The Chenese Lewis Show

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!