The Chenese Lewis Show: Recent Episodes
The Chenese Lewis Show
The Chenese Lewis Show is the first podcast created for plus size industry! Established in 2008, the groundbreaking, live podcast features in-depth interviews with national brands, notable influencers, and celebrities.
Trailblazing Latina singer-songwriter Elle Baez is taking over with her innovative pop-soul music and message. Real, authentic, and relatable, Elle is representation for womxn that have been craving to see themselves in the spotlight. She empowers and inspires others through her captivating hooks, body positive music videos, versatile writing style, and motto of self-love. Elle just recently dropped her new hit single Fuego which was featured in Rolling Stone and was named Entertainer of The Year at the Full Figured Industry Awards! As a songwriter, Elle has been featured by the Grammy’s. She has opened for charting artists Bea Miller and Leah Kate , been featured in Pop Sugar Magazine, and went on a VS Pink Sponsored Tour. Her ethos is simple: be you, be sexy, and above all, be confident.
Tawana Blassingame is the Founder and Executive Producer of The Full Figured Industry Awards and the CEO and Founder of Queen Size Magazine. In 2011, Tawana started Queen Size Magazine: an award winning monthly national full-figured fashion and lifestyle publication for both men and women. Under her parent company Cohesive Minds Inc, Queen Size Magazine has enjoyed over a decade of continued success. While diligently handling her career in healthcare and simultaneously operating her very own magazine company, Tawana embarked on a new journey in 2019. She produced her very first award ceremony called the Full-Figured Industry Awards (also known as the FFIAs). The FFIAs is a prestigious ceremony of awards and of distinguished recognition honoring the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence across various platforms spanning the full-figured industry. From models, makeup artists and designers, to bloggers, photographers, entertainers, influencers, and productions; Tawana and the FFIAs team continues to work relentlessly to ensure that the industry is celebrated for their work and dedication to the full-figured fashion industry. The Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 4th at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center!
Zach Miko grew up wary of heading to the beach or pool for fear of being judged for his body. Now a body-confident, plus-size IMG model and influencer advocating for fellow “big boys” living their most joyful life, Zach found himself fed up with the lack of fashionable big and tall swimwear options and decided to meet this need himself with the launch of the first collection from Meekos, his very own big and tall lifestyle brand. The swim line ranges from L – 8XL in size and features more modern styles of big and tall swim trunks than those typically on the market, along with a tank top, hoodie and additional shirts.In addition to founding Meekos, Zach is furthering his advocacy for plus-size people in the corporate realm through his partnership with Big Fig, the first and only mattress brand to exclusively cater to plus-size sleepers.Zach is nominated for the 2023 Outstanding Big and Tall Model at the Full Figured Industry Awards!
Tigress Osborn (she/her) is a fat rights advocate and the Executive Director of NAAFA, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. In 2023, Tigress co-launched the Campaign for Size Freedom alongside colleagues at NAAFA and the Fat Legal Rights Advocacy and Education Project (FLARE) with support from Dove. She is also the founder of Full Figure Entertainment and co-founder of PHX Fat Force. She is an intersectional feminist teacher and writer whose professional background as a youth empowerment leader and DEI educator has informed her fat liberation activism since 2008. She has been featured in USA Today and Newsweek, and heard on BBC AntiSocial and ABC News, and seen on Everyday Feminism and NewsNation network. Tigress will be honored with the People's Choice Community Service Award at the 2023 Full Figured Industry Awards!
Mallory B. Richardson is a Native American influencer and a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. She is the CEO of The Platform Experience, a North Carolina based fashion house that provides multiple services including wardrobe styling and model coaching. She is also the Founder of Beaucoup, Raleigh’s premiere plus size nonprofit support network for career development, wellness, and service.Mallory is the creator and producer of North Carolina’s first plus size fashion week entitled Crusade of Curves. Launched in 2017, Crusade of Curves is celebrating its 7th year anniversary with a three-city tour stopping in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Raleigh, NC.
Molly Hopkins is the owner of LiviRae Lingerie, a business that was started in 2006. LiviRae Lingerie is a boutique that specializes in bra fit, bust health, and custom intimates. In 2013, LiviRae Lingerie found its way into the homes of millions as Molly became the stars of Lifetime’s reality show, The Double Divas. This is when Molly’s star status became more apparent, thanks to her wit, southern drawl and over the top personality.In 2018, Molly found her way back into the homes and hearts of people around the world while looking for love on 90 Day Fiance. Although she was unlucky with love while on TLC’s hit show, Molly did sprinkle her southern charm everywhere. Since then, she has become an invaluable asset to the 90 Day Fiance franchise and has been taped to host recaps and other 90 Day shows. She has also had appearances on Jimmy Kimmel and the Today show. Whether it is on television or in LiviRae Lingerie, Molly’s passion for empowering women is undeniable. She is a woman of many talents and gifts of which no gift Is greater than her southern charm and willingness to be a catalyst for change.Her latest show, 90 Day: The Last Resort, where five 90 Day Fiance couples attempt to salvage their relationships at a couples retreat, airs Mondays at 9PM ET/PT on TLC.
Kimberly Williams has a long history of making waves in the fashion industry. She became a well known stylist specializing in curating closets for women of all shapes and sizes after getting her start in 2013.After making a name for herself as a stylist she became a writer for Fashion Bomb Daily, designer and boutique owner, and even managed plus size models.This work inspired Kimberly to become a fierce advocate for curvy women. That advocacy led to the birth of CURVchella, the premier shopping expo dedicated to curves.She truly believes in collaboration and partnerships and seeks to support other brand owners as they grow. Kimberly looks forward to uplifting, empowering, and inspiring others as she continues to expand her platform and influence
Clarkisha Kent is a Nigerian American writer, culture critic, former columnist, and author of Fat Off, Fat On: A Big Bitch Manifesto. Committed to telling inclusive stories via unique viewpoints from nigh-infancy, she is fascinated with using storytelling and cultural criticism not as a way to “overcome” or “transcend” her unique identities (as a FAT, bisexual, and disabled Black African woman), but as a way to explore them, celebrate them, affirm them, and most importantly, normalize them and make the world safe enough for people who share them to exist.As a University of Chicago graduate with a B.A. in Cinema and Media Studies and English, she brings with her over eight years of pop culture analysis, four years of film theory training, and a healthy appetite for change.Her writing has been featured in outlets like Entertainment Weekly, Essence, gal-dem, PAPER, BET, HuffPost, MTV News, The Root, and more. She is also the creator of #TheKentTest and the co-creator of The Kelli & Kat Test—both of which are media litmus tests designed to evaluate the quality of representation that exists for Black women, women of color, and fat [Black] women respectively. Currently, Kent is working on a novel about a Black female outlaw and a TV comedy pilot about an immortal familiar.
Ta Morrison is the CEO and Founder of Star Class Travel, a luxury full-service travel agency and hand-crafted and pored T-Lites Candle company in Houston, Texas. Ta became the Texas Ambassador for National Curves Day, Inc. in September 2016 because she saw a need for outreach in her local community. She is currently the Global Director and ambassador for National Curves Day and shares their mission to embrace, encourage, and empower women and men in the plus-size community by teaching them to self-embrace, self-identify, and self-love.She recently helped launch the Plus Travel Network, a division of NCD that is a cultural collective dedicated to redefining world experiences for the big & tall and plus size community.The inaugural Body Confidence Fest is happening August 3-7, 2023 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
Tawana Blassingame is the Founder and Executive Producer of The Full Figured Industry Awards and the CEO and Founder of Queen Size Magazine. In 2011 she began publishing Queen Size Magazine, a monthly full figured fashion and lifestyle publication for both men and women. Under her parent company Cohesive Minds Inc, Queen Size Magazine has enjoyed ten years of continued success. Tawana has recently embarked on a new journey, she is now the Executive Producer of the Full Figured Industry Awards (also known as the FFIAs). The FFIAs is a prestigious ceremony of awards and of distinguished recognition honoring the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence across various platforms spanning the full figured industry. From models, makeup artists, and designers, to bloggers, photographers, entertainers, influencers, productions, and more. Through the magazine and FFIAs, Tawana and her team are continuously working to ensure that the full figured and the big and tall industry is seen, heard, respected, and recognized. The Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 5th at theJamaica Performing Arts Center!
A former award-winning journalist, Phyllis Brasch Librach traded deadlines for hemlines after she failed to find a trendy plus size prom dress for her curvy teen-age daughter. In the beginning, Librach was just another mother anxious to wipe away her daughter’s tears.Twenty years ago she founded Sydney’s Closet, which has become an international company that sets the bar for fashion-forward prom, wedding, formal, evening and party dresses in sizes 14 to 40 that fit and flatter curvy women and teens. The Company now produces 10,000 dresses annually in 8 different collections.Dubbed the “plus size fairy godmother” by the Chicago Tribune, she is being honored with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at The Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 5th
Cameron Boyland, also known as “Big Cam,” is a dedicated Big & Tall Model and influencer based in Dallas, TX. Over the past year, he has become a Tik Tok Viral Sensation and the 2021 DXL Big Model Search Winner. Outside of being a professional Big & Tall Model, he is also an entrepreneur, creative director, and producer. Cameron is represented internationally in London and signed to 5 agencies in America. Some of the major brands he has worked with include SavageXFenty, JCPenney, DXL, and Champion. He has been featured in publications such as XL Tribe Magazine, KRAVE Magazine, Voyage Dallas, and Yahoo News. Cameron partnered with National Curves Day, Inc as Co-Founder of “The Bigger Picture” campaign, sponsored by Johnny Bigg, taking place Sept. 10 during New York Fashion Week to advance the Big & Tall Community within the fashion industry.
Tajma "Taj" Myles is a cast member of WEtv’s new hit reality show “Super Sized Salon”, which follows the staff of the first beauty salon that caters to the plus size community. The reality show follows six women business owners from across the country who joined forces to open the world’s first recognized plus size salon, customized to accommodate women of all sizes and shapes up to 800 pounds.
Tajma is one of the industry’s most sought-after expert hair stylists and makeup artists. She has worked with celebrity clients such as Vanessa Simmons, Kindred Family Soul, Frenchie Davis, Sherri Shepherd, E40, Lloyd and Karen King, among others. Taj’s work has also been featured on projects for Chris Brown’s Black Pyramid, Amber Rose’s SlutWalk, and John Legends’ Darkness and Light Tour.
She is the owner of The StylezByTaj Collection,a full-service luxury salon in Berkeley, California. The StylezByTaj Collection salon exudes glamour and provides a “high-end” one-stop shop for all your luxury
beauty needs including hair styling, makeup application, and also features Taj’s Luxury Naked
Hair Line, Stylez By Taj Collection.
Super Sized Salon airs Fridays at 10:30 p.m. ET on WEtv. The series will also stream on ALLBLK every Tuesday following its WEtv airing.
A-Love is a cast member of WEtv's new hit reality show “Super Sized Salon”, which follows the staff of the first beauty salon that caters to the plus size community. The reality show follows six women business owners from across the country who joined forces to open the world’s first recognized plus size salon, customized to accommodate women of all sizes and shapes up to 800 pounds.
The San Diego native is a hairstylist and entrepreneur with her own holistic hair care line. She wears many hats in the entertainment industry ranging from comedy, acting, and public speaking. A-Love is also an influencer on social media for the empowerment of plus size women, self-love, and so much more!
Super Sized Salon airs Fridays at 10:30 p.m. ET on WEtv. The series will also stream on ALLBLK every Tuesday following its WEtv airing.
Brittany “BB” Martin is a cast member of WEtv's new hit reality show “Super Sized Salon”, which follows the staff of the first beauty salon that caters to the plus size community. The reality show follows six women business owners from across the country who joined forces to open the world’s first recognized plus size salon, customized to accommodate women of all sizes and shapes up to 800 pounds.
Brittany, who was crowned Miss Florida Plus America 2012, is a celebrity artist and owner of BBDesire Glam in West Palm Beach, Florida. The beauty bar is a complete custom luxury one-stop beauty experience that specializes in enhancing and redefining the beauty in everyone.
Super Sized Salon airs Fridays at 10:30 p.m. ET on WEtv. The series will also stream on ALLBLK every Tuesday following its WEtv airing.
Erial Ramsey, The Dream Queen, is an author, marketing & brand expert, serial entrepreneur and instructor. With over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience, Erial is the owner of Nimiety Holdings. This is the parent company of many brands, including her longest running business, Imperial1002 (ten-oh-two), a full service design and marketing company. Through her company she has branded / mentored / consulted a few hundred businesses across most industries. The “Dream Queen” title is a nod to her 10 years of participation in the pageant industry. Most recently, Erial has acquired the Miss Plus World International Pageant System and will be serving as Executive Director and Producer. Although Erial has many creative pursuits and brands, she is most proud of two accomplishments: Publishing over 100 women’s stories through her She is the Ish brand AND showcasing her accessory line, e.dele (ee-duh-lee), at NYFW. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Erial currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. She is a proud two-time alumna (MA, BSJ) from Ohio University, in Athens, OH.
Le'Andra Dove affectionately known as Elle is a black American designer. She was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and from the time she was 8 she knew she wanted to become a designer. One of her first designs was inspired by a Georgia O'Keefe painting. She is formally taught and received her BFA in fashion design and merchandising from the International Academy of Design Technology- Orlando in 2012. She later launched Lorenza James by Elle Dove in 2013. "I was making beautiful garments that I couldn't wear the entire time I was in school. Now I want to serve women that look like me..." Lorenza James by Elle Dove has seen its ups and downs over the years since its conception but has always found a way to thrive and serve the plus community through stylish looks that turn heads and provide comfort. Le'Andra is a finalist for The Cultivate Award Year II presented by The Curvy Fashionista with founding sponsor Eloquii.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Howard County, Maryland, Charniece White is an economist, curator, pattern maker, and full-package technical designer with 10+ years of experience. A social justice, civil rights, and women’s rights activist, Charniece lives for being a champion for the underrepresented. She curates and dreams for little Black girls and children who don’t see representations of themselves in fashion on the runway and behind the runway. Charniece was inspired to be a designer after attending Spelman College and getting involved in Fashion Clubs that crossed over with Clark Atlanta to throw fashion shows. Charniece owns two sister lines that offer up to sizes 5X and 30, Pinecone Row and B A R K W O O D. The former is named after the street she grew up on and the latter speaks to the woman she is and aspires to be. Pinecone Row, the fun and trendy of the two, was launched during the pandemic after realizing the need for more moderately priced clothing was eminent. B A R K W O O D, which launched in 2017and was temporarily closed due to Covid but is set to reopen in September 2022, is a more modern, contemporary and elevated brand. Charniece is a finalist for The Cultivate Award Year II presented by The Curvy Fashionista with founding sponsor Eloquii.
Matthew Robinson has loved fashion for as long as he can remember and grew up obsessed with shopping as a child. He designed his first dress at 13, designed high school classmates’ prom dresses, and began his career in the fashion industry at 16, working retail for Lane Bryant, Torrid, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. He studied fashion at El Camino College in Torrance, CA, and earned his degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising at San Francisco State University. In 2019, Matthew began working as an adjunct instructor for the Academy of Art University. Starting his entrepreneurial designer endeavors in 2011, Matthew created one-of-a-kind pieces, focusing on size inclusivity. In 2017, Matthew showed his first collection – “Part One: Color Block”, a colorful, playful collection inspired by mid 20th century at Full Figured Fashion Week. In 2018, he showcased his second collection which was in partnership with Dress for Success San Francisco at their Annual Benefit Gala. Matthew is a finalist for The Cultivate Award Year II presented by The Curvy Fashionista with founding sponsor Eloquii.
Founded in 2010 by celebrity designer Angela Rene’, Rene’ Tyler creates custom, contemporary designs for women sizes 12 and above. Rene' Tyler designs have been worn by celebrities including Laverne Cox, Dulcé Sloan, Mary Lambert, Marsha Ambrosius, and most recently Vivica A. Fox. The brand was featured on the critically acclaimed AMC television series Dietland starring Julianna Margulies and Joy Nash. In 2016, Rene’ Tyler made history as the first-ever plus-size brand to show at LA Fashion Week. Inspired by the belief that high-end fashion should be inclusive for women of all shapes and sizes, she opened the first-ever plus-size boutique on the Las Vegas Strip, at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort. In 2020 the boutique opened at the Fashion Show Mall. Her Noir et Blanc collection debuted in New York at Oxford Fashion Studio, at Pier 59 Studios, making her the only brand to showcase an all plus-size collection for the fall and winter 2020 season. She believes whether you’re a size four or thirty-four, fashion is for everyone! Angela' Rene is a finalist for The Cultivate Award Year II presented by The Curvy Fashionista with founding sponsor Eloquii.
Shavonne Dorsey is an accomplished fashion designer and the 2020 winner of The Big Find on HSN. The Big Find is a national search on HSN which finds America's top talent. After her win, she partnered with the mega retailer to meet the fashion needs of women all over the USA through her designs. Her clothing line is now sold through HSN, which reaches over 80 million homes through its on-television and on-line shopping network. Prior to her success with HSN, she was the first plus size designer to be selected for Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator Program in 2011, which was the catalyst to her designing career. Shavonne believes that women should be respected regardless of their size and should be celebrated through her beautiful designs.
Becky Jarvis is the owner and creator of Curvy Chic Closet, the largest plus-size consignment sales event in North America, founded in 2011. The 4-day, semi-annual event includes over 15 participating vendors and a fashion show featuring women of all ages from 14 to 60+, as well as big and tall men. Twice a year, this event attracts hundreds of women across Portland and the Pacific Northwest to purchase clothes and accessories at incredible discounts, in addition to attending the largest plus size fashion show on the west coast. In Fall 2018, Becky Jarvis created the Curvy Closet Foundation a 501c3 (non-profit) to promote self-confidence and self-love through empowerment workshops. Ms. Jarvis was a nominee in 2017, 2018, and 2019 for Fashion Show Producer of the Year for Portland Fashion and Style Awards. The Curvy Chic Closet Spring 2022 show is scheduled from April 28th through May 1st in Hillsboro, Oregan.
Chelsea Kronengold, MA, is an internationally-recognized media spokesperson and expert on topics relating to body image, eating disorders, diet culture, media literacy, and weight stigma. She has been featured in over 50 media publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, CBS, People Magazine, and USA TODAY.
Presently, Chelsea is the communications lead for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), tasked with creating and executing the organization's communications and brand strategy. In this role, Chelsea also advises Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and NBCUniversal on eating disorders content and resources; trust and safety policies; and tips for responsible media coverage.
NEDA just launched the inaugural Body Acceptance Week, which promotes body positivity, body neutrality, and body liberation for all, taking place November 1st - 5th!
Melissa Mercedes is a celebrity fashion designer specializing in plus sizes, based in Los Angeles. She has dressed celebrities such as Lavern Cox, Nina Parker and Nia Jax for events such as the People Choice Awards, Grammys, and much more. She is the winner of The Cultivate Award, an initiative from Eloquii and The Curvy Fashionista that supports indie designers of color in the plus-size fashion community. She won the opportunity to design a capsule collection with Eloquii that will be sold on the retailer’s site in 2022. Melissa Mercedes is also a 2021 Outstanding Female Designer nominee at The Virtual Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 6th!
Heather McGarry is the AVP of Public Relations and Social Media for Lane Bryant and Cacique. Lane Bryant is the leading national specialty retailer for plus size women offering apparel, intimates, shoes, and accessories. Lane Bryant and Cacique operate e-commerce websites and over 600 stores throughout the United States. Heather has been with Lane Bryant for fifteen years in a succession of roles in marketing and has over 25 years of experience in apparel marketing. As project manager for numerous Lane Bryant campaigns over the years including #ImNoAngel and #PlusIsEqual, she believes in a client focused strategy, meeting her where and when she is ready to shop. She has been active in the plus community since day one and is being honored at the Silver Fox Fashion Soiree on September 18th for her work as a woman in the fashion industry. Lane Bryant is being honored as the 2021 Retail Brand of the Year at The Virtual Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 6th!
Renee Cafaro is the US Editor of plus size print magazine, SLiNK and designer at her new luxury brand RCA Public Label, serving sizes 16 - 32. She has had a lengthy career in social justice and politics prior to her time in plus size fashion but finds both fields to be rooted in equality and advocacy. RCA Public Label is partly mission-based, not only to serve the sizes most forgotten by the industry but to aim to revitalize the economy in NYC’s Garment Center post-pandemic
Tracy Christian is the owner of TCA MGMT a Los Angeles based boutique talent agency and the founder of Sante Grace, a fashion forward luxury plus size clothing line. A veteran talent agent with more than twenty years in the industry, her past clients include Oscar winners Melissa Leo, Octavia Spencer, and Mo’Nique, as well as Emmy and Golden Globe winner Elizabeth Moss. In 2020, Tracy took everything she learned from years of working for textile manufacturers and designing her own wardrobe and poured it into Sante Grace. It is a fashion forward luxury plus size clothing line with garments ranging from Italian silks, cashmere, and transitional cottons, this means the line is also sustainable. Sante Grace is designed exclusively by women and pays workers a living wage, something that unfortunately is not the standard in the garment industry.
Nick Kaplan is the President and Co-Founder of Fashion to Figure (“FTF”), a leading plus size women’s fashion brand he co-founded with his brother in 2004. Fashion to Figure, under Nick’s leadership, launched as a single store location and evolved to a $30 Million multi-channel private equity-backed venture which was ultimately sold to New York & Co, now RetailWinds, a publicly-traded company (Ticker: RTW). In addition to leading FTF as a key growth driver for the company, Kaplan also serves on the Executive Leadership Team of RTW and works closely with the company’s CEO and Board of Directors. Over the lifespan of FTF, Nick has strategically led several areas of the business including design, merchandising, planning, supply chain, logistics, data analytics, store operations, and the customer experience and journey.
Actor, model, and activist Hayley Hasselhoff is known for being one of the world’s leading curve models and has made an impact within the fashion world committing to promote and celebrate inclusivity in the industry for all genders, races, shapes, and sizes. Hayley has designed for the plus size brand Elvi, which caters to sizes 14-38. She’s released two collections so far, which have been sold online, in Nordstrom, as well as international retailers Next and Navabi. Hayley began her journey into body positivity after starring in the lead role of Amber in ABC’s HUGE, and has since maintained her passion for acting, appearing in other TV shows such as WHY WOMEN KILL (CBS) and Disney’s PAIR OF KINGS. Hayley also previously appeared on Good Morning America as the Stylist Contributor, and is an avid writer, regularly contributing at Marie Claire UK as the Fashion and Wellbeing editor, alongside her Curve column. Most recently, she made history as the first curve model to appear on the cover of Playboy Germany!
Tawana Blassingame is the CEO and Founder of Queen Size Magazine, a monthly full figured fashion and lifestyle publication for both men and women founded in 2011. Under her parent company Cohesive Minds Inc, Queen Size Magazine has enjoyed ten years of success. She is also the Executive Producer of the Full Figured Industry Awards (known as the FFIAs). The FFIAs is a prestigious ceremony of awards and distinguished recognition honoring the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence across various platforms spanning the full figured industry. From models, makeup artists and designers, to bloggers, photographers, entertainers, influencers, productions and more. Through the magazine and FFIAs, Tawana and her team are continuously working to ensure that the full figured and the big and tall industry is seen, heard, respected and recognized. The Full Figured Industry Awards will be held virtually this year, November 6th!
Elyse Kaye is the Founder and CEO of Bloom Bras – a line of patented activewear for the well-endowed woman. After learning the health risks and looking at the untapped market size, she developed a patented, fully-customizable sports bra built with NASA, shipping and packaging experts, and a celebrity costume designer. The aim is to disrupt the $184.6 billion athletic wear industry. The average bra size has risen from a 34B to a 34DD in 20 years. Mainstream brands do not cater to the majority of the population. Bloom Bras is now the most body inclusive line on the market ranging from 28C - 56L. Bloom Bras has been featured on various media outlets including The Huffington Post, Women's Health, New York Post, and Forbes.
Grisel Paula is the Founder and CEO of Rebdolls, an online fashion retailer committed to providing unapologetic fashion to women of all sizes. Born in the Dominican Republic, she moved with her family to NYC at the age of 10. Grisel started her career as a plus-size model getting to know the ins and outs of the fashion industry and noticed something important was missing from the market — trendy clothing suited to plus-size bodies. She launched Rebdolls in the Fall of 2015 and offers a full range of sizes up to size 32. The brand prides itself on #sexyforall size inclusivity.
Alissa Wilson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Stylish Curves, an online destination that has been serving the plus-size community since 2009. She started Stylish Curves to create a space for plus size women to discover new plus-size designers, retailers, style tips, and celebrate the body positive movement. People Style named her blog, Stylish Curves, a go-to fashion hub for plus size women and she has appeared as a plus size fashion expert on Good Morning America. Alissa has been featured on Refinery 29, Bustle, Vogue Style, Essence Magazine, Redbook, Glamour.com, as well as a host of other media outlets.
Marjorie Gubelmann is a New York fashion and social A-Lister and now also Queen Bee of the DJs. As a DJ she goes by the name Mad Marj and has opened for Cardi B, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Liam Payne, Lil Jon, Rita Ora, New Order and Skrillex. She has worked with clients such as Dolce and Gabbana, Tiffany & Co, Cadillac, and many more. Her inspirational story has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, W Magazine, Vanity Fair, Town and Country, Vogue Mexico, Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue.com, and Style.com. Mad Marj has also appeared on the Today Show and Martha and Snoop Potluck Dinner Party.
Gaëlle Prudencio is a Paris based plus size fashion blogger and designer. She is one of the spokespersons of the body positive movement in France and the creator of the French Curves challenge, a monthly outfit challenge that brings together French-speaking bloggers. In March 2017 she launched Ibilola, the first line of plus size clothing in Wax, and recently released her first book, "Proud to be myself", about her path to self-acceptance.
Mallory B. Richardson is a Native American influencer and a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. She is the CEO of The Platform Experience, A North Carolina based fashion house that provides multiple services including wardrobe styling and model coaching. She is the Creator and Producer of North Carolina’s plus fashion week entitled Crusade of Curves. Mallory is alos the Founder of Beaucoup, Raleigh’s premiere plus size nonprofit support network for career development, wellness, and service. She is adding another notch to her belt, fashion designer, and recently launched the Nova Grace Collection, a duster collection, infused with her Indigenous culture with the designs and color stories for everyone to enjoy.
Kristine Thompson is the founder of TrendyCurvy.com, a body-positive fashion & lifestyle blog. Kristine started TrendyCurvy in 2013 as a creative outlet. It has since grown into a destination for fashion lovers around the world looking for style & inspirational content. Kristine's fashion has been featured in online and print publications including Vogue Italia, Glamour Magazine, People StyleWatch, and Essence Magazine. In October of 2019, Kristine extended her blog platform to include the launch of her own plus size clothing line, KinbyKristine.com.
Micki Krimmel is the Founder and CEO of Superfit Hero. She founded Superfit Hero in 2015, inspired by her experience playing roller derby. Through sport, she found a deep non-judgemental connection to her body that created space for a new sense of self possession and confidence. It was a transformative experience and she dove headfirst into the Body Positivity movement. The more she learned about Health At Every Size (HAES) and diet culture, the angrier she became about traditional fitness marketing.
She created Superfit Hero to exist as an alternative - a fitness brand that celebrates bodies as they are, not as they “should” be. Superfit Hero is continually evolving as a brand and learning how to best serve the community.
Superfit Hero has become one of the most trusted and highly-reviewed brands in activewear, and has been featured in Buzzfeed, NBC, Self, Refinery29, Shape, SELF, Forbes, and many other publications. Micki’s goal is to establish Superfit Hero as the go-to and most trusted brand for plus size activewear.
Gianluca Russo is a fashion and culture writer who recently moved from New York to Arizona. He currently works as a fashion reporter for Teen Vogue and runs a monthly column at NYLON titled PLUS US that explores the many ways the plus-size community is discriminated against in our society today. Gianluca’s work has also been published in GQ, Glamour, NYLON, InStyle, Fashionista, Refinery29, and more. His features discussing topics like size inclusivity and body positivity have sparked many conversations within the plus-size community, and his coverage of New York Fashion Week has received attention on a national level by outlets like CBS This Morning.
In July, Gianluca and his team launched The Power of Plus digital community that has quickly grown to nearly 10,000 followers and counting, providing free virtual panels, monthly body positive book club, size-inclusive brand spotlights, and more. His debut book, THE POWER OF PLUS, will be out in 2022 from Chicago Review Press.
Ashley Nell Tipton won season 14 of Project Runway in 2015. She signed a contract with clothing retail giant JC Penny to design and be the face of their “plus-size” Boutique +. She has also designed plus sized patterns for Simplicity and her own jewelry line for K&M Accessories. Gifted in understanding the needs of the plus-size consumer Ashley released her first line of apparel and eyewear in November of 2017 and continues to work as a design consultant for other plus size establishments.
Ashley has appeared in numerable media outlets, including Fashionista, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, InStyle, Racked, USA Today, People, and Cosmopolitan magazines, as well as Lifetime, E Online, and The Wrap TV shows.
Nadia Boujarwah is the Co-Founder & CEO of Dia&Co. Growing up, Boujarwah struggled to find stylish clothing in her size. She knew she wasn’t alone, so she teamed up with her Harvard Business School classmate Lydia Gilbert to transform the shopping experience for the 100 million plus-size women in America.
Dia&Co stylists work with top brands — from industry staples to up-and-coming young designers — to provide each customer with curated looks to suit her unique style and shape. Dia has a dedicated and diverse customer base crossing all 50 states and more than 80 percent of ZIP codes.
Prior to founding Dia&Co, Boujarwah worked as an investment banker at Perella Weinberg Partners, and most recently served as COO and CFO of New York-based jewelry brand Frieda and Nellie. With a Cuban mother and a Kuwaiti father, Boujarwah hails from both Miami and the Middle East, and is currently based in New York.
Yesenia Torres is the Design Director of ELOQUII, the trend-driven retailer for women sizes 14+. Beginning her tenure at ELOQUII in 2017 as Senior Designer, she was quickly promoted to her current position a year later as Design Director. A master in her field, Yesenia specializes in trend analysis, fit, textiles, and apparel in both straight and plus sizes. She played an integral part in leading the design for some of the brand’s most notable and successful collection partnerships: Draper James, Jason Wu, Cosabella, and Priscilla Ono. Under her direction, ELOQUII’s pieces have been globally recognized and worn by celebrities such as Chrissy Metz, Octavia Spencer, Rebel Wilson, and more.
Johnathan “Kayne” Gillaspie is a successful fashion designer and business owner based in Nashville, Tennessee. Kayne gained notoriety on Project Runway Season 3 in 2006, where he placed in the top 5 designers. He starred on the TLC special Gown Crazy in 2009, and has also appeared on E!, ABC, NBC, Bravo, and The Style Network. In 2012, Kayne competed on the second season of Project Runway All Stars on Lifetime television. He serves as a fashion expert for Country Weekly, Zuus Country, and NStyle Country. A few of his celebrity clients include Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Kelly Pickler, Tanya Tucker, Lee Brice, Rascal Flatts, and Reba McEntire. Today, the Johnathan Kayne label is sold to over 1200 dress boutiques across the U.S., around the world, and online. His latest project is a collaboration with Sydney's Closet, launching the "Dangerous Curves Collection", glamorous evening wear for sizes 12-24.
Kim Baker is a former Wilhelmina Model, turned commercial makeup artist who specializes in working with celebrities and models, based in New York. Kim's unique background and approach to beauty is what sets her apart from her peers. For 20 years, Kim was in front of the camera, beginning as a size 4 model and then in the early 90s became what was considered one of the pioneers in the plus size industry. Today, Kim has turned her passion for beauty into working with everyday women and has created Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics, a cosmetics line to enhance that "special something" she believes everyone has that makes them beautiful - their personality. Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics has been featured on Good Morning America, The View, Refinery29, In Touch Weekly, Essence, and more.
Gwendolyn DeVoe is the Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week®, an annual presentation of the fashion industry’s finest plus models, designers, retailers, boutiques and businesses with products and services for the plus community. The event celebrated ten years of production in June 2018 and is heralded as one of the industry’s most legitimate gateways for plus fashion and a “must attend’ for anyone involved in the industry. Gwen has written content for USA Today, and has appeared as an expert on several radio and television shows including Fox 5’s Good Day New York, OMG! Insider Entertainment Tonight and ASPIRE TV. Gwen’s recent features include The Huffington Post’s Women in Business, Fortune.com, Fashion & Style, and Biz Women - The Business Journal. Full Figured Fashion Week will be held virtually, June 25-28, with a week full of fashion, entertainment, and a celebration of curves!
Kelly Price has forged her own career path in music, when she first earned the reputation as one of the industry’s most sought-after songwriters, before becoming a 9-time Grammy-nominated artist in her own right. Her first two albums, Soul of a Woman and Mirror Mirror both went platinum and launched Price to R&B prominence. Ever growing and ready for new ventures, Kelly Price is currently a series regular for the critically acclaimed drama American Soul, now in its second season. Price has also been given the distinguished honor of joining the iconic panel of Judges for BET’s hit gospel singing competition Sunday Best. Her new singles “What I Need and Unsung” are currently on all digital outlets!
Joy Cook is the CEO of Joy Cook Public Relations Group, speaker, and a best-selling author. Joy is an experienced professional in making and fostering relationships through digital engagement. This has placed her among top professionals in managing the online community. Joy took her Twitter talents to the White House when she was selected as one of the influential invitees by former President Barack Obama, to attend the arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister of Great Britain as a White House Tweetup participant. A member of The Public Relations Society of America, Joy has been honored as one of the Business Journal’s 40 Leaders under Forty. She chaired the Education Committee for the City of Greensboro, Commission on the Status of Women and represented the 12th Congressional District as Delegate for the Democratic National Convention. Joy has been featured on HLN, CSPAN, BBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC affiliates, ESSENCE Magazine Online, NPR and other local, national, and international platforms.
Keisha Holmes is the Merchandise Manager for Curvy Sense, a plus-size trendy e-commerce brand, designed and manufactured in Los Angeles. Launched in 2016 she spearheaded a small start-up plus size clothing brand into a multi-million dollar fashion brand. Keisha has 28 years of experience in the fashion industry, specializing in plus sizes for 20. After buyer positions at Fredericks of Hollywood, Torrid, and other national stores; Keisha transitioned to her position at Forever21, where she helped launch their plus-size division. Keisha's goal with Curvy Sense is to create affordable, fashionable, trendy fashion for plus-size women, so every woman can find something she would love to wear. Curvy Sense is currently manufacturing non-medical masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 for hospitals, medical clinics, and other essential businesses in need.
Phil Ryan is the Managing Director and CEO of City Chic Collective, a leading global plus size retailer. Since 2006, when Phil and his small team created the brand, his vision has been to lead a world of curves. Under Phil’s leadership City Chic has opened more than 100 stores in Australia and New Zealand and it now has a global digital footprint that represents over 50% of sales. City Chic’s presence in the USA dates from 2010 with the launch of the City Chic US website and the brand also has longstanding and successful partnerships with Nordstroms, Macys and Bloomingdales. City Chic further extended its US presence in 2019 with the acquisition of plus size online lingerie retailer, Hips & Curves and the e-commerce assets of another well-known plus size brand, Avenue. With over 25 years’ experience in senior and strategic retail apparel management, Phil is a global authority and passionate advocate for the plus size consumer.
Nicole Phillips is the Director of Social Media & Communications for 11 Honoré, a plus-size luxury e-tailer who partners with designers and brands to expand their offering into plus sizes. Some of the brands on their platform include, DVF, Carolina Herrera, Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell, Adam Lippes, Marc Jacobs, Sachin & Babi and many more. Nicole has worked in the plus size industry for over 12 years. Before 11 Honoré, she worked at plus size retail chain, Torrid where she worked in merchandising and marketing, focusing on building the brand's social presence, influencer relationships and community. Nicole is dedicated and passionate about working in a fashion space that has been long time ignored by the fashion world. She is outspoken, driven and excited about where 11 Honoré is headed and believes that every person who wants to express themselves through beautifully, well-made clothing, should have the ability to.
Kimberly Williams is the CEO and designer of the newly launched La Forme Clothing & Accessories, made and manufactured in Lagos, Nigeria. Since 2015 she has worked in various facets of the plus industry including boutique owner, plus model manager, and blogger. In 2016 she served as a staff writer for Fashion Bomb Daily, the web’s number one destination for multicultural fashion. She has also worked on the celebrity styling team for gospel star Le’andria Johnson at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers Gospel Music Honors. Kimberly’s keen business sense and her knack for fashion makes her one to watch in 2020!
Tamara Ivey is currently the Marketing Manager of Customer Acquisition for Ashley Stewart, Inc. She is the brain and master behind event marketing and the in-house public relations team. Some of her accomplishments include the Annual Thankful for Fashion Event, The Love Your Curves Tour, Arise Television fashion segment, star of Ashley TV and occasionally using her beauty expertise for Ashley Stewart fashion shows and campaign shoots. Tamara never forgets her humble beginnings and always looks for opportunities to recruit talent from the Empire Beauty schools across America as Empire Beauty holds a very special place in her heart. Tamara is committed to giving back to her community by advising young people to follow their dreams.
Jessica Milagros is a Plus Size Model, Body Diversity Advocate and CBS Season 21 ‘Big Brother’ Reality TV Star. She is signed to IPM Model Management and has been featured in various publications, appeared on national television, and has walked several runways including New York Fashion Week and The Business of Curves at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Jessica has worked with major retail brands, such as Ashley Stewart, Kohls, Target, Fashion to Figure and was the first Latina size 16/18 model to land a national commercial and swimsuit collaboration with retailer JCPENNEY. She is passionate about presenting opportunities for all body types to be represented and believes in breaking the social norms.
Mara Hall is an actress and entertainer who can currently be seen as Darcia Lancaster on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s spicy nighttime drama, “Ambitions”. Mara joined the cast of the new OWN, Will Packer Productions series Ambitions in 2019 as a series regular. Many may recognize her from recurring roles on Scandal (ABC), The Quad (BET), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Saints & Sinners (Bounce TV), and much more. She is also a Type 2 diabetes awareness advocate and talks openly about her experience living with the condition. Catch Mara on the hit drama series "Ambitions" midseason premiere on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Steffany Bready-Edwards is a Fashion/Wardrobe and Personal Stylist based in Brooklyn, NY. In 2009 she established her business SteffanyAllen, LLC, which empowers women of all sizes to change their perception of themselves and enable them to tap into their inner selves through wardrobe and accessories. She has provided styling for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week ™, Ashley Stewart, promotional based events for Lane Bryant, editorial styling for Plus Model Magazine and has been a guest wardrobe stylist for The Nate Berkus Show. In November 2017, she was appointed Fashion Editor for CurvesBeReal Magazine. Steffany is nominated as “Female Stylist of the Year” for the inaugural Full Figured Industry Awards, November 2nd in New York.
Zakiyah Caldwell is a Philadelphia native who began her journey as a photographer in 2010. Since then she's collaborated on many projects including Saks 5th Avenues Salon & Spa, NBA Star Chris Bosh's Mr. Nice Tie by Armstrong & Wilson, Diva Curves by Actor Sayed Badreya, as well as numerous celebrities and influencers.
Zakiyah’s work has been published in a variety of magazines including Philadelphia Wedding Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Cole Magazine in Norway, Elle'ments Magazine, Fabuplus, Queen Size Magazine, BTFL and POSE Magazine to name a few. Most recently Zakiyah shot the October 2019 Love Your Body issue of PLUS Model Magazine and is nominated as “Female Photographer of the Year” for the inaugural Full Figured Industry Awards, November 2nd in New York.
Mallory B. Richardson is a Native American influencer and a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. She is the CEO of The Platform Experience, A North Carolina based fashion house that provides multiple services including wardrobe styling and model coaching. She is also the Creator and Producer of Crusade of Curves, North Carolina’s first and only curvy community fashion week and Founder of Beaucoup, Raleigh's premiere plus size nonprofit support network for career development, wellness and service. Mallory is nominated as “Emerging Female Model of the Year” for the inaugural Full Figured Industry Awards, November 2nd in New York.
Gwendolyn DeVoe is the Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week®, an annual presentation of the fashion industry’s finest plus models, designers, retailers, boutiques and businesses with products and services for the plus community. The event celebrated ten years of production in June 2018 and is heralded as one of the industry’s most legitimate gateways for plus fashion and a “must attend’ for anyone involved in the industry. Gwen has written content for USA Today, and has appeared as an expert on several radio and television shows including Fox 5’s Good Day New York, OMG! Insider Entertainment Tonight and ASPIRE TV. Gwen’s recent features include The Huffington Post’s Women in Business, Fortune.com, Fashion & Style, and Biz Women - The Business Journal. Gwen will be recognized at the inaugural Full Figured Industry Awards as the Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, November 2nd in New York.
Jennifer Barreto- Leyva is the Editor in Chief of Belleza XL the first and only Magazine in history of media dedicated to plus size people in Spanish. She is also a lawyer, journalist, and activist with over 20 years in the body positive movement. Her work has been celebrated and highlighted for Franza Sozanni, Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia and Cristina Saralegui best known as the Latina Oprah. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Ravishly Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, and seen on Univision. Most recently she was featured on OprahMag.com as Latina influencer to be inspired by and nominated as “Journalist of the Year” for the inaugural Full Figured Industry Awards, November 2nd in New York.
MsNickee Mack is the CEO and Founder of Diva Day International Modeling Agency, Makeup Studio, and Development Firm. She is also a brand ambassador for several brands and represents models on their journey as ambassadors and signature models for various clients. In 2016 MsNickee added author to her list of accomplishments with the book “Your Guide to a Perfect Fashion Show Production”. In addition, she is the Atlanta Regional Brand Director for ORS/Olive Oil natural hair care line and has built a team of certified natural hair product advisers. MsNickee is set to co-host The Full Figured Industry Awards, November 2nd in New York.
Leah V is an International Hijabi social media influencer with over a million views combined and new author of Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim. She plays many roles as an educator, public speaker, plus-size model, recipient of the esteemed Gilda Award and the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship (London), and as an activist who’s been featured by Buzzfeed, Yahoo, CBS, CBC, Huffington Post, Seventeen Magazine, and the New York Times. In addition to landing national and international features, she's worked on projects with Adidas, Polaroid, Refinery 29, and NYLON magazine.
Mickey Armstrong is a photographer, producer of The Plus Report, and Executive Producer of District Of Curves: The Washington DC Full Figured Fashion Showcase. The annual show has become Washington DC’s largest platform for plus size models, designers, and body positive activists. Both platforms were created to help small businesses, small business owners, body positive activists, and influencers within the curvy community, grow and expand their reach throughout and beyond the worlds of plus size fashion and body positivity. District Of Curves is partnering with Fashion Centre at Pentagon City for The Fall Fashion Preview happening September 21st!
Maui Bigelow is the curator of PHAT Girl Fresh, a digital platform that blends feminism with social, fashion, and beauty culture, Maui is known for bringing progressive, authentic conversations with a southern charm only she can provide.
Her annual event hosted in Atlanta, PHAT Girl Fresh Presents: Life Styled, is a tribute event that honors and celebrates promising and notable female leaders in fashion, entertainment and empowerment.
Maui has been featured in articles for Plus Model Magazine, Mic.com Bustle, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Allure, Good Housekeeping, and Seventeen Magazine, just to name a few.
For her latest project she has joined forces with urban media giant, Madame Noire to present #CurvyNoire, a fashion experience happening Sunday, September 8th in NYC. Hosted during the height of New York Fashion Week, this event will yield some of the most prominent Black women that the plus-size community/industry has to offer.
Joe Freeman is the CEO of MedZone, parent company to the brand-new Zone Naturals line, an all-natural offering of practical skincare products designed to prevent, soothe, and calm everyday skin irritations like chub rub and blisters. The company’s debut product, Chub Rub® Formula, is a cruelty free, anti-chafe beauty stick that delivers paraben free, long lasting, non-greasy chafing protection in every swipe.
Cassy Jones- McBryde is an award-winning social entrepreneur who has a long-standing commitment to the empowerment and positive development of women and girls internationally and specifically in Detroit. In 2009, Cassy founded The International Fuller Woman Network, a body-positive, initiative based organization that connects women around the world to resources that help create a body-positive lifestyle. She has produced initiatives like The International Fuller Woman Expo in Africa, Asia, and the United States. Named 2013 Ebony.com Plus Fashion Power Player, recipient of the 2014 Heineken Taste Maker Award for Community Excellence, 2016 Spirit of Detroit Awardee and 2019 Corp Magazine Diversity in Business Leader, Cassandra has dedicated her life to helping women overcome adversity, improve their self-image and build a community of positive support and love. The tenth anniversary celebration of The International Fuller Woman Weekend is October 4-6 in Michigan.
Nicci Gilbert-Daniels is a founding member of the Grammy nominated group Brownstone and one of television’s most sought after executive producers. As the CEO of NoEgo Entertainment, an entertainment production company, she created TV One’s most popular docu-franchise, “R&B Divas”, and the popular BET networks series, “From the Bottom Up” and her upcoming Documentary Film “Broken Things”. Nicci’s intense passion for all that she does, effortlessly manifests itself in her many accomplishments, including deals and partnerships with the legendary Michael Jackson MJJ Records, super producer Tyler Perry, and television mogul Queen Latifah. She is also an entrepreneur who launched Curvato clothing line for the niche plus size market. Nicci will be a featured speaker at 2019 TCFStyle Expo August 9-11 in Atlanta!
Corissa Enneking is the creator of Fat Girl Flow, a body-positive blog launched in 2015. Fatgirlflow has been featured on several major media outlets including Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Life and Style, and The Daily Mail. Corissa will be a featured blogger at 2019 TCFStyle Expo Blogger Mastermind in Atlanta!
Marie Denee is a plus size business expert and the Editor In Chief of The Curvy Fashionista, a fashion and style blog that is a one-stop shop for all things curvy, confident, and chic! In 2017 she was honored as The Root 100’s List of the Most Influential African Americans and was a recipient of The Network Journal's 2018 "40 Under Forty" Achievement Award. Marie has been featured in Ebony, Essence, Lucky Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Marie Claire Italia, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, Madame Noire, Shape Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and more. She is also the creator of the TCFStyle Expo, an annual plus size shopping event where women and men bond over style, entertainment, and empowerment. The 2019 TCFStyle Expo will be August 9 -11 in Atlanta at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center!
Karla Tobie is a beauty influencer, entrepreneur and body positivity advocate whose impact has caused brands to name her "one of the most influential beauty brands in the world". Hailing from St.Lucia and now, deeply rooted in New York City. Karla's impact on the beauty industry - through videos, viral campaigns and appearances, has catapulted her from small videos in her bedroom mirror to the main stage with a following that now spans millions.
With a brand built on creativity, Karla created the "Princess Bellaaa" brand - an alter-ego brand, turned empire, whose mission is to represent, empower, inspire and promote diversity in beauty and the media through visuals. campaigns, social media and her creative content brand: Karla Tobie Media.
Karla will be a featured speaker at 2019 TCFStyle Expo August 9-11 in Atlanta!
Staci Pratt is a plus-size model, actress, and entrepreneur based in Southern California. Born into an entertainment family, she has been acting professionally since she was 5. Staci made a successful transition to the plus-size modeling industry, signed by IPM Model Management. Her clients include Kohls, JCPenney, Nordstrom’s, Lee Jeans, Ashley Stewart, Standards & Practices, Avenue, and many more. She recently did her ?rst international magazine spread and is in talks to expand her representation internationally. Modeling has been an incredible way for Staci to promote body positivity, self-love, and represent women of all shapes and sizes.
Liris Crosse, dubbed “The “Body” and “The Naomi Campbell of Plus” is a model/actress and pioneer in the fashion industry for full-figured and African American women pushing curvy women into mainstream fashion! She has graced magazines from American Vogue, Essence, British Cosmopolitan to Vibe as well as been featured in store campaigns for Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart. Liris was named one of the “Top Ten Plus Models” in the industry by Vibe Vixen Magazine, the Huffington Post’s “Top Ten Most Popular Plus Models” and Dose.com named her one of the “Top 20 Models Destroying Traditional Beauty Standards”! Liris also made her mark in the video vixen market hailed one of the Eye Candy Models of the decade by XXL Magazine. In November 2017, Liris was named one of the two model winners of Project Runway to be featured in Marie Claire magazine, a first for plus models.
Liris is currently on the cover of the July 2019 Sexy Summer Issue of PLUS Model Magazine and is a featured speaker at the Essence Music Festival July 5-7 in New Orleans.
Beviyan Wilson is the Founder and Director of Operations for the Curvy Alliance (formally known as Project Curve Appeal Movement), an organization dedicated to promoting, empowering and educating full-figured women to celebrate their beauty and embrace their curves while living a healthy lifestyle. She is also the creator of Curvy Girls Slay Magazine, the official magazine for the Curvy Alliance. Known as Design Queen, she is a professional web and graphic designer, with over 10 years of experience. Beviyan has a mission to help develop female entrepreneurs and to unite, empower, educate, and entertain women worldwide.
Francie Maupin, known professionally as MissDivaKurves, is a plus-size model, designer and digital influencer based in Atlanta. Francie is the Founder and CEO of the plus size fashion brand, The Diva Kurves Collection, launched in 2014, which includes the popular #swimthick swimwear. That same year she launched The Kurves Calendar, which features curvaceous plus-size models. Francie continues to set trends and inspire plus size women all over the world to love the skin that they are in. Francie’s motto: your body is yours, own it! Her annual Swim Thick Pool Party is set for August 17, 2019 in Atlanta, hosted by Fat Man Scoop!
Natasha Williams is the Executive Director of Curvy Express, a social hub that empowers curvy women to be confident in their lifestyle. She works to manifest the dreams of women through the curation of social events that focus on confidence and self-love. In 2017, Natasha founded DREAM BIG Midwest, Chicago’s first and largest plus-size fashion and beauty conference in an effort to build a community of curvy women while also promoting inclusion in the Midwest’s fashion industry. Natasha has partnered with several national companies including Lane Bryant, ELOQUII, JCPenney, Bai, Sugar Factory, Big Fig Mattress, Parfait, and many more. She was the first to collaborate with Chicago’s Macy’s on State Street on a fashion show that was exclusively for the curvy and plus-size woman. The DREAM BIG Curvy Conference & Fashion Show is August 17-18, 2019 in Chicago!
Jaclyn McCabe is a radical self-love and body positive advocate who believes beauty is a mindset, not a waistline.™ After spending too many years dreading the dressing room, she decided to create a space where plus-size women don’t need to choose between clothes that fit and clothes that are fabulous. Jaci Blue, a plus-size boutique in New Orleans, offers women like her exclusive access to bold prints, luxe fabrics and Jaclyn's signature style in sizes 12 and up. In addition to her boutique, Jaclyn created the annual Not So Skinny Dip: A Plus Size Pool Party happening June 15, 2019 in New Orleans and is adding self-love coaching to her brand in late 2019.
Jill Angie is an author, certified running coach, and personal trainer who wants to live in a world where everyone is free to feel fit and fabulous at any size. She started the Not Your Average Runner movement to show that runners come in all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Jill is featured in plus size fashion retailer Avenue’s latest “Confidence Series” Spring campaign. The campaign is currently being featured nationwide at Avenue stores and on the June 2019 cover of Queen Size Magazine.
Angela Rene' is CEO and designer of Rene' Tyler Plus Sizes 12 & Above. A trailblazer in the plus industry, she has helped pave the way for plus size brands that are now being recognized in the fashion industry. She made history as the producer of Haute Curves LA Fashion Week, the first plus size fashion show during LA Fashion Week in 2012. She made history again as the first plus size brand to show at the prestigious Art Heart's Fashion, at LA Fashion Week, in the Fall of 2016 and Spring 2018. Rene’ Tyler has been featured on AMC’s ‘Dietland’, and her designs have been worn by celebrities such as Laverne Cox, Marsha Ambrosius, and Erica Campbell. Her most recent accomplishment is the opening of her signature boutique, Rene’ Tyler Plus Sizes 12 & Above located at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Palazzo, making it the only plus size boutique on the Las Vegas Strip!
Donna Perry is the CEO of the Courageously Curvy Girls Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle for under served girls of color by building resources and leading change initiatives in the New York area and beyond. She served as Miss New York Plus America 2015 and continues to uplift and empower plus size women with her brand, Courageously Curvy. Through workshops, motivational speaking, and empowerment apparel, Donna encourages women to embrace their curves unapologetically, love themselves unconditionally, and live their very best lives. The 2nd Annual Courageous, Curvy and Paving the Way Awards Luncheon is September 28, 2019 in Great Neck, NY.
Renee Cafaro is the U.S. editor of SLiNK Magazine, a international plus-size fashion and lifestyle magazine. Renee has spoken on many expert panels and has been featured in various outlets including InStyle, Glamour, and Elite Daily as an expert. Her goal is to inspire all women to truly love themselves no matter if they're a size 0 or a size 40. Renee believes every woman should have the opportunity to reach their full potential no matter what goal they're trying to reach. As an editor, Renee has worked closely with celebrity designers such as Christian Siriano, and models who are empowering the plus-size community.
Joy Tribble, aka “Justyn Joy”, is the founder of The Plus Strut™, the 1st 5K for plus size women in North America. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Joy is proud to call Atlanta home, for close to 17 years. Having a robust radio career, she's worked in several markets around the country, including V103 and Mix 877, in Atlanta. She's also performed on some of the comedy world's most prestigious stages, from the World Famous Improv, to The Punchline Comedy Club. Full of charm and quick wit, she realizes that captivating audiences is a part of her God-given talent. The Plus Strut takes place in Atlanta, May 4th.
Ms. Theresa “Sparkle” Randolph is the CEO and President of the Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Pageant. This year marks the pageant’s 30th anniversary, making it the longest running and one of the most successful pageants solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full-figured woman. This unforgettable lady energetically crafts the pageants into the most spectacular extravaganzas to be seen with celebrity guests and dynamic production, her highly anticipated sold-out events are a must-see! The Ms. Full-Figured Pageant has been featured on television shows such as TV One's News One Now, ABCTV's Here and Now, Good Day New York, News12 New Jersey, MY9 News, NBC Nightly News, CW11 Morning News, FIOS 1 News, and many more. Theresa’s full-figured pageants, along with all of her other outstanding undertakings, are her glittering testaments to diversity in beauty and business. Her motto is “Size has no barrier on beauty” and she most certainly exemplifies that! The 30th Annual Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant will take place Sunday, April 28th, 2019 in Newark, NJ.
Annette Richmond is a globe trotter and goal digger. She’s a writer, an advocate, the creator of Fat Girls Traveling and Fat Camp, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Fat Girls Guide. As a Digital Nomad she’s constantly on the move. After two years and twenty countries, Richmond hopes to continue to inspire fat women to see the world and be seen.
Dale Noelle? is the Founder and CEO of TRUE Model Management. She was one of the fashion industry’s most successful fitting models for nearly two decades before she founded TRUE Model Management. During her career as a professional model, she worked with the most reputable fashion influencers including designers/brands: Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Oleg Cassini, Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, Gap, J.Crew, Victoria’s Secret, and many more. Dale Noelle has been featured in multiple television, print, and online publications, including ?Bloomberg?, ?Forbes?, ?Fox Business News: Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®?, ?The Huffington Post?, and New York Times. She is also an instructor at The Fashion Institute of Technology and is a new board member of the Miss America New York organization.
Born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, Devorah is a true country girl with a city grind. Devorah is an in-demand plus model that has graced the cover of Plus Model Magazine for their Love Your Body October 2017 issue, and she's worked with well-known brands such as Ashley Stewart, CurlBox, Jibri, and Rue107. In 2018, Devorah landed her first national hair campaign with Crème of Nature for a Pure Honey, which can be seen on billboards nationwide. When Devorah isn't busy being a mother and a model, she dedicates her time to working with children who have Autism as well as other developmental disorders.
Coach Tulin is The Plus Size Health & Fitness Motivator. She advocates for those starting or re-engaging in fitness from a place of self love and has been helping women on their journey for over 20 years. She is a respectful disruptor in the health and fitness industry who has worked tirelessness to have plus size bodies on the fitness journey seen, voices heard, and to show we are more than a before. She not only works with plus size women but well known fitness professionals as a peer in the fitness industry. Her mantra and hashtag, #fithasnoSize, is dedicated to bridging the gap between those that are plus size or on the journey and the fitness industry. Coach Tulin has shared her message on stages across the US and Canada, to her over 300k followers on social media, and millions across the globe on the power of exercise modifications and creating a healthy relationship with fitness that aligns with how people WANT to feel, forever removing the idea that fitness is punishing. Coach Tulin is a social media fitness influencer having recently been featured in the mainstream fitness program, Proving Grounds, shared her passion on Fabletics campaign, and Lane Bryant.
Tawana Blassingame is the Editor In Chief of Queen Size Magazine, a monthly national plus size fashion and lifestyle publication for both men and women founded in 2011. Tawana is embarking on a new journey. She is the Executive Producer of the Full Figured Industry Awards (also known as the FFIAs) premiering November 2019. The FFIAs is a prestigious ceremony of awards honoring the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence across various platforms spanning the full figured industry. From models, makeup artists and designers, to bloggers, photographers, entertainers, influencers, and productions; Tawana and her team are working relentlessly to ensure that each and every well deserving nominee is celebrated for their work ethic and dedication to the industry.
Kenyatta Johnson is an accomplished author, television and radio personality, production director, motivational speaker, philanthropist, leadership and empowerment coach. Kenyatta is the creator of Power Plus Weekend, an annual conference scheduled for March 22 & 23, 2019 in Durham, NC. The two-day event will feature several speakers, including thought leaders, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and industry powerhouses. Power Plus Weekend will bring to life the encouragement network’s mantra, “The POWER of S.H.E”, fostering the belief that when women work together through support, healing and empowerment, they will succeed in life and business.
Alexandra Boos is a Hollywood talent manager and coach who is currently most known for her role in developing and managing the career of celebrity Rosie Mercado, host of talk show Face the Truth, produced by Dr. Phil and CBS.
As a thirty-year fashion pioneer, New Yorker magazine called Alexandra a “fixture” in the plus industry, passionately supporting growth in every creative spectrum from modeling to marketing and creative director for a plus fashion magazine to launching a curves division at a Manhattan modeling agency. Alexandra currently develops talent with her own unique faith-based methodology armed with the mission to help create celebrities in fashion and entertainment who serve the world with the gifts and talents God gave them.
Lynx Garcia, also known as Supersize Spanishfly, is an entertainer and activist that has been in the plus size community for over 25 years and is a pioneer in the fight for size acceptance. Most recently, Lynx has been appointed as the ambassador and face of SHE Beverage Company. Lynx has created the Curvas Fashion Show, an all-inclusive fashion show featuring women of all sizes, produced by Gwen Devoe, for SHE Beverage Company’s inaugural SHE Week women’s convention taking place in Las Vegas, July 15-22, 2019!
Kim Postell is the founder of Naturally Fashionable, a lifestyle blog for the timeless woman navigating career, travel, beauty, and style. Naturally Fashionable also chronicles Kim’s expat life in Kuwait, which took form after she quit her job as a public school teacher in North Carolina. She also hosts a successful YouTube channel to compliment her true-to-self Instagram which has over 130,000 followers, through which she emphasis very strong and unpopular views about fashion, such as fit is the key to great style. Kim’s brand grew immensely with the support of partners such as Creme of Nature, ORS, Vaseline, Always and Shein. In addition, Naturally Fashionable has been featured in Redbook, Ebony, Buzzfeed, and Essence.
Christian Omeshun was founded by Atlanta based designer A’Shontay Hubbard. A’Shontay chose to pursue fashion design when she noticed a lack of modern, sophisticated options for plus sized women - particularly if they were tall. The options found in stores were often cookie cutter, generic, and had an unflattering fit and length. As a plus size woman with a flair for fashion, A’Shontay found this simply unacceptable and set out to create a custom clothing line for the woman who wanted more. Christian Omeshun has been featured in Essence, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Skorch Mag, Kontrol Mag, and The Curvy Fashionista.
Pretty BIG Movement CEO and Founder Akira Armstrong is a trailblazing pioneer with a big heart and an even BIGGER vision. The Bronx native holds credits including Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Salt-N-Pepa, SWV, Jennifer Hudson, Jasmine Sullivan, Daddy Yankee, Big Freedia, Lane Bryant, Black Girls Rock, and Canadian plus brand Pennington. Armstrong established the house of full-figured, voluptuous, talented and otherwise overlooked dancers in 2008. She sought out the opportunity to create a path and platform all her own which would cultivate empowerment for women of the unorthodox industry look. With the release of Condé Nas "The Scene: Breaking Stereotypes" the Movement became an international household name, with +10 million views overnight and they have been disrupting the waves of mainstream media ever since!
Nancy Youssef is the founder and President of Curves with Purpose, a plus size fashion community. The e-commerce marketplace is ascending the movement of shape diversity, curating global brands for women sizes up to 3X, utilizing an online fit tool to ease the online shopping experience and providing size and styling recommendation. Curves with Purpose also supports charitable organizations in an effort to help disrupt the cycle of poverty.
Jonquel Norwood is an artist, textile designer and body positive influencer from New Orleans, LA. Her mission is to spread the word of body positivity and confidence through her art. She is best known for her plus-size recreations of the Disney Princesses, which have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, Yahoo Style, BET.com and other media outlets. Jonquel has worked with brands such as Full Figured Fashion Week, Ashley Stewart, Rue 107, The Curvy Con, Lane Bryant, and Dia&Co. She is hosting The Curvy Art+Fashion Experience featuring Courtney Noelle, February 9th in New York City! sjii9tSq3DMHzXz4ehj6
A news-junkie with a passion for style and entertainment, Allison McGevna has been working in digital media for more than a decade with a specialty in fashion, film and television. She has worked across multiple platforms and has experience in several roles, including a writer, producer, host, and style architect for major brands and personalities. Allison built her media career at some of the industry’s top digital and broadcast outlets, including iOne Digital, where she was the Vice President of the Women's Lifestyle Division, overseeing content for HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She has also contributed to Glamour Magazine, People StyleWatch magazine, where she was a featured columnist, as well as FoxNews.com, where she helped to build the independent entertainment and style site, FOX411.com. A nationally recognized fashion, celebrity and pop culture expert, her work has provided her opportunities to interview some of Hollywood and Washington's biggest names alike, ranging from Tom Cruise to Maxine Waters, Denzel Washington to Marilyn Mosby, Jerry Lewis to April Ryan and more.
Tip Jones is an entrepreneur, author, business coach, and speaker. This Bronx, NY native launched POSE Magazine in 2011 and served as the Editor-in-Chief. Her magazine featured personalities such as Goo Goo Atkins, Denise Duffield-Thomas, Lalah Hathaway, CeCe Winans, Nene Leakes, Michael Jai White, Fred Hammond, and the late Dr. Maya Angelou, just to name a few. In 2012 POSE Magazine won the Magazine of the Year award at Full Figured Fashion Week. Now she has moved on to her passion: connecting women to create action plans for their personal and entrepreneurial success through her company Tip Jones Global. Tip Jones Global provides business coaching, graphic design, web design, book publishing, local entrepreneur workshops, webinars, and island retreats. Her upcoming event EnVision: The Ultimate Vision Board Event is January 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alexis Henry is a model of African and Irish descent represented by IPM Model Management. As a full-time model, Alexis can be recognized from working with brands such as Dia & Co, Rebdolls, Ashley Stewart, Old Navy, Nike, Urban Decay Cosmetics, SavageXFenty, Universal Standard, and Fashion Nova. In addition to modeling, Alexis has also produced workshops on body confidence and recently began speaking out to children in New York City charter schools, concentrating on finding self-love and respect. She is working to banish size and beauty stereotypes by not only illustrating and teaching body confidence but also sharing her world through fashion projects and modeling. Alexis hopes to encourage others to be kinder to themselves by promoting mental clarity and size representation.
Farrah Estrella is an award-winning Latina, plus size fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. A native of the Dominican Republic, she previously wrote for Examiner.com and made her blogging debut on the Estrella Fashion Report in 2012. She has been featured in fashion segments for CNN Latino Tampa, Telemundo Tampa, and Mira TV. Farrah modeled for Ashley Stewart's Fall 2016 campaign for extended sizes showcasing top plus size bloggers; and has worked with major brands such as Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Catherines. Named "Blogger of the Year" in 2015 by The Fashion Movement in Tampa and "Blogger of the Year" again in 2016 by Full Figured Fashion Week, she offers a unique voice in the industry.
Tricia Campbell is an accomplished plus-size supermodel, motivator, entrepreneur, and trailblazer who is gaining recognition as a symbol of confidence and a voice of encouragement to women everywhere. Hailing from Montego Bay, Jamicia, Tricia took bold steps towards realizing her dreams by attending The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. After earning a degree in fashion design, Tricia began working for a noted fashion designer. While working for the designer she was often asked to double as a plus-size model. Many opportunities later Tricia became an in demand, full time, plus size model requested by numerous fashion industry leaders. Tricia is Oprah's stand-in model for the O Magazine cover photo shoots and has been featured in publications such as Essence, Glamour, Sister 2 Sister, O Magazine, and Vice Magazine. She has represented clothing brands that include Ashley Stewart, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, American Rag, House of Dereon, and Jessica Simpson. In addition to walking runways in the worlds #1 fashion capital, Tricia is also one of the only "sexy size" models to have been featured on BET's Rip The Runway for 8 years in a row. Tricia is now taking her brand to the next level by stepping out as a designer by launching Glamour Glamour Swimwear.
Marcy Cruz is a New York City-based freelance writer, public speaker, extended sizes fit model and educator. Named one of the "11 Bloggers Inspiring The Body Positive Movement" by BodyPositivity.com and one of the "14 Latinx Plus-Size Fashionistas You Need To Follow" by Ravishly.com, she offers a unique voice in the industry. She is one of the few size 24+ fit models signed to a modeling agency, having done fit for brands such as Universal Standard, Eloquii and Mexican indie brand Generose. Marcy has also served as a model in body positive campaigns such as Shape Magazine’s Love My Shape series and Big Fig Mattress. Most recently, she filmed a mini docu-video for Allure Magazine detailing her experience as a nontraditional fit model and is a regular in Glamour Magazine’s Sizes 0 to 28 fashion video series, which has garnered over 10 million views on YouTube.
Aqila "Mimi" Benjamin of The Fuller Side of Things serves as an Emcee/Host, Body Positive Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Plus Model and her most popular role: Social Media Correspondent. With an infectious spirit and a keen sense of what it means to mobilize others, Mimi takes her roles seriously all while empowering everyone to be the best version of themselves. She gives her backing to any cause with the objective of the empowerment of people; and puts her money where her mouth is supporting numerous community service organizations. She also spends time promoting her own anti-bullying campaign: #Advocate4You. Through this initiative Mimi puts her pumps to the pavement, spreading body positivity and self advocacy. You can catch her traveling city to city on a mission to Unify, Mentor and Inspire others through her newest venture: the NetWerq Your Ass Off Tour!
Josiane Laure Modjom, also known as Malia Indigo, is an accountant, business analyst, social media specialist, plus-sized model, and body advocate. She is the founder and CEO of Malia Indigo Corporation (International Fashion Network) and listed on "Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada". Combining her multiple skills to help grow the plus size fashion industry, she is the producer of Toronto Plus Size Fashion Show and Paris Plus Size Fashion Show. Malia was recently awarded by CBC as one of the most innovative and creative young entrepreneurs in the Greater Area of Toronto. The 2018 Toronto Plus Size Fashion Show is November 10th with Gwen Devoe as the special guest. [Interview starts at 3:45]
Naimah Terry is an in-demand plus-size model represented by Dorothy Combs Models and State Management. She is the plus muse for contemporary brands like Adore Me, Fashion to Figure, David's Bridal, Christian Siriano, RBX and many more. She also models for major brands including Levis, Avenue, Ashley Stewart, Macys, and JCPenny to name a few. Naimah will be making her acting debut in the Curvy Girl Rock digital series, which aims to show authentic representations of plus size women, premiering Nov. 25th!
Zak Dunbar-Bell, also known as “K. Secret” is the creative director and CEO of the Jon Marc Collection and founder of National Curves Day. In 2015, National Curves Day launched as a movement for the empowerment of the curvy and plus size community with an inaugural event on the second Wednesday of October. The purpose was to encourage women to embrace and love who they are, stop body shaming and walk in confidence. As the movement grew so did the urge and desire to empower men who faced the same challenges and in 2017 became COED, an all-inclusive movement celebrating both women and men. In 2018, the registrar at the National Day Calendar proclaimed National Curves Day to be observed annually on the second Wednesday in October. The National Curves Day Honors and Fashion Gala, officially registered as #TheMetOfPlus, will feature a series of events to highlight fashion, diversity, confidence and to thank industry innovators and powerhouses for their contribution to diversity. The 4th Annual National Curves Day Honors and Fashion Gala is October 13, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
Actress Jen Ponton is a comedic force, consistently serving up big laughs on screen. A Muppet enthusiast, horror fanatic, and body love activist, Jen’s seasoned resume continues to grow. Jen appeared on the groundbreaking drama Dietland on AMC, as the recurring character, Rubi. Jen has also guest appeared on The Black List, 30 Rock, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Deadbeat, Orange is the New Black, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order: SVU, The Slap, and The Good Wife. Jen’s film credits include a starring role in the indie film Love on the Run with Frances Fisher and Steve Howey, the Warner Brothers film Going in Style and Chuck with Liev Schreiber. Jen is also a producer and writer with several pilots in development.
Erica Watson is an award-winning actress and comedian. Her acting talent has led to principal roles in films such as Christine Swanson’s “BlacKorea”, Spike Lee’s “ChiRaq”, Chris Rock’s Top Five, Steven Soderberg’s “Side Effects”, Lee Daniel’s “Precious” as well as top rated tv shows such as Showtime’s “The Chi”, NBC’s “Chicago Fire”, Fox’s “Empire” and TV One’s “Love That Girl”. Erica’s fearlessness makes her a fan favorite on ABC7’s Windy City Live, WCIU’s The Jam, Freeform’s “Happily Ever After” and TLC’s “Big Sexy”.
Erica is breaking barriers as one of the women featured in plus size retailer Avenue latest “Confidence Series” campaign as a size 28. The campaign is currently being featured nationwide at Avenue stores, on Avenue.com, across social media platforms, and on the September 2018 cover of Plus Model Magazine.
Theresa Larsen Royals is Miss Ashley Stewart 2017. She was the first to win Ashley Stewarts's nationwide #FindingAshleyStewart tour in search of their Miss Ashley Stewart brand ambassador – a woman who effortlessly embodies the qualities that Ashley Stewart stands for kindness, resilience, confidence, community, and fashion. Finding Ashley Stewart 2017 stopped in multiple cities across the country, identifying regional winners and through an online contest. Theresa won the 2017 title, a $10,000 prize package, a new Ashley Stewart wardrobe, makeover, tour-sponsored gift prizes, and participation in features across Ashley Stewart media platforms for one year. For a second year, Ashley Stewart is conducting a nationwide #FindingAshleyStewart tour which will conclude this Fall on September 15, 2018 with a finale event at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y., to crown Ashley Stewart 2018! 92qpx3m7
Chanté Burkett made her blogging debut on Everything Curvy & Chic in 2011. With a dedicated audience of close to half a million followers, Chanté uses her platform to educate, prepare, and empower readers to spark conversations around style, entrepreneurship, and being a woman in the modern digital world. Her body of work includes collaborations with major brands such as JCPenney, Rebdolls, Sephora, River Island Plus and more. She’s been featured on many media outlets such as Stylecaster, Fashion Bomb Daily, Bustle, Ebony.com, and Refinery29. In 2015, Chanté shattered glass ceilings and broke ground as the first plus model featured in Target’s body-positive campaign, “Target Loves Every Body”. In addition to her success as a blogger and influencer, Chanté opened One Curvy Boutique, Florida’s first plus-size boutique offering trendy, but unique clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Chanté will be a featured speaker at the 2018 TCFStyle Expo in Atlanta!
Marie Denee is a plus size business expert and the Editor In Chief of The Curvy Fashionista, a fashion and style blog that is a one-stop shop for all things curvy, confident, and chic! In 2017 she was honored as The Root 100’s List of the Most Influential African Americans and was a recipient of The Network Journal's 2018 "40 Under Forty" Achievement Award. Marie has been featured in Ebony, Essence, Lucky Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Marie Claire Italia, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, Madame Noire, Shape Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and more. She is also the creator of the TCFStyle Expo, an annual plus size shopping event where women and men bond over style, entertainment, and empowerment. This year is The Curvy Fashionista's 10-year anniversary and Marie will celebrate the milestone with a party during the TCFStlye Expo! The 2018 TCFStyle Expo will be taking place in Atlanta on August 11th and 12th at the Cobb Galleria Centre!
Ashley?Nell Tipton won season 14 of Project Runway in 2015. She went on to sign a contract with JCPenny to design and be a brand ambassador for their Boutique+, a line designed specifically for plus-size customers. She has also designed plus sized patterns for Simplicity and her own jewelry line for K&M Accessories. Gifted in understanding the needs of the plus-size consumer?Ashley?released?her first line of apparel and eyewear?in November of 2017 and continues to work as a design consultant for other brands. On the show Ashley talks about why she decided to have weight loss surgery in the height of her success, being overwhelmed by fame, and what’s next for her budding empire! Ashley will be a featured speaker at the 2018 TCFStyle Expo in Atlanta on August 12th!
Ashley Dean-Parson is the owner of Dean of Fashion Glamtique in Memphis. She was inspired to open a plus-size boutique after having several encounters with designers not catering to the stylish full-figured woman. After countless disappointments, Dean of Fashion was born in January 2010 as the first and only independently owned plus size boutique in Memphis. Since opening the Dean of Fashion, Ashley has produced several successful fashion shows and community events that promote self-love such as The Weight Is Over Fashion Show and The Curvy Social. Dean of Fashion is a sponsor of the 2018 TCFStyle Expo and Ashley is bringing one of her signature events, The Curvy Social, to Atlanta as the official Kick-Off Mixer for the TCFStyle Expo!
Annette Richmond is a California born Fashion Stylist, Writer, Digital Nomad and Creator of Fat Girls Traveling. Along with her blog, she a contributor at the PopSugar, Ravishly and The Fat Girls Guide. She's been featured in many publications including; Teen Vogue, Allure, Self, Shape, El le UK, The Mic, Refinery29, Hello Giggles, and Yahoo Style. August 2018 she is hosting Fat Camp, the first-ever body positive and adult summer camp!
Maurice Mo Vaughn currently serves as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of MVP Collections, a solution inspired Big and Tall menswear collection that caters specifically to the Big and Tall customer looking for stylish clothing options that fit both their personality and frame. MVP Collections is made in the USA and offers a wide range of styles in sizes 1XL-6XL, 2XLT-4XLT, and 38-58”. Prior to entering the fashion industry, Mo enjoyed a successful career as a Major League Baseball player with the Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, and the New York Mets; playing from 1991 to 2003. He was a three-time All-Star selection and won the American League MVP award in 1995 with the Boston Red Sox.
Jes Baker is a positive and progressive force to be reckoned with in the realm of self-love advocacy and mental health. Her blog, The Militant Baker garners nearly half a million views every month and has been covered by major media platforms including BBC, CNN, Today Show, ABC, Huffington Post, Yahoo, People, Cosmo, Time Magazine, Upworthy, Buzzfeed, and New York Magazine. Jes is currently on tour with her latest book Landwhale is a truthful and powerful account of the unforgiving ways our culture treats fatness and how to live happily and freely anyway.
Joe Freeman is the CEO of Medzone, a line of products that work to prevent, treat, and manage aches, pains, discomforts, wounds and skin-chafing issues for individuals in sports, industrial settings, and recreational activities. While rooted in sports, the company has expanded the product line into other markets and communities. The company launched a brand dedicated to the plus community, PlusZone, to help with the prevention of chub rub, thigh chafing, and skin friction irritations.
Sonja Elise Freeman, also known as Queen Diva is an ASCAP singer/songwriter, author, teacher; and an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She is the producer and star of the Off-Off Broadway production "Strength of a Woman: A Phyllis Hyman Tribute” which is a celebration of the life and musical legacy of the legendary songstress Phyllis Hyman.
3P Consulting Group is a full-service talent management team that specializes in management and consulting for plus size entertainers, influencers, and models. Comprised of celebrity chef Velvet Jacobs, her wife, Treona and longtime friend Mikel Brabham, this ceiling shattering trio is blazing trails in the plus industry and showing no mercy! 3P Consulting Group's event ?Essence of Curves? will premiere this Summer in New Orleans!
Sharon Quinn, affectionately known as The ORIGINAL Runway Diva, due to her presence, style and unbelievable confidence on the catwalk. She is the Creator, Executive Producer & Host of “Model Behavior with Sharon Quinn” an award-winning local talk show on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s Lifestyle & HD Channels. As an industry veteran, she has had a long and successful career as a plus-size model with a client list that included The Avenue, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom. Since 2010 she has been the Casting Director for Full Figured Fashion Week®, New York City’s first fashion week devoted exclusively to plus sizes!
Christopher Michael, veteran celebrity makeup artist and image consultant best known for his recurring role on the hit reality television series “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane”. His exquisite taste and fashion sense have lent themselves to a number of celebrity clients including Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Silverstone, and many more. Most recently he partnered with Liris Crosse to launch the Model Diversity Project to shine a light on models who have been tokenized or completely overlooked.
CarrieRae Munson, founder of Undersummers.com and creator of the Undersummers Shortlette Slipshorts, comfortable and a beautiful thigh chafing solution made for curvy women of all sizes (Small - 4X). CarrieRae's entrepreneurship journey started with an idea and has evolved into a thriving business providing women with exceptional garments, made in the USA.
Shannon Svingen-Jones, founder of FabUplus Magazine; a revolutionary body positive, health fitness and lifestyle magazine with weight neutral content dedicated to the plus-size community and has since worked with hundreds of women to help them make peace with their bodies. Each issue of FabUplus challenges society to explore a more size diverse media culture and helps women to realize that they can live their best life now in the bodies that they have right now, not 10 pounds from now.
Liris Crosse, dubbed “The “Body” and “The Naomi Campbell of Plus” is a model/actress and pioneer in the fashion industry for full-figured and African American women pushing curvy women into mainstream fashion! She made history on this season of Project Runway by being one of the first plus-size models to appear on the show and winning the modeling portion of the competition!
Gwen Devoe the Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week®, an annual presentation of the fashion industry’s finest plus models, designers, retailers, boutiques and businesses with products and services for the plus community. She is also the recipient of the 2017 Curvy Icon Award presented by Project Curve Appeal at the I Got Curve Appeal Beauty, Fashion, and Wellness Convention in Atlanta!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Nadia Boujarwah, the Co-Founder and CEO of Dia&Co, a body-positive shopping experience for women who wear sizes 14 and up. Dia&Co stylists work with top brands – from industry staples to up-and-coming young designers – to provide each customer with curated looks to suit their unique style and shape. Tune in to learn more about the premier personal styling service for plus size women!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Michael Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of Fashion To Figure, a leading plus-size fashion company and retailer dedicated to providing trend-driven fashion and accessories for women sizes 12-26. In his role, Kaplan oversees all aspects of the business, from corporate management and strategy to investor relations. Kaplan graduated from Harvard Business School and held positions in the venture capital and financial space before his passion to help others and entrepreneurial spirit led him and his brother to launch Fashion to Figure. Tune in to learn more about the man behind the brand and his plus size empire!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Frenchie Davis, singer-songwriter, LGBT activist, and a graduate of Howard University. She was first introduced to the world as a fan-favorite on the second season of the television show American Idol and was also a top-five finalist on the first season of NBC’s The Voice. She has continued to wow audiences with her unique and versatile talent and has performed in numerous Broadway shows, including RENT; Cinderella Enchanted, Dreamgirls; and Ain’t Misbehavin’, which earned her a Grammy nomination. Tune in to hear what’s next for this superstar!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show -Philomena Kwao, a British model represented by Jag Models. She has built her modeling career in the U.K. and U.S. working as a brand ambassador for Torrid and appearing in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, i-D, Essence and more. Of Ghanaian descent, Philomena is passionate about women’s issues in West Africa and works with numerous nonprofit organizations and recently served as the spokesperson for Women for Women International. Tune in to learn more about this rising star!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jen Wilder, Los Angeles based fashion designer, senior product developer, and co-founder of The Plus Bus Boutique. Jen tells us about The Plus Bus Boutique, which specializes in reselling stylish plus size clothing, as well as her latest project Plus Size Fashion School, a series of fashion design workshops geared towards plus size bodies.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – International plus size supermodel Denise Bidot. Over the course of her career, Bidot has achieved fashion success not typical of plus size models like walking in straight size New York Fashion Week shows and becoming the face of beauty campaigns for publications like Refinery29 and brands like Unilever. She has taken the plus size fashion world by storm and is now inviting women worldwide to join her crusade of reshaping what it means to be beautiful with her lifestyle movement There Is No Wrong Way To Be a Woman. The Puerto Rican-Kuwaiti star is paving the way for women of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes to love themselves without apology. Tune in to hear more about this empowering new project!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Pia Schiavo-Campo a fat feminist, yogi, writer, and author of the blog Chronicles of a Mixed Fat Chick. Her agenda includes extinguishing conventional notions of beauty and empowering women to take up as much space as they please. Through yoga, she has learned to find strength, power, and beauty in her body. Pia has written many articles on the subject of body image and self-acceptance, which have earned her a place as a valuable voice in the movement. Tune in to learn about about her inspiring body positive journey! pz3qnkcp
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jessica Milagros, plus size model represented by IPM Model Management. This Latina beauty has modeled for JCPenney, Ashley Stewart, and most recently Target, among many others! We’ll discuss how she turned her dream of pursuing modeling into a successful full time career, and what’s next for this rising star!
Monday on The Chenese Lewis Show- Susan Moses a celebrity stylist, blogger, guest editor, spokesperson and designer. Susan’s signature has been showcased on red carpets and stages from the Oscar’s to the Golden Globes, from the Grammy’s to the American Music Awards. As a newly-minted author she brings that know-how to women throughout the world with the publication of her 254–page tome, The Art of Dressing Curves: The Best Kept Secrets of a Fashion Stylist (HarperCollins). Tune in to learn more about this pioneer in plus size fashion and what lies ahead for her budding empire!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Theary Sim, Cambodian plus- size fashion designer based in Los Angeles. Her label Youtheary Khmer is an innovative, contemporary collection of woman’s plus size ready to wear clothing whose mission is to design custom, effortless looks by providing well-made, high quality clothing that is flattering, trendy, and most importantly doesn’t break the bank. She tells us about her “THEARY” Summer 2016 collection and her involvement in the SELF MADE project that inspires women to see their entrepreneurial potential, and arms them with resources and tools to gain financial self-reliance.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Francoise Vianin (COO) and Ann Kearns (CEO) of the i.b.b.i. Collection. The line caters exclusively to plus-sized women who embrace their curves, are fashion-forward in their style, and are confident, sexy and sophisticated. The company’s mantra, ‘I’m bold, beautiful and irresistible,’ speaks to who the i.b.b.i. woman is and is backed up by the company’s highly active promotion of body acceptance. i.b.b.i. Collection focuses on producing limited-run capsule collections, showcasing on-trend designs, rich patterns and quality full-fashioned knits. Tune in to learn more about the women behind this brand and what lies ahead!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show- Tiffany Kaelin-Knight, editor-in-chief of Skorch Magazine, who provides some of the most fashion forward editorials in the plus size industry, tells us about her unique upbringing in Hollywood, her career as a stylist, and why she believes there are no rules in fashion! Don’t miss it!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – La Krisha Joseph-Baker, lead designer of Lavendar’s Jungle, a fashion line created with the full figured woman in mind. The Atlanta based company known for cutting edge fashion and innovative fashion productions launched its latest collection, Urban Prep, to rave reviews. Tune in to learn more about this budding fashion empire and what lies ahead!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Tinder Badhesha, plus size model represented by IPM Model Management. This East Indian beauty has modeled for Ashley Stewart, IGIGI, Curvy Couture, and most recently JCPenny, to name a few! We’ll discuss lack of diversity in the industry, what it takes to be a successful model, and what’s next for this rising star!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jasmine Elder, creator of the plus size contemporary women’s label, JIBRI. The clothing line includes classic wardrobe staples as well as timeless standout pieces for the fashion-conscious curvy woman sizes 10-28. Jasmine talks about the launch of her highly anticipated Poolside Collection 16 and opening her showroom in Atlanta!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jose Pagan, a fine art and fashion photographer based in New York City. He is the East Coast lead photographer for Designer Original Magazine and Music Insider Magazine. In addition, he serves as the lead photographer for Underwraps Agency, the first Muslim modeling agency in the United States. Jose’s photography has been published in Elle Brazil, Heart & Soul Magazine, Plus Model Magazine, Curvysta Magazine, and countless others. Tune in to hear how he is taking the industry by storm!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show - Jess Weiner, social entrepreneur, CEO of Talk to Jess, and Dove’s Global Self--Esteem Ambassador. She recently worked with Mattel on the evolution of Barbie to include three new body types: petite, curvy and tall. Shockingly, curvy Barbie received the most love and backlash from the public! Should we celebrate this as progress for body diversity or not? Tune in as we dive deeper into this conversation for an interview you don’t want to miss!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – CEO of Full Blossom Magazine, producer of Face The Sweet Fashion Week, and successful entrepreneur, Evron “Mello” Andrews! Tune in to get the inside scoop about Face The Sweet Fashion Week, coming up Feb. 11th – 13th in NYC, and learn more about Mello’s budding empire!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show - Ashleigh Shackelford, creator of Free Figure Revolution, a body positivity community organization, and writer. Her recent article on Buzzfeed (http://bzfd.it/1OfZJP5) sent shockwaves through the plus community, in which she calls out the mainstream body positivity movement for being racist. Many are praising Ashleigh on her unapologetic commentary while critics are saying she is being harsh and unfair. Tune in as we dive deeper into this conversation for a powerful interview that you do not want to miss!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Dale Noelle, Founder and President of TRUE Model Management. Dale gives us the inside scoop about the Ashley Stewart and TRUE Model’s ?#ASTrueModel? Model Search and tells us what it takes to be a successful plus model!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Monif Clarke, plus-size fashion expert and founder of Monif C Plus Sizes. Celebrating the fashion brands ten year anniversary, Monif reflects on her longevity in the plus industry and talks about her new limited collection celebrating a decade of curves!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Alysse Dalessandro, owner of Cleveland-based fashion brand Ready to Stare, a line of handcrafted statement jewelry and bold plus size apparel with an unapologetic confident attitude, tells us about her new collection! Plus, get the inside scoop on her latest project Visibly In Fashion, a magazine which will showcase women sizes 22 and up!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jovanna Reyes, Founder of Curvysta Magazine and Plus Night Out, tells us all the latest updates about the most anticipated, plus centric fashion event during New York Fashion Week.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Gospel powerhouse Kierra Sheard dishes on her thriving music career, being a judge on BET’s Sunday’s Best, her new plus size clothing line Eleven 60, and the TCFStyle Expo!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Nicki Lynch, Founder and President of Plus Positive (PLUS +), a nonprofit organization for plus size men and women, talks about the orgs latest initiatives and gives us the inside scoop on the 2015 PLUS+ Annual Summit!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show- Angela Rene’, CEO of Purple Diva Designs tells us about her newest collection “On The Dotted Line” as well as the latest with her upcoming events Haute Curves- LA Fashion Week and 40 Plus Divas.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Angelia White, CEO and Publisher of Hope for Women Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for diverse women of faith, tells us how Hope is inspiring women to reach for their dreams and about the Live. Dream. Inspire Conference taking place in Indianapolis July 17-18!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Jessica Kane, EVP of REAL OmniMedia, Creative Director of new upstart fashion website CoolGalBlue.com and Executive Editor of Skorch Magazine gives us the inside scoop about her growing empire!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show - Marie Denee, also known as “The Curvy Fashionista”, gives us the inside scoop on her upcoming events TCFSwim, The TCFStyle Expo, and much more!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Maui Bigelow, Founder and CEO of P.H.A.T Girl Fresh, gives us the inside scoop about Life Styled 2015 – Queen Connected, an event honoring women who use their gifts to uplift women and girls benefiting Dress For Success Atlanta!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show, CEO of Pinup Girl Clothing Laura Byrnes and Creative Director, Micheline Pitt. Pinup Girl Clothing produces and showcases vintage-inspired garments, styled after classic 1940s, 50s, and 60s silhouettes, but with a modern woman in mind, coining the term pinup-style clothing. The company believes in “Couture for Everybody”, a movement dedicated to providing an array of women’s sizes from extra small to 4X!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Leticia F. , the lead designer for Shop-Majour.com, a new online clothing store for curvy girls that love to make a statement and founder of the newly re-launched Majour Magazine.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Two powerhouse bloggers have joined forces to bring you an exciting new event that embraces all things curvy! CeCe Olisa of Plus Size Princess and Chastity Garner of Garner Style tells us everything we need to know about The Curvy Con! Don’t Miss It!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Rivkie Baum, Editor-in-Chief of Slink Magazine, a UK based plus size fashion magazine, talks about their launch to US newsstands! She’ll also give us the inside scoop on the International Curve Model Search, the first ever global plus model competition!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show celebrity stylist and style expert Marcy Guevara takes over as host for the 7th anniversary of the podcast and interviews Chenese!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show, Fallon SInclair - Founder & CEO of IPM Model Management talks about what it takes to become a successful model, the lack of diversity in the industry, and makes a MAJOR announcement you don’t want to miss!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show, world renowned actor and musician Leon! Staring in numerous cult classics such as “Cool Runnings”, “Waiting To Exhale”, and “The Five Heartbeats”, he was voted by AOL Black Voices as one of the sexiest actors of all-time! His critically acclaimed band Leon & The Peoples recently signed a deal with The Spectra Music Group. Leon tells us about his latest projects in music and film as well as his upcoming performance at Fashionlink VI Fashion Weekend in St. Croix!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Maui Bigelow, Founder and CEO of P.H.A.T Girl Fresh talks about her upcoming anniversary event; Selina Weekes, Founder and CEO of Manik Mag tells us about their re-launch; and Tulin Emre talks about being a plus size health and fitness coach!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Natalie Bendy, Founder and CEO of plus size designer line Dama Talya; Jasmine Elder, creator of the contemporary women’s label JIBRI, and Catherine Schuller tells us about her latest projects as Fashion Curator at the Yotel Hotel where she produces weekly fashion brunches entitled Runway the Real Way.
On the next Chenese Lewis Show – Founder and CEO of TRUE Model Management Dale Noelle, plus model and actress Liris Crosse talks about her upcoming “Life Of A Working Model Boot Camp”, and Executive Director of Portland Fashion Week® and owner/creator of SKORCH Magazine, Jessica Kane!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show Vanessa Babuin - Perera and Sam Awadalla, Founders of SONSEE Woman; Tiffany Jones, Editor-in-Chief of POSE Magazine; and Sabrina Coleman of Pansophy PR will announce the top 5 finalists from the Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend LA Casting!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show guests include Latasha Haskins, CEO and Founder of the new national pageant system Miss Plus USA™; Sherry Lee Meredith, host of “Go Curvy” talk show premiering Nov. 7th; and The Curvy Fashionista Marie Denee tells us about her upcoming projects!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show guests include Kenyeal Keon, creator of CurvyMarket.com; Spokesmodel for Elsa’s Curves, Olga Gonzalez-Romas , and Co-Producer of POSH- LA Fashion Week and owner of RIOT Boutique, Jenae Jones!
On the next Chenese Lewis Show guests include Kristen Mongello, E-commerce Director for Sonsi.com, to talk about the plus size fashion movement and Sonsi’s efforts to help women boost their curvy confidence! Also, Cece Olisa of The Big Girl Blog, tells us about Plus Size Princess Fitness and co-hosting Sonsi’s upcoming #BoostYourCQ Twitter Chat!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Aida Danielle, CEO of Aida Cosmetics, who tells us about the “Confidence and Glamour” campaign. Author, activist and one of the nation’s leading experts and lecturers on fat discrimination and body image, Virgie Tovar joins us! Also celebrity fashion stylist, TV personality and 2012 Plus Fashion Stylist of The Year, Spry Lee Scott!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Sharlene Borromeno, who talks about being the first plus size designer to show during Fashion Week San Diego. Body Image and Self Esteem Expert Andrea Amador a/k/a “The Juicy Woman” tells us about her latest book. Also, CEO of Full & Fabulous Inc. International, Sharon DuMas-Pugh, tells us about her upcoming events in Michigan.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Jessica Blair, owner of Blair Chic Boutique in Chicago, who tells us about Latino Fashion Week. Author TroJah Irby-Morgan talks about her book “My Fat Is Not My Flaw”, and Marcy Cruz tells us about her new position with PLUS Model Magazine as Blog Editor!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews plus model Nikki Muffoletto about her upcoming documentary Model DIEt, to expose the dangers of the modeling industry. Also two dynamic duos producing fashion shows for Breast Cancer Awareness talk about their upcoming productions. Angela Rene’ and Jasmine Epperson of Haute Curves LA Fashion Week tell us about their model search and benefiting charity City of Hope, as well as Domonique Revere-Lincoln and Colleen Stovall of Curvy Closets in Philadelphia tell us about their student design competition and benefiting charity Hairless 4 Her Awareness!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese heads to News Orleans for the Essence Music Festival to interview some of the hottest celebrities in television, film, and music!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Kenyatta Jones, star of the brand new WEtv reality show “House of Curves”; Joanne Borgella, the newest cast member on season 2 of Nuvotv’s “Curvy Girls”; and Tracy DiMarco, star of the Style Network’s hit reality show “Jerseylicious”!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Harlem-based Jazz vocalist and plus model Rajdulari, owner and artistic director of Re/Dress Rachel Kacenjar; and from Nuvo TV’s Curvy Girls – Rosie Mercado tells us about her new capsule collection for SWAK Designs, Fuerza!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews VIP Coordinator for Pink City Corporation- Alica Best, plus designer Ashley Nell Tipton, and plus model Kelsey Olson!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Cheryl Haskins – author of Girlfriends Don’t Matter, Liz Black of the plus size style blog P.S. It’s Fashion, and business coach and marketing consultant, Tiffany Jones!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Tiffany Bank from TLC’s Big Sexy talks about life after the show, Marie Denee (The Curvy Fashionista) and Cassidy Blackwell (Natural Selections) tell us about Curls, Curves, and Cocktails in San Francisco. Also, plus model Chasity Saunders tell us about her latest gig with Alright TV!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews former plus model and photographer Lesley Pedraza, of the famed Wayans family plus model Summer Wayans, and Domino Dollhouse designer Tracy Broxterman.
On the next PLUS Model Radio we celebrate our 5 year anniversary as Chenese trades seats with our special guest host actress/ comedian Erica Watson!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews from Fatshion Insider blogger Kellie Brown, plus model Danielle Zavala, and plus designer and personality, Shanda Freeman!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese Lewis interviews "Fab Hair For All" vlogger Alicia Fajardo(Plus Size Model), Youtheary Khmer designer Theary Sim, and style correspondent for The Rachael Ray Show, Marcy Guevara
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Jade Greer, owner of K Staton Boutique located in Baltimore, which specializes in women sizes 12 and up. Griselangel Paula, plus model and co-owner of CustomPLUS, and Cult of California designer, Jen Wilder!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews plus model and blogger Allison McGevna, Ivory May Kalber of Nuvo Tv’s Curvy Girls, and the Editor-In Chief of Plus Model Magazine, Madeline Figueroa Jones.
Actress, comedienne, author, playwright and TV personality KIM COLES is truly a renaissance woman. Best known for her five-season turn as the unforgettable “Synclaire” on FOX’s ground-breaking comedy series, Living Single. Her one woman show called “Oh, But Wait. There’s More!” is back by popular demand and is running at the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, CA January 11,12,13 AND January 18,19, 20. Tune in to learn why this is a show you don't want to miss!
RACHEL PALLY’S STYLE HAS BEEN DISTINGUISHED BY HER ABILITY TO BLEND THE “EASY AND ELEGANT” WITH THE “CHIC AND CLASSIC”. RACHEL PALLY INC. IS SOLD IN OVER 500 STORES INTERNATIONALLY; INCLUDING BLOOMINGDALES, MACYS, NORDSTROM, REVOLVE CLOTHING AND SHOPBOP.COM. HER DESIGNS ARE A FAVORITE AMONGST HOLLYWOOD’S ELITE, INCLUDING THE LIKES OF ANGELINA JOLIE, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, JENNIFER HUDSON, OPRAH WINFREY, HEIDI KLUM, RACHEL BILSON AND JESSICA ALBA. WHETHER YOU’RE A SIZE 2 OR 22, THE RACHEL PALLY BRAND OFFERS DIVERSITY EACH SEASON WITH CLASSIC SILHOUETTES IN A WIDE RANGE OF COLORS AND PRINTS, RESULTING IN A LINE THAT TRULY STANDS THE TEST OF TIME.
Monday on PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews the founders of Elite Curves International, Angela Rene’ and Jasmine Epperson about HAUTE Curves LA Fashion Week. Also, from the docu-film “Loving Large” set to premiere on MTV’s Logo network, Plus Model Jenn Purviance; and Miss Plus America 2010, Latasha Raines!
Special edition of PLUS Model Radio Thursday with Grammy Nominated R&B singer and co-star of TVOnes's R&B Divas Syleena Johnson ! Syleena is considered one of the best vocalists of our generation, who has scored major R&B hits from collaborates with Kanye West and R. Kelly. This Grammy Nominated singer is also a former full-figured Wilhemina Model! Tune in to hear why Syleena may be “Underrated” but she’s still “A Boss”!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews the full figured and fabulous cast of NuvoTV’s new reality show Curvy Girls! Call in or Tweet your questions and congrats as we celebrate Rosie, LornaLitz, Denise, and Ivory May! Plus get the inside scoop on the new show before it premieres Tues. Sept. 18th! Don’t miss it!
Monday on PLUS Model Radio Chenese goes one on one with Frenchie Davis, who was first introduced to the world on the second season of American Idol, and went on to be a Grammy nominated artist for her involvement in the revival of Ain’t Misbehavin on Broadway. Most recently she appeared on NBC’s hit show The Voice, where she become one of the top four finalists! Frenchie’s debut single release, “Love’s Got Hold On Me,” will be available worldwide Sept. 4! Tune in for an interview you don’t want to miss!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Colleen Stovall and Domonique Revere-Lincoln of Curvy Closets, a showcase of full figured fashion in Philadelphia. Evie Foster, former plus model turned designer, tells us about her plus size clothing line. And Chasity Saunders tells us about her quest to be the next host of BET’s 106& Park and how we can support!
On the next PLUS Model Radio we celebrate Curves Rock Fashion Weekend! Chenese Interviews Tykesha Reed and Chanell Jones, founders of CRFW. Christina Mendez tells us about the Plus Model 101 Workshop during CRFW as well as her latest projects and Co-host of the weekend Liris Crosse talks about her successful career and tells us why CRFW is an event you don’t want to miss!
Interviews with some of your favorite stars from music, film, and television from the 2012 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Michelle Anderson, Ms. Plus America 2011, the first openly HIV positive woman to ever run for and win a national pageant title discusses her advocacy and the 10th anniversary of the Miss Plus America Pageant. Founders of 8 Plus Divas, Roseanne McCoy- Futch and Gazania McCoy- Washington tell us about their upcoming fashion show and Meryl “Lady” Finger founder of the plus size pop/burlesque girl group, The Glamazons gives us the inside scoop about their upcoming auditions!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews Jen Purviance, a finalist for Tyra Banks’ “Fiercely Real” Model Search and featured in this months Seventeen Magazine. Supermodel Angellika Morton, a vet in the industry with over 20 years experience tell us about her latest projects, and Lisa Dolton owner of Lee Lee’s Valise plus-size boutique tells us about her new tv show on TLC, Big Brooklyn Style!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews the 2012 Face of Full Figured Fashion Week, Venessa DeLaRosa. Yuliya Raquel of Igigi tells us the latest about her plus clothing line. And we get the inside scoop from plus designer Qristyl Frazier about her upcoming model search and fashion show!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Michyl Collins, COO of PlusForUs.com, as well as Meaghan O’Conner, wardrobe stylist and owner of LittleLimeDress.com , and Emmy award winning make-up artist D’angelo Thompson tells us about his upcoming event Plus Size Beauty!
Monday on PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Ragen Chastain, three-time National Champion dancer, blogger, and creator of the Georgia Billboard Project! Owner of Eddy and Bri, Eddwina Gregg, tells us about her new boutique that offers “fashion for your curves” and Poprah joins us to tell us how we can enter to win $1,000 for our mom on Mother’s Day!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Nicole Clark, CEO and Creative Director of Wole Designs; Tess Munster plus-size model, makeup artist, hair stylist and blogger based in L.A; and Paula Michelle, CEO of Nfinite Form, LCC and co creator of New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week in Atlantic City.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Kim McCarter, City Movement Manager and Chapter Owner for Project Curve Appeal's NYC chapter, Blogger Monique Frausto of CurvesandChaos.com, and plus model Sommer Green co-creator of the True Curves campaign,True Sheros comic book and 2012 calendar. Also, PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the latest scoop on the plus industry!
On the next PLUS Model Radio:Carré Otis, one of the most recognizable faces in modeling, headlining in campaigns for Guess, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Revlon. She is an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association and has found a new voice as a passionate advocate for young women in and out of the modeling industry. Also, PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the latest scoop on the plus industry!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Chamein Canton an award winning romance novelist who wrote the first bridal guide for full figured women, Activist Marilyn Wann creator of the “I STAND against weight bullying” campaign, Denise Bidot plus model and star of NuvoTV’s Curvy Girls, and PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the scoop in the plus community!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews plus model Asia Mone’t, author and bra fit coach Ali Cudby, Design Director for Lafayette 148 New York Collection Edward Wilkerson and PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the scoop in the plus community!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Steffany Allen, fashion stylist and personal style coach. Founder and CEO of Queen Grace Collection, Marina Zelner, joins us. Erica Watson returns to tell us about her one woman show, Fat Bitch, retuning to LA and her upcoming projects, and PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the latest scoop in the plus community!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews plus designer Jill Alexander and the two people behind the concept of the “What’s Wrong With Our Bodies Anyway?” editorial in PLUS Model Magazine that is making headlines, photographer Victoria Janashvili and plus model Katya Zharkova! PLUS Model Radio contributor Stephanie Penn gives us the scoop of the latest in the plus community!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews Chelsea Settles, fresh off of her self-titled MTV reality show about her move from a small town to chase her dreams of a fashion career in Los Angeles. Joins us as Chelsea gives us the scoop about her plans for the future!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews CEO of Upstage Beauty Events, Mary “Liz” Hall, who tells us about her upcoming “Silver Slipper” fashion show in San Antonio Dec. 4th, photographer Michelle Alexandra tells us about her latest projects, and as the doors of Re/Dress NYC close Deb Malkin joins us to give us the scoop about her plans for the future!
On the next PLUS Model Radio we show how curvy girls are being celebrated around the world! From England, Angel Sinclair founder of Models for Diversity talks about their upcoming fashion show Curves in Couture.From New York, Kendra Porter talks about Honor You, a personal image agency created specifically for full-figured, and from Canada plus model Liis Windischmann tells us about On the Curve Events, and their upcoming fashion show!
On a special edition of PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Jay Dunn, Chief Marketing Officer of BareNecessities.com! Jay will be breaking exciting news about the company on PLUS Model Radio that will have the entire curvy community talking!
On the next PLUS Model Radio we celebrate our 100th episode with the biggest curvy retailer, Lane Bryant! Chenese interviews Lane Bryant’s Technical Design Director, Richard Zielinski, who tells us about their new Tighter Tummy Technology ™ (T3) line of slimming denim jeans and trousers, as well as Lane Bryant’s involvement in Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews LornaLitz, the first full figured model to appear on NuvoTV’s hit reality show Model Latina! From Australia, Amanda Tallent, Founder of Bennetts Boots, the words largest collection of wide calf boots, and also Stephanie Penn Danforth Editor -In- Chief of Daily Venus Diva!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews Danielle Woods, National Spokesmodel for Project Curve Appeal who will give us the inside scoop about their 2011 Sisterhood Conference. Jennene Biggins, Founder and CEO Voluptuous Woman Company, Inc.® andCo-Founder of Plus Size Marketing Group, LLC talks about the launch of her latest project Curves TV. Also TLC’s Big Sexy star Audrey Lea Curry!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews MAC Cosmetics “Make Me Over” winner Shirley Daley. Camille Newman, founder of Pop Up Plus, a mobile plus size clothing store, talks about Fashion Night Out- Plus. Also, TLC’s “Big Sexy” Nikki Gomez talks about her new reality show premiering Aug. 30th!
On the next PLUS Model Radio it’s Diva Day as we celebrate our sister magazine Daily Venus Diva! Chenese interviews Cassandra Jones- McBryde, Features Editor for Daily Venus Diva and Executive Producer of the International Fuller Women Expo. Janie MacKenzie -Cohen, Deals Editor for Daily Venus Diva and A Diva In Need Project Director; as well as Daily Venus Diva Editor -In - Chief Stephanie Penn- Danforth, who talks about the magazines two year anniversary in the daily format, and her various projects in the community.
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews Co-founder of AboutCurves.com, KC Culver, tells us about their Love Your Curves Size Acceptance Charity Drive. Sandy JeanPhillipe, CEO of One Chance Entertainment, gives us the details about the 2nd annual Evolution of Curves tour, which raises money for Haiti. And plus model and actress Tiffany Bank gives us the inside scoop on her new plus size reality show “Big Sexy” premiering on TLC August 3oth!
Chenese returns to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to interview some of todays hottest celebrities in music, film, and television! Part two includes interviews with Valerie Jarrett, SInbad, Dr. Steve Perry, Datwon Thomas, Laz Alonzo, Tami Roman, Shaunie O'Neal, & Evelyn Lozada (Basketball Wives), Lisa Nicholas, Committed (NBC's The Sing Off), Brian Courtney Wilson, Kevin Liles, Detrick Haddon, AJ Hammer, Suzanne Malveaux, Tina Knowles, Vashawn Mitchell, Brian White, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Diann Valentine, Deniece Williams, Isaiah Washington, and Kierra "KeKe" Sheard
Chenese returns to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to interview some of todays hottest celebrities in music, film, and television! Part one includes interviews with Soledad O'Brien, Don Lemon, LaToya Luckett, Naturi Naughton, Pebbles, Trin-i-tee 5:7, J. Anthony Brown, Joe Clair, Lisa Price, Bernadette Stanis, Walter Johnson, Jayne Kennedy, and Boyz II Men!
On the next PLUS Model Radio: columnist, author, and bloggerMeghan McCain.McCain worked on her father's 2008 Presidential campaign where she created the website McCainblogette.com which provided a very personal inside look at daily life on the campaign trail. She currently writes a weekly column for the website/blog THE DAILY BEAST and is a New York Times bestselling author of "My Father: John McCain" and "Dirty, Sexy Politics"!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Torrid district manager, Andrea Worden tells us how Torrid is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a bold way! Over the last 10 years, Torrid has paved the way for plus-size fashion as one of the first retailers to offer curvy young women a chance to feel stylish and comfortable in their own skin by providing her with fashion that is on-trend and flattering!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Nikki B of Decadent Designs tell us about her upcoming fashion show, singer/songwriter Giselle Grayson tells us about her budding music career and her latest projects; and The Curvy Fashionista , Marie Denee tells us about being the Chevy Fashion Cruzearati and everything “Curvy, Confident, and Chic”!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, president of Kurvy Kuties Inc, Kimbie Akins, tells us about Little Rock Full Figure Fashion Week, JanaCari Payne, founder of Pushing Pink Pedals, talks about her nonprofit organization whose mission is to show all women they are beautiful inside and out. And Erica Watson tells us about her one women show “Fat Bitch” that will be premiering in Los Angeles April 29th!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, organizers of the Fat Girl Fleamarket tell us about their 7th annual fun filled rummage sale with clothing XL and up in NYC. The event raises money for LGBT and size positive projects such as Nolose and the Femme Conference.
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Founder and CEO of Thixotix Modeling Troupe, Tania Capree, will announce who will be the celebrity special guest at Thixotix’s 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Banquet! Nelle Gilbert, plus model over 10 years talks about her comeback after a tragic accident and being in a wheelchair for almost three months! And Brazilian bombshell, Fluvia Lacreda, just made history by being the first plus size model to appear in Brazilian Playboy gives her first interview to PLUS Model Radio!
On the next PLUS Model Radio , Erica Doucet, Founder and CEO of Phat Pheet, an online shoe boutique the offers designer shoes between sizes 7-14. Anna Margaux CEO and fashion designer of A Clothes Mind, as well as Stacey and Shannon Heitt, a plus model sister duo that plans on taking the plus model world by storm!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Ashley Stewart Coast to Coast Curves, a bi-coastal model search held on February 25th in New York and LA, winners will be announced. Two Ashley Stewart customers, one from each coast, will win a three hundred dollar Ashley Stewart gift card, professional photo shoot, and editorial in PLUS Model Magazine!
Kiss The Curves Fashion Week in coming to Los Angeles March 18-20! CEO and Founder of Kiss The Curves LLC, Tracie Collins, gives us the latest details of the upcoming festivities, and makes a HUGE announcement you don’t want to miss!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Alexis Major, Buyer at Simply Fashion, will tell us how they help women look great and feel great - for less! Simply Fashion has more than 300 stores across the country and offers clothing for all shapes and sizes of women, including Plus and Super Plus (up to size 36), as well as Juniors and Misses -- and Girls in some locations.
Fresh off the heels of a successful fashion show in Las Vegas, Lane Bryant's Vice President of Marketing, Jay Dunn joins PLUS Model Radio to recap the weekend and tell us about Lane Bryant’s exciting new campaign!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Zahir Babvani, Vice President of Design at OneStopPlus.com will give us the inside scoop about the brand, and tells us about OneStopPlus.com’s upcoming international fashion show, which will be the world’s first online plus size fashion show debuting their 2011 Fall-Winter collection during New York Fashion Week!
On a special edition of PLUS Model Radio, Vh1 Reality Star & Queen of the BBW's, Poprah talks about her newest endeavors, and her new mission to help Vh1 find the perfect "Big Girls" for their new reality show "Big Girls Club" featuring an entire plus-size cast!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Kai Morae, daughter of actress and model LisaRaye McCoy, first busted onto the scene on the TV One reality show ‘LisaRaye The Real McCoy’. She recently made history by being the first plus size model to have a campaign for Nelly’s Apple Bottom brand! Tune in to learn how she is breaking from her moms shadow and making a name for herself!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Ashley Stewart’s Kristen Gaskins and Jan Harvey gives the scoop on the new direction of Ashley Stewart, fashion trends for spring, new styles to be on the lookout for, as well as exciting upcoming projects!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, supermodel Crystal Renn! Crystal has broken barriers for the plus modeling industry and has recently been named the new face of Jimmy Choo. Join us for an intimate interview that you don’t want to miss!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Lane Bryant Marketing Specialist Heather McGarry gives the latest scoop with Lane Bryant and announces the winner of Lane Bryant model search!!
On the next PLUS Model Radio: Macey Long, Wilhelmina plus model and actress talks about her latest campaigns; Bahamas based designer, Jaspher Knowles, tells us about his upcoming fashion show Dent The Runway and the launch of his new clothing plus clothing line Draphery, and Co- Founder and CEO of Fashion To Figure, Michael Kaplan!
On the next PLUS Model Radio,Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day and Full Figured Fashion Week recaps, and interviews with Nikki B of Decadent Designs who is one of the featured designer for Re/Dress NYC’s Indie+, Elizabeth Claire Taylor tells us about her solo show, Finding Elizabeth Taylor, where her struggles with body image and dieting are paralleled to the life of her famous namesake, and plus designer Wilbur Pack, Jr. gives us the latest scoop on his clothing line, SKWilbur!
On the special edition of PLUS Model Radio, we welcome America’s Next Top Model cycle 10 winner, Whitney Thompson, who is the 2010 celebrity host for Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day!
On a special edition of PLUS Model Radio we’ll celebrate the release of Dr. Robyn Silverman's new book “Good Girls Don’t Get Fat”. Dr. Robyn will talk to us about her new book which explores how weight obsession is messing up our girls and how we can help them thrive despite it. We’ll also talk to two of the women featured in the book: author and image consultant, Catherine Schuller as well as Ms. New York Plus America, Tiffany Braxton Belvin!
On the next PLUS Model Radio, Chenese interviews Gabrielle Barnes founder of Divas in the City. Plus model and make-up artist Jeanna Sabatino, and Full Figured Fashion Week(end) producer, Marie Denee, breaks news about the upcoming event in Los Angeles!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Pat Swift, founder of Plus Models Management Ltd the first successful professional plus size modeling agency. Bev Wilson, founder and director of Project Curve Appeal, and Rosie Mercado, celebrity make-up artist and plus model.
Gabi Gregg returns to PLUS Model Radio fresh off of her success of winning the title of MTV’s first Twitter Jockey! She tells us all about her new life in New York City working for MTV, as well as the latest with her Young, Fat, and Fabulous Blog!
Lane Bryant's Vice President of Design, Debbie Martin, gives us the deatils of the stores particiapting in Fashon's Night Out in New York Sept. 10th!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews top models from ‘W Curve’, the division for full figured models at Wilhelmina: Julie Henderson, Lizzie Miller, and Joanne Borgella! The women of 'W Curve,', have formed Curves for Change (C4C)- a platform to collectively pursue charitable activities. Founded recently, C4C reflects the commitment of 'W Curve' models to use their careers and visibility to enhance global awareness and their philanthropic footprint by supporting a variety of issues and causes.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese goes one on one with actress, comedian, author, playwright and TV personality Kim Coles! Kim will give us the scoop on her latest venture, Open the G.I.F.T.S. and her upcoming appearances!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews plus size fashion bloggers: Monique of "Curves and Chaos" and Cid of "Cid’s Style File", who recently joined forces to create L.A. Fatshion Bloggers and will tell us all about their upcoming shopping event. Entertainer and activist Lynx Garcia, tells us about her latest projects. And Tionna Smalls from Vh1’s “What Chilli Wants” tell us about her upcoming book and appearances.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Steph DeWaegeneer who for over a decade has represented ComedySportz® in Chicago, Houston, and throughout the eastern US and is also Miss Plus America 2009. Sandy Jean Phillipe, winner of E!Entertainment's Bank of Hollywood and CEO of One Chance Entertainment talks about her upcoming Evolution of Curves Tour, and Poprah from Vh1’s “I Want To Work For Diddy” tells us about her new makeup line “Image Cosmetics” as well as her latest projects.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews: Desiree Burch, one of New York Magazine’s “Top Ten People that Funny People Find Funny”, and star of 52 Man Pick Up, a one woman show about how she goes from virgin to veteran as she learns how to stand on her own two feet in the city that never sleeps… with the same person twice! Tracie Collins, Executive Director of Kiss the Curves, the first ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay Area. And Golda Poretsky, certified holistic health counselor and founder of Body Love Wellness, a wellness company that provides individual and group counseling from a Health At Every Size perspective.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Renee Jennings CEO/Founder of R. Media Group, which specializes in all aspects of public relations, event planning and promotions. Melissa Stamper, Executive Director of the Miss Plus America Pageant. And Sharon Quinn tells us about her latest project Full Figured Fashion Week 2010 Plus Model Seminar & Panel Discussion!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Camille Bergher, Creative Director for Pure Energy, a new plus size clothing line sold exclusively at Target! Pinky, runner up on season one of Oxygen’s hit show “Dance Your Ass Off” tell us about her latest project, and Keke Dillard tells us about her organization, Full Figures, the nation's largest organization dedicated to plus size women with over 35,000 members and The Curvy Revolution, the premier, largest, and most dynamic convention for plus size women scheduled for Feb 2011 in Las Vegas!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Molly Tessa, Catherine’s real women model search winner, top plus model Muslimah Shabazz , and Tracie Stern international plus model and founder of Understudies Fashion and Modeling Etiquette Institute!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews supermodel Ashley Graham who appeared in Lane Bryant’s heavily publicized lingerie commercial which caused quite a controversy! We’ll learn all about her successful modeling career and how she is helping to make the world a better place!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chastity Garner tell us about her new book The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style. Lisa Alpern tells about her website Beauty Plus Power and her latest projects. And fashion designer Henry N. Jackson tells us about his clothing line HNJ. Also we get the latest from PLUS Model Radio Contributors Sage Salzer and Aimee Cheshire!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Christine Scholl owner of B & Lu plus size clothing line. Plus model Christina Mendez tells us about autism awareness month, and Peggy Howell, public relations director for NAAFA, gives us the inside scoop about their new Plus Size Fashion Design Scholarship!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Becky Meza from Torrid's marketing team who will make a major announcement about their brand new model search! Torrid is the destination for trendy plus-size fashion, with locations all over the United States, Torrid is the “go to” place for the plus size fashionista!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews plus model and author Yvette Pinfield, who tells us about her new book “Your Guide To Plus Size Modeling”, Karol Jarvis of Plusologie, and Deb Malkin revels the winner of the Re/Dress & Lucaspictures 18 PLUS Model Search! Also PLUS Model Radio contributors Sage Salzer & Madeline Figueroa Jones!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Brooklyn based designer Tasha Hill of Big Girls United clothing line, Plus model and Daily Venus Divas cover girl Lauren Koenig chit chats with us, and Denise Best of Blissful Elegance Events tells us about her upcoming events and model search. Also PLUS Model Radio contributors Sage Salzer and Aimee Cheshire gives us the latest scoop!
On the next show Chenese interviews PLUS Model Magazine’s Advertising and Marketing Director Tulin Reid, Chief Operations Officer for Size is Sexy Shadee Livingston, and plus model Katie H! Also PLUS Model Radio contributors Madeline Figueroa Jones and Erica Watson gives us the latest scoop and we celebrate the premiere of PLUS Model Radio’s two year anniversary and new website http://www.plusmodelradio.com !
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Rachel Fennimore of Fennimas Jewelry, Mandy Menzer of FOX’s More to Love, who is also PLUS Model Magazine West Coast Model Search winner, and Gabi Gregg of the popular Young, Fat, and Fabulous blog!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Aimee Cheshire of MadisonPlus.com the premier fashion website for plus size women, plus photographer Marisa Balletti, and New York based celebrity make-up artist and hair stylist Daryon Haylock!
America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 winner, Whitney Thompson, makes her second appearance on PLUS Model Radio and catches us up on the latest with her career, as well as her brand new entrepreneurial projects!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese goes one on one with Tali Giat, best known to audiences as the winner of the wildly popular television show on FOX, More To Love, the first ever plus size dating reality show!
Kindred in a new webisode series that is providing a no-holds-barred look at issues that all women face, Kindred reveals how three everyday women tackle love, life, and work, while dealing with daunting, life-changing issues such as sexual harassment, infidelity, drug abuse, deadly diseases, racism, and homosexuality. Meet the three curvy leading ladies Maureen Aladin, Jessica Nyel Hartley, and Ella Turenne.
PLUS Model Magazine brought it’s first West Coast Model Search to Love Your Body Day on October 24th, 2009 in West Hollywood, CA. One lucky lady will win the ultimate prize, a one year contract with Brand Model and Talent Agency, campaign with Hips and Curves and the cover of PLUS Model Magazine.
Lisamarie Audiss of Brand Model & Talent Agency joins us on PLUS Model Radio to announce the model search winner LIVE on the air!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese goes one one with Mia Tyler about Forever21's new plus size clothing line called Faith21! Mia will talk about Faith21’s “Most Stylish Gal” model search where one lucky girl will win a trip to Los Angeles to be a part of a Faith21 photo shoot and a $500 shopping spree. For more information visit http://www.forever21.com/faith21contest
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Brianne Widaman, President & Founder of Revolution of Real Women, LLC. Tonya Jeter, Miss Full Figured USA talks about her platform (Brain Aneurysms) and the event she created to promote it, featuring a full figured fashion show called “Insanely Fabulous Fashion Benefit & Silent Auction.” And Carrie Woomer tells us why she left SKORCH Magazine and about her new exciting position as Creative Director of Fashion Overdose!
Fashion Overdose is offering a promotion of 50% off of everything. Promotional code: PMM10 exp 12/1/09 at check out. http://www.fashionoverdose.com
On the next PLUS Model Radio we celebrate Love Your Body Day! Chenese interviews Veronica Lipscomb of TruDiva Designs, photographer Kev Bailey, and Juliette Hagerman director of the Miss Plus Top Model Awards. Also call in for your chance to win tickets for the Love Your Body Day Panel Discussion! For more information and the complete schedule of events visit http://www.loveyourbodyday.com
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Kate Harding, author and founder of the internet’s most popular body acceptance blog, Shapely Prose. Actress and comedienne Erica Watson talks about her new one woman show called “Fat Bitch” which is touring around the US and Darren Trentacosta, photographer and plus designer gives us the latest on his clothing line Trentacosta New York.
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Qristyl Frazier plus designer from Project Runway – Season 6. Keir “KeKe” Duncan founder of Queen City Full Figured Fashion Week, and Liis Windischmann, Canada’s top plus size model talks about her latest projects!
On the next PLUS Model Radio Chenese interviews Delai Haligah, plus fashion designer and creator of OSUN Designs. Marilyn Wann, author of FAT!SO? and civil rights activist working to end weight-based discrimination as well as Marie Denee, plus size fashion blogger, who will talk about her blog, The Curvy Fashionista, and tell us all about her new on-line boutique MarieDenee.com!
On the next show Chenese get the latest about the newly launched Plus Size Industry Professionals website and Daily Venus Diva Magazine and all the exciting things to come with guests Valery Amador, Co-Founder of the PSIP and Publisher for PLUS Model and Daily Venus Diva Magazines as well as Stephanie Penn Danforth Editor for Daily Venus Diva Magazine. Also Madeline Figueroa Jones, Co-Founder of the PSIP and Editor for PLUS Model Magazine makes a HUGE announcement about PLUS Model Magazine’s new model search!
Links to everything discussed on this episode: www.plusszieindustry.com www.dailyvenusdiva.com www.plusmodelmag.com www.loveyourbodyday.com
Chenese Lewis goes one-on-one with PETA senior campaigner Ashley Byrne about the animal-rights organization’s new "Save the Whale" campaign that has the plus-size community outraged!
Chenese interviews Sarah Testa, Founder & Executive Editor of Pasazz.net, an online plus size fashion directory. Cassandra Jones, the US Director for The Fuller Woman Expo, an empowerment event for plus size women and Mara Hall contestant from Oxygens hit show “Dance Your Ass Off”, network's first-ever dance/weight-loss competition series.
Chenese interviews artist and photographer Olan Montgomery who talks about his new book “Not a Size 2”. Jo Williams, Los Angeles based celebrity hair stylist talks about her latest projects. And Jennene "Gigi" Biggins, CEO of Voluptuous Woman Company, a company that promotes a positive image of plus size women through events, media and fashion; will reveal the results of her Plus Size Marketing Group survey about FOX’s plus size reality show, More To Love!
Chenese interviews author David Rivera, Jr. whose new book The Last Prejudice follows three plus-sized women through their trails. Debra Mazda , CEO of Shapely Girl Fitness, a motivational fitness program whose philosophy is that fitness comes in many sizes. Kendra C. Johnson actress whose credits include “Phat Girlz” and “The Game”
Plus Supermodel Mia Tyler,the daughter of Aerosmith’s legendary lead singer Steven Tyler and ‘70s It Girl Cyrinda Foxe, and her business partner Victoria Baker - Winfrey talk about their new plus size clothing line Revolution 1228!
Chenese interviews NBA wife, model, actress, and autor Jackie Christie, Plus Supermodel Randi Graves, and CEO and founder of SWAK Designs, Brad Capo!
Fashion Week has grown into a prestigious event recognized worldwide for its success in presenting stunning couture fashion shows in upscale venues. For the first time in history, a partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, will join forces to bring the fashion week experience to the curvy consumer. Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will proudly launch in New York City, June 25-27, 2009.
Chenese goes one on one with supermodel, television persoanlity, author, lecturer, clothing designer,and women's advocate, Emme!!
Chenese interviews model, trainer, and image consultant, Terri Murray. Plus fashion designer Just Raymona, and calling in from Paris, France actress, model and advocate Velvet d'Amour!
Chenese goes one on one with Jess Weiner! Jess serves as the Global Ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, as well as a frequent contributer to such shows as The Today Show, CNN Showbiz Tonight,and The Tyra Banks Show. She is author of two books "A Very Hungery Girl" and "Life Doesn’t Begin 5 Pounds From Now". Tune in as Jess discusses how she went from a teenager struggling with eating disorders and low self-esteem to a national spokesperson as the queen of self-esteem!
Chenese interviews founder of Body Love Wellness, Golda Poretsky, plus designer and philanthropist Sue Rock,and award winning author of “The Cheetah Girls” Deborah Gregory!
On September 7th 2007 Madeline Jones, Editor for PLUS Model Magazine, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After the shock wore off Madeline had some decisions to make. She could either let her life become a sad existence filled with depression or she could live her life every day to the fullest and help others. She chose to live to the fullest and has committed to raising $5,000 towards MS research by creating the first PLUS Model Magazine team to participate in the Manhattan MS Walk on April 19th. PLUS Model Radio has scheduled a special 2 hour live telethon on Monday, April 13th to take pledges to support Madeline’s efforts.
Please support the PLUS Model Magazine Team by donating. Any amount can make a huge difference! Here is the link: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=6013606&pg=personal&fr_id=11002
Thanks in advance!
The Executive Producers of the hit show "The Bachelor" along with Doron Ofir Casting are currently searching for real women with real sizes for real love! More To Love is a new groundbreaking dating series on FOX! Hear Casting Director Piper Goldberg give Chenese the inside scoop about the new show!
Chenese interviews plus model and author of “You Can Be Sexy at Any Size or Age!”, Nancy Hayssen. From BET’s “Rip the Runway” plus designer Douglas Says, and plus industry veteran, image consultant, and author of “Image Power” Catherine Schuller
Chenese goes one on one with plus model, singer and reality star Joanne Borgella. She appeared as a finalist on season 7 of American Idol and also took home the crown on the first season of Oxygen's highest rating show,Mo'Niques FAT Chance!
On tonight’s show Chenese interviews Deb Malkin, owner of the first vintage/resale shop exclusive for sizes 14 and up located in New York. From NBC’s Biggest Loser, plus model ,and singer Rasha Spindal. And from shows such as Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View, and Comedy Central’s “Comic Groove” comedienne and actress Cocoa Brown!
SPECIAL EDITION
Chenese Interviews Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ashley Stewart, Marla Minns. Ashley Stewart has over 200 stores from New York City to Los Angeles and the U.S. Virgin Islands and is the only store that designs, develops and targets fashion apparel merchandise for the urban plus size woman.
On tonights show Chenese interviews: Husband and wife team Maria and Ziggy Rivas with Whiskers and Lace lingerie. Tara Taylor, New York based make- up and eyebrow artist; and from VH1’s hit reality show I Want to Work for Diddy ( as in P. Diddy!) entrepreneur and reality star, Poprah.
Execlusive deal for PLUS Model Radio listeners! Recieve a 15% discount at www.WhiskersandLace.com by using DISCOUNT CODE: PMR! Offer valid until Dec. 31, 2009
On tonight’s show Chenese interviews: Leslie Delano, LA based high fashion photographer that specializes in plus models; calling in from Sydney, Australia, radio personality Chantelle aka Lil Mama talks about her new clothing line; and from the hit television series Boston Public,feature film Get Smart, and a list of others, actress Lindsay Hollister!
On tonight’s show Chenese interviews: Connie Crawford, CEO of Fashion Patterns by Coni and a licensed designer for Butterick Patterns; Krista Svalbonas New York based photographer that specializes in plus size models ; and from the hit television series Degrassi: The Next Generation and plus model Christina Schmidt!
SCHEDULED GUESTS: Michele Weston- CurveStyle Expert and Body Image Columnist Nancy Baum- President,Cherished-Woman.com Maggie Brown- Plus Model
SPECIAL EDITION
Celebrity Guest: Kimberley Locke
Singer/Songwriter
American Idol Finalist- Season 2
BlogTalkRadio & PLUS Model Magazine's first annual "Top 12 Curvy Women in Entertainment" unveiled!
SCHEDULED GUESTS:
Reah Norman-wardrobe stylist/plus size model
Ivory May Kalber-plus model/actess/ "Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency"
Monif C. - plus designer
SCHEDULED GUESTS:
Marlene G. - Make-Up Artist/ Co Founder, Naked Minerals Cosmetics
Natalie Ferraro- Singer/Songwriter/ Creator, +Plushus
Mia Amber Davis plus model/actress
On tonights show Chenese interviews: Laura Poorman and Lisa Toton sisters and co-founders of Curvy Girl Clothing. Fallon Sinclair, CEO and founder of New York based modeling agency, IPM Model Management. As well as Maiysha, plus supermodel represented by Ford models and recording artist relasing her debut album “This Much is True”.
(Update: Maiysha is nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song "Wanna Be.")
SCHEDULED GUESTS:
Shante Gordon- Plus Model
Abby Z.- Plus Fashion Designer
Lisa Scott-Plus Supermodel
Another interview with Torrid photographer Michael Anthony Hermogeno due to the technical diffulties.
SCHEDULED GUESTS:
Natasha Duswalt - CEO of Peak Models& Talent
Joy Nash - Actress, Writer, Plus Model, Creator of "Fat Rant"
Michael Anthony Hermogeno - Torrid Photographer
SCHEDULED GUESTS:
Chamein Canton- Author, Wedding Consultant & Style Expert
Yanderis Lodos - Plus Model
Jessica & Kristine Svoboda - SVOBODA, Inc.
Execlusive deal for PLUS Model Radio listeners! Recieve a 10% discount at www.SVOBODAstyle.com by using DISCOUNT CODE: RADIO10.Offer valid until July 31, 2008
Scheduled Guests:
Cynthis Sliwa: CEO, Apprecia Fine Jewelry/Image Consultant/Author
DLo Brown: Plus Model/ Photographer
Sage Salzer: Plus Supermodel
Execlusive deal for PLUS Model Radio listeners. Buy a copy of Jewelry Savvy for $15 (plus shipping & handling), which is 25% off the cover price, through the end of June 2008. www.jewelrysavvybook.com
Scheduled Guests: Valery Amador, Editoral Director for Venus Divas Magazine and Creative Director for PLUS Model Magazine Yul Kwon, Owner and CEO of Missphit Clothing Megan Garcia, Plus Model & Yoga Expert
Scheduled Guests:
Bette Tilch, Fashion Stylist
Inez Lewis, PLUS Contributing Photographer
Phyllis Brasch Librach, President & Founder of Sydney's Closet
Scheduled Guests:
Artemis, PLUS Beauty Editor
Katie H., PLUS Cover Model
BLUR Custom Dezigns, Plus Size Fahion Company
Susan Baroone CEO of AlwaysForMe.com
Erin Tinsley April Cover Model
Sharon Quinn The Original Runway Diva and PLUS Industry Liason
Scheduled Guests:
Larissa Laurel, PLUS Model Magazine Industry Editor
Whitney Cunningham, Plus Model and America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 Contestant
Qristyl Frazier, Plus Fashion Designer
Scheduled Guests:
Maddy Figueroa-Jones, Editor PLUS Model Magazine
Valery Amador, Creative Director PLUS Model Magazine
Gwen DeVoe, DeVoe Signature Events
Jasmine Edwards, March 2008 PLUS Cover Model
Nikki G, Photographer