Wendy Goldsmith has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She is a successful plus-model and was a cast member for the TV show, “Why Did I Become A Model.”
Over the past years, you have worked in entertainment. Share your experience.
A: During the summer of 1987, I worked in the Group Sales Department at Radio City Music Hall. While I was in college, I was the co-producer for the talent and fashion shows on campus. In the early ’90s, I was approached to grace the runways in and out of New York City for numerous designers as well as being in the spotlight for the Black Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. After I left college, I became the Head Account Executive for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures; negotiating advertising rates for over 150 newspapers and publications including The New York Times, The Daily News, and The New York Post. While working for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures, it was my responsibility to oversee advertising campaigns for countless films including ‘Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith,’ ‘Alien vs. Predator,’ ‘X-Men: The Last Stand,’ ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith,’ ‘The Day after Tomorrow,’ ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ ‘Fantastic Four,’ ‘Big Momma’s House 2,’ ‘Walk the Line,’ ‘Fat Albert,’ ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ and many others. I went back to plus-size modeling in January 2013 and was a part of and walked in shows which include: ‘Walking for a Cause Fundraiser’ in Philadelphia with a debut on WABC- 6, ‘Fashion with a Passion Fundraiser’ to help under-privilege kids, and ‘Evolution of Curves Fashion Show Fundraiser’ which raised funds for Haiti. In July of 2013, I was among 200 models chosen to walk the runway in ‘Fashion on the Hudson’ which highlighted over 20 designers and included numerous celebrities and media. In August 2013, after being on the newsstands for two years, Fashion Avenue News Magazine featured its first issue with plus size models and I graced the pages. Fashion Avenue News Magazine is seen in Milan, Paris, Europe, Asia, Australia, Tokyo, Brazil, and the United States.
I have been a member of the Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry (ALDM) since 2006 for The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of NY (GACNY). A congregation of over 23,000 people. In 2012 & 2014, I was the chairperson for the fundraiser committee for the bi-yearly Worship Conference which is hosted by ALDM. Over 750 liturgical dancers come from around the world. Guest gospel artist/preachers such as Pastor Marvin Sapp, Pastor Marvin Winans, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, and more. In an effort to raise funds for Worship Conference 2014, my fundraising staff and myself shocked many people by having a fashion show fundraiser at The Greater Allen Banquet Hall with celebrity designers. ALDM celebrated its 35th anniversary in Sept. 2013 and I was appointed to handle the outreach program which sponsored a young lady to continue her education in Africa. I am a cast member for a T.V. show called “Why Did I Become A Model” which was released March 2020 on Fox Network in Charlotte, North Carolina, and South Carolina while gracing billboards in Charlotte and Atlanta. The show is also on Amazon Prime with 43 million viewers. I am the Founder / CEO of a nonprofit organization called Chidubem, Inc. You can find out more at www.chidubem.org
What do you enjoy most?
A: I love meeting determined, powerful, and productive individuals who are on a mission to walk in their purpose. I love to hear about their journey. I love helping those in need. I love to just kick back in my house while it is quiet and just think about life and my next step. I love when God orders my steps.
You are a successful plus-size model. Tell us about your favorite projects.
A: I love working on a project that would definitely benefit those in need. It is just a rewarding feeling to walk in a show knowing that it is really going to make an impact in someone’s life. Charity events are the best.
Tell us about being a cast member on the show, “Why Did I Become A Model?”
A: Being a cast member for the T.V. show “Why Did I Become A Model” was an interesting experience. I responded to a model call by submitting photos back in January 2020. The producer contacted me within days and wanted me to be on set in a short period of time. That was an issue because I had a prior commitment that I could not get out of. Of course, I spoke to the producers and was able to be on set in February 2020. The host of the show is a fashion designer named Vanessa Henderson. Her company is called Van Miller International. Vanessa Henderson basically interviewed the models and gave us the platform to discuss our journey as a model and other business ventures we are involved in. I met a lot of amazing individuals who I am still in contact with today.
What lessons have you learned as a model?
A: Don’t ever give up. Keep pushing. When someone says no, around the corner someone will say yes. Invest in your craft. Get a good photographer and make-up artist (MUA). Take a lot of professional photos. Different looks. Be creative. Don’t expect someone to knock on your door. Network!
How have you used your platform for good?
A: When you are being blessed, it is extremely important to be a blessing to someone else. We are living in a time where people are truly struggling. This pandemic has really taken the world for a spin. I am in a position to help those in need so why not? My platform has allowed me to cross paths with like-minded people who would like to make an impact in the world. We all at some point in our lives need help. I support a lot of shelters, organizations that care for cancer patients, and recently my company helped a domestic violence survivor.
Tell us about your non-profit organization called Chidubem.
A: Established in 2014, Chidubem, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for kids battling cancer and/or who are homeless through fundraisers and events. Chidubem, Inc. has done quite a few events in the community such as: surprising 90 women in a homeless shelter for Mother’s Day, feeding the community with free hot meals, sweater and coat drives for shelters, sponsoring youth in a shelter to attend camp, partnered with Universoul Circus, a sponsor for Feed the Multitude for Thanksgiving. In October 2019, Chidubem, Inc. presented “Walk to Healing Runway Show” with celebrity designers from the east and west coast including DJ Doc Martin from WBLS in order to raise funds for the pediatric division at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In February 2020, Chidubem, Inc. partnered with Macy’s in Valley Stream, NY for their Round-Up Event. November of this year, Chidubem, Inc. partnered with Feeding NYC for the first time by providing a free Thanksgiving box with an uncooked turkey and all the fixings. The boxes were given to individuals in shelters and anyone who was in need. I also have a wonderful Board of Director, Semone Perez, who is rolling up her sleeves with me. www.chidubem.org
What are some of the initiatives today?
A: I am looking to connect with other organizations/ facilities that house kids battling cancer and/or who are homeless in order to help them with day-to-day issues. I am pushing to make it known to the world that there are organizations that truly care and want to help. I am determined to turn over every stone in order to touch hearts and help change lives.
Share your goals for Chidubem in 2021?
A: I am currently doing the schedule for Chidubem, Inc, which will consist of but not limited to: Feeding Shelters, supporting cancer patients, working on a safe way to do the annual Walk to Healing Runway Show, the turkey give-a-way, sweater, and coat drive, and more. I am looking to expand and bring more awareness to other states and eventually out of the country about Chidubem, Inc.
What’s next for you?
A: My next step is to continue to walk this path called life and be open to help where there is a need while enjoying every day.