Beutiful Magazine - The Thrive Issue / Spring 2018 by Beutiful, LLC

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THRIVE // SPRING 2018 Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

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hey there, gorgeous!

It was a long winter for most of us, and it’s finally time to break out

the shorts and tank tops! But while it seems only natural to celebrate warmer weather, sun, and days spent around the pool, it’s also

extremely common to absolutely dread this time of year because of the pressure we feel to look a certain way in our bathing suits and summer clothes.

All throughout my teenage years, I refused to wear shorts. The only time I would even tolerate shorts was at the beach, because there was no way in hell that I was going to wear my swimsuit by itself.

I loathed my body, and my thighs were my least favorite part! But

I’m here to tell you that it CAN get better. I no longer fear wearing swimsuits or have anxiety about wearing shorts in public. In fact, I barely think about it now - and a major part of how that change

happened was because I chose to feed myself healthier media and messages about women’s bodies - like you’ll see in this mag!

So lovely, know that you are NOT alone. You can enjoy summer and tell those negative thoughts to get lost! We’re here for you.

Questions / Comments? Feel free to email me at info@beutifulmagazine.com! P.S. The images in this issue are not our own unless specified.

Our cover image is of Jamie Lopez, the CEO and founder of the world’s first plus size salon, Babydoll Beauty Couture, and a plus size clothing designer. She is also the owner of Las Vegas’ first BBW nightclub. You can read more about Jamie on page 8!

meet our team!

PATRICIA

AMY

KATE

MARTINA

Editor of Beutiful, Patricia Colli is a writer with a BA in Graphic Design. Currently pursuing her MSW in Philadelphia. Graduated UVic majoring in Theatre - a singer, songwriter and musician based in Toronto. She is also a volunteer youth worker at a local shelter. Kate has a BA in Sociology & Social Policy. Alongside her work with NPOs, Kate currently operates a Marketing/Branding studio on the west coast of Canada. Martina is an artist and student at Salisbury University. She is passionate about sending a body positive message.

LAUREN

JAMILA

SOPHIE

Resides on Long Island, NY. Bachelor degree in Graphic Design. Loves being a part of the Beutiful movement. Jamila Choyce is a print and runway plus size model, actress, talk show hostess, journalist and creator of Jamila Jay’s Plus Size Revolution. Sophie Reymond is a writer and an advocate for body-positivity, self-love, and health. You can check out her work on Instagram, @AbsoluteSelfLove.

MEFTIHE

ERIN

JACKIE

From Melbourne, Australia. BA in Social Sciences, Policy and Research. Passionate about social education and helping to create a media literate world. Erin Miller is a writer living in New York City and she is passionate about feminism, body acceptance and social issues.

Jackie Bluzer is a writer, illustrator and poet. She has also been an editor for online magazines and has illustrated books for publication.

We’re looking for contributors! Send a message

to patti@beutifulmagazine.com if you’re interested in joining our team!

Photo Credit: Skorch Magazine

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Over the years, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve launched several bodypositive, self esteem campaigns for both men and women. With the launch of our new website, we are proudly sharing the stories of our biggest supporters - you guys! Visit our website or use the hashtag #GoBeUtiful to keep up with our latest body-positive movements, or get involved by submitting your own story and picture!

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside... 08 20 24 36

Babydoll: Building A Plus Size Empire

An interview with Babydoll Beauty Couture owner Jamie Lopez

Deal With It: My Battle With Anxiety + Depression By Lauren Jesus

Year of The Bra: Models With A Cause By Jamila Choyce

Tricks of The Trade By Jackie Bluzer

BABYDOLL: BUILDING A PLUS SIZE EMPIRE An interview with Babydoll Beauty Couture owner Jamie Lopez You may recognize Jamie Lopez from our previous magazine, and since then she has remained motivated as ever to move the plus size movement forward. As the CEO of the world’s first plus size salon, Babydoll Beauty Couture, Jamie has gone on to open up another salon and a plus size nightclub! Here’s what she’s been up to! You’ve opened up another salon in Las Vegas recently - what inspired you to spread your Babydoll Salon? I was inspired by the millions of plus size women who reach out to me on a daily basis begging me to put a Babydoll Beauty Couture Salon in their town. When they tell me their stories about how they don’t feel comfortable going to salons in their area, it breaks my heart and lets me know that I did the right thing by following my dream because I knew I wasn’t the only woman who went through such discrimination in the beauty industry. I will be franchising Babydoll Beauty Couture! And I’m so excited for the future - we are the most glamorous salon experience for the plus size woman.

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

How did you get the idea to open up the first and only BBW nightclub in Las Vegas (Club Babydoll)? When I moved to Las Vegas a year ago, I was frustrated because there were no BBW nightclubs on a consistent basis for the plus size woman. So I thought why not give the plus size women makeovers and take them to Club Babydoll to find boyfriends?! Celebrate their curves in style, so they can look beautiful and be adored by the men who love them! I’m super excited to have found such an amazing venue located at the Alexis park resort, where my big beautiful girls can come party in elegance.

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

Babydoll: Building A Plus Size Empire, cont’d

How does your salon and club impact women’s lives? My salon and club make women feel gorgeous, glamorous, and sexy. A lot of women who come to my salon have not been to a salon in years because they did not have a place where they could feel comfortable and get glamorous. I’m able to give them that and that feeling is priceless! I love how confident they are when they leave and how much fun they have at my nightclub! I’m living my dream and serving my life’s purpose.

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As a plus size entrepreneur, have you dealt with any discrimination while trying to grow your business?

As a plus size female entrepreneur weighing in at 500 pounds I have dealt with so much discrimination while trying to grow my businesses and to be taken seriously has been a struggle! But I have never backed down and I have always been a fighter. I will continue to fight for my big beautiful girls! #thebabydolls

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

Do you have a ‘dream location’ for a Babydoll Salon in the future? I absolutely have a dream location! I definitely plan to franchise my businesses - #1 Rodeo Drive California, #2 New York and #3 Texas - super excited to bring the most glamorous salon experience for the plus size woman to all the plus size beauties of the world! Because they are worth it! And I’ve devoted my life to this dream. What do you say to people who complain that your nightclub is aimed at plus size women? I say that they’re absolutely correct! It is the only plus size nightclub located in Las Vegas! However, we do not discriminate - anybody can come party with us but it is a specialty for plus size women who have not been out in years, who need a fun night out and need to feel accepted, who need to feel lusted after by the men who adore them! Do you ever get accused of size discrimination? I get accused of size discrimination all the time they ask me, “Why did I created a plus size friendly salon? Why didn’t I just lose weight?” My answer to that is, if I did decide to lose weight it doesn’t happen overnight! Does that mean I need to stop my glam process in the meantime? Absolutely not! I’ve created a safe place for women of all shapes and sizes to come and get pampered and not have to worry about anything but that! I’m bringing back the fun and relaxation of the glam process and I’m taking away the looks and stares. All I do is for the plus size beauties of the world.

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

Babydoll: Building A Plus Size Empire, contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

Babydoll: Building A Plus Size Empire, cont’d

You’re a singer and fashion designer with a makeup line, Babydoll salons and club. How do you manage it all and what keeps you grounded? It is definitely a struggle to manage it all and some days I don’t even know how I get through them but my passion and drive keep me grounded. The fact that I have become such a role model and an icon for the plus size woman keeps me going, knowing that I have women who look up to me and who count on me to pave the way. I want to show them that no matter what, you can do anything you set your mind to you no matter what size you are. You are beautiful no matter what the critics say! Tell us about the recent reality tv show! Unfortunately my management has told me that I cannot name the network we are signed to, but I can still talk about the show! I’m super excited; the reality show will be based on flying plus size women from all across the world, giving them makeovers and a boost of confidence, taking them on a day in the life of a Babydoll model, taking them to Club Babydoll to have some fun and to find dates/boyfriends. The show will also be about my life and my struggles with being a 500 pound boss. What do you want the reality show to express to your audience? I need the reality show to express to my audience that just because you are plus size, you are unique in the world. You can still follow your dreams. You have to keep pushing through no matter what obstacles you face, no matter how many times you are told no. You just have to keep going and I will be the living proof of that! How has all the media attention been? We have recently been featured all over the world. Millions of comments that are not so nice definitely try to bring me down, however I keep my focus on the prize of global big girl domination and size acceptance! What do you think is the most damaging way discrimination is expressed against plus size women? Just the way it is expressed in society! It’s so sad how the world views fat people! They try to beat you down! And I’m not allowing it any longer! I’m going to fight for change with all that I have in me! I am not defined by my size. 14

How can plus size women feel confident in a world that embraces thinness? What is the best way to respond to fat shaming? Hold your head up high and stay strong, keep pushing - you’re beautiful. The best way I have found to respond to fat shaming is to not respond at all - just ignore it and keep fighting. What are you most proud of at this point in your mission to help women?

I am most proud of how far I have come! And I have broken barriers of what the female entrepreneur is. I started this journey back in 2012 leaving a very toxic work environment where I was bullied and abused - I took a huge risk investing into myself and I worked hard for everything that I have. I’ve made it my life mission to create a place where plus size women can feel comfortable, get glamorous and be accepted and I will continue making a way for us plus size women! Do you have anything exciting planned for the future? I’m super excited for the future! I have some new music coming out and some new swimwear. Sky is the limit for the Babydolls! Jamie Lopez is the CEO and founder of the world’s first plus size salon, Babydoll Beauty Couture, and a plus size clothing designer. For more, you can check out Jamie’s company website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

Photo Credit: Gerry Garcia

#NakedDiaries Plus size blogger and model Simone Mariposa originally made a

big splash in the body positive world when she created the trending #WeWearWhatWeWant hashtag on Twitter. Now, Simone is back at it again, having paired up with photographer Taylor Giavasis, who

runs the Instagram account @thenakeddiaries. The Naked Diaries is dedicated to showing unedited photos of women in all their natural beauty and Simon’s photoshoot is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Simone said: “My body is magical. Every hill and valley. Every dip and turn. Every bump and roll. Pure intergalactic magic.” We could not agree more.

Photo Credit: Taylor Giavasis / @thenakeddiaries

DEAL WITH IT: MY BATTLE WITH ANXIETY + DEPRESSION

By Lauren Jesus, Beutiful

The psychiatric definition of “anxiety” is a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks. Anxiety is something I have dealt with my entire life. From a young age, I would excessively analyze and worry about things, things that could happen and things that had happened. The term ‘worry-wart’ was a common phrase used to describe me, but up until recently I had not realized that everything I had felt and how I had dealt with things was a much deeper psychological issue. My anxiety has caused me to not live my life fully and resulted in lots of sleepless nights. I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older and my autoimmune disease has progressed, my anxiety has only gotten worse. Thankfully, my regular visits to a therapist have helped me to deal with my issues and to manage my anxiety when it flares up. As a child, I would worry about everything. If I was allowed to pick a toy out at the store I would take forever to choose because I was worried about upsetting the other toys I didn’t pick. When I got to middle school I would have trouble falling asleep at night because I was afraid my mother was going to have a heart attack and die. By the time I reached high school I over-analyzed everything. If someone laughed, I convinced myself it was about me. I kept to myself a lot and felt uncomfortable most of the time. As my anxiety continued to build within me, so did an inner self hatred and self blame. If there were issues in my family, I would blame myself and beat myself up, which in turn became self harm. At 17 years old I struggled with anxiety and depression, something I wasn’t really aware of at the time but upon reflection it was so obvious. I began to cut myself as a way of dealing with anxiety or any discomfort I felt. Around the age of 18, my depression and anxiety became so bad that I was self harming on a regular basis and I would often have thoughts about driving into the

concrete divider on the highway. My self harm was not something I was ever proud of - I would often feel ashamed of myself after I would harm and be filled with more anxiety over my actions. Eventually my self harm was discovered by my mother and I was forced to see a therapist. I went to two appointments and never went back because I wasn’t ready to fix myself yet. Around this time I was also diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, which is a rare disease where your body attacks your liver. Because I was going to so many doctor appointments and being constantly examined, my self harm had to stop. I really didn’t want to be questioned about my scars, so I had to limit my self Photo Credit: Lauren Jesus

Photo Credit: Joshua Rawson Harris

harm if I felt the urge to hurt myself. About a year after my diagnosis I met my husband, which turned out to be the stopping force to my self harm. I knew I couldn’t self harm and keep it a secret from him and I also knew that this was a behavior I wanted to stop.

I could see I was ruining my marriage and I was harming myself again. My husband was infuriated; he couldn’t believe I would do that to myself. After reaching my rock bottom I decided to finally see a therapist. It was the best decision I ever made and something I wish I had done much earlier in my life. This time was going to work, because I wanted to fix myself.

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So for years I went without harming myself. I had learned to control that urge every time I felt anxiety. I never really dealt with my issues, I just stuffed them down and tried to ignore them. I cannot tell you how much of a terrible idea that is; things always have a way of catching back up with you.

About 5 years ago, my health took a turn and my liver disease relapsed badly. I was informed by my doctor that I would no longer be allowed to work, that I would have to file for disability. This news put a huge strain on my relationship and caused me to slip back into my depression and anxiety. I took all of my unhappiness out on my husband, I felt so cheated with my life. I had put in so much hard work in college and mentally laid out my future with my husband - to have it all taken away from me because of a stupid illness was killing me. I couldn’t take it.

It wasn’t easy at first and I felt incredibly uncomfortable going. I was afraid of being judged or committed to a mental hospital. But with each visit I opened up more and finally began to tackle my mental health issues.

Deal With It: My Battle With Anxiety + Depression, contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

Photo Credit: Maria Victoria Heredia Reyes

I’ve also found that since going to therapy I’ve been able to deal with issues that come up much better. Since I’ve been in therapy I’ve suffered more medical issues, like lung scarring, myopathy, neuropathy, issues with my spine, and infertility, and I can honestly say that if I weren’t in therapy there would be no healthy way that I could deal with any of those issues.

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I also would be lying if I said I were 100% better. I still have moments where I feel broken or suffer from panic attacks, but those mostly revolve around my medical issues - something that isn’t very easy to control.

Mental health takes work and every day I have to make the right choices so that I don’t fall back into my old patterns. My relationship with my husband is the best it’s ever been and we help each other to manage all the issues in life we can’t control or my anxiety when it gets out of hand.

Anxiety is on of the most common mental health issues in the United States, affecting nearly 18% of the population every year. Thankfully anxiety is easily treated with medication, meditation, and therapy. Half of the people diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety. If you suffer from either anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue - get help, call a help line, research therapists or psychologists. Search for a local therapist and if you don’t like the first person you meet, find another. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is incredibly important and helps to reassure you in the process of helping yourself. Finally - never feel ashamed to get help or of any diagnosis you receive. Mental health issues aren’t a choice, but healing yourself is and while the process of repairing yourself can be painful and difficult, it will be worth it in the end. Healing takes time, see each day as a fresh start and a chance to be a better you. Lauren Jesus lives on Long Island, New York. She graduated from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a BA in Graphic Design. Part of the Beutiful team, Lauren also creates artwork and freelances. You can see her work at www.laurenjohnsondesigns.com! You can also read more about Lauren here!

Photo Credit: Ehimetalor Unuabona

YEAR OF THE BRA: MODELS WITH A CAUSE

By Jamila Choyce, Beutiful A plus size entrepreneur, Jamila Choyce is the owner of Choyce International Plus Size Model Management, which is the first licensed and bonded agency geared toward plus size talent in California. Models Who Give A Damn In 2010, after being laid off as an elementary school teacher, I embarked upon the world of acting and eventually plus size modeling. At a blazing 5’9’, and size 16 I did not fit into Hollywood’s stereotype of beauty. Although I landed a few commercials, court shows, and pilots, my acting head shots were the key to opening the door to my new career. During my tenure at my last school, the residential address was a homeless shelter. I saw many students aimlessly come and go with any structure or future. As an entrepreneur, I have the opportunity to assist homeless children. You do not have to be affluent to help others. The utmost criteria is that you open your heart and do whatever you can. Therefore, I pledge that I will donate 5% of the net profits of each bra sold towards assisting homeless students.

plus size designers and models. As a plus size model, I was very active making television and radio appearances as well as producing, styling, and designing for live fashion shows. Most notably, my first national television exposure was on the “Queen Latifah” talk show in New York. Currently, Jamila Jay’s Fashions has a collection of African-inspired garments using Ankara fabrics. As a division of Jamila Jay’s Fashions, Courbee’ Intimate Apparel has exploded with a collection of plus size bras that will have consumers saying “Victoria’s Secret who?!”

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The campaign, Models With A Cause, commits to 100 Bras sold - which equals 100 backpacks to homeless students! After being signed with three talent agents and driving from Northern California to Southern California, I wanted more! I felt the same frustration and anguish of other plus size talent. In 2011, the door of plus size modeling was thrust open when submitting to a talent agency for plus size models. I began writing a column for a plus size publication and started my own talk show interviewing Photo Credit: Johnny Jones

Photo Credit: Johnny Jones

Year of the Bra: Models With A Cause, contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

Photo Credit: Johnny Jones

Year of the Bra: Models With A Cause, cont’d

The plus size market has been ignored by the fashion industry. We are changing the game with sexy, classic, and affordable garments.

and 34). However, in the fashion industry plus size starts at a size 8 and up, yet retailers barely cater to this crucial demographic.

In 2016, PlusSizeCasting.com was created to unite plus size talent with producers, directors, magazine editors, fashion show coordinators, and casting directors with plus size talent. Casting directors can submit their casting needs on the website. Therefore, it is an opportunity for plus size talent and casting officials who are seeking plus size talent to meet and work together. Talent can register and apply for acting, modeling, dancing, and singing opportunities. While Choyce Plus Size Model Management is a talent agency working hands on with plus talent and casting officials, it is geared towards plus size talent and women sizes 8 to 28.

If roughly 60 percent of the population is considered overweight, for argument’s sake, let’s say half of that number is women. So, of the estimated 310 million people in the United States, we can extrapolate that roughly 93 million are female shoppers in the doubledigit size range. These women should not be ignored!

The plus size market is growing immensely. In 2016, the plus size market grew 6% with sales reaching $21.4 billion. The average woman in America is a size 14 (plus sizes are typically between sizes 14

Photo Credit: Johnny Jones

For more information about my work in plus size advocacy, go to ChoyceTV.com! Jamila Choyce is a print and runway plus size model, actress, talk show hostess, journalist and creator of Jamila Jay’s Plus Size Revolution. She is also writing the “Plus Size Model Survival Guide.” You can visit her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Tumblr!

Photo Credit: Johnny Jones

#Bodypositive Troy Cooper is an art photographer from Norfolk, Virginia who creates very body positive work. Troy has worked with several women who

represent the diversity we love to show the world, and in this particular shoot, Troy teamed up with full-figured model Alicia Faye to create a collection of images that celebrates women’s bodies in their natural

form. Troy says about his work and mission to celebrate things that are often overlooked by our fast-paced society:

“I celebrate people - women mostly - but all people in principle. All

the different forms we take as people is fascinating to me. In simpler terms, I celebrate life in my work.”

For more of Troy’s work, visit troycooperartphotography.com!

Photo Credit: Troy Cooper

TRICKS OF THE TRADE By Jackie Bluzer, Beutiful

The graphics on the opposite page are excerpts from a book Jackie Bluzer has written and illustrated, soon to be published by Stress Free Press and will be available on Amazon.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Burk

Jackie Bluzer is a writer, illustrator and poet who has written for publications both in print and online. She has also been an editor for online magazines, as well as illustrated books for publication. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get in touch with Jackie, you can email her here!

#CelluliteSaturday One of the main things women are concerned about in the warmer

months is the appearance of cellulite - but thanks to Canadian vlogger and body positivity advocate Kenzie Brenna, that is changing. Kenzie started the hashtag #CelluliteSaturday to normalize what nearly every woman has naturally, regardless of her weight. Kenzie says:

“Cellulite is normal. And the beauty industry capitalizes on saying

we need it removed. Cellulite shouldn’t be ruining your life or mine.

Cellulite is little itty bitty fat cells that accumulate in places where your cute body says ‘yup, need some more of that over here!’ It isn’t a

medical condition. It is a cosmetic, personal issue that women have

with themselves due to the overwhelming pressure our beauty culture has placed on having thin, smooth, young looking skin.”

Thanks to Kenzie, other women are feeling less self conscious and sharing their photos under the hashtag, too! 38

Photo Credit: Kenzie Brenna / @kenziebrenna

OUR PREVIOUS ISSUES

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2018 - The Awaken Issue

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2017 - The Rebirth Issue

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2017 - The Embrace Issue

2017 - The Glow Issue

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2016 - The Renewal Issue

2016 - The Empower Issue

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Are you a writer, model, blogger or advocate for body positivity and diversity? If you love what we stand for, we’d love to get your voice heard! Send us an email at info@beutifulmagazine.com so we can discuss how to get you published in our mag or on our website! We’re also looking for volunteer writers who can submit content on a semi-regular basis. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, come say hi! We wanna meet you!

“If we want our daughters to dream bigger than we did, we still have work to do.” - Michelle Obama It’s time to undefine ourselves. Time to embrace the unique, individual beauty of being a raw, evolving human unwilling to “fit” into a society-imposed box.

Come out of hiding. Stop trying to collect material items, airbrush reality away, and hide behind a mask. Open up to limitless equality, acceptance, peace and vitality

by learning to appreciate who you are and the life you live. Our goal is to help you forget what perfection looks like…until you can just Be U.

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