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