Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Stone.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out with Youtube University. I wanted to learn how to break into the industry.
And it was a snowball effect from there I learned certain steps about the industry from influencers in the plus-size male revolution.
Then I started posting on Instagram and using my hashtags effectively to receive the attention of a local runway show producer. And then that runway show producer new people in high places and I received training from a plus petite model from the Ashley Stewart fame.
From there, I continue to keep posting to Instagram and making my way around my scene here in Richmond, VA.
While researching, I came across a model coach there, Danielle Baker. And I have been under her tutelage for close to two years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been smooth sailing. But I’ve learned with everything crash of the wave along my journey something wonderfully new!
Some struggles were internal.
Some external.
Being in the fashion industry can be a therapeutic therapy session that helps u let go of certain insecurities.
My struggles vary from finances to wardrobe.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a part of the plus-size men revolution. As a result, I work to ensure that I am speaking through my fashion sense and my ability to model multiple areas of modeling Commercial Print, Runway Etc. to propel the plus-size revolution to higher heights. I specialize in editorial modeling because I am my most creative in this space. I love to think of concepts never thought about in the plus community and draw from concepts that you would usually see in magazines featuring straight-size models. I am most proud of being the lead model for body positivity from Tyra banks of her fan favorite model land page on Instagram. The reason for this is because I was ridiculed made fun of the body that is now celebrated for just being yourself. What sets me apart is that I am not afraid to push the envelope and make people think. How does a guy this size make it possible to execute the concepts that he creates.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice for FINDING anything is doing your research. When I found my current model coach, I knew I could rely on social media to get the information that I needed whether it be Instagram, Facebook, or the like. With one hashtag phrase, I usually find what I need or by going on YouTube. With networking as you know, they say “it’s who you know” so for every person that I meet, my strategy is to pull out at least three more contacts from the last contact I engaged with.
Contact Info:
- Email: 1onlymykey@gmail.com
- Instagram: mykey_stone
- Facebook: Mykey Stone
- Twitter: onlymykey
- Youtube: onlymykey
- Other: TikTok @onlymykey
Image Credits
Jeff Simon Photo
