Porcilla “Ziggy” Charlton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Porcilla “Ziggy”, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Whew! Right now, for me, a normal day is waking up at 7 AM, preparing myself and my daughter for school/work, dropping my daughter to school, then successfully molding leaders as my company’s new Leadership Development Specialist. After those 8 hours, I retrieve my daughter from school, if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, from 5:30-6:30p my City Program Mentoring through Modeling takes place, further leading to the end of my night running errands, completing today’s work assignments, grabbing dinner, preparing my daughter and I for bed + the next day, ending the overall day with a bedtime story and sweet dreams.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Born and raised in Central Florida, Porcilla “Ziggy” Charlton, CEO of S.I.Z Media & More LLC, is a fierce millennial who epitomizes her life’s mantra, “If you believe it, you can achieve it!” A now internationl runway and print model, 2x best selling author, and media Influencer, her confidence led her to the unimaginable establishment of her “She is Ziggy” empire!
From pageantry contest to runway model training, now a model turned mommy, I became equipped with necessary skills needed to pursue my love for modeling. Not succumbing to the fashion industry’s standards of what a model should be, I took the title of Ms. Legacy USA, as well as People’s Choice in 2024! My goal is to inspire and assist others with achieving their dreams just as I am doing through my City of Lakeland Program – M Squared – Mentoring Through Modeling, workshops, media inspo & interviews, and overall my “Not Your Average Size” Publications available on Amazon and sheisziggy.com!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents. Hands down. They recognized my strengths, potential, and unique qualities long before I truly understood them myself. They encouraged me and pushed me to try new things and overall never give up. Their belief in me shaped the confidence I have today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been PLENTY of times I’ve wanted to give up. My height was a major issue at the beginning of my career. I was told “no” more than not due to being “too short” for some’s liking. That discouraged me a lot, but with the encouragement from my supporters, I kept going. After discovering I was with child, I thought to myself “I’m done” just to later on book 2 maternity gigs. After having my daughter, I did not like the way I looked, and I felt as if nothing was working. I continued to get booked, letting me know giving up was clearly now an option. With all this being said, there will be times you want to give up on your passion, but it’s there for a reason, and not designed for you to ever give up on it 😉
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Well I think the main lie that the fashion industry tells itself is that Beauty has a standard. WRONG!
The industry often pushes the idea that there’s one ideal body type, size, skin tone, or age that defines beauty — when in reality, beauty is diverse and limitless.
Campaigns may feature token representation, but true diversity requires systemic change in leadership, casting, sizing, and storytelling.
This outdated belief ignores that charisma, presence, and individuality are often more compelling than a specific set of measurements.
The industry sometimes pretends it’s just art or aesthetics, but it’s also deeply political, cultural, and influential in shaping identity and values.
The day that this is understood, as well as the human cost (underpaid labor, unsafe working conditions) and environmental damage of mass, disposable clothing production, the industry will be a better one.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I truly hope people will say that I showed up. I showed up fully, authentically, compassionately, and courageously, in everything I did. That I lifted others as I climbed, inspired growth, and made life brighter for those around me.
I hope people will say I lived with purpose, led with kindness, and inspired others to believe in themselves. That I made people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined. Not necessarily a story, but this is what I hope people will tell about me once I’m gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheisziggy.com
- Instagram: @sheisziggy
- Facebook: S.I.Z Media & More, LLC
- Youtube: In The Zone With Ziggy
