CHAT Toccara-ról:

ANTM_Host: There are lots of great questions for Toccara so let's begin. Hi Toccara, and welcome to the chat. Let's get started.

Jinuwyne: Toccara, I'm so upset that you're not the show. It seemed that the judges were hard you. How did you feel when Tyra didn't call your name?
Toccara: I'm upset too that I'm not on the show. What a huge mistake. I was very shocked that Tyra didn't call my name and speechless. I really thought she was going to call my name when she said there's someone here who wants it more, and I really wanted it more.

Kenaboo: I was in total shock when you got eliminated. Were you shocked or did you have a feeling that you might be getting eliminated?
Toccara: Yes, I knew my time was coming soon because the panel had already told us that there were favorites and Nolé last week said that American wasn't ready for a plus sized top model, so I knew they were trying to get rid of me.

Big_Cali: How does it feel to be the first plus sized person on the show?
Toccara: It's a great feeling and I'm glad I had the opportunity to represent fuller figured women. They chose the right one, and I think this gives other full figured women a chance to break into the modeling world and be more comfortable with themselves.

BABYPHAT_2: Toccara, was it hard getting complaints about being a plus size model?
Toccara: It got old after a while. I knew I was the only plus size model on the show and I want to be the first black plus size supermodel in the world, and it's going to hard, but that's what I'm here for--to break down barriers and change the way that people look at plus size models.

lacaffeina: Toccara, I feel Janice was a bit wishy washy with you. In the beginning she really seemed to like you and thought "you had what it takes" but towards the end her opinion changed. What do you think about this?
Toccara: I think Janice is just doing her job and I think that is just a character and honestly, I just let that roll off my back. Janice is more like the "Simon" of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL.

topmodelfanatic: Toccara, it seems that you had a special bond with Tyra and she was constantly trying to lift you up and give you tips. In the end, did you find this to add more pressure?
Toccara: Tyra was great and I'm so happy that she was in my corner and it makes me feel special to know that she was so supportive of me; and no, I don't think there was more pressure.

BigThangs: I don't like Janice Dickinson. What did you think of her saying all of those negative comments last week and then this week she was being fake?
Toccara: That's the industry for you. It's a fickle world. One week they're not going to like you, the next week they're going to love you and you just have to take it with a grain of salt.

krispix: How do you find the strength to be as vivacious as you are when the industry essentially caters to thin girls?
Toccara: I think that this is my best and this is what I want to do. I was born with it and I have to give thanks to God. I'm blessed. You have to be strong in this industry. You have to think that you're the best thing since sliced bread so no one can tear you down.

SoulSista23: Toccara was it fun being there with Tyra?
Toccara: Absolutely. It was great. I think Tyra handled herself very well. She was the producer, the host and the mentor and I think she wore every hat well. She did her job well and I admire her for that.

SLIM2004: Did you get along with Ann and Eva?
Toccara: I liked Ann and Eva when they were separate. Each was cool when they were by themselves, and then you put them together and there's this weird chemistry, but they are great individuals.

leanna: What are your thoughts about Amanda being visually impaired and being on the show trying to be a top model?
Toccara: I am so tired of talking about Amanda. Each week she's always saying "I'm legally blind" and I'm tired of giving her airtime. I don't want to talk about her.

1_2Step: What do you think of Yaya winning three challenges in a row?
Toccara: I think that's absolutely fantastic. I'm so happy for Yaya. I think that was great, especially because she picked me for one of them.

drag: What were your opinions of Mr. and Mrs. Jay?
Toccara: I am absolutely crazy over Mrs. Jay. That is my girl! Mrs. Jay made me feel really quite comfortable and I felt really great when Mrs. Jay was around. No comment for Mr. Jay.

EVAisOVAHHH: Hey,T, what did you really think when one of the judges said "the world is not ready for a plus size model?
Toccara: AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is not ready for a plus size top model, but America's ready, and it's way overdue, and they're going to eat their words.

Choriza: Toccara, I am plus size how did you deal with the harsh criticism and being the only plus size? You were the best!
Toccara: It was easy for me to deal with it because I'm comfortable with myself and I know who I am and what I want to do and where I want to go, and so I chose not to let them predict who or what I was going to be.

guillermoluvsme: Toccara, I have to agree with the judges last night when they said you seemed to run out of steam... Did you or were you just having a bad day?
Toccara: I don't think that I ran out of steam. I think that's just their personal opinion, and I think that it's a shame that they think I have to come in there and be like "Hi. Hello, like you totally freak me out" to show personality. I don't think that I ran out of steam. I think that's just their personal opinion, and I think that it's a shame that they think I have to come in there and be like "Hi. Hello, like you totally freak me out" to show personality.

Hillary_: If you had the chance to do it all over again would you?
Toccara: Of course I would and I wouldn't change a single thing. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Britni: Who did you think did the best "model walk"?
Toccara: Toccara! Did you see her on the Heatherette Fashion Show? She was awesome!

Britni: What do you think of Yaya?
Toccara: I love Yaya. I think Yaya is great. A beautiful girl. A lot of self-confidence, very regal, great personality. I think Yaya and I will be friends forever.

SEAN: What is your greatest challenge in life, Toccara?
Toccara: Finishing my degree. Since I was on the show and now that it's over, and I'm sure I'll be getting a lot offers, I think it's going to be a challenge for me to finish my education.

MANDE78: Toccara, I am so upset that you got cut last night. I really wanted you to win this and be one of the few African American plus size models. Are you still going to pursue your dream of modeling? I want to see your picture on some magazines girl! :-)
Toccara: Of course I'm going to continue pursuing my dreams of being the world's first black plus size supermodel. This show is just a stepping stone and you're going to see me everywhere. I'm going to grace the cover of all of your favorite magazines AND be the first black plus size model.

lacaffeina: Toccara, who is the most down-to-earth girl in the house?
Toccara: I'd have to say Yaya and Kelle and Eva. They were all down to earth, I think.

kristina_vi: Do you have any exercising tips? How often do you go to the gym?
Toccara: I am on the smaller scale of plus size. I'm a 12-14, so I can't afford to lose my dress size because I would no longer be in the plus size category, so when it comes to exercising, I just have to stay toned up. I try to go to the gym at least 3 times a week and try to keep myself toned.

DEZDEN: Toccara, where did you get your amazing sense of humor?
Toccara: Life. You can't take every ting seriously. If you walk around with a chip on your shoulder, you're never going to succeed, so you have to be able to laugh sometimes.

guillermoluvsme: Toccara, I was so angry when they put you in that orange gas attendant shirt for the dual photo shoot. What was going through your mind? I mean these people are fashion designers, they couldn't have done something to it?
Toccara: I was totally surprised that she put me in that big orange shirt especially because everyone else had slacks, and dresses and then she puts me in this oversized orange shirt and some khakis and I was totally confused. I think that that was her job to style me and I think she could have tried a little bit harder.

guillermoluvsme: Toccara, how did you feel about being voted CoverGirl of the week 4 times in a row by viewers?
Toccara: That is so awesome. That keeps me going. That keeps my fire burning. That just lets me know that America loves me and that's the best feeling in the world because the viewers are the ones that are going to buy that magazine and purchase whatever product that I'm endorsing, and so its an indescribable feeling. And thank everyone who voted.

Godsent: Did you like the platinum hair that they gave you in the Mustang photo shoot?
Toccara: Absolutely! I loved it. It was F-A-B-O!

BluenaticklisH: Hey Toccara! Do you still have your "extended" wig attached to your natural hair?
Toccara: Yes I do.

BigThangs: Who are your celebrity crushes?
Toccara: I think I'll get in trouble if I tell you that.

NaturalFabric: Who inspires you Toccara? Who are your role models?
Toccara: I'm totally inspired by Queen Latifah, Mo'nique, Star Jones. They are a great inspiration for me. My role models are Jamaica, who is a lady that I met when I was 9 years old, and who has been supportive, and a plus sized model named Sharon Quinn who is marvelous.

Chris: Hi, Toccara! What did you think about Eva's attitude when she had to pose with the spider?
Toccara: I don't think Eva had an attitude when she had to pose with the spider. I think it was just a fear and I think she was great because she overcame her fear.

carameltiff: What are three most important skills you feel you have learned from being on the show, from make up tips to dressing for your role?
Toccara: I learned to beat my face. I also learned to be more aware of myself. Of every part of my body from head to toe and to be aware of my product or whatever it is that I'm selling.

carameltiff: Toccara, I would not even consider you to be a plus sized model...can you please tell me what are the weight requirements to be a plus size model? I truly am interested in breaking into modeling but not sure if I fit the mold of plus size? Please help
Toccara: There is not a weight requirement for plus size modeling. It's strictly on your size and your measurements. The plus size modeling starts at a size 12 and goes to a 16-18, I believe. A lot of people don't consider me to be a plus size model because I'm the average size of an American woman, but in the modeling world, I am plus size because you're going from a size 2-4 to a size 12-14 and that's a major leap.

Diorlips: Toccara, the situation with last week's photo shoot I too felt how you were feeling. I mean why were you given such a boring ensemble? However would you have played out your emotions differently if given a chance now to?
Toccara: I think my photo shoot last week was absolutely gorgeous and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Yes, I was a little sad about the choice of clothes that they picked for me, but by the same token, I decided that if I had to wear an orange shirt and some khakis then I was going to wear it well. What you don't see is that I bounced back and I think my photo turned out great and I wouldn't change it.

NaturalFabric: Is there room in this world for plus size couture? You're the best Toccara!
Toccara: Of course there is and that's why I'm here to prove that plus size women can do couture.

southern_sweet: What was the toughest part of the competition while you were on the show?
Toccara: Running up the stairs. I just knew that I could not come in last. I had to beat somebody, so I'm really proud of myself and my pictures turned out great.

guillermoluvsme: Toccara it was hard to tell, that dress you wore for the runway--did Eva put that string in the dress or did it come that way? It seemed like she doctored it up for you.
Toccara: Eva's not that nice. The string came with the dress and we were just making it even on both sides.

keasa: Why don't the fancy expensive designers make clothing in larger sizes? It seems like there is such a great market out there?
Toccara: I know, right? It's a $65 Billion industry, plus size fashion is, and it's a shame that they keep ignoring that. Hopefully, I'll be able to make a change or some type of impression in the European designers' way of thinking.

guillermoluvsme: Toccara, which was your favorite photo shoot, and why?
Toccara: The Mustang photo shoot. That's my favorite picture out of them all. I love it. I think the photo of me in the orange shirt, I feel as if I resemble my mother, and the glamour girl is so my alter ego--that is SO me. She was SO fabulous. It may be hard to believe, but I actually had a great day that day.

Diorlips: Toccara, what was your biggest disappointment doing each challenge, each photo shoot? It seemed like there was always a setback for you based on your size.
Toccara: I try not to let my size become an issue. It was an issue, but I didn't want to harp on it, to complain because this is such a great opportunity. I just felt that I'm a model and whatever you give me I'm going to wear and wear well, so I tried not to let that bother me each photo shoot.

size_10: How was it to be in an actual photo shoot
Toccara: It was da bomb! I have done previous photo shoots, but never anything like this and I know that I want to be a plus size super model and I was always a little apprehensive about if I could actually do the big girl stuff. Because of this show, I know I can. Like jumping on the trampoline, the spider, so, it just gave me confirmation that I can do this. Everybody has their moment. It's 24/7, and so everyone is not always going to have their camera face on. It's reality. And that's just people's personality, that's just life.

plus_diva: Toccara, I am a plus size black female with the same boobs as you have and I was crushed to see you leave last night. But keep your head up and always love you. Remember skinny went out with muscle shirts.
Toccara: Thank you. I really appreciate your support. Make sure you keep those puppies supported. That's a must. You're right about those skinny girls, too.

Monet: Toccara, do you have any advice for those of us full figured women who'd like to model?
Toccara: Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Curves are beautiful, embrace them, follow your dreams and don't take "no" for an answer.

Diorlips: Toccara, I think you are fabulous! And your exit speech was inspiring and graceful, you should be proud. What is next for you since the show?
Toccara: Thank you very much. You know what's next. I'm going to be the first black plus size super model in the world, of course. This definitely won't be the last time that you'll see me.

ANTM_Host: I am sorry to say that our time with Toccara is up. Toccara, thanks so much for being here to chat with us today. Do you have any final comments for the Top Model fans?
Toccara: I would just like to thank everybody for chatting with me today. It's been a pleasure. Keep your head up because dreams do come true.

ANTM_Host: Thanks for joining us everyone!! Don't miss an exciting new episode of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL next Wednesday at 8:00PM ET/PT. Then come back for another chat next Thursday afternoon at Noon PT (3 PM ET) to chat with the next eliminated model. See you then.