client should feel comfortable and not masked.

Some of her clients have included Jeff Foxworthy, Jamie Fox, Mike Epps, Kim Coles, Yolanda Adams, NBA Great Magic Johnson, Rap Group Outkast to name a few… As well as MTV, CNN, Fox Network and Paramount Pictures.

Bridget is the current owner of Makeup Art-is. 

ALLISON PERRY  

Health and Wellness

Allison Perry, Once a plus model learned her fate as she was going for a routine check up and finding out that she had a heart disease. Allison was told she needed to loose weight in order to live and she took the doctors orders very seriously. In 1994, she dedicated her life to exercise and promoting healthy living.  Allison is currently an independent trainer that helps others look better, feel better, and improve their quality of life. 

 Allison enjoys modeling, and preparing for Fitness competitions  

GREGALAN WILLIAMS 

Acting 101 

 

Author of two critically acclaimed books, dozens of essays, and two award-winning PBS specials, GregAlan Williams has starred in more than 100 films and prime-time episodes including, The District, Drop Dead Diva, Army Wives, City of Angels, The West Wing, The Sopranos, The Game, and Tyler Perry, Meet The Browns.

Heralded nationally as hero and Good Samaritan for his rescue of a brutally beaten motorist at the intersection of Florence and Normandie – epicenter of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, Williams responded to these accolades with his book, A Gathering of Heroes, hailed as “…a moving illumination on the meaning of brotherhood.” (Kirkus Review) GregAlan’s deep and revealing conversation about male values, Boys To Men – Maps for the Journey (Doubleday/Bantam/Dell) was proclaimed, “a powerful parenting resource” for African-American mothers bringing sons to manhood. Williams' eye-opening published essay, For Black, Brown, and Beige, Baby Girls-- inspired by his seven seasons on the most watched television show in the world, Baywatch-- affirms the beauty of women of color and the selfworth of every woman, living in the age of cosmetic, manufactured, ultra-thin, and eternally youthful, media images.

GregAlan is currently in Atlanta, shooting the mega-hit sequel, Stomp the Yard 2, where he appears as university president, Dr. David Young

 

OLANDO NARCISSE  

Style Check and Runway Trainer    

 







Olando Narcisse, best described as “An Outside Creator”. Olando is known as a self taught artist without formal training in fashion, make-up artistry or hair styling who pursued a career in fashion after being in the medical field. Olando’s creativity has been channeled through his International tours of the abundant cultures, colors, faces, expressions and emotions witnessed. His creative eye has been captured and seen in fashion magazines, TV shows, videos, runway shows, industry portfolios, etc. 

Olando reigns from Louisiana and in efforts of furthering his career he moved to New York where he learned early on what his purpose in life was about as he enjoys open spaces where his body, mind, along with his creativity can come alive. While in New York, Olando established his own branding company, Multi4orce. LLC. Multi4orce stands for all of the multi talents he possesses and has conquered while doing them in full force. 




Olando currently works as a Celebrity Stylists and Runway Trainer all over the world

NICKEE MACK

Know your Foundation    

 

Ms. Nickee is the CEO of Diva Day International LLC where she trains and develops models and aspiring actors, actresses and artists starting at the age of 19 to Unlimited, specializing in plus modeling, health education, performance, technique and skill in their field, and promoting Plus Awareness!  The Agency currently development services such as Media Training, Image Consulting, Runway Training, Performance Training, GoSee Interview Training, Personal Shopping Services, MUA Sessions and Style Branding 

Ms. Nickee is also the owner of DDI Casting where she continues her exceptional work finding all clients the professional talent they need for their projects big or small, highlighting the need to promote healthy, positive and realistic images!

Diva Day International LLC and DDI Casting is a company that cares about its clients and talent, bridging the gab between the Standard and the Plus and making it the Norm.

Diva Day International LLC, A Plus for the Industry!

DEON ADAMS  

Picture Perfect

Deon Adams was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga.  He discovered the arts at a very young age which led to his career in Acting.

Deon Adams is known for participating in R&B groups such as Kasheen, 6 and up, Shades of Color, Picture Perfect, and Mass Appeal.  He began his career in videography and photography in 2004, with production and direction credits in many different genres of videos. He was the official videographer and photographer for the Pocketbook Monologues which featured celebrities from the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2. He is also noted for doing photography for celebrities and local upcoming models and actors.   

GIGI FRANKLIN

Belly Dancing

Embracing both the art of movement and the power of mental clarity the perfect union of mind, body, and spirit euphoria is achieved via Gigi’s unique programs, classes, events, and empowerment opportunities.  

Merging the world of academia; school teacher, life coach, motivational speaker, with that of the artistic; 20 year Arts business proprietor, choreographer, master instructor, published author youth mentor… Gigi has created a uniquely therapeutic approach to helping her clients release inter restraints, overcome self-inflicted personal boundaries, achieve life long goals, and create a harmoniously balanced life.

Award winning professional choreographer, master instructor, accomplished certified life coach, motivational speaker, mentor, and Global humanitarian.

Gigi Walker- Franklin - A 20 year veteran of the Professional Theater. A world traveled professional choreographer/master instructor, Gigi has worked with such greats as the legendary Ben Verene, Jackie Taylor,(Black Ensemble ) the Regal Theater, Carnival Cruise Lines, The Goodman Theater, and many others. Her talents have been aggressively sought after due to her provocative “fusion based”, blend of world dance/culture and Las Vegas styled choreography.