Denise Mercedes

Mercedes began modeling when she was 13 years old. She started her career by working as a photography studio receptionist. Mercedes's employer allowed her to model in photoshoots as a hobby,.^[8]

When Mercedes was 16 years old, she started submitting her photographs to agencies. Due to modeling agency height standards, it was difficult for her to receive representation at the time. She continued to participate in modeling shoots. In 2012, when she began her fashion blog for plus size women, she began collaborating with different plus size boutiques.^[9]

In 2017, Mercedes began a body positivity campaign called #becauseitsmybody, a collaborative photography movement.^[10]

She has collaborated with clients including Forever 21,^[11] Target, JCPenney, and Rue21. She has also worked with smaller body positive online shops such as Feminine Funk and Curvy Girl Fever.^[12] She runs a clothing line with Rebdolls.^[13][14]