Model Erica Jean Schenk talks becoming a covergirl for Women’s Running magazine. (Photo: Women’s Running)

Although model Erica Jean Schenk has rocked the pages of high-profile magazines like Seventeen, it’s her latest gig that is causing major buzz. The18-year-old Wilhelmina model landed the cover of Women’s Running as the first plus-sized model to do so. Social media went wild with people praising the magazine for showing a woman with real curves looking strong, gorgeous, and athletic.

The size 16 Wilhelmina model is breaking barriers and is happy to be inspiring women. Here, she talks with Yahoo Beauty about how she went from being insecure to signing a modeling contract on the spot, how she stays strong, and how she found out about her now-famous (ahem, viral) cover photo.

Yahoo Beauty: How long have you been modeling, and how did you start?

Erica Jean Schenk: I’ve been modeling since I was 14. I was a chubby, insecure kid – a little awkward. I had braces and glasses. When I hit a growth spurt, my mom decided it was time for me to get a little bit of a confidence boost. She took pictures from my Facebook page [and brought them to an agency]. She thought they would bring me in and say, “Oh you’re so pretty. In a few years we’ll sign you.” Instead, they signed me right away and gave me a 2-year contract. That was in L.A. It escalated to me moving to New York.

You weren’t told in advance about being on the cover. How did you find out?

I found out because a reporter called me and said, “I want to do an interview with you.” I was like, “What? What are you talking about?” He said he found a picture on Twitter that was linked a week early. I was pretty shocked at the moment. I didn’t know what was going on.

How do you feel about the response the cover has been generating?

I’m very happy about it. I’m happy about all the amazing media attention it’s been getting and [the feedback] from all these women who are so inspired and feeling good about the cover.

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This is your first cover. What magazine would you like to grace next?

I don’t have anything in the works now, but I hope I’m on another cover! I’d love to work with companies. Magazines are one thing, but actually having clothing lines that make great plus size clothing is a little bit more important to me.

On the cover of Women’s Magazine, model Erica Jean Schenk. (Photo: Women’s Magazine)

Which brands would you ideally like to work with?

I love Ralph Lauren. I love the way [the clothing] fits. I also like the less expensive side: Old Navy. You can find really good pieces to use in everyday wardrobe.

Are you a runner?

I run once or twice a week. I don’t run for sport. I don’t do a lot of 5Ks or marathons, but sometimes for charity. I run to clear my head and get focused on the weeks ahead. I run for enjoyment mostly. I’ve been running since I was about 10. I started because I was running during volleyball camps when I was younger. I still play volleyball with ZogSports, which is an adult co-ed league.

Besides running and ZogSports, what does your fitness regimen consist of?

I like group boot camp classes. I was attending one in Chelsea [in New York City] with a trainer who works with models. I did that for about 4 or 5 months, just to get a little toneage. I usually go to group classes at my gym.

What is your favorite group fitness class?

There’s this one class that I love at New York Health & Racquet Club called Kangoo Power. It’s a Zumba class, but you’re connected to moon shoes. So, you’re jumping around. It’s so much fun! I try and go every other week if I have time. It is held only once or twice a week. It’s hard to get to!

Who are your role models in and outside of the modeling world?

Outside modeling, my grandmother. She’s just always very caring and loving. She cares about other people’s feelings and opinions, and she always takes them into consideration. At the same time, she always takes care of herself. She knows how to balance the two. I find that a lot of people lose their balance in trying to take other people’s feelings into consideration, or, they’re too focused on themselves and they ignore everyone else. In modeling, I really love Robyn Lawley – how she makes all these great cookbooks about organic cooking, and how she has her own swimsuit line that really fits curvy women. It makes them look good and feel comfortable. I love how she diversifies all of her talents. Not only is she a model and a cook and a swimsuit designer, she’s also a DJ.

You will be enrolling in Pepperdine University, as a freshman, in the fall. What are you hoping to study?

It’s looking like I’m going to be studying International Business, Marketing and Psychology – probably two minors in the latter. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to end up doing with it. I always feel that if you plan too far in advance, it always changes. Right now, I just really want to go to school and learn as much as possible, do a few internships, and really figure out what I want to do.

Do you plan to continue modeling throughout college?

I will definitely continue modeling, as long as the clients want to hire me!



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