Luxe Kurves Magazine September 2018 | Page 44

Define the meaning of beauty in your own words. I have learned beauty is and continues to be whatever you make it. There is no wrong way to be beautiful. True beauty is the ability to find it in others and letting them know it’s there! I’ve never felt more beautiful than when I know I’ve inspired someone to embrace and love the skin they are in! With hat being said, I still feel like the industry has left many of us behind. I would like to see more consistency in the efforts towards size and ethnic diversity. Certainly, we have some amazing mainstream representation and campaigns uplifting women of color and sizes 18 and up, but still, one shouldn’t be able to list them all on one hand. Nothing happens overnight and slowly but surely the industry will continue to break down major barriers, and you know what? I’m excited to How can we overcome the media image of what they believe beauty is? In one word: visibility! We must continue to press the issue that all bodies, all complexions, all races, and every imperfection are equally deserving of respect, admiration, and love. Social media is a great platform to promote plus and curvy visibility as well as body positivity and self love. What made you decide to become a model? As a kid, I was always infatuated with fashion, the glitz and glamour, of course. But as I have evolved, I have been more inspired in my day-to-day life, as well as modeling by the strong and courageous women that they didn’t teach us about in school. These women fought endlessly to pursue their dreams and goals, and to fulfill their innermost passions. I want my son and my nieces and women from all walks of life to know that chasing your dreams has never been foolish. That endless burning inside your heart is passion and you must keep it ablaze! Go for it, you are everything you ever needed to succeed! What are your views or thoughts about the current state of the plus size industry? The plus industry is like that child that had a growth spurt and never stopped growing. It has gone from “non-existent” to “we live, it baby!” women are here for the long run! We’re your fashion inspos, your entertainers, your motivation, your professionals, and your #WCW! Pow! With the average modern woman being a size 16 you’re not getting rid of us anytime soon. What is the one thing you would tell a young girl looking in the mirror who is having a hard time loving her curves? Remember that your body is splendid in all the many things that it does for you. It is beautiful because it was designed just for you. It is strong and graceful and powerful, but it is merely the vessel that holds the most magnificent gift you could ever discover and that is your spirit. Protect it, only speak positivity into it and only allow positivity around it. Remember, happiness is an inside job. Who are your fashion designers? There are so many! Courtney Noelle, Beautique Styles, Pheline Couture, Rebdolls, Shun Melson, Ashley Nell Tipton and, my dream designer, Christian Siriano. I just love how in tune they are with the curvy body and how they provide a range of colors and statements to choose from for any occasion. What is your meaning of a “Luxe Beautie?” A “Luxe Beautie” is a queen who lives without the limitations society has tried to place upon her. She cannot be categorized nor boxed in. She walks fiercely in her purpose, she turns “nothing” into “something”, and she inspires confidence and unity to anyone she encounters. see what’s in store! Do you feel the society accepts curvy women? That’s a tricky one...The only acceptance I value is that of myself. The truth is, curvy by: Brandee J