By: NewNaturalista

London native Teiko Dornor-Tagoe is undeniably beautiful, intense and womanly. For the last four years, she’s taken the fashion world by storm as an international plus size model. She chronicles her experience in a blog that’s not only entertaining, but also inspiring.

Teiko talks to NewNaturalista about being a “plus size” model in the fashion world – and you know we couldn’t let her go without talking about her hair!

NewNaturalista: Talk to us about some of the challenges/accomplishments of being a plus size model?

Teiko: My challenges are somehow always intertwined with my accomplishments! I love the fact that I represent the plus size model, because I’m enjoying the growth and acceptance received within the industry and the wider public. Being part of that movement is a great accomplishment. Challenges? I guess not always getting what I want! Its beautiful because (did I just say that?) lol really I’ve learnt to be patient whilst staying determined and keeping my peace and that is a become a major accomplishment for me.

NewNaturalista: You exude tons of confidence. Has it always been that way?

Teiko: Not always, confidence has definitely developed over time and I wish I was a more confident adolescent because I’m much more of a risk taker now , I believe that I have the ability to achieve things on my own terms rather to lose myself to situations/people that conflict with my values.

Modeling has really allowed me to confront the weaker parts of my personality, over sensitivity, self consciousness, at one stage I was always questioning myself and had to break that barrier to enjoy new experiences that the career offers.

NewNaturalista: Your blog says you’re “on a journey of self discovery” – talk about some of the things you’ve learned about yourself since blogging?

Teiko: I’ve learn that in the end, you can’t always change circumstances, you can’t change people but you can always change the way you perceive things and respond to things. Patience is essential, since blogging I suppose my journey more apparent, I can see what I’ve done, the places I’ve been, experiences and so on.

NewNaturalista: What’s been the most rewarding or satisfying response from your blog?

Teiko: I love people saying they feel inspired, by my blog, that’s a real honor, I’m really overwhelmed and thank God that he’s using my blog as a vehicle for positivity and inspiration.

NewNaturalista: How long have you worn your hair natural?

Teiko: I’ve have been on a rollercoaster ride with my natural hair, I first relaxed my hair at 12, then at 15 went natural till University where I was mainly wore natural two strand twists, and braids. I relaxed it again in 2007 just before Virgin Island fashion week, tried the relaxer thing for two years but last year in NY I took a walk right past a barbershop and told him to get carried away, I shaved it right off!! Was extremely liberating!! So I’m natural again!

NewNaturalista: Has it (your hair) helped or hindered you in the modeling/fashion world?

Teiko: Its helped, makes me more versatile. I usually have weaves /hair pieces on during shoots, hairdressers are so talented so even with natural hair i can easily wear different textures, having my hair natural is a plus because it gives me on extra style option that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

NewNaturalista: You have an awesome style. Talk to us a little about how you go about finding pieces and matching them together for your aesthetic?

Teiko: Thank you so much, I love vintage, get really excited about charity shops (thrift stores I think you guys call it) but I also love classic pieces. Quirky, colourful, classic! I dress according to my mood most times.

NewNaturalista: What are your future goals/aspirations?

Teiko: Enjoying life, developing more faith, love and forgiveness, fruits of the spirit. All I really know about my future is that I’ll embrace everyday and watch it unfold!

Teiko’s take on NewNaturalista’s 5 F’s

Fashion- individual/ fluid/subjective

-Family- loyalty love and forgiveness.

-Fitness - motivation + determination = results

-Focus- vision/ faith/wisdom

-Food- spinach and plantain/ mushrooms/ goats cheese/ jalapeno pepper hummus (new found addiction) …shawarmas /carrot cake/pad thai/honey …the list is endless!

Read more on Teiko @ http://www.teikodornor.blogspot.com/

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2. Confidence No Matter What
3. VIDEO: A Natural Revolution
4. Racism Revealed: The Colour of Beauty
5. I Have Fallen In Love With My Hair