Emme (model)

Emme (born Melissa Owens Miller; June 30, 1963), is an American plus-size model, social reformer and body image advocate. Emme gained worldwide fame as the first full figured model chosen for People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, first in 1994, then for a second time in 1999. Emme is largely recognized in the 1990s as the leading model in the profession, as well as its highest earner.

Early life

Born Melissa Miller in New York City, Emme was raised in Saudi Arabia, and returned to the United States as a teenager to attend Kent School in northwest Connecticut. When Emme was in high-school, her family moved back to the States, settling in Houston. She later attended the Kent School in Connecticut, where she joined the rowing team.

In her book, she tells the story of her stepfather instructing her at age 12 to strip down to her underwear while he took a black marker and drew circles on her outer thighs, hips, stomach and arms to highlight where she needed to lose weight.

Syracuse University awarded Emme a full athletic scholarship and she became a member of the crew team; she is also a member of the Syracuse University Orange Plus Hall of Fame, where she was inducted for her significant contribution to women's athletics and to the sport of rowing In addition, Emme was invited to the U.S. Olympic Team trials, as well as several U.S. National Team trials.

After graduation, she spent two years in Flagstaff, Arizona where she was a reporter and morning anchor for the NBC affiliate KNAZ-TV.

Personal life

Emme's sister Melanie is also a model. Emme married Phillip Aronson in 1989 and moved to New Jersey. In 2001, Emme's daughter Toby was born. She separated from her husband in 2007, and later finalized her divorced in 2008. Emme's daughter Toby Cole was recently in Teen Vogue and is signed at IMG Models.

Cancer

In May 2007 Emme was diagnosed with Stage 2a Hodgkin's lymphoma- a type of lymphoma that is often curable with radiation and chemotherapy. She had surgery and in November 2007 doctors declared that she was "cancer-free". She separated from her husband, Phil, in October 2007.

Professional life

Emme had a sportswear line of sized 2-26 women's clothing sold at QVC under the me BY EMME label and the Emme Collection sportswear line manufactured by Kellwood and sold to department stores. A 16" collectable doll bearing Emme's name and likeness generates money to benefit body image and self-esteem organizations.

Awards