Meet Dakotah Shari | Curvy Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dakotah Shari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dakotah, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My platform is called, “Size Worthy- embracing the inner size and beauty of you.” “It is where I Motivate other women by empowering them to be the best version of themselves; where I Activate those high vibrations of life to boost their confidence in order to achieve their goals; where I Deactivate those negative stereotypes of what a full figured woman should look like, be and/or act like and lastly where I Recharge other women, giving them that extra love by exemplifying their beauty so that they can spread the love to another woman by being her sister’s keeper,” Dakotah Shari.

Size Worthy is the catapult of breaking barriers for full figured curvy women and is a part of a dynamic body positivity movement. This is a platform that will deter little girls and women that were once like me that had low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“Modeling, is an art yet a masterpiece that illuminates one’s beauty and essence,” Dakotah Shari. Like most individuals, I found myself eager to learn and allow myself to self-indulge into what makes me happy.

How I became a model is intriguing and I smile from ear to ear just telling it. In 2017, I was a curvy runway model for an African designer in Columbia, SC for a Black History month Fashion show. I never in a million years have thought of modeling and did not have a clue on how to become one. The designer was very adamant of having me as her model. She stated, “Dakotah, I feel as if you have what it takes to model. Try it once and if you don’t like it, at least you can say you’ve tried it. Also, I need you to represent for my curvy women!” Days went by filled with prayer and I then moved forward. The day of my first runway show was so exhilarating, it left me feeling empowered and unstoppable. Modeling allowed me to open up, in regards to my past hurts of being bullied because of being overweight as a teen, which lead to low self-esteem and self-conscious of my figure to becoming a body positivity advocate for women across the world.

In the modeling industry, one must have tough skin and I am thankful for the experiences I had to never give up. A “no” does not define who you are as a person nor your talent but it gives you the opportunity to sharpen your craft and a “yes” does not confirm your arrival but it allows opportunities for the divine intervention to connect to your purpose driven life. “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain and difficulty,” Theodore Roosevelt.

There have been challenges in which I like to call stepping stones that I have learned along the way. Here are my seven modeling tips, 1) Follow directions for the model call/ casting submissions, 2) Always write a “Thank You” letter or card after receiving the opportunity (regardless if selected), 3) Don’t be on time yet early, 4) Please give credit when due (including designer/ fashion stylist, hair stylist, make-up artist, photographer and videographer), 5) Read over the contract (you too can have your own contract and/or have a legal representative to review), 6) Be a team player, 7) Respect the garments that you are modeling in (remember there’s someone in the audience that wants to buy) and the bonus tip is to never PAY to model.

My platform called, “Size Worthy- embracing the inner size and beauty of you.” “It’s where I Motivate other women by empowering them to be the best version of themselves; where I Activate those high vibrations of life to boost their confidence in order to achieve their goals; where I Deactivate those negative stereotypes of what a full figured woman should look like, be and/or act like and lastly where I Recharge other women, giving them that extra love by exemplifying their beauty so that they can spread the love to another woman by being her sister’s keeper,” Dakotah Shari.

Size Worthy is the catapult of breaking barriers for full figured curvy women and is a part of a dynamic body positivity movement. This is a platform that will deter little girls and women that were once like me that had low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Wholeheartedly, this is the number one reason I, Dakotah Shari became a model, to embrace other women by excelling their love for thyself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been in Atlanta, Georgia for eleven months and I am still learning different spots to hang out at. One of my favorite spots I will introduce to my girlfriends will be the Avalon in Alpharetta. The Avalon is simply amazing, a friendly environment to bring your family to epicurean eateries such as Rumi’s Kitchen and Jeni’s Ice cream parlor and many of the shopping stores. I also love Ponce City Market which is another staple for family and friends to enjoy many eateries, Skyline Park, outdoor concerts and to take a delightful walk or bicycle ride on the Beltline.

If I must give a daily breakdown of fun activities, these would be my choices:

A Thousand Miles Coffee Shop is a must to if we are going to keep going like this. My favorite coffee beans to purchase is. A rich, bold taste from Rwanda, Africa which whom the shop has a partnership with. On the other hand, if they need an immune booster (the Registered Nurse side of me) then they can purchase a 6 to 8 pack of ginger yums aka the “Feel Good, Taste Good drink,” which is located at “The Ginger Room.” The Ginger Room is the first tea room in Atlanta, GA. I discovered these two phenomenal stores at the Roswell Farmer’s & Artisan Market on Saturdays.

My favorite brunch spots are: HomeGrown GA Restaurant, The Breakfast Club, FlavaRich Food Truck Restaurant, The Treehouse and The Flying Biscuit.

Once, the girls and I have had our spa day at Jeju Spa and the Chateau Elan & Winery then we will head off to either Pappadeaux, Foga de Chow, Delbar Mediterrean or a live DJ at Trebeca restaurant for dinner.

During the weekday, we can put on our Atlanta Braves gear and head to the Truist Park baseball stadium and afterwards we can celebrate the big win at The Battery. The Battery Atlanta is where we can indulge in live entertainment, eateries and shop.

In between the shopping, we can show off each other’s skills, burn calories and go perform some Axe Throwing at Bad Axe Throwing, Top Golf, Go Kart racing at K1 Speed, iFly for indoor skydiving and go take a spin on the Ferris Wheel at Centennial Park.

Last call! Wait, before they leave we can go to College Park near the airport where the infamous restaurants are located such as Hattie Marie’s BBQ restaurants owned by Willie and Ramona Griggie, Johnny’s Grilled Famous Chicken and Waffles owned by Karlie Redd and Neyo, and The Real Milk and Honey by Chef Sammy Davis Jr.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to honor my late mother, Sandy and maternal grandmother, Ruby, whom had a great deal in my success. These two dynamic women instilled integrity, tenacity, grit, diligence, and passion in me, but most of all, love. I’ve learned to love the art of fashion between these two women. My mother was a hair model and my grandmother was a seamstress; so fashion runs deep in my DNA.

Email: bookdakotahshari@gmail.com

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Twitter: Dakotah Shari

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Other: Clubhouse: Dakotah Shari

Image Credits
Photographer: Jose` Pagan Attire: T & W Boutique by Wanda Rolland Make up Artist: My Pritty Boyfriend by Regdrick Byers