Spotlight: Madeline Jones, Editor of Plus Model Magazine

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Don’t you always feel like our mothers are superwomen? As your mom might tell you, mothering never ends even when children become adults. I’m sure you’ll remember to call your mother and tell her how much you appreciate her for holding your hand when you were in pain, for warning you about that bad boy or for watching your children and so much more. And even for the things that she hasn’t even done for you yet. Mothers are our backbones, protectors and warriors that take on everyday life while loving their kids unconditionally. Recently our Editor Tabitha got to attend the Bandelettes annual gala where she met mother, co-creator and Editor of Plus Model Magazine, Madeline Jones. Madeline and co-creator Valery Amador created Plus Model Magazine in 2006. Plus Model Magazine covers fashion, plus size modeling and the plus size industry as a whole. Not only do they give plus size models a publication to be featured in but they make it a point to help up in coming models. Being so the Plus Modeling section features Madeline giving tips on breaking into the modeling industry. Madeline took time to answer some questions on motherhood and the magazine. She imparts wisdom on how she manages to edit the magazine and be a mom and wife all while being her fabulous self.  She keeps it real on how she’s struggled and what she wants her daughter to learn as she watches her mami be a successful businesswoman and loving mom.

 

Maddy and her family.

 

How do you balance having a daughter with Autism and being the Editor of a magazine?

Honestly, I take it one day at a time. Some days are a mess, but most days are ok. I try to be very organized and stay on schedule because it helps both of us. I also have an amazing husband and family who is always on hand to help.

 

How did you find your career? Was the editorial world your goal before you had to drop out of college ?

Not all all! I went to school for accounting. I wanted a corner office with no windows or people to talk to. I only wanted to work alone and with numbers. LOL! I had a great job and one day they just started laying people off and that included me. While looking for another position I came across a plus model forum and was booked for an editorial from some shots I had posted. Times were simpler then 🙂

 

What are some of the hardest days as a working mom?
The most difficult days are the days that work takes you away from home. I have to give it to moms who are away for weeks at a time. I literally cried when I left for Coachella. LOL! I knew I would be away from her for almost 5 days. This was the longest I’ve ever been away from her and it tore me up inside. Although daddy and grandma are amazing with her, I feel like no-one can take care of her like me.

 

On your hardest days, what gets you through the day?
Knowing that she’s with people who love her and will take good care of her helps. I also know that whatever I’m doing ultimately is to benefit the family. I also keep in contact with her via facetime and phone calls.

 

What would be your advice to moms with kids that need extra care, particularly the moms with a career?
#1 All we can do is the best we can. There is no perfect way to be a mom so don’t beat yourself up. Some weekends you will have the energy to bounce around town with the kids and other days you may need to just rest up.
#2 Schedule self-care because if you are not well, you can’t take care of the people around you.
#3 Try to organize “life” as best as you can. I have a list for each week since I don’t have a traditional 9 to 5 and often each week is different. I list the days when I’m doing laundry, big house chores, etc. It helps to keep the family running as well. I post the list where everyone can see it so we are all aware of what’s happening.

 

As the editor of the #1 plus size fashion magazine what do you try to bring to every issue?

Inspiration! Yes, we cover models, fashion and influencers but most of all I want to inspire women to love themselves. I want them to KNOW they are beautiful and deserve to live their best life sans apologies.

 

As you created the magazine alongside Valery Amador, what were some of the obstacles you two faced?

We have faced many obstacles during these past 12 years. Technology has changed a lot as well as social media so staying up to date is very important. Coming to terms with the change inside the plus size space has been challenging. We are still pushing for size diversity and while we have seen significant change we still have a long way to go.

 

What still needs to happen in the fashion industry for the plus size market?
We’ve come so far in the fashion industry, the plus sized woman has never had so many options. There are still questions about fit with some brands and also how the customer is marketed to.

 

 

I honestly never thought I would be a mom. I’m the oldest of three girls and my dad was always very sick so I went to school, dropped out of college to work so I can help support the family.
Eventually, I found my passion and turned it into a career but by this time my dad had passed away never meeting my daughter. I got pregnant a year after he passed. 🙁
Then her diagnosis came… Autism. Talk about being thrown for a loop! But Latina women are strong and we are loyal to who we are and after I allowed myself to accept what was happening I sprung into action.
Motherhood has not been easy for me but I would not trade it for anything in this world. My daughter has taught me to love in a way I never thought possible.

 

 

 

Is there a particular brand that you are loving at the moment?
It would be unfair for me to mention one because I love SO many brands right now. I’m having such a great time expressing myself through fashion.

 

What are some of the changes you’ve noticed in the plus size market during your 11 years as Editor? Bad/good or both.

I’ve noticed the body positivity movement encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to love themselves. I’ve seen women who hid under big clothing come out of their shell and embrace their bodies. I’ve seen the industry embrace bloggers and influencers as they represent the various body types within our community.

 

What do you hope your daughter learns from you as a mom, professional and a Latina?
I hope my daughter recognizes that none of us are perfect in the way society defines perfection but that we are perfectly made in God’s image. I hope she will thrive as a woman and see the beauty in who she is and what she looks like as a mixed child. I hope that she sees her moms hard work and dedication to leave an imprint in the plus size industry.

 

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your teenage self?
I would tell her to love herself, embrace every moment with her family and friends because life passes by in the blink of an eye.

 

And finally just for fun- what are some styles or trends that you are loving?
I love my shoulders… so cold shoulder dresses and tops are my ultimate favorites.
I love bold colors and prints… I’m not one to hide in any way shape or form.
I love hoop earrings of all sizes… safe to say I’m a bit obsessed with them. LOL!

 

Make sure to check out  Plus Model Magazine!