Last week, the Item spoke to plus-size model and Picayune native Chearice Vaughn.

She will be returning home this Saturday to host a modeling workshop for people of all ages interested in the field.

Even if participants don’t dream of wearing a top designer’s outfit at large fashion shows, the workshop will still provide an opportunity to learn about the modeling industry and maybe help someone gain some self-confidence. 

As Vaughn stated during her interview, a person’s size does not always equal good health. 

However, the entertainment and fashion industry have, in the past, chosen to mainly highlight women whose figures are slimmer, creating a false standard of what the perfect woman should look like. 

In the past few years, that has changed somewhat as more designers and companies realize that the average woman is not a size two or zero, but rather a size twelve or above. 

Women of all sizes desire fashionable clothing, fashion shows and magazines featuring models who look just like they do. 

At one time, Vaughn was a young woman with a dream of modeling. However, her pool of role models was limited. 

But now, the Picayune native can add “history making” to her resume. She became the first plus-sized woman to walk the runway at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. 

Not only will Picyaune’s local women look up to her, but so will girls around the world. She will be a positive role model for women of all sizes. There are many reasons why women will never look like a model on television or in a magazine. A person’s genetic history and other health factors may play a role in their appearance. 

It’s also important that people remember to not be so quick to judge someone on their appearance, without knowing their story. 

We commend Vaughn for her many successes and breakthroughs.