Meet Dana Hopson of Dana Hopson Modeling Agency

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Hopson.

Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dana Hopson is a Plus-Size Model, Brand Ambassador, Influencer, and Body Positive Advocate. I was born and raised in Franklin, Kentucky, a small country town on the KY/TN borderline located about 30mins from downtown Nashville. I was a girl who always loved to play dress-up in my grandmother’s big closet full of clothing growing up. Since my youth, I’ve dreamed of being a model. It all started after my grandmother signed me up to walk in a church’s African Fashion Runway Show. I think I was around 8 years old. But I’ve been hooked ever since.

My dream started to become more of reality back in 2012 after being allowed to travel the nation with my husband Dawan Hopson, aka “KY BOY (opening act) of the world-famous rap group “Nappy Roots” as a promotional model. I also work promotional events for multiple hiphop artists in the game and tour some with country singer Marty Brown. Then I started freelancing as a model around 2014 for local businesses, designers, and photographers. It wasn’t until 2016 that I became an overnight international model. Became The Face of the Passionista Apparel brand after winning an international modeling contest. I traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the first time to meet with the body-positive company and participated in a 4 Day photoshoot of a lifetime for their website and campaigns.

As modeling became the norm, I began using my platform to spread a body-positive message. And inspire other women to follow their dreams and be confident in themselves regardless of their shape, size, weight, height, race, skin color, etc. I created the “Throwing You Something Thursday” giveaways on my social media platforms to give back and promote my message. I became a voice of empowerment for those reluctant to pursue their dreams and those letting any factor hold them back in life.

In early 2018, I landed my ultimate dream job of being a fit model for the major brand “Fruit of the Loom.” I auditioned for a fit modeling position back in 2012 but was rejected. Thank God, I remained persistent and never gave up because now I also work for many other major companies, including Vanity Fair, Modern Trousseau, & David’s Bridal. I’ve even walked the runway for Curve Nation Expo, Derby City Fashion Week, Southern Women Show, Curve Appeal, & Raw Nashville. I’ve done bridal tours such as The Southern Kentucky Bridal & Wedding Expo. I have starred in major music videos, been published in many magazines, and was named the 2014 Top Model of the Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant. I have always aimed to bring attention to new or established brands celebrating the Body Positive Community and movement.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road whatsoever. There have been many times that I’ve wanted to quit. I’ve heard more no’s than yes’s, and It doesn’t help that I live in a part-time market. Plus, there aren’t always diverse modeling gigs available because I am an African American Plus Size Model.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Dana Hopson Modeling Agency?
Since it was hard for me to get signed to a “Reputable” agency, I decided to open up my modeling agency so I could sign myself. It allowed me to get better pay rates for the modeling gigs I was booking, and it took me from being viewed as a freelance model to an actual professional agency-signed model. Now I am currently looking for inspiring models to sign to DHMA. Many inbox me daily, asking if I can help them become a model. My agency offers model management and also training. I just recently provided a modeling workshop to help beginners. Plus, our agents work very hard to find gigs in commercial, print, fit, promotional/showroom modeling, and productions in film and tv.

Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
My Heavenly Father, JEHOVAH GOD, brings me the most peace and happiness I can ask for. It’s important to put my spiritual needs first; then, everything else seems to fall into place. The Bible teaches me which way I should walk, and I work to the best of my Ability to accomplish that. I’m still a work in progress, but there’s something so rewarding when you feel like a good person morally and allow the LORD to use you to be a blessing to others. I’ve been given a talent and gift to inspire people and give back. It’s the best feeling in the world.

Pricing:

• You can hit me up at Danabthe1stlady@gmail.com to get my modeling rates

Contact Info:

• Website: http://higherinnerprizeprod.wix.com/danabaker
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabthe1stlady
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plusmodel.baker
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/danabthe1stlady