JaLisa Conyers & Unapologetically PHAT: Fashion with a Purpose

Buffalo businesswoman, fashionista, and entrepreneur JaLisa Conyers has known what it is like to struggle with confidence. From the time she was a young girl through college and founding a company of her own, Conyers has always loved fashion and the fashion industry. Finding that several “average American sizes” are often excluded only challenged her to do something about it, not only for herself, but for others, as well. Today, JaLisa Conyers’ brand, Unapologetically PHAT, celebrates people of all shapes and sizes with stylish, quality clothes anyone can wear.

“Since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated with colors and been vibrant in the way I dressed,” said Conyers. A self-described super shy girl and an average reader who stayed to herself, Conyers couldn’t avoid the spotlight.

“I have been bigger my whole life,” she explained. “I was definitely overweight, and I struggled with weight, body issues, and confidence. I was also taller than the rest of my peers, so I always stood out.”

It would have been easy for Conyers to become discouraged and to give up on her dreams. “There were never really any clothes for me that were attractive,” she recalled. “I even had a teacher in middle school who told me I would never make it in the fashion world because I didn’t know how to sew.”

Fortunately, JaLisa Conyers had a cheerleader: her mother. “If it wasn’t for my mom always supporting me and pushing me, I probably wouldn’t be the person I am today,” she confided. At the same time, Conyers grew tired of feeling ashamed because of her shape and size. “This is my body,” she realized. “This is who God made me. I have to love my body exactly how it is.”

This breakthrough became Conyers’ message. “This is what you’ve got, and you gotta love it,” she said. “I see a lot of the self-esteem challenges people have. Even people half my size struggle with a lot of body issues. You should love yourself whether you are a size 2 or 22 or whatever!”

After graduating high school, Conyers pursued fashion marketing at Conesus before transferring to fashion textiles and design techniques at Buffalo State. She particularly enjoyed the creative aspects, designing her logo herself. During her junior year, she studied abroad. “In Italy, we had to do a fashion project involving going into different stores and trying on clothing,” Conyers said. “There was nothing I could try on except a pair of sunglasses.”

Conyers, who notes she is “one of the most popular American female sizes,” felt that attractive items should be available in a wider variety of sizes. After working at a popular plus size store, she was more convinced than ever. “I knew I needed to get into retail because I enjoy helping women find things they look good in, and so much of what was available was not cute at all,” she observed.

The day JaLisa Conyers graduated from college, a huge milestone in and of itself, she started her own brand. Unapologetically PHAT has already been a game changer. “The plus size representation you see is not realistic,” said Conyers. “I struggle to buy clothes. I can’t walk into a store and buy jeans; I never could. Real plus size women have a stomach, chunky arms, and calves. So, I find people with bodies people can relate to, people who look like them, not people who are modelesque and photoshopped.”

Conyers’ vision is catching on. “So many people say that when they put on my clothes, they feel good,” said Conyers. “My clothes are for everyone. I want to teach people to love themselves with my brand, with my name. I want to change lives.”

Sometimes, Conyers can hardly believe her childhood dreams have really come true. “If you would have told young JaLisa that her clothing would change lives, young and old, she would have said, ‘No way.’ Admittedly, it’s not an easy process, and it’s not meant for everyone. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline. However, when you have supporters and clientele who really believe in you and when you realize you are an entrepreneur inspiring other young entrepreneurs to believe in themselves: those are some of the most rewarding things to me.”

JaLisa Conyers takes her opportunity as a role model seriously, speaking to young people when possible and developing a young entrepreneurs’ curriculum for afterschool programs. “If I could speak to middle school girls who are curvy, I would tell them to love what they have,” she said. “Hold your head up high. It does get better. You have to love the body that you have. It is your sacred temple. You have to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, no one else will.”

To all young people she adds, “People are going to talk about you until the day you die, whether you are skinny, fat, tall, or short. They are always going to have something to say, so you might as well do what you want…unapologetically. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t expect others to believe in you for you. Believe in yourself.”

Styling Tips x Josie 3 Tips to get you read for the fall

High waisted is IN! High waisted jeans and leggings are my go-to in the fall. Unapologetically PHAT carries high waisted leggings for ALL sizes for the fall, so be on the look out.

Blazers aren’t just for the office. They pair really well with a nice pair of jeans, a cute top & some booties.

Trench coats are making a comeback, especially the plaid ones. Pair them with just about any outfit combination like sweatsuits, jeans and a blouse, and much more.