April 2019 Issue by Queen Size Magazine

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE DESK OF Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief

Welcome to the April 2019 issue of Queen Size Magazine. I am writing this as I just finished a live discussion with Sharonda Grandberry, our 2019 Face. Some of the things we talked about being overwhelmed and how to juggle the many areas of our lives. We discussed being and entrepreneur and still working a 9-5 job, while also being parents and spouses. After a hard and overwhelming day, this was a much needed chat. To be able to chat with people who can relate to what you are going through and talk things out is needed every now and again. We also discussed being “my sister’s keeper”. Many of us are moving in silence unnecessarily because they are afraid that someone is going to steal their ideas. Or people try to discourage us in what we are trying to do. There are so many “sisters” that are genuine and are willing to help. I understand that we go through many “friends” or “associates” to find just one genuine person. But don’t get discouraged; make sure you are learning something from each person you come in contact with. So when things “don’t work out” it wasn’t completely in vain. Every “sister” doesn’t have to be a friend. Something to think about...... Thank you all for continuing to support Queen Size Magazine. We would love to hear your feedback. Email us at queensizemagazine@gmail.com and let us know what you like, don’t like and/or want to see in future issues. We value your opinion. Be blessed and remember to be a blessing as well.

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director & Director of Photography MEESHA ANN Executive Director & Fashion Editor SHEENA POSTELL Social Media Director LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor SHAWNA P. HAYDEN Lifestyle Editor EYANI COUTURE House Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: MARCO MAYS (SIR ICON)

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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APRIL 2019 ISSUE

CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

JEANNIE FERGUSON; THE 2018 FFFWEEK MODEL OF THE YEAR / HER STORY By QSM

HEALTH AND FITNESS

TAKE HOSTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL By FAMILY FEATURES

08 FIVE KETO FRIENDLY FOODS By STATEPOINT

10 EAT YOUR WAY TO THICKER FULLER HAIR By BRANDPOINT

BEAUTY&FASHION

14 CHANGING THE WAY WE VIEW FANNY PACKS By QSM

16 MEN ACCESSORIES FROM FASHION NOVA By MEESHA ANN

30 MEN IN MAKEUP

By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

32 DRESSING THE PLUS SIZE BRIDE By SHAWNA P. HADEN

BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT - KARIZZA By QSM

42 HOW TO BECOME THE BEST YOU By FAMILY FEATURES

44 APRIL FISH; THE BIG AND TALL OF IT By SIR ICON

46 CURVY ART AND FASHION TAKES NYFW By QSM

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Take Hosting to the Next Level

FAMILY FEATURES

t can be easy to impress your holiday guests without overdoing it in the kitchen by putting to use recipes that require little time to prep. After all, those precious moments with loved ones are meant for reflection and conversation, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to settle for lesser dishes. Appetizers like Beet Carpaccio Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts provide aesthetic appeal and taste to tide appetites. As one of the key ingredients, Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze adds tanginess and artistic flair for flavorful small bites. Go above and beyond with a main course thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prepped in 10 minutes and ready in less than two hours like this Rosemary and Raspberry Balsamic Roasted Leg of Lamb, which can be the center of attention as guests dig in for a delightful meal. Finally, for a nightcap worth celebrating, this Dark Chocolate and Cherry Cheesecake can serve a crowd thanks to ingredients like Filippo Berio Raspberry Balsamic glaze, providing tangy, fruity flavor with its rich, smooth blend of raspberry juice and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Find more holiday recipes that can take your gathering to the next level at filippoberio.com.

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Rosemary and Raspberry Balsamic Roasted Leg of Lamb

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Servings: 8 Roasted Leg of Lamb: 3 tablespoons Filippo Berio Olive Oil 2 tablespoons Filippo Berio Raspberry Balsamic Glaze 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 4 teaspoons grainy mustard 1 bone-in leg of lamb (about 6 pounds) 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3 onions, quartered 1 cup water Gravy: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup dry red wine 4 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons Filippo Berio Raspberry Balsamic Glaze

1 sprig fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper To make Roasted Leg of Lamb: Heat oven to 400 F. In bowl, whisk olive oil, raspberry balsamic glaze, rosemary and mustard; set aside. Make small incisions in lamb and insert garlic slices. Rub olive oil mixture over lamb. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer to roasting pan fitted with rack. Add onions; pour water into bottom of pan. Roast 80-90 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F for medium-rare, adding water to pan as needed to avoid scorching and onions drying out. Transfer lamb to carving board and tent with foil. To make Gravy: Place roasting pan on stovetop over medium-high heat; stir in flour. Whisk in wine; boil 1-2 minutes, or until reduced by half. Whisk in chicken stock and raspberry balsamic glaze. Add rosemary; bring to boil and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with lamb.

TAKE HOSTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL | FAMILY FEATURES

Beet Carpaccio Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts

Prep time: 10 min Servings: 4 1 1/2 pounds roasted beets 2 cups microgreens 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts 2 tablespoons Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper Heat oven to 400 F. Using chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knife or mandoline, thinly slice beets; arrange on platter. Arrange microgreens over beets; scatter with goat cheese. Sprinkle hazelnuts over top and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Dark Chocolate and Cherry Cheesecake

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Servings: 12 Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil 1/4 cup packed brown sugar Filling: 3/4 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate 1 tablespoon Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze 3 packages (8 ounces each) brick-style cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Cherry Topping: 3 cups frozen cherries 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon Filippo Berio Olive Oil 1/2 cup water, plus 2 tablespoons, divided 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze

To make Crust: Heat oven to 350 F. Mix graham wafer crumbs, oil and sugar; press into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8 minutes; let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F. To make Filling: In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in balsamic glaze. Let cool slightly. Using electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, sugar and melted chocolate mixture until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in sour cream and vanilla; pour over crust. Wrap outside of springform pan in heavy-duty foil. Set inside roasting pan and pour in boiling water until halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake 90-100 minutes, or until sides are set and center is still slightly jiggly; cool 5 minutes. Run knife between cheesecake and pan; cool completely. Refrigerate 24 hours. To make Cherry Topping: In small saucepan over medium heat, bring cherries, sugar, olive oil and 1/2 cup water to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5-6 minutes, or until sugar dissolves. Whisk cornstarch with remaining water; whisk into mixture. Cook about 3 minutes, or until thickened. Transfer to bowl; cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to one day. Spoon over cheesecake; drizzle with balsamic glaze. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| APRIL 2019 ISSUE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Keep Your Heart Healthy With These 5 KetoFriendly Foods

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) lblinova / stock.Adobe.com

The low-carb, high-fat diet known as keto has Americans looking at healthy food consumption in a whole new light. Keto programs have proven effective for weight loss, but how heart-healthy are they? As with all things, moderation is key. To get you started, the experts at South Beach Diet -- a more accessible version of the keto diet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; recommend these five keto-friendly, heart-healthy foods: WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY WITH THESE 5 KETO-FRIENDLY FOODS | STATEPOINT

1. Full-fat dairy: “Full-fat dairy is healthy,” says Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet. “For example, you should be eating full-fat yogurt, not low-fat yogurt.”

With zero net carbs, items such as butter and cream are rich in healthy fats. While large amounts are associated with obesity and may cause heart disease, according to many experts, the opposite is true when consumed in moderation, as shown in studies published by the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Stick to recommended serving sizes of rich keto foods such as sour cream, cream cheese and yogurt.

2. Eggs: Despite receiving a bad rap for high cholesterol content, eggs are

low in carbs and high in protein and amino acids. And according to the Mayo Clinic, the effect of egg consumption on blood cholesterol is minimal when compared with the effect of trans fats and saturated fats, and their high protein content helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Egg whites contain no cholesterol and are high in protein; while the yolk provides the majority of the egg’s nutritional content. Eaten sensibly, eggs are both ketoand heart-friendly.

3. Shrimp: Shrimp is a versatile superfood, high in protein and

contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including selenium, which reduces inflammation and promotes heart health. Seek out wild-caught shrimp to avoid antibiotics. Frozen just after they’re caught, frozen shrimp is usually a good bet, however, if you buy fresh, be sure the shells don’t feel slimy or soft or have a fishy, ammonia-like smell.

4. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and

have been proven to lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Flaxseed also contains 800 times more of a cancerfighting phytochemical called lignan than any other food. For maximum nutritional benefits, choose ground flaxseed and refrigerate for longevity. Try mixing it into olive oil-based mayo or blending it into your favorite protein shake.

Olive-oil or avocado-oil based mayonnaise: This oftenmaligned condiment is high in heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats, and is a keto staple with its zero grams of net carbs. “Look for varieties without added sugar, which just contributes additional calories without any other nutritional benefits,” says Courtney McCormick, manager, clinical research and Nutrition at South Beach Diet. “Phase one of the South Beach Diet has always been keto-friendly. Get rid of all the white stuff -- white flour, breads and pasta,” says Dr. Agatston. “Once you eliminate them from your diet, your body starts burning fat, and you will feel so much better.” For more information on the South Beach Diet and its keto-friendly options, visit www. southbeachdiet.com. When adopting a keto-style diet, think beyond weight loss. Be sure to include a range of foods that are great for heart health.

article provided by (StatePoint)

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

TIPS TO EAT YOUR WAY TO THICKER, FULLER HAIR (BPT) - Did you know that what you eat affects your hair? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news to most people, especially those who are dealing with hair loss. While there are many possible causes for hair loss - stress, the environment, health problems - achieving thick, full and healthy hair ultimately starts with your diet. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the nutrients you get from food and supplements provide the building blocks for your hair growth. Research shows that certain nutrients, including iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C and omega-3s are essential to healthy-growing hair, while lack of these nutrients and certain inflammatory foods can lead to hair loss and slower-growing hair. Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe has partnered with NIOXIN, the No. 1 globally selling salon brand for thicker, fuller-looking hair, to spread the word about how nutrition contributes to achieving a beautiful mane. Here are her best tips about what to eat - and what to avoid - for optimal hair health. What to consume: (continued on next page)

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7 TIPS TO EAT YOUR WAY TO THICKER FULLER HAIR | BRANDPOINT

IRON Iron helps boost circulation and carries oxygen to your hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots, which helps the hair grow faster and longer. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Some good sources of iron include clams, beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oysters, grassfed beef and bison.

ZINC

B VITAMINS

Zinc is involved in hair growth and keeps the oil glands around the hair shaft working properly. If you have dandruff, slowgrowing hair or hair loss, low levels of zinc might be the culprit. To ensure you have enough in your diet, try oysters, white beans, chickpeas, red kidney beans, black beans, lentils and seeds.

Biotin is the most well-known B vitamin that helps keep the hair thick and healthy. A deficiency can lead to hair loss. Additional B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folate (B9) also support healthy hair growth, as B vitamins create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Eat eggs, sweet potatoes, onions, pecans, almonds, tomatoes, carrots, grass-fed beef and avocado for a diet rich in B vitamins.

OMEGA-3

VITAMIN C

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are antiinflammatory powerhouses. Since your body does not produce them naturally, you must consume them through your diet. Most people associate fish, like mackerel, wild salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies with omega3s, but you can also get them through flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds and hemp seed.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can hamper hair growth. It helps you absorb iron from plant-based foods, and supports the body in collagen formation, which is required for optimal hair growth. Food sources include bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and dark, leafy greens.

SUPPLEMENTS While eating a wellbalanced, nutrient-rich diet on a regular basis is ideal for improving hair health, incorporating a hair-supportive supplement like NIOXINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recharging Complex is a great way to help you reach your nutrient needs. This once-a-day tablet contains biotin, zinc and iron, plus 14 other nutrients that support healthy-growing hair from the inside out.

What to avoid: Sugar and high-glycemic foods Sugar and high-glycemic foods produce inflammation in the body. They can lead to an increase in insulin, which creates more available DHT, a hormone that can cause hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss in both women and men. Avoid foods like sugar, bread, cereal, pasta, crackers, cookies, cake and candy. For more information about NIOXIN, visit https://www.nioxin.com. article provided by Brandpoint Content WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| APRIL 2019 ISSUE

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

The 2019 Face of QSM Sharonda Grandberry

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

SOME COOL FANNY PACKS THAT MIGHT CHANGE HOW YOU VIEW THEM

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FANNY PACKS | QSM

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MEN ACCESSORIES | MEESHA ANN

MEN ACCESSORIES FROM FASHION NOVA

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FEATURED STORY

lus Petite Powerhouse Jeannie Ferguson, always a go getter, with over a decade as a fixture behind the scenes as a Buyer, Merchandiser, Allocator, and Product Development Coordinator and in her present position as Product Manager is an asset to the fashion biz. However, while taking notice of fashion industry standards in comparison to “real women” she recognized a desire to see something different. Jeannie made the decision to be the difference.

As one half of the burgeoning Plus Fashion House, Big Girls United (BGU), Jeannie took to the runway as a last minute replacement for a no-show model. As soon as the crowd laid eyes on the 5’3, size 14 strutting her stuff they took to their feet and the roar was deafening. At that moment, Jeannie knew there was no turning back.

Jeannie Ferguson

With her signature walk, Plus Petite model Jeannie Ferguson has gone on the grace the runways of numerous designers including Ashley Stewart, BGU, Marco Hall, Shanda Freeman, Clothes Mind, Sonsi, Monif C., Osun Designs, New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week New York, Qristyl Frazier Fall Preview Show, Maryland Fashion Week & Plus Night Out. She was also one of the pioneers of the Dangerous Curves Tour and has appeared on several television shows such as Tyra, E! News, BTE TV, TLC’s Big Sexxy BET’s Rip The Runway, Kurvacious Boutique’s television commercial, and the makeover show “Big Brooklyn Style”. Jeannie also made her television debut nationwide with the Slim & Tone leggings commercial, 9West Online commercial, and Sharon Quinn’s Show, Model Behavior. Jeannie recently appeared on The Food Network Channel, “Worst Bakers in America” and most recently Good Day America. Jeannie has made countless appearances in both print, and online publications such as Black Elegance, Glamour, Fire, Anisi, People Magazine for the Nivea challenge, Plus Model Magazine, Manik, Belle Noir, Full Blossom and POSE Magazine and Moda Mantra Magazine. With her expert knowledge in runway, Jeannie has taught her Annual Walk This Way runway Class all around the US for the past 8 years. She has recently been sought after to teach her Walk This Way Runway Class in North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Atlanta just to name a few. Jeannie Ferguson also has remained an important factor in Kurvacious Boutique’s Annual Model Competition. Jeannie Ferguson is the runway coach for model contestants for The Face of Kurvacious Model Competition and has remained steadfast over the past seven years. Her knowledge and years of expertise has transcended the expectations of so many around her. Jeannie Ferguson is steadily cementing her place in fashion history, with her latest endeavor hosting her own show Model Vent on Full BlossomTV. Just when you think the powerhouse is finished she adds acting to her resume. Jeannie made her debut in 2017 as Vernette Johnson in “The Vish Merrick project”. Her latest project is the short film “Prepare Your Table” and “Traffic Lane”. With her expert knowledge, print, runway and fit experience, it seems as though suddenly the industry is dreaming of Jeannie. What will be next on the horizon for the Petite Powerhouse remains to be seen. Whatever it is I’m sure we will not be disappointed. Stay tuned she is not finished yet!

JEANNIE FERGUSON | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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FEATURED STORY

“

Always Invest In Your Craft To Perfect Your Craft! ~Jeannie Ferguson

”

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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JEANNIE FERGUSON | QSM QSM: Hi Jeannie, you already know how much we love you. You are such a genuine soul. How long have you been in the Fashion Industry altogether? Jeannie: And I love you Guys. Thank you so much for thinking me. I have been In the Fashion Industry for over 20 years now. QSM: Have you always been fashionable and comfortable with Jeannie? Jeannie: Yes I was always fashionable and loved creating my own designs. But I wasn’t always comfortable with Jeannie; particularly the Jeannie at size 28. But I decided to make a lifestyle change and get my life in order. QSM: BGU has been around for how long now? Give us some history behind BGU, for those that don’t know. Jeannie: BGU has been around since 2003. My sister was in school and had to create patterns and construct garments for her class. She would use my mom and I as live mannequins and because we were plus size all of her garments came out plus. I put a bug in her ear and told her that she should continue because plus is where it’s at. And from there BGU began. QSM: Let’s talk about the day that changed things for you. The day that you were practically thrown onto the runway. That is a funny story. Lol Jeannie: My sister was showing some of her designs at The Circle of Sisters at The Jacob Javitz Center. I was in the back helping her dress the models when she realized that one of the models that was a size 18 at the time did not show up. She had to show at least 12 pieces and of course the piece that she really wanted to show was the piece that the young lady was supposed to wear. So she tells me to get dressed. She said that she really needed to show this particular piece. I told her that I was only there to dress the ladies. So she screams at the top of her lungs “put this on; I need to show it”. I do it, but of course I am cussing, yelling and screaming while getting dressed; up until i hit the stage. Well when I hit the stage the crowd stood their feet yelling and cheering. I was like Huh; if this is what it’s like i can do this. And the rest is history. QSM: Before then, did you know that you had that “IT” factor for runway walking? Jeannie: I never knew I had an “It” factor. I learned by watching my mother Ms. Nancy. My mom walks like a super model in slippers; head held high, shoulders back and a strut that has its own theme music. QSM: Let’s talk about your career as a whole, because you have been in this industry for a while; and I know that you have seen a lot. So let’s sip some tea shall we? Lately there has been this big boom in plus size models coming on the scene. Why do you think that is? Jeannie: I think a lot of young ladies have the idea that “if she can do it I can do it too”, and that’s definitely not the case. Those young ladies who are now coming on the scene and taking the industry by storm know their worth number one. Number two, they’re putting in the work. They’re researching and getting the info that they need to succeed whether as an agency model or a freelance model. I think that everybody has that idea of they can do it too, and you probably can but at what level do you want to do this? Do you want to be the agency girl or do you want to be the freelance girl? Either way it’s still good but you got to know your lane, and you have to make sure you do the research. Most importantly put in the work, because if you don’t put in the work you are never going to get anywhere. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| APRIL 2019 ISSUE

FEATURED STORY

2018 Full Figured Fashion Week Model Of The Year

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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JEANNIE FERGUSON | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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FEATURED STORY

QSM: Why did you decide to teach runway? Jeannie: Mia Amber Davis-Yard is the reason why I am teaching runway classes. Nine years ago I said to Mia “I want to teach a runway class”, and her response to me was that she could not see why I couldn’t. Mia’s words to me were “you should definitely do it, you have enough knowledge, you are very intricate when it comes to twists and turns and walking on the runway and people would never think of the things that you do and how you do to perfect your walk. You are even helping to others perfect their walk backstage at a show. So why not?” QSM: Thank goodness you listened right? You talked earlier about agency vs freelance. Are you currently, or have you ever been signed to an agency? Jeannie: Currently I am not a signed model although I am on the board at Bicoastal and True Model Management. I actually had a Client with them. But I do a lot more as a freelance model and I have my own fit clients. QSM: What advice do you give to models who are on the fence between signing with an agency or not? Jeannie: My advice to these Models is be honest with yourself and know that either way you will have to put in the work. As a signed model you will need to be available for castings, go-sees, for actual fittings and or print work. You need to check in with your agent to see what’s going on. You need to make sure that you have your comp cards; that you are shooting, keeping fit etc. You get out of it what you put into it being signed. Now as a freelance model you have no one but yourself. You have to be ten times ahead of the game of the agents that’s doing the bookings of the models who are constantly working. So if you’re not willing to put in the hard work on either side it would make no sense for to you even Model period. But I will say in comparison to the two, that being signed is great and you get to work more. However, if you know yourself, you’ll know best for you. QSM: Let’s talk about Model Vent. How did this come about, what is it about and where can people view it? Jeannie: Model vent came about with Mello Andrews. He came up with the concept and thought that I would be great to host this show because I’m very raw and straight to the point. Model vent is a show that gives industry people a platform to vent about the things that grind their years. I’ve spoken to designers, models, makeup artists, stylists, the whole bit; and they get to vent and tell me everything that drives them crazy from being on stage, backstage, during a fitting, whatever! They get to vent to me. You can check out my first season of model vent on YouTube under Full Blossom TV. Very funny! Very Very Funny! QSM: I agree. I have seen a few of them myself. Love it! People often say that runway doesn’t pay; is that true? Where is the money in modeling? Jeannie: I will say this! Runway does not ALWAYS pay, but there are some people who put on great productions and pay their models. So I won’t say that you don’t get paid,

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however when you are a new model you may not get paid at all as it will be just for your exposure. I think the money in modeling is in Fit then Print. QSM: What is one of the things that you feel is missing in the industry we work in? Jeannie: I think the camaraderie is missing in the plus industry. It’s too cliquish, too Petty is a lot of back and forth for no reason. Where’s the Women Empowerment and uplifting lifting of one another? QSM: I could not agree with that statement more. You have been an inspiration to many people in regards to breaking barriers and stereotypes in regards to how tall the average model should be. Who are some of the people that have inspired you? Jeannie: I am inspired by the go-getters, the fearless, the dreamers, the underdogs. They keep me wanting more; more as in being better.

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

JEANNIE FERGUSON | QSM

good to go and I actually had fun doing it. QSM: Talk about being an all-around girl. Lol. I have done interviews with a few actresses turned model, and vice versa. One of my questions to them and now you is does the two usually go hand in hand? Jeannie: The two can go hand-in-hand. As a model you are an actress; we get to act and pretend like we like some of the outfits that we put on we have to pretend like our feet don’t hurt. LOL. With acting you have to be able to turn it on and turn it off. You need to become a different person and that’s the same with being on the runway; you become a different person especially if you’re feeling your outfit so yes I can say the two does go hand-in-hand QSM: You are also in the pageant/model competition scene. I have to ask the same for pageantry; does modeling and pageantry go hand in hand or is there a difference between the two? Jeannie: I think pageantry is a little different because you have to be more graceful, more precise in posing; very very pristine. You have to be very mannequin-like. I think with modeling you bring your personality through. Not that you can’t in pageantry but I think that with modeling you know you’re a walking hanger and with pageantry you are showing all of your beauty. Everything you do is beautiful, everything you do is pretty, and everything you do is graceful. I think it’s a little different

QSM: Ok, let’s discuss acting; which by the way you are a natural. How did you get into acting? Jeannie: I got into acting from seeing a Facebook post from Jermaine Smith who is the writer and producer of A Piece of Me, Vish Merrick and Prepare Your Table. I inboxed Jermaine when he said he was looking for actors. At first he thought I was joking and I said no I’m serious, let me know if I need to come and audition I’ll be there. He said no I’m going to send you the script, you read it over tell me what you think if you can come on Saturday to shoot the scene then we good money. I went that Saturday after receiving it the Saturday prior and basically knocked it out the park; and from there I have been working with Jermaine Smith. I never thought I would get into acting I just said why not do it. QSM: Was this something new for you or was this something that you have always wanted to do? Jeannie: This is something new; all new for me. I’ve never taken acting classes, I’ve never acted in anything before. I’ve never even read a script. It was just something that came natural. He told me to be this person and make her your own, and I brought her to life. Once he gave me the backstory I was

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

QSM: If you can change one thing about this industry that we work in, what would it be? Jeannie: The one thing that I would change in this industry that we are in is the standards for anything as far as modeling. There should be no height or size requirements. I think everybody should be able to be who they are. QSM: Jeannie, I can sit and talk to you all day long, as we usually do when we get together lol. So final question to you; what is your model vent? Jeannie: My model vent is I hate when a model, whether aspiring or seasoned, comes to me with a bunch of excuses. I hate excuses! If you can’t do it just tell the truth! If you’re not going to be able to do it tell the truth! If you don’t want to do it tell the truth. If you tell a person the truth there’s nothing they can do to you because you were honest with them. The truth is okay. I hate a person with more excuses than a person going to jail. QSM: LOL! Thank you so very much! I had so much fun with you. Tell everyone where they can find you please. Jeannie: You can find me on IG at plusmodjeannief, Facebook Jeanne Ferguson, Twitter plusmodjeannief Email: Jeannie4117@yahoo.com. Always Invest In Your Craft To Perfect Your Craft!

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FEATURED STORY

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Jeannie Ferguson @plusmodjeannief Stylist/Designer | Robert E. Knight @robert_e_knight MUA | Imani Powell @_badasssss

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JEANNIE FERGUSON | QSM

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE SEE PAGE 51 FOR MORE INFO FOLLOW US

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MEN IN MAKEUP WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

MEN IN MAKEUP| LALA FACES

Men wearing makeup is not a new phenomenon, it dates backs to ancient Egyptian time.The Egyptian males were known for wearing heavy Kohl eyeliner symbolizing wealth and status. Green eyeshadow was also thought to summons the Gods Horus and Ra to prevent illness. Makeup brands have become more male inclusive in the industry. Covergirl has named the exciting James Charles as the Cover Boy for their Brand and MAC has endorsed the fabulous Beauty Influencer Patrick Star with his own line within the brand. With the onset of social media males have been given a amazing platform in the beauty industry like never before. Not only are they wearing the makeup but they are developing their own amazing brands with a huge cult following such as Makeup Mogul Jeffree Star. For many years makeup has been viewed as a girl only product. Not until recent in 2017 makeup has become more acceptable for males as a form of expression. It is no longer viewed as a Drag Queen only Art form but they are simply men who enjoy wearing a Beat Face. Until next time Queens, stay true to you and live your best life! Smooches, Lala Faces (Lawanda Sanyang)

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

DRESSING THE PLUS SIZE BRIDE | SHAWNA P. HADEN

Bells Are Ringing: Dressing the Plus Size Bride A Look at: Curvaceous Couture By: Shawna P. Haden The question has been popped, you know ladies the one MOST of us wait on for what feels like all of our lives and it’s finally here! The love of your life has decided to make you a wife and it’s ready..go…set time for planning. If you’re anything like me my first thought process is OMG what to wear..what to wear? Never fear ladies Queen Size Magazine has your back with a look at one of the best bridal boutiques ever to cater to the bride with curves. As seen on the hit network TLC (The Learning Channel) Curvaceous Couture Bridal Boutique located in Baltimore Maryland was started by a beautiful plus size African American bride Yukia Walker simply based on the fact that her struggle with her weight lead to many bad twist and turns while shopping for the most important dress you’ll ever have. As Yukia was turned away and laughed at bridal shop after bridal shop for not being the “sample” or average size body to dress she turned her negative into a positive for more than just herself but for a host of other women that she saw living out these horrible moments of being too much for the dress. Yukia and her sister Yuneisia took a need a created something fabulous out of it in their father’s basement in Baltimore. Fast forward to 2014 the sisters landed on the TLC channel hosting the reality show called “Curvy Brides” with several episodes showing the unknowing public a side of plus size life they’ve never known. Curvaceous Couture offers gown sizes starting from 12-44 and multiple collections both private and designer for any bride to choose from. How can a shopping experience for the curvy bride get any better than a wide range of sizes and designers it definitely is the fact that Curvaceous Couture offers customize one of a kind gowns too! It’s awesome to have a place to shop “off the rack” and even better to have a place to feel like you’re curves are understood with one on one appointments and wonderful in house sample sales Curvaceous Couture brings more than just a place to pick up a dress it brings an experience to the whole process of wedding planning. To get just a tab bit more personal for you my beautiful little cousin whose curves go on for days recently married in September 2018 purchase the very first dress she tried on in the middle of Curvaceous Couture and I couldn’t have been more excited about her falling in love with her forever dress. If you’re looking for a positive experience for a plus size beauty QUEEN like you don’t hesitate to stop in and let the ladies of Curvaceous Couture serve all your bridal curves. Don’t forget to follow for all their designers looks: www.curvaceouscouture.com/ www.facebook.com/curvaceouscouture/ www.instagram.com/curvaceouscouturebridal/

all images from www.curvaceouscouture.com/

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Karizza is an amazing Fashion Photographer with over 10 years experience, specializing in Fashion, Editorial, Plus-Size, Model Portfolio Creation, Model Tests and Model Coaching. She has had many incredible opportunities working with magazines, famous brands, advertisers and model agencies across the United States and Europe. Coaching is her passion and as a former model she has a lot of useful information to share. In her career she has helped dozens of aspiring models to develop their modeling skills, gain confidence in front of the camera, get signed with model agencies, build their portfolios and prepare them for the real world of modeling. The Ukraine native is making her mark here in the US with her bold and unique style. She is currently offering photography services and modeling classes in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

Photo taken by @photo_karizza Model | Karizza @photo_karizza Hair and Makeup | Dmitriy Puchnin @dmitrypuchnin www.photokarizza.com

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | KARIZZA

A Chat with Karizza QSM: Your work is phenomenal! You are pretty much a Jane of all trades in the fashion industry. But let’s start out with your modeling career. When did your modeling career begin? Karizza: Thank you! It is a pleasure to hear such words about my work which is my pure passion. All my life I was dreaming to become a model. Some model agencies even loved my face but always wanted me to lose weight because according to them I was too big for modeling. I am a super stubborn person and of course I didn’t give up. I tried to get new skills in modeling and was trying to make my posing style as perfect as possible and one day I was super lucky to be noticed by one Italian fashion photographer who invited me to Italy for a shooting. It was a risky thing but I accepted the proposal and it was one of the best decisions of my life. People around me kept telling me that I will never get success and that I was too fat for modeling, but instead of desperation I just got more motivation. My trip was great; I made a lot of cool photos and made useful connections in Italy which lead me not only to modeling but also to makeup. When I returned back to Ukraine I got signed with a model agency and started to work as a model. QSM: Did you do runway, fit, print? Or a little of everything? Karizza: I did a little bit of everything, but I mostly was booked for jewelry campaigns. To be honest I am not a fan of runway but I made it several times just for stepping out of comfort zone. QSM: What is some of the work that you have done as a model? Karissa: My modeling was not super easy for me, just because I was curvy. I was amongst super tall and super skinny girls and of course I felt insecure about my body sometimes. But I didn’t stop doing what I love and soon got respect from models and designers because of my unusual posing skills. QSM: Being in the modeling industry for as long as you have, what are some of the changes that you have seen made? (one for the good and one for the bad) Karizza: I never had bad experiences in modeling simply because I believe that each situation brings something useful. Modeling showed me that nothing is impossible and things are not that complicated as we think about them. QSM: You are also a makeup artist; which came first for you? Modeling or the makeup? Karizza: Modeling was first but in Italy I met a lot of fantastic people who inspired me to become a makeup artist and of course because of my passion to everything unusual, I became the first makeup artist in my city who made crazy high fashion make-ups only for shootings and very soon I was booked all around Ukraine and Russia and made the first super unique make-up show.

QSM: Are you still doing makeup for people these days? Karizza: I am still doing makeup but super rare just because I am getting old and it became too difficult to do makeup and shooting in the same day :) QSM: And you are still modeling correct? Karizza: Yeah I am still modeling these days but mostly for fun because I LOVE IT SO MUCH and I developing new techniques in posing. QSM: What exactly is modeling in your opinion? What qualities should one possess to be in the profession? Karizza: I always ask my new students the same question and actually their answer helps me to make the decision of if I am gonna take the new student or not. If somebody tells me that they want to become a model like Ashley Graham (or anybody else) or be on the cover of Vogue magazine, then it shows me the absence of passion to modeling but passion to fame and this is the worst answer for me. Modeling is not about proving something to somebody; it is a hard job like any other serious profession. And just a beautiful face isn’t enough to become professional. For me a model is not just a piece of furniture like how it was considered before in fashion world. For me a model is mostly an actress and sometimes it is even harder than real acting just because a model has only one shot to express emotions. The main skill for every model is the ability to change super quick and of course to make it perfect she/he will need to be great in posing, have a flexible body, have some basic knowledge in acting and be able not only hear but listen to the photographer. QSM: What made you start training models? Karizza: I was working with lots of different model agencies and models around the world and I have noticed that all of them pretty much do the same things. It is like a factory which doesn’t care about helping aspiring models to become unique and develop useful creative skills; they all do the same things. I have so much useful information and experience as a model, makeup artist, creative director and photographer so I wanted to share this information with people who are really seeking the knowledge. My aim is to help every student to open hidden features and find their own super power. I want them to know that they are unique and no one else in this world looks like them so they don’t need to copy somebody. The world doesn’t need a second Ashley Graham or Adriana Lima but wants to discover a new star with new talents.

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QSM: What are some of the things you teach in your training classes? Karizza: In my classes I mainly focus on posing but it is not just about learning different poses; that would be useless. I teach them how to work with different facial expressions, how to improvise, how to act, how to present a fashion outfit in the right way to be booked again and again. I teach them how to create a personal signature pose, how to work with dynamic, how to walk, how to be sensual, how to step out of their comfort zone and gain confidence. I also teach them how to build a professional page on social media and of course I give them 90% of practice so they can demonstrate what they have learned. Each class is a new topic with a shooting because I want my students to be able to see themselves understand when they make mistakes or pose great. I give them a lot of challenging tasks to try something new and upgrade their skills. My students get all photos from the classes because I know how important it is for aspiring and working models to build portfolios or upgrade the old ones. Now I want mostly to focus on plus size models and open a big school to help them become super professional models and influencers and rock the fashion industry and the whole world. QSM: Let’s talk about your work in photography. You have been doing this for a long while and you are amazing at it. What got you into photography to begin with? Karizza: Thank you so much! Well I am a crazy creative person who always loved art and I guess I passed through all steps to get to the photography. My head was always full of cool ideas and it was so difficult to ask photographers to help me shoot my projects, especially when they didn’t share my vision. So I decided to try to do it by myself. The first year nobody believed in me; they kept telling me that I will give up super fast, but as I said before I am super stubborn and such things just motivates me. In the first year of my career I had a chance to shoot almost all celebrities in Ukraine and was published in the XXL Magazine. It was a super complicated and unusual project but it got a lot of media attention and it went viral. I am not the best photographer in the world; I am just a super stubborn person who wants to create something different. QSM: As a photographer, you have shot with some big names in our industry. Where do you pull your inspiration? Karizza: I get my inspiration from talking with people. Each project is special and aimed to pull out the hidden fire from every model. I always make time to invite the model to my studio and prepare my legendary coffee while talking about different things. Doing this I get to feel the character of my model and her/his super power. After that, the pictures start to appear in my head like a movie. QSM: Do you often do the shoots and makeup for your clients? Karizza: I often do shootings but try to avoid doing a makeup just because I believe that if I want to get perfect results I need to focus on one thing. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

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QSM: As a model, do you shoot with other photographers or do you prefer to shoot your own work? Karizza: To be honest I don’t have much time to shoot with other photographers and usually I am interested in crazy looks so it is much faster to do it by myself :) QSM: A few of your images have gone viral. One in particular is the image with Ady. What is the story behind that shoot? It was incredible! Karizza: I am in love with Ady’s style and I believe in him. He inspires a lot of people to never give up on their dreams. This is my aim as well, so I decided to help him to shine and show the world how stylish and fashionable a plus size man can look on the cover of a magazine. I believe that it motivated a lot of people to follow their dreams. I want all people who were considered as outsiders of the world and of the fashion beauty standards to know that they can achieve whatever they want; that they are unique, beautiful, needed and can be as successful as they want without losing weight, getting silicon boobs, or having perfect skin etc etc. The world needs to upgrade and only together we can change it. QSM: What would you say is your most proud moment as a photographer? Karizza: I am proud of being a body positive photographer and super proud that for my three years of being in America I was able to help and inspire a lot of people to feel super beautiful and needed. QSM: Do you have a family background of fashion or is it just you? Karizza: Women in my family are so beautiful but unfortunately because of stupid insecurities dictated by the world they didn’t dare to try something they wished. QSM: What’s next for you in this industry? And don’t tell me that you are looking to become a designer next. Lol Karizza: Hahahha no no this is not for me (at least in next 10 years and later who knows :). In the nearest future I am planning to do special and magical photo exhibition dedicated to the plus size community. And I dream to open a model school in every big city in the world to help people to get close to their dreams. QSM: You are definitely a force to be reckoned with. I am definitely looking forward to working with you. Karizza: I am always open for collaborations to create cool projects! QSM: Please let people know where they can find you and possibly work with you. Karizza: People always can find me on my website: www. photokarizza.com or in Instagram @photo_karizza

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | KARIZZA

Photo taken by @photo_karizza Model | Karizza @photo_karizza Hair and Makeup | Dmitriy Puchnin @dmitrypuchnin www.photokarizza.com

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Photo taken by @photo_karizza Model |Cristina Tavarez Hair and Makeup | Dmitriy Puchnin @dmitrypuchnin WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | KARIZZA

Photo taken by @photo_karizza Model |Cristina Tavarez Hair and Makeup | Dmitriy Puchnin @dmitrypuchnin WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| APRIL 2019 ISSUE

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | KARIZZA

@photo_karizza

Photo taken by @photo_karizza Model |Cristina Tavarez Hair and Makeup | Dmitriy Puchnin @dmitrypuchnin WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| APRIL 2019 ISSUE

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HOW TO BECOME YOUR BEST SELF

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Ask yourself ... are you truly who you want to be? Is this the life you really want? Are you living each day as your best self? What can you change today? How would you answer those questions? Think about your daily life. Are you thriving, or going through the motions? Are your days full of work, relationships and activities that are true to your authentic self or do you feel trapped on a treadmill of responsibility? If you dream of a better life, now is the time to turn your dream into reality. The tools you need to design a life that is fulfilling on the deepest levels are within your grasp. Written by Mike Bayer, known to the thousands of clients whose lives he has changed as Coach Mike, “Best Self” can show you how. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|APRIL 2019 ISSUE

Bayer has helped everyone from pop stars to business executives to people just like you discover the freedom to be their best selves. By asking them and leading them to ask themselves a series of important but tough questions, such as “What are your core values?,” “Do you go to bed each day more knowledgeable than when you woke up?” and “Am I neglecting some aspect of my physical health out of fear or denial?,” he helps them see what their Best Selves and Anti-Selves really look like. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach and an all-around change agent, Bayer has seen the amazing ways in which lives can improve with honesty and clarity. He understands the daily struggles people face intimately, because he’s faced - and overcome - his own, and he knows that change is possible.

HOW TO BECOME THE BEST YOU| FAMILY FEATURES

By working through each of the Seven SPHERES of Life - Social, Personal, Health, Education, Relationships, Employment and Spiritual Development - “Best Self” is an accessible and interactive book that distills all of Bayer’s wisdom into a compact, focused guide that can ignite your desire for change. The Seven SPHERES of Life:

SOCIAL

Take a look at your social life in terms of your communication skills and dive into how you feel in your own skin when interacting with others.

PERSONAL

In attempting to be your personal best self, work to have an abundance of respect and compassion for yourself. Take care of yourself by nurturing an authentic, positive self-image to see benefits reach other spheres of your life.

HEALTH

If you’re unhealthy, it’s difficult to be your best self in other areas. The goal should be to act in your own best interests when it comes to your physical health in order to feel your best and be at your best.

EDUCATION

Even if you didn’t enjoy school or believe you simply don’t like the process of taking in new information, you may still be thirsty for knowledge in areas that interest you on a deeper level. Find what quenches your unique interests and explore the best methods to learn in those areas.

RELATIONSHIPS

From time to time, relationships can get out of balance. However, you can be proactive about doing your part to get them back to equilibrium by determining ways to control your authenticity and what you can do when those around you aren’t reflecting their own.

EMPLOYMENT

Determine whether you’re acting as your best self at work just as you are at home. If you can’t be yourself at work, you may be wasting valuable time. Don’t lose yourself in a fear of trying to be something you aren’t while on the job.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

The place within you from which goodness radiates can be described as your spiritual self. It’s where you form integrity, values and treatment of other people, so focus on aligning those traits with your vision of your best self. Learn more about how to become your best self and take a self-assessment quiz at coachmikebayer.com/ book.

article provided by Family Features

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sir icon ON THE BIG AND TALL OF IT

“Tell Me To

What You Pay Attention And I Will Tell You Who You Are. ... Jośe Ortega Y Gasset

”

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THE BIG AND TALL OF IT | SIR ICON

APRIL FISH

As you all may know a “prime” hat I wear is an Image Developer. But besides that, I wear many other hats and the fact that I have worked within this “fashion/entertainment” area, I have acquired a better view on modeling from inside and outside the circle. I do not have an immediate preference for being a Big and Tall model, but I had quite a few occasions to work as one. Nowadays, everyone with some nice Instagram pictures sees themselves as a professional model. We both know that is quite unlikely! Individuals really have to be focused and sharp if they are serious about it. So where do most Big and Tall modeling jobs start? Castings, right!

Interesting that a popular day in April is on the first; April Fools’ Day. However, this can be every day for a Big and Tall model, new and seasoned, looking for work and not paying attention to details of a casting. Reading the casting information beforehand usually gives a clear synopsis of it being a match to move forward. Trust me; you do not want to be an “April Fish” in the modeling industry. Create a solid routine and live by it! Okay, I know you want to know what the hell is an “April Fish?” (Laugh Out Loud!) Back in the 1700s, English pranksters popularized a tradition called April Fools’ Day. This day consisted of playing practical jokes and hoaxes on individuals. In the Purposeful Deceptions of the April Fool, Nancy Cassell McEntire stated France and Italy utilize the term, poisson d’avail (April Fish) to describe individuals who were the butt of the joke or hoax. The fish, or fool, is often marked by the sign of a fish somehow. Chocolate fish and paper fish were popularly used, some even still to this day. It all symbolizes a young “easily hooked” fish to a gullible person. Which is a great segue back to the point previously made. Create a solid routine and live by it as a Big and Tall model. Social Media has been ripe for modeling since Social Media became a thing. No tool has been more effective in suckering fools to misunderstand this industry and lead people down the wrong paths. Every Joe and Joann now is a “Plus or Big And Tall Model” professional teaching classes, having castings, or having a show without a lick of REAL experience. Most are looking for that “April Fish” to make money! No, I am not bashing them for what they do! I am here to tell you, the Big and Tall model, to always have your antennas up. Watch out for those “April Fish” castings! In fact, here are a few pointers that should help you no matter who or what casting you go to.

1. Always be on time. No fashionably lates. Arrive 15 minutes early, if possible. 2. Always have a pleasant attitude. Being nice to the casting team and other models can go a long way. 3. Always study casting information. This is an old casting trick to see if you can pay attention to details before they actually meet you. 4. Always present in best physical shape and style. For some reason, Big and Tall guys seem to forget that their body silhouettes do not matter. Wrong, wrong, wrong! (I know we need a whole article on this subject alone.) 5. Always look like the pictures you present. To be honest, most casting agents cannot remember every face. So a bigger impression is made when they can match a name with an image of you. 6. Always ask about taking pictures. It happens that you are pretty excited and cannot wait to share with friends, but always ask permission before posting anything to social media. These six pointers will take you a long way in this industry. They are also a great way to start a routine to do as a Big and Tall model. Let your routine build simply from your own creativity without breaking the ground rules. The sky is the limit here but establishing some great foundation steps will make you soar higher faster. If this process feels uncomfortable and sometimes gets people upset, then it is working. It is okay to disappoint a few people over the small things on your routine list, than surrender your dreams on the illusion of professionalism. Train yourself to record every moment of your journey to learn from it and never forget it. Pay attention to your routine to help you stay focused and creative as a Big and Tall model. We are too big and too tall to be looking like “Fish!” Come on Fellows! Being “thirsty” for every gig will immediately get you stamped “April Fish” in my book. That’s the Big and Tall of it __________________________________________________________ About Marco Mays aka Sir Icon He is the paragon of a classy male with sophistication and style. With the combination of his love for fashion and self-empowerment, Marco has made a name for himself in events management and image development. Known as a go to person to ensure that shows and models are presented seamlessly, Marco’s skills have allowed him to work with celebrities and on high-end productions, reinforcing his knowledge of image and brand from a Big and Tall perspective.

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The Curvy Art and Fashion Experience

What do you get when you mix a dope Producer, a dope, Designer and a dope Artist? You get a dope show; The Curvy Art and Fashion Experience. And that show happened during the infamous New York Fashion Week this year. Can I get a handclap for these ladies please? I personally was on the fence about attending because NYFW is not really my platform. Even though they are adding plus to their shows…. Well anyway, that is another article in itself. Back to what I was saying. I am glad I went! My support for these ladies and all of the models walking is what made me leave my warm house and attend. They did a phenomenal job. The place was packed with standing room only. We could not fit another soul into that room. The outpouring of support for the event didn’t really surprise me because the industry is known for showing up for each other anyway. We saw a lot of great designs for spring and summer. We saw designs for men, women and even couples. Oh but remember, it wasn’t just about the curves and fashion; Jonquel Norwood displayed some of her art pieces as well. The artwork consisted of some of the pieces that we saw on the runway that night. Can you say DOPE? I love to witness us making history and this trio is making their mark. Congrats Jonquel Norwood, Courteny Noelle and Tan Bee. Job well done. I will see you front and center next year. Follow The Curvy Art and Fashion Experience on Facebook. Just type in the name and hit follow for updates.

all images taken by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography

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CURVY AF | QSM

all images taken by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography

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all images taken by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography

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CURVY AF | QSM

all images taken by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography

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Founded in 2011, we are a magazine dedicated to Queen Size women. Queen Size is not only about the physical size, but also the mental. We are dedicated to highlighting women of all walks of life. If you are a woman making Queen Size moves, then this is where you belong. We do not limit ourselves to just women; this was the basis of why we created the magazine. We are looking to highlight and promote small businesses owners/entrepreneurs, both men and women. Queen Size Magazine puts out a new issue every month with realistic articles written by real life people. We have writers that cover health and fitness, true life situations and experiences, fashion, recipes and more.

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From our family to yours Happy Holidays