Interview with Italian plus-size model Beatrice Bettoni

Beatrice Bettoni is an Italian plus-size model with 9 years of experience in the industry. She started modeling while still in high school, sending a picture to an agency in Milan (Beautiful Models), which became her mother agency. What began as a way to earn some extra money quickly evolved into her full-time career.

She highlighted the differences in pay rates across countries, noting that rates in Milan are not very high compared to places like Germany and the USA, where the rates are much better.

She recently began working in the US market about a year ago, which requires traveling back and forth from Europe to maintain her existing client base while trying to establish herself in New York. She emphasized that patience is key when trying to work in multiple countries, acknowledging that breaking into a new market like New York can take time and effort.

For new models, Beatrice stresses the importance of being yourself, being patient, and not taking rejection personally. She noted that getting a job depends on the client's needs, and not getting hired doesn't mean you aren't beautiful or capable. She also advises models to be proactive and not just wait for the agency to find work, especially in a new market.

She primarily works in lingerie and e-commerce, making up about 60-80% of her jobs. She's become very comfortable working in lingerie, comparing it to being at the beach in a bikini. When it comes to managing her career, she views modeling primarily as her job rather than a creative outlet, though she enjoys it and aims to be professional and ready for work.

Looking ahead, her current goal is to gain more clients in New York. She also plans to finish her university degree (she started studying interior design) and is open to potentially working in an agency or as a manager in the future, drawing on her extensive experience.