The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. As many of you know, I had the amazing opportunity to work for Mac Duggal during AmericasMart Atlanta World of Prom in August 2017 (This One Time I Worked for Mac Duggal). During that week, I met one of the Fabulous models, Brianna Fillweber. I soon learned after my Mac Duggal experience that Brianna is the 2017 Face of Fabulous. Upon learning of this information, I had to showcase her for the Royal Spotlight. This month I wanted to do something a little different for this series and showcase a young lady who happens to work for one of the leading designers in the pageantry industry. Let me introduce you to the 2017 Face of Fabulous Brianna Fillweber.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi Beauties!! My name is Brianna Fillweber, and I am Mac Duggal’s 2017 Face of Fabulous. I am 24 years old and from Pompton Plains, New Jersey. I love the beauty/fashion industry, and I am a beauty influencer on YouTube and Instagram. My passion is sharing makeup, beauty, fashion, and inspirational tips to celebrate women being their personal best. Other than loving the beauty industry, you can find me shopping and hitting the gym. I can also be found eating and drinking my favorite foods which include Chipotle (ordering extra guac on my burrito bowl) or at Dunkin’ Donuts getting an iced coffee.
What inspired you to decide to enter into the modeling industry?
I began my journey in fashion and modeling in high school. I attended Barbizon and loved every minute. After graduating, I went on to compete in IMTA and was approached by 30 different agencies. I signed with a local agency in my home state of New Jersey. When asked to lose a significant amount of weight at 5’7,” 120 lbs, I decided modeling was not a good fit for me. The industry had taken a toll on me emotionally and physically after battling an eating disorder and thinking I was never going to be good enough to be apart of the modeling world. Last winter, I entered “The This Is Why I am Fabulous” PLUS size model search celebrating women no matter what size. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would have this amazing opportunity!
How long have you been modeling?
I have been a plus size model since I won the competition with Mac Duggal.
Tell us about the Face of Fabulous competition?
The competition really didn’t feel like a competition at all. Mac Duggal’s campaign brought together the most beautiful women inside and out. When I got the email saying I was a semi-finalist, I headed to NYC where I got to take professional head shots and then meet Mac Duggal and his team and a panel of celebrity judges. There were hundreds upon hundreds of applicants, but the support we had for one another was remarkable. I then got called as a finalist and was headed to Mac Duggal’s headquarters in Chicago. I WAS OVER THE MOON. In Chicago we received runway lessons with the world’s first plus size model, learned hair/makeup, interviewed with Mac himself one on one, and got to see the amazing warehouse filled with hundreds upon thousands of beautiful dresses plus so much more. We had so much fun, and I met so many life long friends that I couldn’t be more grateful for. A few weeks later I was notified that I needed to Skype with a member of Mac Duggal’s team. Not thinking anything of it knowing it was supposed to be a casual call. I answered the Skype, and it was Mac Duggal. He tricked me into getting on the call and told me I was the winner of the contest (this is documented on Mac Duggal’s YouTube page of my reaction!!). Since that moment my life has been full of so much opportunity and fun. I have traveled all over with his company to walk for him in his markets, did a photoshoot for his 2018 line and just participated in NYFW. It has been a dream come true. I feel so beyond blessed that Mac Duggal and his team saw something in me. He’s such an amazing designer and man to work for, and I can’t wait to continue on this journey with him.
What makes you unique?
For being 24 I’ve been through a lot of life experiences. I fought an eating disorder and struggled with self-confidence trying to become a sample size model. When I was 16 I was dating a boy who battled cancer and shortly after passed away. My relationship/engagement of 4 years got called off in September of 2016 and that really affected the way I felt about myself but changed my life for the better. I wouldn’t change any of these experiences. I can honestly say God has placed me where I’m meant to be and made me the strong woman I am through all the heartache. I can 100% say today that I love who I am, and I am a confident woman. I want to empower other women as well to turn their pain into power, to love themselves no matter what shape or size, and most importantly to follow their dreams.
What words of advice do you live by?
Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe no matter what happens you will always wind up where your meant to be.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to continue to be apart of the modeling/beauty community. I am also thinking about becoming a makeup artist so I could possibly see that in my future, but my main goal is to continue helping women across the globe feel beautiful from the inside out.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: briannajeanPR@aol.com
Snapchat: briannajeanxx
Instagram: @briannajeanf & @briannajeanxx
YouTube: Brianna Fillweber
Brianna is my niece and I’m so incredibly proud of her!
She has been through a lot of storms in her life and has gotten stronger with each of them,. She finally caught her rainbow and it’s colors are beaming!
Love her so much!
Thanks for commenting! She is a great woman!