What are your views or thoughts about the plus size industry?
I’m excited to say over the last 17 years, I’ve watched the plus size
industry take leaps and bounds with designers, clothing companies,
and runways. I can remember shopping as a plus size pre-teen
and the options were few. Having to shop in stores with my mom
and pick out clothes that weren’t youthful was a rather frustrating
experience. I view the plus size somewhat an old movement, just
with new outlets and voices. As the movement continues to take
strides, there will always be a new barrier to break, mindsets to tear
down, and continued advocacy. I know social media doesn’t capture
the entire story of the plus size industry, but I find it refreshing
to see women celebrate their natural bodies filled with curves,
dimples, FUPAs, rolls and etc. I hope the industry leaders and
front-runners will continue to be open-minded and not one sided to
truly allow room for diversity.
Do you feel the society accepts curvy women?
I believe that society accepts the perfect coke bottle-shaped curvy
woman, however, more and more women are becoming confident
in who they are, so it challenges society’s view of what’s “curvy”,
or even what a woman should look like. Everyone has their own
idea of what curvy is, and that’s okay. It becomes an issue when
a person is ridiculed for not being a perfect “8” or having a flat
tummy to complete the perfect body. I do believe that if women
will continue to accept, respect, and love who they are and one
another, it will put a demand on others to do the same.
Who is your favorite designer?
My favorite designer is the late Mychael Knight. I can remember
him being one of the first designers on Project Runway not afraid
to design for plus size women.
How will you leave your legacy?
If I get to the end of my life and realize that I never accomplished
God’s will for my life due to fear, I would be disappointed. The
only way I can be sure to do His will and not my own is to have
faith in His word and never give up. Let me be remembered for my
dedication to the Kingdom of God.
I will hope that at the end of my days I will be remembered for
being Christ-like. I want my children, my husband, and those I
meet to be able to sing praises about the woman I was. I imagine
they will say that I loved unconditionally and worked hard,
exhibited patience and was always willing to give.
It would please me to know that my husband felt like he got to
do life with a great wife — one that was available, respectful,
trustworthy, encouraging, supported him in his dreams, and
covered him.
I hope that when I look back I can be proud of myself for being
a good wife, mother, friend, and mentor. It’s the relationships that
matter to me most. My desire is to empower, encourage, edify, and
lead people in the wisdom of God to live their best lives.
One thing I will not be leaving behind is debt for my children to
carry. My husband has taught me that money is a temporary tool,
which is why we put more emphasis on educating and training
people about money, so that they too could have the knowledge and
resources to gain wealth. I heard once that leaving a legacy isn’t
about what you’ve earned but what you’ve learned.
Let me leave this earth knowing that I ate what I wanted, traveled
the world, gave back to the community, crushed my goals, and faced
my fears. I want to have no regrets when it’s all said and done.
I hope that when those who knew me hear my name after I am
gone, they will feel a sense of empowerment. I want people to hear
my story and say: “if she can do it, so can I.”
What is your meaning of a “Luxe Beautie?”
A Luxe Beautie is a woman who carries herself with dignity,
exuberates class, beams with confidence, and knows her worth.
by: Brandee J