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AUGUST 2016 ISSUE
MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES
Katherin JenningsVermeille Ms. Caribbean Gemz 2015 and more...... TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION By SHIRLEY BEALE
HOW TO FIND A HIGHLIGHTER FOR YOUR SKIN TONE
BY CRYSTAL CARMEN
SAY NO TO BLACK AND SAY YES TO
COLOR
SWIMWEAR BY MEESHA ANN
SO YOU THINK YOU’RE A MODEL BY NATALIE DAWN
FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2016 RECAP WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| AUGUST 2016 ISSUE
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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES
FROM THE EDITOR Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief
Welcome to the heart of Summer. How exciting for all of us. Kids are out of school, traffic is flowing and the pools are open. For those of you that experience winter weathers then you understand my happiness here. I am excited to bring you the August/Summer 2016 issue of Queen Size Magazine. I am loving all of the different choices of swimwear that the designers have created for us plus size divas. G’Wan by Charon has kindly teamed up with us this month to show off a few of her creations with beautiful bold colors. In this issue you will also find some great recaps of the infamous Full Figured Fashion Week; THE event for the Full figured community by the full Figured Community. Each year Gwen DeVoe and her team gives us more and more reasons to be proud to be plus. Running Queen Size Magazine is a lot of work but I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am Proud to be Plus and I am proud of this industry. Thank you to all that have supported us thus far because after all, we do this for you. We hope you enjoy what we have put out in this issue.
Photography | PDrew Photography
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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES
MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director NICOLE FRANTZ Assistant Editor & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR NATALIE DAWN Assistant Editor CRYSTAL CARMEN Beauty Editor SHIRLEY BEALE Assistant Editor CARRIECE JEFFERSON Assistant Editor DUANE JONES Director of Photography for N. Carolina DOUG SWAIM Director of Photography for the DMV area KENDALL REED Photographer DIONNE REEVES-GRUBBS Model Recruitment Manager
PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPY MODEL | KATHERIN JENNINGS-VERMEILLE STYLIST | SABRINA EMPRESS CLINTON
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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY
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KATHERIN JENNINGS-VERMIELLE
HEALTH AND FITNESS
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POMEGRANATE-RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE By QSM
FEATUREDMODELS
AUGUST 2016 ISSUE
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08 TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION By SHIRLEY BEALE
BEAUTY&FASHION SAY NO TO BLACK AND SAY YESS TO
14 COLOR SWIMWEAR By MEESHA ANN
HOW TO FIND A HIGHLIGHTER FOR
18 YOUR SKIN TONE By CRYSTAL CARMEN
BUSINESS
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SO YOU THINK YOU’RE A MODEL
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FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2016 RECAP
By NATALIE DAWN
By QSM
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BIG DREAMS START SMALL By NICOLE FRANTZ
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HEALTH AND FITNESS
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POMEGRANATE RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE |QSM
POMEGRANATERASPBERRY SMOOTHIE During the summer heat all you really want is a nice cold drink to cool off your body. Of course, drink your water, but instead of grabbing those sodas and/or juices whip yourself up a nice smoothie. Try the Pomegranate-Raspberry Smoothie and let me know how you like it.
Blend 1 cup frozen raspberries
3/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups ice
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HEALTH AND FITNESS
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QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE PRESENTS
“To Answer Your Question” By SHIRLEY BEALE
SHOULD I GET A PRENUP Question: Hello. I’m a somewhat successful 50 plus year old woman. I’m about to marry a man who is in his early 40s. My common sense is saying to get a prenup but everyone I ask keeps saying no. People are saying that getting a prenup will make him think I don’t love him. I just think it’s being safe.
SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: I definitely believe in prenups for anyone that has acquired wealth and want to be protected. I would suggest that you consult an attorney to determine the best way to protect your assets however I would suggest that you not listen to your friends’ opinion. If the marriage works out, that is wonderful. If it does not work out, the chance that someone can come along and wind up with half of your wealth is not something I would be willing to chance. The choice is yours but better to be safe than sorry.
ATTRACTED TO THE BOSS Question: : I just recently started working at a company and my boss is very attractive. He is so nice and seems to go out of his way to make my days easy. I want to make a move but I know other women in the office like him too. Should I go for it or just let it go?
SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Hello, I would not pursue this under ANY CONDITION. This is a disaster waiting to happen and it will happen VERY QUICKLY. First of all, it is your boss and the relationship should remain business. You didn’t mention if he is married. He may be nice as a part of his demeanor or because you are the new employer and he wants you to do a great job and feel welcome. If you say others in the office like him, that means they are watching you and he together. I would not pursue this under any circumstances. If you don’t think you can control yourself, find another job and start fresh and don’t find yourself in this position again.
WHAT TO TELL Question: Hi Shirley. I have a friend that has shared something with me that someone has said about me. She asked me not to say anything because she knows the other person will start a big mess. Each time I see this person, I get angry for what she said about me. What she said is not true but I thought that all of us were friends. I was wrong. Should I say something?
SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Well, whatever the person said about you, is it something you can ignore? Are you the type of person that can reasonably and rationally discuss it with the person? If you feel you will fly off and create a scene, maybe you shouldn’t say anything. If you feel compelled to say something, get her alone and express your feelings. Be prepared to drop it after you speak to her about it. If expressing your feelings to this person will create a problem between you and your friend that shared this information with you, maybe you should weigh the pros and cons. If your friendship is more important than confronting a busybody, let it go. Ultimately, it may not be worth the time you are giving it.
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SHOULD I EXPOSE THE LIE? Question: I recently saw an acquaintance in a compromising situation. Being somewhere she shouldn’t with someone she should have not been with and finding out they have been living a lie. She walks around telling people what to do, how to act, and I’m tired of it. Should I say something?
SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Don’t waste your time. Whatever they are doing will come to light. People may believe they can get away with wrong but they never do. Concentrate on what makes you happy and do not on the craziness of other people. Life is short and very precious. They will get what’s coming to them without you saying a word. Focus on you and your life and the foolishness of others will not seem so important.
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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR
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PHOTOGRAPHY | DUANE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
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BEAUTY AND FASHION
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SAY NO TO BLACK AND SAY YES TO COLOR SWIMWEAR by Meesha Ann
Yasssss Dolls! It’s that time of year when the sun is out shinning in all its glory. So why are you stuck in that black swimwear on the beach?? The notion of wearing black to hide your flaws has become a thing of the past. I too have been guilty of practicing this concept, but I have grown to better understand and appreciate my curves. I am no longer restricting myself to wearing black to cover that extra on curves on my side. Haven’t you heard, CONFIDENCE is the new sexy! So be BOLD, FIERCE and RADIANT in those bright swimwear colors. I can’t wait to see you all on the beach rocking those BEAUTIFUL COLORS! Until next time stay Fabulous!
by Meesha Ann
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SAY NO TO BLACK| MEESHA ANN
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PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGNS | G’WAN BY CHARON, CHARON RICHARDSON
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BEAUTY AND FASHION
SAY NO TO BLACK | MEESHA ANN
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PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGNS | G’WAN BY CHARON, CHARON RICHARDSON
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BEAUTY AND FASHION
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How to Find a Highlighter for Your Skin Tone
BEHIND THE GLAM By CRYSTAL CARMEN
How to Find a Highlighter for Your Skin Tone
Summer is just around the corner and we all want to focus on radiant, beautiful skin. The trend right now is highlighters, highlighters, highlighters. Highlighters are beautiful and fun to play with. Here are a few tips to make sure you are making the best of your glow. Summer means more sun and your skin may be more tanned, it’s normal to have to make some adjustments to the traditional highlighter you use. The easiest way to wear a highlighter is to apply the highlighter with a quick swipe either down the nose or across your cheekbones. Remove excess powder from the brush by swirling on a clean cloth or napkin and buff the product into your skin. This will give you a polished, glowing, radiant look. Your face may immediately appear brighter and even younger, in some cases. The key to maintaining the same glow and radiant skin is to know which formula is better to use and what areas you need to avoid. For example, you may want to try products that may give you a more subtle glow rather than one that gives you a bold glitter effect. You also want to use highlight-er sparingly on the areas that aren’t so smooth, like areas with deep wrinkles. Highlighters are not all created equal. Just like with foundation, the highlighter you choose needs to work with your skin tone. If you don’t take this into consideration, you might end up with a pale and chalky effect. This is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. You should look radiant not dull.
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HOW TO FIND A HIGHLIGHTER FOR YOUR SKIN TONE| CRYSTAL CARMEN
Do you wish you had a guide that could help you choose the best highlighter? Here are some tips.
#1: Pale to Fair Skin: If you have fair skin just like Dita Von Teese or Amanda Seyfried, you should try to use a pearl-colored pressed powder. It will add you the extra touch you need this Summer without looking too ”ice princess”. You can also choose to use a mix of colors to blur imperfections. And it might be just perfect because it will also add a touch of highlight to your skin. A highlighter that is icy silver or icy pink highlighter will leave your skin glow. #2: Fair to Medium Skin: If your skin is more like Jessica Beal’s skin, you have a few different shades to choose from. You can choose any shade from pearl and pale pink to champagne. #3: Medium to Dark Skin: If your skin tone is closer to Mindy Kaling or Queen Bey, you should try to avoid using a shade with too much pink on your skin. Since you likely have a warmer skin tone and with yellow under-tones, if you use pink you may stand out for the wrong reasons. Instead, try using a use neutral peach shade like Bronzed by Pink Stiletto Cosmetics or choose a golden gilded shade like Goddess by Pink Stiletto Cosmetics. These shades have a rosy undertone but not enough to be overpowering. This way, you can rest assured that your skin will be radiant in all the right ways. #4: Dark To Deep Skin: If your skin tone is closer to Lupita Nyong’o, lustrous and rich, you should try going with a warm gold or even deep cooper highlighter like champagne. You should avoid using any color that is a lot lighter than your skin color or you may end up with gray cast
If you’re still having problems finding the right tone for your skin, you can always go for a liquid highlighter like Liquid Aura since you can really work them into the skin for less coverage just using your finger tips.
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Katherin JenningsVermeille Ms. Caribbean Gemz 2015 and more......
Katherin Jennings-Vermeille was born in Brooklyn, NY; her parents were born in the Caribbean. Her mother was born in Puerto Rico and her father was born in Jamaica. From the first moment of her existence she was destined for greatness. With the ability to lead and take charge she quickly assumed the personality of a boss. This extended so far that even her Halloween costumes consisted of lawyers, business, woman and various woman in power positions. In addition to being a leader, she studied a variety of arts. In elementary school, she studied dance, as time moved forwards she grew into ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Katherin continued to study dance and expanded her style into hip hop, burlesque, and belly dancing. Although highly skilled in dance, she decided to keep dance as a hobby and moved toward making modeling her career choice. She is a petite model standing at 5’3′′; though small in stature, she is larger than life. She’s done a few shows and ripped the runway in each of them. Her talents aren’t limited to runway because she also has experience in print. In the future, she plans on combining all her talents and honing them into a powerful acting career. Smart, intelligent, fun, and always professional, although rough around the edges, when it comes down to business she’d say, “There is no room for hesitation let’s get straight to business”. Katherin is educated in finance and accounting. However her knowledge doesn’t end there, she knows how to invest and encourages her friends and family to make sound investments in their future. Currently she has a certificate in women’s fashion and she’s applying her fashion design experience by starting her own line of clothing. Katherin is hoping to make an impression in the fashion industry as well as the nonprofit space. Katherin’s fashion line is called KT’s (Katie’s Things). She makes custom Bow Ties and accessories for the stylish person with a hint of glamour taste. In addition to design, she started a company called Kat’s Castings that helps with the development of models. Kat’s Castings provides anyone with the training they need to become a serious model, it also allows models to build a proper model resume by finding them jobs in their fields of interest. Katherin’s goal for Kat’s Castings is to give a new perspective towards modeling. Katherin also Volunteers at two nonprofit organizations as their social media Manager.
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KATHERIN JENNINGS-VERMEILLE| QSM
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One of Katherin’s biggest accomplishments is her Competing and Winning Ms. Caribbean Gemz 2015 Beauty pageant. Caribbean Gemz gives a platform to ladies of Caribbean descent to explore and show support to their West Indian culture. Katherin was given the opportunity to express that at the pageant and has continued to do so even after winning her crown on June 27th. She has made several appearances and has been interviewed by a few radio personalities just within the few weeks of her winning. Katherin Recently participated in a Fashion Show that is raising money for the research of Autism. One of her goals as Queen is to touch as many lives as she can by reminding all that Caribbean culture is like being a part of one big family. “Each of our cultures goes through ups and downs but we pick ourselves up by working together.” Katherin is working together with the owners Sabrina Clinton and Elijah Knight to continue to build more platforms for ladies of Caribbean descent by focusing on empowering the women with self esteem and confidence boosters. They aim to help these Caribbean Gemz by contributing to the success of modeling, fashion and personal goals. In her journey to build an empire, she’s encountered a lot of interesting people. Katherin met her husband 3 years ago. For them, it was love at first sight. They both hit it off and got married in September of 2014. Katherin’s husband is of Haitian descent. They both hold strong Christian values and hope that their lives can be a testament of God’s glory.
PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | SABRINA EMPRESS CLINTON
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QSM: Katherin, you definitely surprised me lady. Before our meeting I had no idea that you did THIS much. I am just going to go ahead and ask the stupid question that everyone else asks; when do you have time to do all of this? Katherin: (Smiling) When you have a Passion for something you always make time. I eat, sleep, and live my passions on a daily basis and still make time to be a Mom and a wife. I love all the things that I do and most times it doesn’t feel like work. Looking from the outside in I would think sheesh she is crazy. QSM: This is a term that is very widely used; so let me ask you, what does being a BOSS mean to you Katherin? Katherin: A Boss is a leader that helps others learn the trade to get paid. Too many people throw that word around just because they have made a few dollars and I say to that person when you start getting paid and getting your subordinates paid at the same time then you’re a Boss. QSM: What were some of the biggest lessons that you have learned along the way that has impacted the way that you work today? Katherin: Most people would call me a workaholic. When I worked for other companies I always went above and beyond. Even if that means that my family and I suffered. When this
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company decided to use that to its advantage it nearly destroyed my health and peace of mind. When I got out of the situation I realized that I did all that hard work for someone else and did not have anything to show for. Well, now I work for me and go above and beyond for me. If my work is not benefiting myself and others then I am doing something wrong. QSM: Tell us about your nonprofit organization; what is it, your inspiration behind starting it and how you came up with your name? Katherin: My non- for profit is called Coupon Cart Club. I started it on about a year ago because my husband and I came in to some hard times. Kat’s Castings was not pulling in any money and my husband’s business was suffering. We needed to find away to pay bills, get groceries and items for the house. So then I decided to coupon. As this couponing journey began I noticed there was a lot of people who were just like me suffering and needed help. I then decided to make it a non for profit where we help others in need keep up with groceries, personal care and household items on a low budget. I recommend that all my members (fellow couponers) to use the same pull cart (hence the name). We meet every Tuesday to help get great deals or even get free items.
KATHERIN JENNINGS-VERMEILLE| QSM
QSM: Why bow ties? And when can we expect to see them on the runway? Katherin: I love bowties. I make bowties for Men and Women. I started my love for bow ties when I began a career in men’s fashion. I was there for about 10 years. Even Though I have a certificate in Women’s wear, men’s Fashion will always be a favorite of mine. I actually recently just did a fashion show in the middle of June. It was my first show and the crowd loved my work. I can’t wait to work on my next collection to send that down the runway as well. QSM: How did you get into helping models? Katherin: I started back in 2010. I was an accountant for my friends modeling agency. After working there a few months I was asked to do a shoot; to be a model. At first I declined the offers but then I finally gave in and did one shoot; I loved every moment of it. As my career in modeling grew I noticed I was getting castings to gigs that did not fit me. So I would contact other models to see if they were interested in the information. I felt no model should not know about a casting. QSM: What do you look for when interviewing potential aspiring models? Katherin: When choosing my models I like to see their personality, how many other talents they have and how eager they are to learning the business. Most People think that modeling is about just being pretty. Oh Honey….It’s much more than that. There is a whole science to it and if they’re not willing to learn it I don’t bother. QSM: Starting an agency is a huge undertaking. What made you choose that route? Katherin: I danced around the idea for awhile before making it official. I was just scared of making the big jump and becoming an agency. It is a big responsibility but I think it is a lot safer for the models if, I took on the responsibility of becoming an official agency. QSM: What do you offer with your agency? Katherin: At KC Management we provided training, paid gigs and non exclusivity, so models have the freedom of working on their career at their own pace. For the training we have Runway, Print and Pageant training classes. We also provide models with information on paid gigs. Our non exclusive contracts give them the leg room to work on side projects
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we do not provided. For instance: My agency doesn’t really provided Eye Candy gigs. We don’t discriminate on all the beautiful eye candy girls it’s just from my experience those gigs don’t have reliable pay sources. So if a model decides they want to work on that on the side it is up to them. They are in control. QSM: How did you come to be a social media manager for TWO companies? Katherin: I am a social media manager for 2 nonprofit organizations. One is for a church and the other is for a religious organization that helps other religious organizations build funds for their establishment. They both were pretty still using word of mouth to promote who they were so I volunteered in helping them build an online presence. QSM: Do you manage your social media as well or do you have someone do it for you? Katherin: Unfortunately, I manage all my social media accounts. That is busy work in itself but you can’t trust anyone to run your social media. Hopefully one day I’ll find someone to take that over but for now its best left in my hands. QSM: What advice would you give someone looking to model? Katherin: If you want to model know that it is no walk in the park. You will definitely hear a lot of No’s and some will try to give wrong advice if you are freelancing. Get yourself a manager or an agency you can work with. QSM: How do you measure success? Katherin: I don’t measure it only because in your eyes I am successful but in my eyes I could be a failure. So I don’t focus on it. I focus on making the right choices and making sure that business runs as usual. QSM: In five years where will you and your empire be? Katherin: In five years I see my agency as being internationally known. Where Models will fly from all over the world to come to NYC just to have a chance to see if they can be a part of my agency.
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by NATALIE DAWN
SO YOU THINK YOU’RE A MODEL
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SO YOU THINK YOU’RE A MODEL | NATALIE DAWN
In this day and age with social media, better camera phones and access to filters there are so many people calling themselves models. People have one professional photo shoot and start marketing themselves as models. What qualifies you as a model? Why do you feel you have the privilege of calling yourself a model? Is it because you took a good picture? Did your friends call you a model and you ran with it? What have you done to invest in your model career? According to Wikipedia.com a model is a person with a role either to promote, display, or advertise commercial products or to serve as a visual aide for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography. What is it that you are advertising? Who is your audience? What are you displaying? Who is your audience? These are all questions a “Model” should ask themselves. Dear Model, Since you are claiming to be a model, answer these questions. Have you invested into your career? Have you traveled outside of your local area? Do you have comp cards? What type of model are you? Where do you know where you fit in the industry? What classes have you taken and are the people you took them with credible have they modeled or worked in the industry at all? Have you invested in makeup lessons or hair tutorials? Have you taken any professional runway classes? Do you have a coach or mentor? Do you know what belongs in a model bag? Are you able to effectively communicate with potential clients? What is your brand? Do you understand how branding works? If you have answered YES to ALL these questions, CONGRATS you are a model! If not let us work on these items so you do not water down the industry. Please and thank you. Sincerely, -Natalie Dawn
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Full FIgured Fashion Week 2016 Recap Well Gwen DeVoe and her fabulous team have done it again. The 7th Anniversary of Full Figured Fashion Week was incredible. I have attended almost every year and each time I am there it just seems to get better and better. Full Figured Fashion Week has been dubbed by many, the Oscars of Plus Size Fashion; and rightfully so. The ladies know how to step out on those red carpets like the world is watching. I love that it is so much more than just sitting in an audience watching a show. I love that it is a TRUE fashion Week filled with educational workshops, panel discussions and of course fashion. Let’s do a quick recap of the show why don’t we…… Each day was fun filled and worth getting up early and going to bed late. On June 12th the team introduced the week with a panel discussion sponsored by Hey Gorgeous on redefining healthy by celebrating our curves from the inside out; a pretty informative introduction on what’s to come for the week right? Yup… I agree. Day two it was time to turn up just a little bit. The Full Figured Fashion team had their official kickoff event called the Curvy Cabaret Night. If you missed this then you missed out on some talent. It was just a great day to have fun, enjoy some music and network at the same time. Ahem (clears throat), did ya know that Sharon Quinn, the original runway diva can sing? That one shocked quite a few people, but then again what CAN’T she do? Day three was a busy one with an event hosted by sponsors, Fruit of the Loom; I have officially become a huge Fruit of the Loom fan after this year. There was a media event in the afternoon followed by a showing of some of the infamous fashion for everybody by HSN’S Marla Wynne; this event was open to bloggers and press only. On Wednesday The PR Team (Erica and Scarlett) from The Avenue hosted a brunch to show off some of their fabulous collections. I was already a fan, now I am just sitting patiently waiting for their new items to release because they are just filled with Fabulosity. Saturday everyone turned all the way up at the Annual Curves at Sea All White Cruise. This boat party is filled with pure elegance and fun; I look forward to it every single year. Thursday’s Celebrate My Size Expo was one of my favorites for the week. The room was filled with so many different brands that I have come to love over the years but never really had the pleasure of shaking hands with them. That night I met so many incredible business men and women and was able to learn more about them and their brands. I was thankful for that opportunity to do so. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|AUGUST 2016 ISSUE
The Legends Show was EPIC. This was the first time EVER that a whole event was dedicated to the plus size divas who have paved the way for others to come up. It was such a joy to watch these elegant seasoned (as in experienced not age) divas strut themselves on a runway. Tell your friends, Full Figured Fashion Week did it first. On Friday Nikki Free hosted a panel discussion providing tips and tricks for the fashion forward curvenistas. That same afternoon many met up at Lord & Taylor for showcase of their 2016 Spring Collection. And very new to this year’s lineup of events was My Plus Size Prom; A Glam Masquerade Gala. Many of us never attended our proms, so the FFFWeek Team made that happen for us. How thoughtful was that! Saturday morning one of the greatest (in my opinion) Plus designers for women was in town; Qristyl Frazier. She hosted a Pop Up Shop in the city for those searching for quality clothing. Or those that have been dying to get their hands on one of her amazing pieces at a great price. Saturday night was THEE show; the 7th Anniversary Runway Showcase & Industry Awards Ceremony. Designers came from all over the world to showcase their designs on the Full Figured Fashion Week Runway. Some of the designers to grace the runway were Qristyl Frazier, Tia Lyn, Fruit of the Loom, Ashley Stewart, Eyani Couture, Coral & Co. of Australia and so many more. The FFFWEEK team also awarded some great individuals in our industry as well. The honorees included Christina Mendez as Model of the Year, Egypt Ufele as Jr. Trailblazer of the year, Farrah Estrella as Blogger of the Year, Jennene Biggins as Entrepreneur of the Year, Nikki Gomez as Photographer of the Year, and Tia Lyn as Designer of the Year. The week ended off proper with a Boss Chick Networking Brunch. Each and every year I look forward to attending Full Figured Fashion Week’s events because it is quite obvious that they care about the growth of our industry. So much time, money, energy and thoughtfulness goes into the planning of these events and I just wanted to say thank you to Gwen and her team. Queen Size Magazine supports you because you support us and everyone else in this industry.
FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2016 |QSM
Gwen DeVoe CEO, Creator and Executive Producer at DeVoe Signature Events & Full Figured Fashion Week
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Tawana Blassingame CEO, Editor in Chief Queen Size Magazine
#FFFWEEK PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY
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Big Dreams Start Small by Nicole Frantz
Big Dreams Start Small. There is a newly notable trend in the economy these days. The rise of the small business has begun to make big splash and lasting ripple effect forever changing the face of consumer choices. The principle behind the �Mom and Pop� store is not entirely new and the concept of supporting our local communities still mean very much to modern America.
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BIG DREAMS START SMALL | NICOLE FRANTZ
Ideas such as ”Small Business Saturday” have become increasingly popular due to highlighting the efforts of individuals who have not only survived the weight of their massive competitors, but have thrived in an equally unstable market at times. The underlying theme seems to be that consumers genuinely WANT to be a part of something bigger and simply enjoy spending money where they can ”see” their dollars at work with an associated meaning attached. Whenever possible I go out of my way to shop local. From farmers markets to friends with home based and direct sales businesses, I never regret shopping with an everyday entrepreneur who has chosen to break the mold of a cookie cutter career path by creating the best opportunity to change their families’ dynamics and the demographics of our economy. Believing that you can take the idea of something you are truly passionate about by turning it into a dream is a simple, yet oftentimes, the hardest step. Simply sharing your idea with those around you can open doors that you never thought possible. Many people are willing to support a small business in their community, such as a friend who took an idea and developed it into a business from the ground up. It can be an inspiration and demonstrate to others that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself.
The rapid growth of technology has created an instant gratification driven population seemingly focused on going viral while using social media as a way to gain success without the consideration of the odds to becoming truly successful at your craft. In order to increase your chances of success, thinking outside the box and getting into your community to sell your idea has proved tired and true. While trials and tribulations are inevitable, it is important to stay encouraged to learn and grow from those valuable lessons. Successful leaders often have common characteristics including the resilience, the ability to self-motivate, along with expert problem-solving, and leadership skills. In order for the small business owner to compete with the large commercial chains and big box stores, a personal touch and excellent customer service is essential. Supply and demand may be numbers on a paper to economists, but consumers in the local community hold much of the buying power. Wherever, and however one shops, the customer always wants to feel valued in return as an exchange of not just their physical money, but also for their patronage and experience. In an ever changing and rapid growing economy, it is very inspiring to see the ”little guy” make his mark in the massive market.
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