Podcasts about full figured fashion week

From global runways to video games, plus-size supermodel Liris Crosse has helped move the needle of fashion and has her sights set on teaching everyone how to make the world their runway. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Crosse has been modeling for more than a decade and has seen both the highs-and-lows of the fashion industry. Starting her career right after graduating high school, Crosse says, “I was enrolled to get started in college but something in my spirit told me to move to New York. I asked my father to give me a chance to pursue my dreams –and he did– and I've never looked back.” Having been honored by several industry organizations including Full Figured Fashion Week and the Fashion Awards MD, as ‘Model of the Year' for her outstanding achievements, Crosse offers advice for those who want to make it in the industry or simply win at life, “I just released my first book, Make The World Your Runway, where I teach modeling and life coaching principles that I use to prepare for the runway– expanded upon for everyone to use for the runways of their life! You have to be resilient, stick to your guns and believe in yourself,” she says. To View The Episode- https://youtu.be/91R1ppCjZJc #whoknewinthemoment #Model #RunwayModel

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.

(Updated Edit) Capítulo 008: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Ashley Nell Tipton, Fashion Designer and Winner of Project Runway Season 14. Listen in as we discuss fashion, creativity, her collection at New York's Full Figured Fashion Week, and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Ashley's passion for fashion started at a very young age where she learned to sew on her grandmother's sewing machine when she was just seven years old, and only continued to grow her talents from there. Tipton went on to attend Fashion Careers College where she got her AA in Fashion Design and Technology. Her senior collection at Fashion Careers College was highlighted in the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards. She's also showed her collection at New York's Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012.After entering and winning Project Runway in 2015 Ashley 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.Follow Ashley: @ashleynelltipton on instagram, or www.ashleynelltipton.comOcu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.Delsy Sandoval is the executive producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.comFollow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: Instagram.com/ocupasionpodcast Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.

Bougie Babes!! Welcome to the Bougie Den for our very first Bougie Story Time!! Our first episode is the beautiful Broad Broad Erica and a guest to our show Erica's brother,  Will B. They finally told us the full story of how they went to Full Figured Fashion Week and she had her entire family in tow. All hell broke loose from the family arriving into town, all the way until they left the damn hotel. This episode is wholesome and funny!! Grab your popcorn, Henny margarita and your edges because you will need it. xoxo 

Kay Soul is a recording artist, songwriter, and aspiring plus model based in Chicago. Kay begansinging and writing songs in elementary school and recorded her first solo song at the age of 19. Kay Soulis a 2020 W.A.M (We are the Music Makers) Winner for Best R&B album for “Hiding In Plain Sight” andnominee for the HerSong Blog artist of the year award for her May 2020 release, “Blood In My Veins”. InOctober 2020, Kay released her new album “In My Mind” distributed by The Orchard, a subsidiary of SonyMusic. Wrapped in a theme of broken and beautiful, Kay shared the broken pieces of herself with theintent of inspiring listeners to find the beauty in their broken spaces. To date, “In My Mind” has been Kay'smost successful project garnering over 15k streams within the first 3 months, resonating with heraudience, and critically acclaimed by several notable music blogs and podcasts. Society of Sound includedKay Soul as part of their 2021 roll out of meaningful artists to watch, calling Kay “a ray of sunshine, showingpeople that there is still beauty to found, even when we're feeling down.” (SOS Music Media, January2021). In reference to the song “Silly Love”, A&R Factory, a top ten music blog in the UK, highlighted Kay'scultural relevance stating, “while plenty of people had fun discussing whether WAP was a feminist track,artists such as Kay Soul was cooking up the most empowering track that I've heard this year.” (A&RFactory, November 2020.) Indie Spoonful stated that “Kay Soul is a serious contender, and an artist towatch, in today's R & B music scene.”Previously nominated for a Chicago Independent Music Award for best R&B singer, Kay hasreleased multiple singles, a mixtape, her debut EP "Deeper" and full-length album "Hiding in Plain Sight".She has performed at several high-profile events including headlining at Elbo Room Chicago andUnderground Wonder Bar, the Silver Room Block Party, Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City andsinging The National Anthem at the NBA matchup between Milwaukee and Orlando. During the pandemic,Kay Soul continued to perform, creating an intimate setting in her home studio while streaming live tofans across the world. Kay went international performing for Paris based music platform Dorhema andstreaming her album release celebration on the UK based music platform Show4me during the One NationUnder God Music Festival. Kay Soul has been featured in numerous publications including Luxe KurvesMagazine, Rolling Out Magazine, and Buzz Music. She was the featured artist of the week in ChicagoMusic Guide July 2020 and highlighted as an inspiring story in Voyage LA magazine in August 2020. KaySoul was listed as an Artist to Watch by Indie Spoonful and 716 Live magazine and become the firstfeatured artist on the Canada based music-streaming platform, Whoozl. As a plus size model, Kay Soul hasmodeled for multiple designers including national plus size brands Avenue and Lane Bryant. She wasfeatured as Ms. April in the Massive Collection 2019 calendar and her photos have been published andused as promotional material by notable photographers. Kay Soul is a Brand Ambassador and causewarrior for mental health awareness. Her song “As I Am” was the subject of a featured write-up andpodcast on Society of Sound focusing on perceptions of beauty. She was also the May 2020 featured gueston the Podcast, Tea Time With Monica, discussing mental health and healing.Kay is currently working on a new concept EP entitled “Connections”, a companion project to “InMy Mind” that will introduce 5 new stories examining connections both with ourselves and others. Hermusic can be heard on multiple platforms in countries around the world.

Kay Soul is a recording artist, songwriter, and aspiring plus model based in Chicago. Kay begansinging and writing songs in elementary school and recorded her first solo song at the age of 19. Kay Soulis a 2020 W.A.M (We are the Music Makers) Winner for Best R&B album for “Hiding In Plain Sight” andnominee for the HerSong Blog artist of the year award for her May 2020 release, “Blood In My Veins”. InOctober 2020, Kay released her new album “In My Mind” distributed by The Orchard, a subsidiary of SonyMusic. Wrapped in a theme of broken and beautiful, Kay shared the broken pieces of herself with theintent of inspiring listeners to find the beauty in their broken spaces. To date, “In My Mind” has been Kay'smost successful project garnering over 15k streams within the first 3 months, resonating with heraudience, and critically acclaimed by several notable music blogs and podcasts. Society of Sound includedKay Soul as part of their 2021 roll out of meaningful artists to watch, calling Kay “a ray of sunshine, showingpeople that there is still beauty to found, even when we're feeling down.” (SOS Music Media, January2021). In reference to the song “Silly Love”, A&R Factory, a top ten music blog in the UK, highlighted Kay'scultural relevance stating, “while plenty of people had fun discussing whether WAP was a feminist track,artists such as Kay Soul was cooking up the most empowering track that I've heard this year.” (A&RFactory, November 2020.) Indie Spoonful stated that “Kay Soul is a serious contender, and an artist towatch, in today's R & B music scene.”Previously nominated for a Chicago Independent Music Award for best R&B singer, Kay hasreleased multiple singles, a mixtape, her debut EP "Deeper" and full-length album "Hiding in Plain Sight".She has performed at several high-profile events including headlining at Elbo Room Chicago andUnderground Wonder Bar, the Silver Room Block Party, Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City andsinging The National Anthem at the NBA matchup between Milwaukee and Orlando. During the pandemic,Kay Soul continued to perform, creating an intimate setting in her home studio while streaming live tofans across the world. Kay went international performing for Paris based music platform Dorhema andstreaming her album release celebration on the UK based music platform Show4me during the One NationUnder God Music Festival. Kay Soul has been featured in numerous publications including Luxe KurvesMagazine, Rolling Out Magazine, and Buzz Music. She was the featured artist of the week in ChicagoMusic Guide July 2020 and highlighted as an inspiring story in Voyage LA magazine in August 2020. KaySoul was listed as an Artist to Watch by Indie Spoonful and 716 Live magazine and become the firstfeatured artist on the Canada based music-streaming platform, Whoozl. As a plus size model, Kay Soul hasmodeled for multiple designers including national plus size brands Avenue and Lane Bryant. She wasfeatured as Ms. April in the Massive Collection 2019 calendar and her photos have been published andused as promotional material by notable photographers. Kay Soul is a Brand Ambassador and causewarrior for mental health awareness. Her song “As I Am” was the subject of a featured write-up andpodcast on Society of Sound focusing on perceptions of beauty. She was also the May 2020 featured gueston the Podcast, Tea Time With Monica, discussing mental health and healing.Kay is currently working on a new concept EP entitled “Connections”, a companion project to “InMy Mind” that will introduce 5 new stories examining connections both with ourselves and others. Hermusic can be heard on multiple platforms in countries around the world.

Kay Soul is a recording artist, songwriter, and aspiring plus model based in Chicago. Kay began singing and writing songs in elementary school and recorded her first solo song at the age of 19. Kay Soul is a 2020 W.A.M (We are the Music Makers) Winner for Best R&B album for “Hiding In Plain Sight” and nominee for the HerSong Blog artist of the year award for her May 2020 release, “Blood In My Veins”. In October 2020, Kay released her new album “In My Mind” distributed by The Orchard, a subsidiary of Sony Music. Wrapped in a theme of broken and beautiful, Kay shared the broken pieces of herself with the intent of inspiring listeners to find the beauty in their broken spaces. To date, “In My Mind” has been Kay's most successful project garnering over 15k streams within the first 3 months, resonating with her audience, and critically acclaimed by several notable music blogs and podcasts. Society of Sound included Kay Soul as part of their 2021 roll out of meaningful artists to watch, calling Kay “a ray of sunshine, showing people that there is still beauty to found, even when we're feeling down.” (SOS Music Media, January 2021). In reference to the song “Silly Love”, A&R Factory, a top ten music blog in the UK, highlighted Kay's cultural relevance stating, “while plenty of people had fun discussing whether WAP was a feminist track, artists such as Kay Soul was cooking up the most empowering track that I've heard this year.” (A&R Factory, November 2020.) Indie Spoonful stated that “Kay Soul is a serious contender, and an artist to watch, in today's R & B music scene.” Previously nominated for a Chicago Independent Music Award for best R&B singer, Kay has released multiple singles, a mixtape, her debut EP "Deeper" and full-length album "Hiding in Plain Sight". She has performed at several high-profile events including headlining at Elbo Room Chicago and Underground Wonder Bar, the Silver Room Block Party, Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City and singing The National Anthem at the NBA matchup between Milwaukee and Orlando. During the pandemic, Kay Soul continued to perform, creating an intimate setting in her home studio while streaming live to fans across the world. Kay went international performing for Paris based music platform Dorhema and streaming her album release celebration on the UK based music platform Show4me during the One Nation Under God Music Festival. Kay Soul has been featured in numerous publications including Luxe Kurves Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, and Buzz Music. She was the featured artist of the week in Chicago Music Guide July 2020 and highlighted as an inspiring story in Voyage LA magazine in August 2020. Kay Soul was listed as an Artist to Watch by Indie Spoonful and 716 Live magazine and become the first featured artist on the Canada based music-streaming platform, Whoozl. As a plus size model, Kay Soul has modeled for multiple designers including national plus size brands Avenue and Lane Bryant. She was featured as Ms. April in the Massive Collection 2019 calendar and her photos have been published and used as promotional material by notable photographers. Kay Soul is a Brand Ambassador and cause warrior for mental health awareness. Her song “As I Am” was the subject of a featured write-up and podcast on Society of Sound focusing on perceptions of beauty. She was also the May 2020 featured guest on the Podcast, Tea Time With Monica, discussing mental health and healing. Kay is currently working on a new concept EP entitled “Connections”, a companion project to “In My Mind” that will introduce 5 new stories examining connections both with ourselves and others. Her music can be heard on multiple platforms in countries around the world.

We continue with the Resilience Series for Women's History Month with Model, Monique Robinson. Learn more about Monique: Monique Robinson is a model from Pompano Beach, Florida, who stands at 6 "2' and wears a size 14. She started modeling in the Fall of 2010 following a chance encounter at a convenience store while she was in graduate school to become a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. After graduation, Monique dove headfirst into modeling. Her first show was Meet Me in Miami, for Jones Magazine, in September 2010. Within a year and a half, Monique had appeared on runways in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Monique has walked in shows including Full Figured Fashion Week, BET's "Rip the Runway," Isabel Toledo, Christian Siriano, and Project Runway. Monique's résumé includes work for Ashley Stewart, Macy's, Torrid, Lane Bryant, Target, Kohl's, Dress Barn, McCalls, and Catharine's Plus, and Land's End, to name a few. https://www.instagram.com/iadoremo/ www.moniquerobinson.com #IAMMYBEAUTYSTANDARD

Gwendolyn DeVoe is a former freelance plus model turned fashion event producer who devotes much of her time to mentoring and coaching women interested in plus size modeling and entrepreneurship.  In addition, in an effort to ensure that plus size fashion brands and its aficionados receive equal airtime and tasteful recognition in the fashion industry, Gwen has been instrumental in creating a number of platforms for the plus size fashion community.   One of those platforms is 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, which launched in 2009, is heralded as one of the industry’s most legitimate gateways for plus fashion and a “must attend’ for anyone involved in the industry, has received both local and international press coverage ranging from the front page of the New York Times to Forbes.com to The New Yorker and everything in between. In June of 2020, Gwen successfully launched a virtual model of Full Figured Fashion Week.  The success of this virtual event coupled with the devastation that the pandemic has had on the event planning industry, has encouraged Gwen to publish her first e-book, “Pivot, Don’t Panic – How to Turn your In-Person Event Into a Successful Virtual Experience”, which will launch at the end of Fall 2020.   As an award winning event producer, industry content writer, motivational speaker and expert on the plus size fashion community, Gwen has written content for USA Today and has appeared as an industry expert on several national radio and television shows including Fox 5’s Good Day New York, OMG Insider Entertainment Tonight, and ASPIRE TV.  She has been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post’s Women in Business, Fortune.com, Fashion & Style, Biz Women - The Business Journal and several other business articles.   Gwen’s current project, the Silver Fox Model Camp, is an extremely popular one-day workshop that was created for aspiring mature models.  As the standard of beauty becomes more inclusive, it is Gwen’s desire that this workshop will serve as a platform for mature models to learn how to use their ageless beauty to monetize life experiences and be successful in the beauty, fashion, and acting industries.  The popularity of this workshop has led Gwen to create yet another brand, the Silver Fox Talent Agency, which is set to open in March.   For more information, please contact Gwen at:  devoe@dseventsinc.com or bookgwendevoe@gmail.com.    IG:  @GwenMogulDeVoe or @MogulMoments FB:  @DeVoeSignatureEvents or @SilverFoxModelCamp

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 2013 in her home state of Maryland, Liris was presented with the Plus Print Model of the Year Award at the Fashion Awards MD as well as the Fashion 500 Award from The Block Association. The following year, she graced the first Black issue of Plus Model Magazine. Liris sashayed the runway for New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week and took her runway reign to British Plus Size FashionWeekend in the UK and Plus Size Fashion Days in Germany. Her popularity there led to being selected as the cover model for Daily Venus Diva, Plus Model and Volup2 magazines. It was that same year Liris launched her Life of a Working Model Boot Camp which offers numerous classes toprovide new generation of models with tips and strategies on how to break into the fashion industry and maintain and improve their craft. It has been successful series that has assisted women in signingwith major agencies, modeling in high-level runway shows and gaining self-confidence and direction.  In addition to modeling, Liris has added several acting credits to her long resume. She appeared in the films “The Best Man”, “Baby Boy” and on television series “The Wire” and Law & Order SVU.In 2015, Liris became the first Black model to race the Goddess Lingerie campaign. That same year, she was one of a few models selected to walk the runway for reality TV competition, Project Runway’s, first ever plus size collection at New York Fashion Week. That honor was followed by being chosen as one of the models for the show’s first season to include plus size models for the weekly competition premiering in August 2017. 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. This year Liris was named the Model Of The Year at the 2019 Full Figured Industry Awards and an Women of Power & Transformation award honoree. She is currently the curvy ambassador for mega bridal retailer, Maggie Sottero Designs, breaking size and racial standards in that market. Liris became the first plus model to walk Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week with them!In 2016, Liris discovered a new gift in motivational speaking. She served as the feature speaker at the Flawless Conference in Washington, DC and the Softer Side Seminars in Pittsburgh. In 2017 she added a new cities to her Life of a Working Model Boot Camp tour(Huntsville, Baltimore, St Louis),was named Full-Figured Fashion Week’s Model of the Year and was a featured guest on the Steve Harvey talk show discussing curvy confidence and spreading it to 15 women who she helped inspire tolove themselves. She has since keynoted at Harvard University for AOCC, Princeton University for AtThe Well Conference and spoke twice at EssenceFest this summer in New Orleans for the EssenceBeauty Carnival & Essence Fashion House.Liris is the embodiment of her motto, “If you can think it, you can do it”. She’s proven that anyone canmake their dreams come true and is passionate about encouraging and motivating others to do so. As her career continues to move forward whether through modeling, acting or mentoring, Liris Crosse isdefinitely one to watch! She is signed to Dorothy Combs Models in Miami & IMM Models in the UK.

In this episode we chat all things Full Figured Fashion Week with the amazing Ernest Jackson of MNS Media Group.  We chat about why this event is so important and this years amazing sponsor Lane Bryant. He also shares why this event is more than just fashion - it is educational as well.  If you have not seen Mr. Ernest Jackson work you need to get familiar. He is a trailblazer.  Learn more about MNS Media Group by following on Instagram  Learn more about Full Figured Fashion Week by visiting: https://www.fffweek.com/ Follow them on social media: Facebook | Instagram --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/conversationswithchan/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/conversationswithchan/support

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!

Join my conversation with Kay Soul. Kay Soul brings us a refreshing personality, she’s ambitious and fun-loving. She invokes spectacular and timeless melodies, while still keeping her style modern and fresh. Her strong connection with music is easily audible in her single “What Love Can Do”. The power and soul in her emotionally-rich voice take us on a meaningful journey through her authentic songwriting ability. The R&B vibe in this finely-calibrated piece fuse perfectly with Kay Soul’s passionate vocals. “What Love Can Do” is a unique collaboration of soulful lyrics and beat and it stands out. We can feel the love and admiration in her voice, but the beat has us swaying along to the music. We had high expectations and Kay Soul surpassed all of them.Previously nominated for a Chicago Independent Music Award for best R&B singer, Kay has released multiple singles, a mix tape, her debut EP “Deeper” and full-length album “Hiding in Plain Sight”. She has performed at several high-profile events including headlining at Elbo Room Chicago and Underground Wonder Bar, the Silver Room Block Party, Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City and singing The National Anthem at the NBA matchup between Milwaukee and Orlando. Kay Soul has been a featured artist in numerous publications including Luxe Kurves Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, American Pride Magazine and Indie Music Plus. Kay Soul was listed as an Artist to Watch by 716 Live magazine and become the first featured artist on the Canadian based music-streaming platform, Whoozl. Kay released her full-length album H.I.P.S (Hiding In Plain Sight) to positive reviews from the indie music community. Her music can be heard on multiple platforms in countries around the world. Preorder Kay's new single "Blood in My Veins" Today on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/bloo...Check out our website @ BringBackSoulMusic.com for the latest news and information about your favorite

Gwen DeVoe - Creator/Producer Full-Figured Fashion Week

Monica talks with Celebrity Fashion Stylist Reggie May, on the heels of New York Fashion WeekStyle aficionado Reggie May is setting trends on and off stages through fashion and entertainment experiences around the globe.With a distinctive 14 years expertise at the helm, Reggie specializes an innovative style concepts, productions, and executions. Inspired by immaculate style at a young age, Reggie studied Fashion Merchandising at Miami University in Miami Florida, igniting his passion and hallmark creativity.  Working alongside powerhouse brands such as Ashley Stewart, Target, Fashion to Figure, Nordstrom, Victoria Secret, Sean John, The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo, The Kennedy Center for the performing arts, Northeast Performing Arts Group, National Curves Day, The Full Figured Industry Awards, Essence of Curves, District of Curves and Full Figured Fashion Week. Reggie has laboriously evolved into one of the most sought after Fashion Stylists and Production Producers in the industry. Today, he boasts a career portfolio that includes: Creative Director, Buyer, Fashion and Wardrobe Stylist, Production Producer and Retail Fashion Advisor. Among other aspects of production, Reggie launched his styling brand Styled Perception Studios in 2013. Bringing a strategic vision to life through dynamic fashion, runway and multimedia experiences, Styled Perception Studios delivers a dramatic, imaginative world which transforms lives through the lens of its clients. Style Perception Studios (SPS) mission is to curate creative and innovative style concepts for brands and individuals in the fashion and entertainment industry.The SPS experience makes as a trusted authority for our consumers and brand partners to be bold and make a statement through diversity and inclusivity. Driven by his relentless focus and unbridled passion, Reggie’s free spirit and charisma is building an emblematic brand that’s widely respected by his clients and peers. An idealist and expert in creating bespoke, avant garde styled experiences, Reggie believes that experiences aren’t planned; they’re Styled to Perception.Follow us @teatimewithmonica @monica_thekurvydivawww.teatimewithmonica.com

Ashley Nell Tipton is a Fashion Designer and the Winner of Project Runway Season 14.Ashley was born in sunny, beautiful San Diego, CA in 1991. She has 3 siblings and a large extended family. Family and living the California lifestyle were crucial elements in her upbringing.Her passion for fashion started at a very young age. She learned to sew on her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was just seven years old, and only continued to grow her talents from there.Ashley went on to attend Fashion Careers College where she got her AA in Fashion Design and Technology. Her senior collection at Fashion Careers College was highlighted in the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards. She’s also shown her collection at New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012.After entering and winning Project Runway in 2015 Ashley signed a contract with clothing retail giant JCPenney 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.In this episode, Ashley shares her inspiring story, going from working in retail to winning Project Runway Season 14. She also opens up about the many changes that came with success and how, amidst her new opportunities and busy schedule, she's learned to prioritize her mental health. We also touch on imposter syndrome, destination syndrome, trusting the process, and celebrating one's successes.FOLLOW ASHLEY:INSTA: @ashleynelltipton / @ashleynelltiptondesignsTWITTER: @DesignerANTWEBSITE: https://ashleynelltipton.com/CONTACT TARA:INSTA: @tara.mont / @trustandthriveYOUTUBE: Tara MontFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.comEMAIL: tara@tara-mont.com

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.

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.

SHOW NOTES: Are you interested in designing clothes for plus size women?   Then what are you waiting for?    Life is about taking chances and my guest, Ashley Nell Tipton is the true woman of action that followed her passion and is now a plus size fashion designer!   On today’s episode of Ellas, I talk with Project Runway winner and fashion designer, Ashley Nell Tipton. Ashley talks about her first encounter with her passion, designing her own independent plus size fashion brand and being a contestant on Project Runway’ season 14.   She also opens up about the dark side of a competitive reality tv show, how she was able to find inspiration to design, and how she made history during New York Fashion Week.   We dive deep on Ashley’s experience of having the opportunity of working with a big company like JCPenney and now owning her fashion brand, Ashley Nell Tipton Designs.   I highly recommend taking the time to listen to this episode and I hope you’ll be inspired to continue on your path towards your own fashion dreams! In this episode, we talk about... 1:11 - Ashley Nell Tipton talks about her childhood in San Diego, California  1:46 - Discover how Ashley found her passion and talent in fashion  3:26 - Find out how Ashely expressed herself through her clothes 4:30 - Ashley’s designs are breaking away from traditional plus-size looks and filling in the gaps by producing colorful and distinct styles  5:07 - Ashely shares how she followed her dream to study fashion design  6:27 - You’re NEVER too young to follow your dreams! Ashley was 20 years old when she presented her FIRST collection in New York 7:05 - The women in Ashley’s family were the pillars of her path towards fashion design 8:28 - Ashley talks about how she presented her first collection at Full Figured Fashion Week  10:17 - Listen to Ashley’s journey as an independent plus size fashion designer 12:29 - In two weeks Ashley created a new plus size collection to present on Project Runway  16:29 - Do you want to know the casting process for Project Runway? Find out now!  18:00 - Listen to how Ashley got on Project Runway  20:37 - Ashley opens up about the dark side of competitive reality tv shows  23:11 - Discover how Ashley was able to find inspiration in order to create her designs during Project Runway  24:51 - “Being on a reality tv show that is a competition, you have to be able to think quickly on your feet and you have to think of a solution very quickly and you have to believe in yourself.” 26:50 - Ashley shares how she found the motivation to create her designs while being in a high-pressured environment  28:45 - Find out the lessons and skills that Ashley learned during her time at Project Runway 31:25 - Working with plus size bodies is what inspires Ashley to create her fashion designs 32:15 - Ashley’s winning collection was the FIRST plus size collection presented in Project Runway 36:39 - Listen to Ashley’s journey of designing her winning collection for Project Runway 38:40 - Ashley has made history! She is the first Latina plus size fashion designer to present a plus-size collection in New York Fashion Week! 43:00 - Discover how Ashley was able to produce a plus size clothing line that reached every woman in America 48:28 - Learn the difference between owning your own fashion brand and working with a big brand 50:00 - Find out how Ashley didn’t give up on the designs she believed in when working with JCPenney 52:00 - Ashley’s placed JCPenney’s plus size collection in the spotlight 53:14 - Know the cons of working with a big company and the projects that Ashley did after her time with JCPenney 54:35 - Ashley shares what she would do differently when working with another big brand 55:53 - Discover the lessons Ashley is incorporating to her plus size fashion brand, Ashley Nell Tipton Designs 58:08 - Do you want to learn how to sew? Ashley can teach you how!  1:01:01 - Ashley talks about her self-acceptance workshops and how she’ll help you navigate your life as you learn to accept yourself - just the way you are! 1:01:23 - Putting yourself down is something very common in the Latinx community, find out how Ashley was able to accept and lift herself up 1:03:08 - Ashley opens up about how she was able to overcome the negativity with the word ‘fat’ 1:04:17 - Listen to Ashley’s advice to her younger self 1:05:12 - Ashley shares vital advice to her fellow Latina plus size women interested in fashion design RELEVANT LINKS Project Runway  Ashley Nell Tipton Ashley Nell Tipton Designs Tumblr Full Figured Fashion Week Mondo Guerra Lifetime  Mood Fabrics Plus Size Dress Forms Ashley's winning plus size fashion collection Tim Gunn Heidi Klum JCPenney Disney Coco Ashley's Plus Size collection for JCPenney's collection Torrid Lane Bryant Target Kohl's JOANN Walmart Ashley's Plus Size Jewelry  Beyoncé Ashley's sewing classes Ashley's self-acceptance workshops Robert Fritz   WANT MORE? Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast Follow Me: @bren_jai Follow Ashley Nell Tipon: @ashleynelltipton Follow Ashley's line: @ashleynelltiptondesigns Song by: Sro CC by SA 

Tiffany Rashel has a candid conversation with the Iconic creator of Full Figured Fashion Week and owner of DeVoe Signature Events - Ms. Gwen DeVoe. Gwen shares secrets for reinventing oneself as well as the strength ans wisdom it took as a leader to bring her vision to life. #fashion #fffweek #leaders #legacy #legend --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dearleader/support

Ashley was born in sunny, beautiful San Diego, CA in 1991. She has 3 siblings and a large extended family. Family and living the California lifestyle were crucial elements in her upbringing.   Her passion for fashion started at a very young age where she learned to sew on her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was just seven years old, and only continued to grow her talents from there. Tipton went on to attend Fashion Careers College where she got her AA in Fashion Design and Technology. Her senior collection at Fashion Careers College was highlighted in the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards. She’s also showed her collection at New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012. After entering and winning Project Runway in 2015 Ashley 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.

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

Its all about beauty and fashion this week folks! OPE guest Tonya Giddens has gone from a freelance makeup artist to a Beauty Advisor for Fashion Fair Cosmetics to a PLUS model to the Beauty Director of Full Figured Fashion Week®. Yes she has it going on!! Make sure you tune in to check her out. For you parents of teenagers, Single Mom Chronicles will share a few tips on the best ways to communicate with your child...Lastly, get ready for our Lightning Rod Roundtable as we tackle current issues.

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. 

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.

Queen Diva Talks with Donna Perry of Courageously Curvy Girls Foundation, LLC continuing the 4 part series of "Achieve Your Dreams Pt.3" where she will touch on how she started her Body Image and Girls Empowerment non-profit and the road from retiring from her day job to becoming Full Figured Fashion Week 2018 Official Non-Profit! You do not want to miss this episode!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divasdiamonds/support

We got naked. How much would you sell your underwear for? Prepping for Plus Oscars, baby. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

International print model and the Official Face of Full Figured Fashion Week 2018, "CurvyKissi" joins Stylist, Designer, and Co-Producer of FFFW2018 Men's Big & Tall Fashion Show, Reggie May to give us a behind the scenes look into Full Figured Fashion.

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!

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!

Full Body Frequency Episode 220 We’re barely three weeks into summer and it feels like it’s almost over; and, frankly, I can’t think of a better time to talk fashion! Steffany Allen, Full Body Frequency’s fashion contributor and celebrity and brand stylist, is here to talk summer fashion, give us a fall fashion preview, and share the inside scoop on this year's Full Figured Fashion Week. Publicist and coach Natasha Nurse of Dressing Room 8 tells us how fashion can be used as a tool to take us to the next level, personally and professionally. Rounding out our show is none other than Alexandra Waldman, co-founder and the creative director of Universal Standard. Alexandra will talk about the revolutionary mark Universal Standard has made on women sizes 10-28. AND, she’ll make a major announcement about Universal Standard’s expansion into the world of accessories. You won’t want to miss this! Steffany Allen: http://steffanyallen.com/ Dressing Room 8: https://www.dressingroom8.com/ Universal Standard: https://www.universalstandard.net/ Connect with Full Body Frequency: https://www.instagram.com/fullbodyfrequency/ https://twitter.com/lauraricedesign https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Full Body Frequency is a production of The Power of Voices, http://thepowerofvoices.com/, Los Angeles, CA.

Full Body Frequency Episode 220 We're barely three weeks into summer and it feels like it's almost over; and, frankly, I can't think of a better time to talk fashion! Steffany Allen, Full Body Frequency's fashion contributor and celebrity and brand stylist, is here to talk summer fashion, give us a fall fashion preview, and share the inside scoop on this year's Full Figured Fashion Week. Publicist and coach Natasha Nurse of Dressing Room 8 tells us how fashion can be used as a tool to take us to the next level, personally and professionally. Rounding out our show is none other than Alexandra Waldman, co-founder and the creative director of Universal Standard. Alexandra will talk about the revolutionary mark Universal Standard has made on women sizes 10-28. AND, she'll make a major announcement about Universal Standard's expansion into the world of accessories. You won't want to miss this! Steffany Allen: http://steffanyallen.com/ Dressing Room 8: https://www.dressingroom8.com/ Universal Standard: https://www.universalstandard.net/ Connect with Full Body Frequency: https://www.instagram.com/fullbodyfrequency/ https://twitter.com/lauraricedesign https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Full Body Frequency is a production of The Power of Voices, http://thepowerofvoices.com/, Los Angeles, CA.

Tia Lyn is an American fashion designer best known by her vintage inspired lingerie made modern with her own twist designed to fit the full busted woman. Tia is a Two-time winner of the Contours International Lingerie Award for the “Best Plus Size Collection” in 2006 and 2007, sponsored by the Intimate Apparel Council. In 2016, Tia was recognized as the Designer of the Year for Full Figured Fashion Week by Gwen DeVoe and the Plus Size Community. Every style in the Tia Lyn collection is available in the full size range from Small to 3X. Tia Lyn lingerie plus sized designs has been featured in Glamour Magazine, The Daily Venus Diva and E News! Tia Lyn is one of the five brands operated by Golyta International since 2011.  Join Tia Lyn and me on Tuesday, February 14, 10-11 A.M. CT US. We will be discussing her life’s journey, the fashion industry, and Valentine’s Day.

Full Body Frequency Episode 216 https://twitter.com/LauraRiceDesign https://www.instagram.com/fullbodyfrequency/ https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Happy New Year and welcome back to Full Body Frequency! So, the holidays have passed or have they? I don't think so. There are still plenty of opportunities to dress up, show up and show out; Valentine's Day is just around the corner. To get us ready to look Bae-Ba-Licious, fashion industry veteran and stylist Steffany Allen of Steffany Allen, LLC is here. You've seen Steffany's work on the pages of Plus Model Magazine, at Full Figured Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, and in so many other fashion places and spaces. Steffany Allen, Fashion & Wardrobe Stylist: http://steffanyallen.com/ Later in the show, award-winning actress and critically acclaimed author and dramatist Karen Chilton joins me to talk about her powerful new play, “Switch.” In “Switch,” two estranged friends, both prominent psychiatrists, meet unexpectedly in a therapy session. They are forced to face guilt and sadness surrounding a mutual friend's recent suicide, as well as the uncomfortable complexities of their own relationship. This 10-minute theatrical feast is featured as part of New York City's highly anticipated The Fire This Time Festival running Jan. 16-Feb. 5. Get your tickets now! The Fire Next Time Festival, Jan.16-Feb. 5, 2017: http://www.firethistimefestival.com/ Karen Chilton: https://www.karen-chilton.com/ Full Body Frequency is a production of The Power of Voices Radio, Los Angeles, CA, www.thepowerofvoices.com.

Full Body Frequency Episode 216 https://twitter.com/LauraRiceDesign https://www.instagram.com/fullbodyfrequency/ https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Happy New Year and welcome back to Full Body Frequency! So, the holidays have passed or have they? I don’t think so. There are still plenty of opportunities to dress up, show up and show out; Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. To get us ready to look Bae-Ba-Licious, fashion industry veteran and stylist Steffany Allen of Steffany Allen, LLC is here. You’ve seen Steffany’s work on the pages of Plus Model Magazine, at Full Figured Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, and in so many other fashion places and spaces. Steffany Allen, Fashion & Wardrobe Stylist: http://steffanyallen.com/ Later in the show, award-winning actress and critically acclaimed author and dramatist Karen Chilton joins me to talk about her powerful new play, “Switch.” In “Switch,” two estranged friends, both prominent psychiatrists, meet unexpectedly in a therapy session. They are forced to face guilt and sadness surrounding a mutual friend's recent suicide, as well as the uncomfortable complexities of their own relationship. This 10-minute theatrical feast is featured as part of New York City’s highly anticipated The Fire This Time Festival running Jan. 16-Feb. 5. Get your tickets now! The Fire Next Time Festival, Jan.16-Feb. 5, 2017: http://www.firethistimefestival.com/ Karen Chilton: https://www.karen-chilton.com/ Full Body Frequency is a production of The Power of Voices Radio, Los Angeles, CA, www.thepowerofvoices.com.

*** Diane A. Curran's Advice on Your Personal Online Brand Diane s the author of The Marketing Deck: Deal Yourself a Big Idea, a unique book and game suite. Tune in to hear Diane discuss *** Social Media Made Us All Marketers: Now What? All you wanted was to connect with friends online. Now you're a brand, planned or not. *** The Perils (and Pearls) of Personal Branding: How to live in a world that expects us to brand ourselves as job seekers, college applicants, school board candidates or any other role we want to achieve. Diane began her career in direct marketing for major organizations including Fidelity, The Boston Company, The Winter Olympics, Public Television, Polaroid and Sony, Easter Seals, The March of Dimes, The American Repertory Theatre, and high-tech companies. Now she consults, designs and writes for a diverse clientele of solopreneurs and small businesses. TheMarketingDeal.com *** Lingerie Designer Tia Lynn Celebrates Curvy Women TIA LYN is an American fashion designer known by her vintage-inspired lingerie with a modern twist to fit the curvy woman's size range S – 3X. Hear her advice on how to embrace your shape, not hide it – in the bedroom. The Tia Lyn brand launched in 2001. She has created private label designs for Victoria's Secret, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Disney Stores and Vanity Fair. Her plus-size designs have been featured in Glamour Magazine, The Daily Venus Diva and E News! and at Full Figured Fashion Week. She is a two-time winner of the International CILA Award for the Best Plus Size Collection. www.TiaLyn.com

This episode we chat with plus size supermodel Liris Crosse, who I now have a girl crush on because she is straight talking and awesome. She’s paved her own way in the plus size modeling business and been working for a solid decade. You might have seen her in Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines as well as in the Lane Bryant & Ashley Stewart campaigns. I loved seeing her on the Project Runway finale last year walking in Ashley Nell Tipton's clothes at New York Fashion Week.  In 2014 Liris created her Life Of A Working Model Bootcamp course. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into the modeling industry and get paid, then this is an amazing episode that talks a whole lot of truth. You'll also hear shout outs to Gwynnie Bee, Eloqui, Torrid, Tess Holliday, Plus Model Magazine, Full Figured Fashion Week, and  Fashion to Figure.

Full Body Frequency https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Episode 203 FOOD Where do celebrities and foodies go for the most delicious fried chicken and EGGNOG waffles? To Melba’s, of course! Melba Wilson, the Harlem born, bred, and buttered restaurateur joins me to talk about her hot new cookbook, "Melba’s American Comfort;" throwing down on the Food Network's Chef Bobby Flay; and making comfort food healthy. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Melbas-American-Comfort/Melba-Wilson/9781476795287 http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/#locations CLOTHING Tired of jeans that don’t fit? Gap in the back or muffin top stuffin'? Then, you need 2B(Continued)Jeans. Conchita Jamison, the founder and president of this dynamic denim company, joins us for an update and to share her upcoming runway presentation during Full-Figured Fashion Week.  http://www.2bcontjeans.com/#!conchita-e-jamison-founder--president/c1uiz SHELTER We’ll change our dieting and spiritual frequencies with Lana Simmons. Lana is the founder and host of The Lana Simmons Show AND sizeHUMAN, a body positivity podcast. She is a recovering dieter whose long and considerable past on the diet roller coaster includes LAP-BAND® surgery. Since Lana’s gotten off that ride, the world has become her oyster. http://www.lanasimmons.com/

Full Body Frequency https://www.facebook.com/FULLBODYFREQUENCY/ Episode 203 FOOD Where do celebrities and foodies go for the most delicious fried chicken and EGGNOG waffles? To Melba's, of course! Melba Wilson, the Harlem born, bred, and buttered restaurateur joins me to talk about her hot new cookbook, "Melba's American Comfort;" throwing down on the Food Network's Chef Bobby Flay; and making comfort food healthy. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Melbas-American-Comfort/Melba-Wilson/9781476795287 http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/#locations CLOTHING Tired of jeans that don't fit? Gap in the back or muffin top stuffin'? Then, you need 2B(Continued)Jeans. Conchita Jamison, the founder and president of this dynamic denim company, joins us for an update and to share her upcoming runway presentation during Full-Figured Fashion Week.  http://www.2bcontjeans.com/#!conchita-e-jamison-founder--president/c1uiz SHELTER We'll change our dieting and spiritual frequencies with Lana Simmons. Lana is the founder and host of The Lana Simmons Show AND sizeHUMAN, a body positivity podcast. She is a recovering dieter whose long and considerable past on the diet roller coaster includes LAP-BAND® surgery. Since Lana's gotten off that ride, the world has become her oyster. http://www.lanasimmons.com/

Gwen DeVoe, the Creator and Executive Producer of the Full Figured Fashion Week will Bling the Airwaves with me to talk about this fabulous annual event and all of her amazing accomplishments in the Plus Model  Industry. Gwen's also the creator of Devoe Signature Events along with being known as, "The Mogul" who is a passionate leader in the plus fashion industry. Tune in to hear our interview live and if you miss it you can download it because it will be an epic one! To keep up with the updates of whats going on in "The Mogul", DeVoe's world and all FFF WEEK details, follow/add the links to your social media favorites below: www.fffweek.com www.facebook.com/fffweek www.facebook.com/DeVoeSignatureEvents www.facebook.com/DeVoeSignatureEventsPage2 www.twitter.com/fffweek www.instagram.com/moguldiva All month, Bling Radio will celebrate women of excellence in media, business and more! If you are a woman in business or would like to submit an interview request for someone you know, send a email to: blingradioshow@gmail.com

Atlanta's Fashion Designer La Krisha Joseph-Baker Interview - From Corporate To Entrepreneur   Originally from Wichita, KS,  Lavender’s Jungle  designer La Krisha Joseph-Baker joined the Atlanta fashion scene in 2012. Lavender's Jungle is a cutting edge full figured fashion line that caters to women size 14-24.   Classically trained by her Great Grandmother, a master seamstress, she refers to her technique as "old school.   In her first year, La Krisha managed to produce 4 collections and participated in numerous fashion shows including the largest Full Figured fashion show to date, New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week. In 2013, La Krisha hit the ground running, taking Full Figured Models to places untapped in the Full Figured Industry; she directed and coordinated an underwater photo shoot for her 2013 Spring/Summer campaign entitled "Mermaid’s Paint" featuring celebrity model Kai Morae.   La Krisha may be new to the Atlanta fashion scene but she certainly is not new to the world of fashion!   La Krisha Joseph-Baker Website: www.lavendersjungle.com Instagram: Lavendersjungle Topics Discussed   - La Krisha shares her story of how  one day at work she prayed for the courage to pursue her dreams of getting back in touch with her childhood love,fashion.   - The fear of becoming an entrepreneur, and how she overcame them and stepped out on faith and pushed passed her insecurities.   - The importance of having a support system.   - La Krisha discusses how she was able to place her fashion designs in over 15 boutiques worldwide.   - What kind of  strict guidelines are needed for a fashion designer to get their designs in Macy’s department stores.   - How perseverance is the key to success and longevity in this industry.   - Three success tips La Krisha offers to someone  interested in becoming an entrepreneur, especially those interested in fashion.   -  She shares what its like working for yourself  and shares who her  dream client is. (Hint, she’s an English singer- songwriter and recently did the new James Bond theme song)   - Ways to update and improve your sewing craft and why it is important to keep current with the fashion trends.   - More advice for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in fashion industry; the importance of having a strong and smart strategy to give you a leading edge over your competition in the fashion industry.   - What’s next for La Krisha in this fashion industry   Books Mentioned The Art of War 

Join us on our Fashion Spotlight as we are joined by Former Plus Model and CEO of Full Figured Fashion Week herself Ms. Gwen Devoe.  Ms. Devoe is currently traveling the United States casting for FFF Week 2013. We will have the honor to speak with her on her stop in the Big City of the south Atlanta, GA. The fun doesn't stop there also joining us will be two of the hottest Plus Designers from Atlanta. Former Plus Model LaKrisha Baker of Lavender's Jungle and Wendy Striggles of Big Girlz Inc. So ladies be prepared to listen in to get all the latest and find out how to start in this industry as well. 

Rosie Mercado Is Curvalicious!   In an aggressive scrutinizing world still dominated by the paper-thin models, Rosie Mercado walks in, unabashedly, proud and confident. And for these two attributes—and more—she's going to change the modeling landscape, giving other plus-size models like her their own time to shine and their own place to strut their stuff.   Not the Easy Road to Take   Latina Rosie Mercado was born in South California, but she spent most of her life in Las Vegas. Ever since she was young, she always had the desire to make it big someday in the fashion industry. But something was keeping her from doing that: her insecurities that were primarily fueled by her weight issues.   She struggled but pushed herself to deal with it. She eventually sought herself out, and when she discovered who she really is and embraced it, with the support of her family and friends, a lot of doors opened for her.   The Breakthroughs   By 2009, she joined and bagged Miss Nevada Plus American and Miss Plus America. She also took home awards such as People Choice, CoverGirl, and Runway Model. Rosie also booked herself to her first spread: The Knot Weddings and Goddess Magazine.   It also didn't take long before the designers took notice. Barely a year after, she already conquered the Full-Figured Fashion Week and Mitzy Fashion Show. She modeled for Eccoco Clothing and Igigi by Yuliya Raquel, one of the biggest plus-size brands in the world. Rose is also a regular of Cosmoplatina, from 2011 to the present.

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,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 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 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!

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.