Barbie Diva: I got my modeling name from various people.  The "Barbie" part of it came from one of my close friends.  She always said that I was her life-size Barbie.  Since she has met me, I was always the makeup queen, loved to get dolled up in my clothes and accessorize all the way down to my shoes. So, she gave me the name Barbie, and I promised her that I would keep the name for my "stage name."  Now as far as "Diva" goes, EVERYONE calls me that ... lol ... I have been called Diva since I graduated from high school as if it was my birth name. I'm so use to it that when I hear someone say Treneice, it feels weird. I put the two names together and came up with Barbie Diva!

Barbie Diva: I started out modeling back in 2004.  I had the drive to model from my mother and my sense of fashion.  I was always into what was hot at the moment as a young teen.  Even though I knew I couldn't afford all the hottest trends, I made my own fashion!  In 2003, I went to see my mother walk in different shows and later my childhood best friend was featured in a show.  This made me highly interested in modeling, so I spoke with the host of the shows to get an idea of what I needed to do to be featured in the next show.  I was told to attend "model calls" so from then on out, anytime I heard of model calls, I would go out and try out.  Some called for a specific look but I would still go and try out for the experience.  Starting out was pretty rough, I had to gain tough skin to deal with the criticism given by the instructors.  Some sought perfection and some saw potential and just wanted to help me become my own. 

Barbie Diva: My modeling style is runway, sophisticated and professional.  I haven't mastered all the twists and turns as of yet.  But, I can definitely give you a mean straight runway walk!  I like to own the runway during my presentation!

Barbie Diva: I am fashion on a budget.  I don't believe in labels and brand names.  One or two is fine but I am the type of person that will buy a dress for $10, fix it up and accessorize to make it look like it was worth millions.  I refuse to spend top dollar on clothes.  I am a fan of color and edgy wear. I'm never dull.  I always have to accessorize and bring my outfit to life.

Barbie Diva: I don't really have a favorite designer. If I had to pick someone's style of design, I would choose Betsy Johnson. I LOVE her animal prints on bags and things.  I have my own personalized designer that gives me all my doll looks. Her name is Kiki ... I absolutely love her edgy ideas and concepts.

Barbie Diva: No, not at all. The fashion industry has changed in the last few years.  Plus size models have BEEN on the map! Plus models are featured everywhere these days. The old media geared toward smaller models but not today!  The Plus Size Modeling industry has grown widespread all over and is continuing to grow.  So, no I don't find it difficult at all.  As being a woman of curves, I give definition to the designers clothing and I love it!

Barbie Diva: Self-esteem is something that I take very seriously. I once was a victim of low self-esteem and didn't know how it felt to love myself and to know that I too was as beautiful as my peers. I would define self-esteem as being the pride that you take in oneself, the feeling of worth, dignity, confidence.  I started an organization, P.L.U.M.P. Productions, which reaches out to young plus size women who suffer from low self-esteem and have a lack of confidence.  My organization has reached teens all over America including Australia and the Islands.  Some of the stories that I get from the girls really leave me with a heavy heart because of the things they are going through because of their weight and lack of confidence.  I know how it felt to have your peers ridicule you and belittle you because of your weight.  So, I take my time, and I respond to every person that comes to me for advice or just want to talk about their issues. I assure them with a better attitude about themselves.  It gets very hard at times because I am giving advice to someone that  may live hundreds of miles away. Most of the time, they just want to be heard and just want to meet someone who can understand where they are coming from.

Barbie Diva: First off, my ideal shoot would be with a down to earth photographer.  I like photographers who are willing to work with you and give you the look that the model is going for.  I prefer an outdoor shoot, even though I haven't done many of those … only because you get better scenery and the lighting is usually better. I like color, rugged places, to be dolled up, water shots ... I can go for almost anything as long as the photos come out looking awesome.

Barbie Diva: I have worked with all kinds of photographers such as Creative Photos, George the Photographer, Picture That Photography, VDotAll, Russell, Don Mega, T. Laniece, AV Photography, Michael Avon, Jazzy Photos, etc.  I am my own makeup artist.  I have been doing makeup artistry for the last 7yrs.  I love what I do!  I have worked with hundreds of models of all ages doing makeup.  Looking to do makeup for Broadway one day.  As far as designers, I am a fan of a few but haven’t had the chance to work with them yet.  I love BLUR Designs, Monif C, and Qrystal Designs all out of New York. Currently, my friend Kiki hooks me up on the designs as well!  I worked with all kinds of event companies on the East Coast alone as well as ventured out to doing some work for Torrid after they saw me in Cosmo Girl Magazine wearing their sweater. Other event companies I have worked with include Yummy Modeling, X'Change Modeling, DeVoe Signature Events, Big Girls United, Voluptuous Women, Dangerous Curves, Norman Cole, AllHerz Productions, JaiShaun Models, Glenn Jackson, Harvey Starr Washington, Devastationz, etc.

Barbie Diva: Yes, my number one role model is my mom! She has presented me with the tools to be ladylike and to present myself as the Diva that I am.  I am also a big fan of Marilyn Monroe, Mo'Nique, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Toccara, Gwen DeVoe, My X'Change Modeling Family, Monif C., Tiffany of Baltimore/NY, Glenn Jackson, Harvey Starr Washington, Persia of NY, Miss Shelly of NC, Glamour Plus DC, Torrid Models (Jamil), all the plus magazines, and everyone who helps promote and endorse plus size models.

Barbie Diva: I've learned that confidence is the key! Overall, you have to show and prove your confidence.  It will show in your walk, in your facial expression and overall body language.  Also, you have to gain tough skin.  Everyone is not going to like what you are giving.  You have to present yourself as if you are the best thing that ever happened to the modeling industry.  TV doesn't give you the raw deal of how every modeling agency is going to treat you, but it prepares you for what is to come.

Barbie Diva: Well, I love children ... I'm studying Early Childhood Education in school.  I love to travel and would like to travel more and visit different places around the world.  I am a big fan of music.  I love to dance and sing.  I am into artwork.  I have a vision for art.  I would like to take up photography. I have a good eye for angles.  I'm a busy person that likes to do a lot so as long as I find something interesting, I am into it!

Barbie Diva: First I would say, FORGET THE NORM! No one can really define what is normal.  We all have different meanings for what we think is normal, and it is all opinionated.  I would advise all those girls, young ladies, and women who are looking to enter the modeling industry, to take risks.  It is as simple as that.  Never doubt yourself! If there is something you see that you would like to try, go for it!  It doesn't hurt to try it out.  Everything is a learning experience.  You can either leave it alone or take it and run with it ... but most of all, learn from it.  Modeling is not a hard task, you have to gain a passion for it, love what you are doing, make the most of it, learn from it, try again if need be, master it, but most of all make sure you are enjoying it!