Torrid.com

With their 2006 Reader Model Contest, Seventeen magazine set out to find someone confident, beautiful and - most importantly - real. The search, along with readers' votes, led them to 16-year-old Chelsea Grider. She's way cute, totally spunky, and guess what else - she's plus size! We were lucky enough to get her to come to L.A. for a photo shoot and while she was here we snuck in a few questions, just for you.

Congratulations! What's your life been like since you won the Model Search Contest?

It's been crazy! Really fun, though. I'm just loving it.

Tell us about the process - how did you decide to enter?

I entered the contest on a whim. I didn't really think I had a chance. The process was crazy! They [Seventeen] narrowed it down to 17 girls and they put us on their website. The whole United States got to vote for their favorite. Then they flew the top 5 to New York. They got us there and then they said that it was me! Then I got to fly to New Orleans for the photo shoot with Seventeen, which was really fun.

What's been the most exciting moment?

Probably the moment that I found out that I won. I started crying because I was so happy. They said my name and the girl next to me poked me and said, "Get up, they said your name!" Once it hit me it was huge.

Did you have a feeling you were going to win?

No, I mean the top five girls were all really great. We were all different. I didn't really know.

The spread in Seventeen was great and you look like a natural! Was modeling something you always wanted to do?

Yes! I love being in the spotlight. I'm in plays and stuff like that; I always want the lead role. So, yeah.

We think you're great, but why do YOU think you won? What do you think made you stand out?

I guess my red hair and freckles for one thing! I don't know, you don't see very many models out there my size.

Once you found out you'd won, how quickly did things begin to happen?

Pretty fast. It was pretty crazy. I had all my friends going psycho looking at the magazine and wanting my autograph.

How did you tell your friends and family that you'd won, and what were their reactions?

I just said, "I'm going to be in a magazine!" They flipped out. They couldn't believe it.

As a plus size model search winner, what do you think this means to the world of fashion and modeling?

It means we're changing.

Where do you hope this opportunity will take you?

I just hope I can have lots of fun and do lots of cool things that I never would have gotten to do before.

Is there any fear involved in the process?

Yeah! I get nervous a lot. I was nervous at the photo shoot in New Orleans because it was my first time modeling, but I'll probably get better.

Are you in high school?

Yes, I'm a junior.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to go to college. I'm looking at this community college of art and design in Georgia.

What are you most excited about in your future?

I want to do big things. Maybe be in Seventeen magazine again. Maybe commercials.

Who inspires you most?

My Grandma. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and she overcame it.

What size are you?

Size 12.

Do you think you'll feel pressure in the modeling world to get smaller?

Probably, but no one has said anything so far.

You seem pretty confident, have you always been that way?

Ha ha! Yeah, ask my mom.

Are things starting to calm down or just beginning?

No, it's definitely just the beginning.

Are you tired?

No, ha ha! Well, maybe.

Have you met anyone exciting?

Yeah! I got to meet Diane Sawyer when I was in New York. I was on Good Morning America for a Seventeen prom segment and I got to meet her. I was really excited.

Do you feel like a celebrity?

No.

Are you a Torrid shopper?

We actually don't have a Torrid store in Kentucky, but after doing this - I love all these clothes - I'm going to have to go online and shop.

What do you like about Torrid?

I like the clothes. They're really edgy and really awesome.

By now you will have finished your first photo shoot for us - what did you think?

I'm loving it! It's so much fun.

Did you have a favorite item from the shoot? Anything you absolutely must have?

Everything! I love all the jewelry; it's my favorite.

What message would you like to share with other aspiring plus size models?

Not to change. Be who you are. Don't let anybody change you.