With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment business, it is no surprise Wendy
Goldsmith continues to succeed on the fast track. She is a successful plus-size model and is a cast member on the T.V. show, “Why Did I Become A Model ? ” Wendy is also the Founder of the nonprofit Chidubem, that raise funds for kids battling cancer and/or homeless through fundraisers and events in NYC.
FWM: Share your backstory.
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 90’s, 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 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 apart 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 Luturigical 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 non-profit organization called Chidubem, Inc. www.chidubem.org.
FWM: Tell us about your successful plus-size modeling career and how it set the stage for new opportunities.
I went to a fashion show years ago with a friend and after the show, designers who were showcasing their line approached me and asked me, “If I ever modeled before and would I be interested?” I responded, “Yes.” Within a month, I was taking classes and going down the runway. I absolutely loved it. The clothes and creativity of the designers blew me away. Absolutely beautiful! I was able to grace many runways, magazines, and T.V. It was extremely rewarding because I am a plus-size model and the modeling industry has opened up more to plus-size women and men. The modeling, movie, music, and acting industry are all linked to each other. Modeling has absolutely set the stage for what I am doing this present day……………Chidubem, Inc. Modeling builds your confidence even more. Once you step onto the runway, all eyes are on you. I have always been a strong, confident person and modeling has taken it up a few notches. I met a lot of powerful, productive business minded individuals on this journey who encouraged me and took me to school on a lot of things. Let’s face it, starting a company is a big step and many may want to take that step, but they don’t. It is a lot of work and I
am glad that I took a step in that direction.
FWM: What is your advice for aspiring models today?
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 & make-up artist (MUA). Take a lot of professional photos. Different looks. Be creative. Don’t expect someone to knock on your door. You have to get out there and network but because of the pandemic, find other ways to network while being safe.
FWM: Tell us about your T.V. show called, “Why Did I Become A Model ? ” which was released March 2020 on Fox. What lessons have you learned?
The T.V. show, “Why Did I Become A Model” was an interesting lesson. 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 February 2020. The host of the show is a fashion designer named, Vanessa Henderson. Her company is called Van Miller International. The lesson I learned is whatever is meant for you will be for you!
“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.
FWM: Your beauty and good will has supported many charities. Why is giving back so important?
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? 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 individual.
FWM: Tell us about your nonprofit Chidubem. What initiatives are you working on for the beginning of the new year?
Established in 2014, Chidubem, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that raise funds for kids
battling cancer and/or 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. www.chidubem.org. 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 have a wonderful Board of Director, Semone Perez, who is rolling up her sleeves with me. Everyone can help by spreading the word about Chidubem, Inc.. If you would like to donate or be on our email list please visit our website www.chidubem.org, or if you would like to be a sponsor for future events, let’s talk chidubeminc@gmail.com
FWM: What has the pandemic taught you?
This pandemic has re-enforced to me that I am truly walking in my purpose with my
company, Chidubem, Inc. I am still in a position where I can help those in need. Grant it, I may not be able to have some of my fundraiser events with a group of people under
one roof BUT I am allowing my creative juices to flow in order to still touch hearts and
help change lives one step at a time.
FWM: Share your upcoming projects.
There are a few projects on the table right now that I can not discuss at the movement.
Filming had to stop because of the pandemic. Wink, Wink lol
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