Interview with Plus Size Fashion Model and Lawyer-Regina Speed-Bost
This has been along time coming. I am so excited to have this lady right here as this weeks Style N Beauty feature!! I have known Regina for little over 10 years and when i say she definitely steadfast, I mean it. She is not only a well known lawyer and minister, she has added Plus size model to her stack of accomplishments. Just recently she has been feature as one of the Style and Substance spotlight for Eloquii that designs and sells fashion apparel for the curvy girl. Regina is a example of its never too late to live out your dreams.
Q. Tell us about Regina Bost.
A. Legally it’s Regina Speed-Bost. Just before I married my husband of 29 years, my (now deceased) father asked me if I would hyphenate my last name. He said he knew I was going to do great things and wanted the “Speed” name to go into the history books. His dream has been realized at least twice so far: first when I was admitted to the Maryland State Bar and second when I was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Both Courts keep in large volumes, the names and signatures of each person ever admitted to practice before them. My name is written in both. My Dad lived to see the first; not the second. My Mom (now deceased) lived to see both.
I am, first and foremost, a born-again believer. I start there because that is my foundation. I am a wife, mother, sister, friend, minister, lawyer, trusted advisor, counselor and many other titles from time to time. Mainly, I’m someone that cares, listens, loves to help, loves to give and loves to learn.
Q. What was the influence or the motivation that made you to want to become a plus size model?
A. I shop online A LOT! My schedule doesn’t leave much time to shop in stores, but I like fashion. I discovered on fashion line that has great clothes, fantastic fit, and great quality and became hooked – Eloquii. The do a fashion spotlight and in one they featured Kaya Henderson who I know (of) because of her prominence in the Washington, DC area. Seeing her featured inspired me. I thought…I can do that too…not in a competitive way, but in an inspired way. That feature pushed me to pursue what had been a hidden desire.
Q.How important is it to have a mentor?
A. Mentorship is invaluable. No one does anything of significance alone…NO ONE. I have several Mentors, as I am mentored based on the various areas of my life. Some of my mentors know each other, but many do not. The key is that I know my role as the Mentee. Many miss it, but the responsibility in the mentor/mentee relationship falls on the mentee.
I’ve learned three critical things about the Mentee’s role:
(1) you can’t waste people’s time – if you schedule a meeting with them, be on time, have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and end when you say you will;
(2) take advice – nothing is worse that giving of your time and then you never see the person even attempt anything you tell them to do. It makes you feel that you’ve wasted your time and effort. That said, Mentors have to be careful not to be offended if a Mentee doesn’t take every bit of advice you give or, if they do and are not immediately successful. Ultimately for the Mentee, you must believe your Mentor has your best interests at heart (if you don’t you need to consider with this person is truly your mentor). With that in mind, it will be easy to follow their advice and reap the benefit of their years of experience; and
(3) give as well as get – sometimes what we are looking for is an introduction, an job offer, a monetary gift or loan, or any number of ways that we are helped as a result of the relationship. But no relationship can be all one way. If so, you are creating a breeding ground for resentment and the sense, by your mentor, that they are being used. For this reason, your Mentor needs to see you giving as well as getting. Now sometimes your giving will not be directly back to your Mentor, that is fine so long as she/he knows that your act of giving was in response to all they have given you. Acknowledge them publicly as your mentor; give thoughtful/relevant thank you gifts (these do not have to be expensive, but should be relevant and thoughtful. For example, does your Mentor have a “thing” for Disney or Mini Mouse – easy “thinking of you gifts” like note cards, a coffee mug or a pen can usually be found in stores like Target or Walmart as well as in the Disney Store. New books relevant to your Mentor’s profession can also be great ways to say thank you. And if your Mentor publishes, purchasing several copies and asking her or him to autograph them is another way to say thank you. Be certain to keep a copy for yourself, but the others make great gifts.
Finally, you’ll never be able to repay your Mentor directly in kind for all they do for you, but Mentoring someone else is THE BEST gift back to your Mentor. Sharing what you have learned from your Mentor and how you are passing that knowledge along is one of the best ways to say thank you. Remember – imitation if the greatest form of flattery.
Q.. Being that you are new to the fashion world per say … How do you fell about the representation today, of plus size/ full figure?
A. I think it has come along way and that is a great thing. As I said, I was inspired to pursue this hidden desire, despite many obstacles. Even as a “plus size” model, I do not fit the typical mold. Keep in mind, until very recently a size 12 was considered plus size with no one larger than a 16 even remotely standing a chance. Today, I’ve seen plus sized models in the size 3X-4X range. Also, in the past, models were all 20 something or younger. Imagine being completely finished in your career at age 25! The retrenchment of size and shape limitations has also resulted in the retrenchment of age limitations, height limitations, complexion limitations, race/national origin limitations, etc. It really comes down to the definition for commercial purposes of what is beautiful. That definition is expanding and that is wonderful!
Q. You wear so many hats. You are a wife, mother, Minister, and a plus size model. How do you balance it all?
A. My foundation is knowing that it is all for a purpose. If you can keep your mind on the why you are doing all that you do to makes it easier. The why provides the motivation.
In a practical sense, I am generally a pretty organized person. I tend to be rather detailed-oriented. That helps. I’m far from perfect, but I have come to understand – overtime – what works for me and what doesn’t. I also don’t have an issue with admitting I am wrong. Don’t get me wrong…I’m a fairly capable person, but I’m not above getting it wrong…I’m pretty quick to acknowledge that so I can learn and grow from the experience.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants pursue their dreams but think maybe it’s too late?
A. I’m constantly reminding myself of that very thing. It seems that every decade the ages get redefined. First 40 was the new 30. Then 50 was the new 30. I don’t know about being 30 again, but I take it to say perhaps I have gained a little wisdom in the past 52 years and can use that wisdom to inform the next 52. It’s never too late. I just started pursuing being a “brand ambassador/model” this year. The key for most of us is identifying those areas of passion and desire and building up a determination and discipline to pursue them. Once passion meets discipline and determination, the sky is the limit. Go for yours!!
A. What’s next for Regina Bost?
Q. What’s next?? Stay tuned!! I truly believe there remains unlimited opportunity out there. It’s up to me to determine which ones I’m meant to follow. I’m looking forward to the journey.
To connect with Regina
Instragram @ovrflwg