Check Out Bianca “Bibi” Chevallier’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca “Bibi” Chevallier.

Hi Bibi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure thing! My name is Bianca Chevallier and I go by Bibi. I’m originally from sunny South Florida, Boca Raton to be exact. I’m a plus model, influencer, sexual abuse advocate and owner of Goddess Oils LLC. I currently live in Los Angeles, CA. I studied classical, opera, musical theater and jazz vocal performance in college. I earned my Bachelor’s in Music Business from Full Sail University. While attending college, I joined FACES Model Troupe, Orlando Chapter as a Runway Model. Upon receiving my degree, I moved to LA as an Artist Manager with the intention of further my career while expanding the fanbase of one of the artists I was managing at the time. During my first year in LA, things didn’t work out with my artist and I wasn’t having luck finding a job in my industry. I decided to get a regular retail job to get me by in the meantime. While working at the retail store in Santa Monica, remember customers making comments about my weight and my body.

At first, I tried to brush them off but they started triggering memories from when I was a child being bullied. Those comments also made me remember one experience that truly changed my life. Right before moving to LA, I had a wedding to attend and I couldn’t find anything at the mall. In the midst of me searching, I notice this young plus size girl looking for a dress to go to her dance. She was shopping with her mother who was much slimmer than her. The young girl and I both were having so much difficulty finding something cute that fit. I remember my own feelings of frustration as an adult and I could see the same look on this young girl’s face. Her mom being slim in a tennis outfit would never understand her daughter’s pain and struggle. In that instance I cried. I cried not just for me, I cried for that young girl, and I cried for every plus-size woman that has ever been made to feel less than due to her size. That day I promised myself I’d be part of the representation I wanted to see in the world. I promised to show every plus size girl and woman that we matter. I want to be an example that radically and unapologetically loving yourself is possible at any size.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road to get to this point. When I first moved to LA, I went through my fair share of trials and tribulations. I experienced everything from being homeless to people laughing in my face during casting calls after being introduced as a plus size model. In 2019 I decided to quit my job and pour all my energy into my modeling career. I had some money saved and the support of my cousin Joanie to keep me going. I’m truly grateful for her being by my side throughout this journey. The challenges I faced during my journey have taught me many lessons. Through those lessons, I’ve lived many different lives and they’ve helped me grow into better versions of myself. I’m thankful for the hardships and the amazing memories that accompanied them.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Plus Size Model, Influencer and Creative I use my platform to bring awareness to sexual abuse healing while promoting body positivity. Through my photos, I amid to inspire women to live boldly and freely. I think it’s important for all women to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. One of my proudest moments happened this year when I was featured on PopSugar.com for Trish Atelier. As the only plus-size model working with this brand, it was an honor to be a representation for not only plus size women but black plus size women during this momentous time in history. What sets me apart of from others is my drive to keep improving. I studied every picture, take notes of critics and apply them to future shoots. I try to embody whatever concept the photographer gives me while adding a piece of myself. I also believe being open to learning is key in this industry as well as being grateful on set. Some people might not believe it, but gratitude goes a long way.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The most important lessons I’ve learned during the Covid-19 Crisis have been to be kind to yourself and it’s okay to have boundaries. If it disturbs your peace then it’s too expensive. The Crisis has also taught me to be more flexible with whatever life throws at me. This year started off rocky when I wasn’t sure what was going to happen back in March as all the events, fashion shows and shoots I had scheduled were canceled. Surprisingly this year turned out to be an amazing year for my career. I gained a lot of knowledge, confidence and strength during this crisis. For that, I’m forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Email: ayeyobibi@gmail.com
• Website: https://chevallierb.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aye_yo_bibi/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC8Krfp8xHXUh37xUSPxtieA
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoddessOilsLLC

Image Credits
Brandon Zachery Brandon Zachery Brandon Zachery Brandon Zachery Nukiie Badass Love and Allure Photography See You On The West Photography Enygma Portrait Photography