When you think of Billie McDowell, bachelor’s degree and varsity letter earning athlete, you might think vegan, but not model. Well, Billie is both of these things. She has dubbed herself as The Vegan Model, not only for her own personal beliefs and brand, but to help as many people as she can.
As a member of the NC State Women’s Basketball team for four years, Billie earned a degree in Sports Management. After a successful college tenure, she had the opportunity to play professionally in the European league in the Netherlands. Billie is living life to the fullest and being a role model has come naturally. Whether she is inspiring another young girl from a small town to follow her dreams on the basketball court or in the fashion industry, she always makes sure that her life can help encourage others to press forward and never give up. Her healthy and positive lifestyle has already been commended by many friends and family.
Billie aka The Vegan Model (TVM), is the perfect representation for healthy living. The Vegan Model’s decision to change her entire lifestyle now almost 4 years ago was an easy decision. For TVM, her family history was the number one reason. Her mother and maternal grandmother are both breast cancer survivors. She ultimately lost two aunts to pancreatic cancer. Changing her diet and learning about the things that she puts into her body came very easy for her. She also chose a vegan lifestyle to preserve animals and prevent cruelty. As many of us have seen, there are dozens of videos that show how animals are birthed, caged, raised, and then slaughtered for humans to eat. After serious research on the topic, TVM couldn’t see herself eating food that was raised in inhumane conditions. If you sit and think about it, there is no way that the types of farms can produce anything healthy to humans other than meeting their demands of the simple need.
The Vegan Model’s purpose isn’t to bash or disrespect meat eaters. Her overall goal is to encourage people to be the best they can be. Her way of living happens to be vegan, so that is the platform she uses. She understands that everyone’s idea of a “healthy lifestyle” doesn’t line up exactly with hers, but she still can attract these types of people through other examples such as exercising, better quality of foods, meditation, and education.
This past May, she completed her first Meatless May Challenge. Over 25 friends, family, and a few strangers committed to not eating meats, poultry, or seafood for the entire month of May. Throughout this challenge, TVM coached many individuals daily by posting information on “The Vegan Model” Facebook page. Over 87% of the participants stuck with it the entire month and at this time, many have decided to continue becoming full on vegetarians and vegans!
From growing up in a small town, earning a college basketball scholarship and graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, unbeknownst to many, Billie has always had her sights set on modeling. She is extremely passionate about everything that she does. Her determination and willingness to succeed has already paid off; helping her become a fresh new face in the modeling industry. Billie has completed several projects. Billie was the principal talent for a health and wellness company for over a year, Total Life Changes. She was also the lead role for Dixie and the YMCA. She also modeled clothing for a local establishment, Proverbs Clothing Company, LLC. In addition to print work, she has walked in runway shows for Elizabeth Kennedy, Christian Siriano, and Ebony Fashion. TVM knows that in the modeling industry her body is her number one brand so all of this just makes sense to her. Being healthy.
TVM can also be known as the health ambassador for her family and friends. She leads workout groups, creates personalized workout plans, meal plans, grocery lists, live cooking demos, positivity and encouragement, free of charge to anyone who feels they need it or whom she can help.
Billie is looking forward to being a continual beam of light for those around her. She doesn’t do it for praise but for the simple pleasure of helping the next man be a little bit happier and healthier. Sharing, mentoring, and motivating is her life mantra in all aspects. I hope that she has done that for you.
Website: Billiemcdowell.com
Facebook: The Vegan Model
Instagram: Billie413
