August 2018 by Queen Size Magazine

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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 August 2018 issue of Queen Size Magazine. This is the first issue that we are releasing since we were honored at Full Figured Fashion as Magazine of the Year. I still cannot believe it. We will continue to work hard and bring you great contact. Thank you all! We received this accomplishment because of you. And thank you again to the FFFWEEK team. We will continue to make you proud. It is no secret that I am not a fan of summer, but what I am a fan of is all the fashion forward swimsuits that have hit the market; can you say CUTE!!! This is a huge change from what we used to see. The swimwear that we are seeing now have given us the confidence to hit the beach and pools without having to wear t-shirts and jean shorts. That’s who this issue is dedicated to; all the designers that are making them, boutiques and stores that are carrying them, and all my thick chicks that are wearing them. I want to send a huge thank you to the Avenue for sponsoring our cover feature. We love you and all of your swimwear. But wait… Can you believe that I actually have about 12 swimsuits now? I could not believe it myself. Now where am I going to wear these too? Where are the curvy pool parties y’all? I plan to hit up a few this summer season; so bring on the invites. Enjoy the summer ladies and gents because it goes by quick… lol In every issue I feel it is imperative to give thanks to everyone that continues to support us. We appreciate you more than words can say. 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. Photo by PDrew Photography Dress from Ashley Stewart Kimono and choker by Pretty B Inc.

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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 JONNA CAPONE PR/Fashion Director CRYSTAL LEWIS Beauty Editor (Hair) LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor COURTNEY PENNINGTON Health and Wellness Editor ANDREA BLASSINGAME Makeup Artist EYANI COUTURE House Designer FLAVORS OF FULLNESS House Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: CRYSTAL CARMEN MICHELLE GONZALVES JOY PITTMAN

COVER IMAGE Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Cover up and bottom | Avenue @aveplus

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

SHEENA POSTELL DISCUSSES HER JOURNEY AS A MODEL By QSM

HEALTH AND FITNESS

ARE YOU DOING ENOUGH FOR YOURSELF?

KEEPING SMOOTH WITH SMOOTHIES By QSM

BEAUTY&FASHION

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

10 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: LEANNE MANGANO By QSM

14 BLOWDRYING FOR MEN By CRYSTAL LEWIS

17 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: RYANE RENEE By QSM

SPOTLIGHT: THE SWIMWEAR 32 DESINGER EDITION - TIFFANY RICE By QSM

36 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: IMAHIA STANFORD

By QSM

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - JASMINE HOYLE By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

BUSINESS

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THIS SUMMER By QSM

FULL FIGURED FASION WEEK

STILL ARRIVING - SHUT UP & PREPARE

CHEAP SUMMER FUN IDEAS

By MEESHA ANN

By JOY PTTMAN

By QSM

34 38 18 46 36

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

ARE YOU DOING ENOUGH FOR YOURSELF? If you’ve been following this column, you know I stated last issue that I would talk about mind body and spirit connections. I’ve decided I will hold off and talk about something more personal.

it all under control and the pieces of sunshine I get from my family, friends, and times of relief and moments of joy, somehow making it through( week after week), and the accomplishment of successes (on the days I’m killin’ it).

Usually I try and speak in general terms and as best as I can present multiple opinions, perspectives, or options. Today I want to talk about something that has been burdening me... so let’s get a little personal.

I have come to realize, I need to re-evaluate what is necessary or important and what is a negative placement or burden. My mental health has suffered over the last several months, physically I’m exhausted, and as a person I’m just over it.

Recently I’ve been feeling like I have taken on too much and have spread myself too thin. It’s important to think of your physical capabilities when trying to accomplish your goals and also take care of or do things for others. It has gotten to a point for me where trying to keep things balanced and juggle everything I have taken on has become difficult to manage. Honestly I feel like I have fallen short; some things have slipped through the cracks of my fingers.

Now is the time for change. Period. BIG period •

Are you doing enough for YOURself !?! I love you all, please take care of yourselves. I will be back to business next installment... gotta get Sh** in order.

Where do you draw the line between doing what you can and giving too much of yourself?

If you have any questions, topic requests or ideas please feel free to contact me at CourtneyP@UaHanSon.com

As a massage therapist I have clients that rely on me for their stress relief, pain management, or just personal care and relaxation that I would never want to abandon or neglect. As a daughter or sister I miss so many family functions because of over working myself. As an adult in the lower /middle class struggling to pay bills, enjoy life, and living comfortably, it is just that; a STRUGGLE.

Sincerely, Courtney P. Reiki Master LMT, Owner of UaHan Son: Massages and Reiki.

HONESTLY, I don’t always think I can do it all and I feel like I’m failing. But in reality I’m not... I am just making it work like everyone else. My blessings are being able to make it seem like I have

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Courtney K. Pennington Reiki Master, Licensed MT MSG3480 Owner of UaHan Son: Massages & Reiki 856.372.7886 UaHanSon.com Regenerate, Rejuvenate, Replenish...Healing from within

ARE YOU DOING ENOUGH FOR YOURSELF| COURTNEY PENNINGTON

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

KEEPING COOL WITH SMOOTHIES BY TAWANA BLASSINGAME

I am NOT, repeat…. I am NOT a fan of the HOT summer days. Therefore I am always searching for ways to keep cool. Whether it is finding the biggest trees to hide under or going from store to store pretending to be shopping, just so I can bum some AC. Don’t act like you don’t do it too. I do not like to be hot and I certainly do not like to sweat unnecessarily. Last summer I found that drinking fruit smoothies really helped to keep me cool when I had to go outside. There is a deli where I work that sells really delicious smoothies. I have tried them all and have found that there was always one ingredient in them all that I didn’t like. I tried the Berry Bonanza but didn’t like the blueberries. I tried the Orange Strawberry Banana but didn’t like the Strawberries. I tried the Mango Madness but that too had strawberries. I went through them all until one day I kindly asked the young man can I try my own concoction. He said he wasn’t really supposed to because it wasn’t populated in the register and that the cashiers wouldn’t know what to charge. So we worked it out to where I just doctored up one of the ones that they already had. I became addicted to what soon became the South Beach Smoothie; which was the mango madness with no strawberries. The smoothie consists of the following ingredients: One whole banana Half cup of pineapples Half cup of Mango ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt One cup of Apple Juice And Ice Blend all of the ingredients together until it is a smooth consistency. Pour it in a cup, add a straw, sip and enjoy. This really helps me out when I get over heated in the summer time. It also serves as a great meal replacement; if you are anything like me, I don’t even want to eat when it gets too hot. For some added fun, add some nice flavored alcohol to it to give it that extra umph....

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KEEPING COOL WITH SUMMER SMOOTHIES | BY TAWANA BLASSINGAME

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE SEE PAGE 21 FOR MORE INFO FOLLOW US

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

I am... LeAnne Mangano

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | LeAnne Mangano @leanne_j_mangano Dress | KLashaaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet @klashaascloset Necklace | The Hut Salud @thehutsalud

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | LEANNE MANGANO

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

eAnne J. Mangano (Man-gan-o) was born outside of Philadelphia and was introduced to modeling in 2008 when, after seeing a play with her mother and aunt, her mother mentioned an ad she heard on a local radio station for a casting call at a nearby hotel. But it wasn’t until 2016 that she decided to get serious and really delve into the industry. This was the beginning of a dream realized and new adventures for LeAnne. Known for her voluptuous shape and height, LeAnne still considers herself a newcomer to modeling but appreciates every new experience on her journey. She hopes to have a long and successful career in the industry and to help breakdown the title of “Plus-Sized Model” and be recognized as one of the world’s top models…period. LeAnne has always been interested in the fashion industry. She grew up watching runway shows on television and making sure she never missed a Joan Rivers red carpet broadcast. Around 9 years old she started making outfits out of old clothing and old sheets, pretending to be one of those celebrities on the red carpet being interviewed by Joan herself. This was the beginning of her love of all things fashion. Her favorite part of working in retail was helping women to look better than they thought they could and their sincere smiles afterwards. She still gets recognized and thanked by former customers throughout the Philadelphia area. Her favorite designers are anyone who loves color, femininity, celebrates everything about womanhood and isn’t afraid to think outside of the box. Her fashion inspirations range from Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren to Cate Blanchett and Lupita Nyong’o. LeAnne loves playing with shape and structure and flattering fits and will be seen rocking a variety of looks from day to day. She currently is obsessed with mixing patterns and mixing different genres of classic American looks. LeAnne’s philosophy of living life to the fullest with no regrets has led her on adventures in Botswana in southern Africa with the Peace Corps and other travels around the world. She has a weakness for experiencing other cultures’ traditions, music and food. Her principles of happiness, gratefulness and making sure to laugh every day, leads to a strong appreciation of family and genuine authenticity in others. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degrees in Political Science and Theater Arts. Being a nature lover, LeAnne enjoys being outdoors, camping, sports and any activity involving water. She also loves all kinds of music and can often be heard singing loudly in her car, even with the windows rolled up. LeAnne considers herself a real movie fan and can often be found in a movie theater or watching old movies on TV. Her passion is anything in the acting realm and is currently pursuing a career on stage and film. LeAnne currently resides in Delaware and has family all over the country and world. Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | LeAnne Mangano @leanne_j_mangano Dress | New York & Co @nyandcompany Jacket | Iman (sold at HSN)

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | LEANNE MANGANO

All images on this page shot by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | LeAnne Mangano @leanne_j_mangano Top image Dress | KLashaaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet @klashaascloset Necklace | The Hut Salud @thehutsalud bottom left Jeans | Torrid @torridfashion Duster | Lane Bryant @lanebryant T-Shirt | These Pink Lips @thesepinklips bottom right Shirt | H&M @torridfashion Maxi Skirt | Ray Darten @raydarten

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Blow Drying for Men

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BLOW DRYING | CRYSTAL LEWIS

Most guys won’t need to blow dry their hair. Men with long hair may do it to help set their styling crèmes or oils, and men with medium styles will use a blow dryer to add volume. Similarly, guys with thin or thinning hair may be able to create the appearance of density with a blow dryer. To make the hair look fuller, blow dry it and finish with a matte styling product. Ask your barber stylist if it is necessary for your style to be blow dried because most likely a good towel dry or air drying is fine. If you have no true idea what you’re trying to achieve it is ok to leave it be, because the heat and pressure will only further dry out the hair. This is why guys with longer hair use nourishing products when they blow dry—to counteract the damaging effects.

Brushing

There’s a difference between brushing and combing. While combs help set your style in place, brushes are best used at the end of the day, after showering. By running a brush through wet hair, you can evenly distribute the products from roots to ends. Use products such as natural oils that hydrate and condition the hair. Any man with brushable hair should get a wet brush to untangle when you come out of the shower. A comb can sometimes rip or damage hair when it’s wet. Brushing activates the scalp and helps release the natural oil “sebum.”

Styling

For your hair’s own longevity, the best styling advice is this: Don’t use too much product, and rinse your hair clean until there is no residue.

Crystal Lewis REMEMBER TO DRINK YOUR WATER AND TAKE YOUR VITAMINS! I SAY YES! Photo by Delbeautybox from Pexels

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

RYANE RENEE

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | RYANE RENEE

#BreakBarriers

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Ryane Renee is an entrepreneur, plus model, and a body positivists located in the Saint Louis Metropolitan area. Since high school she was labeled, “the pretty big girl.” She was often told that she always dressed cute “for her size,” and that other “big” girls should dress like her. She began to see that society needed something different, so she took on the challenge of changing society’s perception of how a “big” girl should dress, carry herself, and all in all present herself. Like many of us, Ryane didn’t agree with society’s rules for plus size women. That’s where it all began. She made her debut on the campus of The University of Missouri for The Fluffy GRL Summit. From then on, she started her journey as a plus size model by participating in numerous fashion shows. She’s been known by many as the woman who never falls short when it comes to confidence and poise. She’s never been afraid to go outside the box and break barriers. With her continuous dedication to breaking barriers for all plus size women, Ryane believes that she is an exceptional representation of the curvy confident woman. Ryane has been modeling for about two and a half years now. During her journey thus far, she has worked with various influencers in the fashion industry. In 2016 she walked for designer, Qristyl Frazier. In 2016 she walked for Mercedes Benz production “Accelerated” produced by Antony Freeman. She’s also walked for the premier boutique in St. Louis, MO Honey’s Child Boutique. After walking in their first solo production Crazy.Sexy.Curves, she was chosen as a Honeybee (brand ambassador). This year has been about growth and new opportunities for Ryane. In January 2018, Ryane was selected to be a House Model for Queen Size Magazine. In June 2018, she was blessed to walk for various designers during Full Figured Fashion Week. Ryane will also be modeling during The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo in August 2018. Although my journey is just beginning, I pride myself on being a body positive advocate for women of all shapes and sizes by letting confidence shine through my dedication and advocacy. I believe every woman should, “live one day at a time, break barriers, and stay fabulous!” This is the recipe for breaking barriers, and the pathway to a mountain of confidence that society cannot interfere with.

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | RYANE RENEE

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BEAUTY AND BUSINESS FASHION

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

ADVERTISING Rates & Sizes

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.

Ad Rates Full Page ½ Page ¼ Page Cover Story Inside Cover Back Cover Inside Back Cover ISSUE December/January February/March April/May June/July August/September October/November

1x $100 $60 $45 $300 $240 $200 $140

6x $570 $330 $240 ////// $1,410 $1,170 $810

12x $1,080 $600 $480 ////// $2,760 $2,280 $1,560

Ad Due Date November. 10th January. 10th March 10th May 10th July 10th September 10th

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FEATURED STORY

Sheena Postell Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Cover up and bottom | Avenue @aveplus

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SHEENA POSTELL | QSM

heena Postell is an aspiring model from Hartford, Connecticut. Since her last feature in QSM, she is now a graduate of University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT where she received her degree in Social Work. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and serves Chi Eta Zeta Chapter in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You may remember Sheena when she was featured in the May 2018 issue. Well she is back to share more of her modeling journey. Sheena fulfilled another one of her dreams recently when she was selected to walk the runway of Full Figured Fashion Week. Sheena is smart, she is passionate and she is genuine. This is one of the reasons why she loved by anyone she comes in contact with. We first met Sheena about a year ago when she competed in the Ms. Kurvacious competition. She captivated the audience and became a force to be

reckoned with when for the second time she walked away as the 1st runner up. Hmmmm will third time be the charm? See for yourself as Sheena will be competing for the crown again on August 25th. Sheena also competed in our 2018 Face of QSM Model search and came in 2nd place. Her goals are to encourage people, one smile at a time and to utilize those encounters to create lasting experiences. Sheena has been a free lance model since 2015 and has traveled up and down the east coast walking in fashion shows, pop up shops and being a part of countless model competitions. Not only does she has amazing confidence in herself she has confidence in her community and uplifts youth in the city of Hartford, Ct. There is no doubt that people will remember Sheena Postellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name; and they very well should.

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Dress | Lane Bryant @lanebryant

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FEATURED STORY

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Swimsuit | Avenue @aveplus

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SHEENA POSTELL | QSM

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” -Dr. Suess

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Swimsuit | Avenue @aveplus

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FEATURED STORY

Let’s get to know Sheena QSM: Sheena, you were featured in our magazine recently. Why don’t you remind people who you are and what you do. Sheena: I am Sheena Postell whose smile brightens up any room; who has the loudest laugh and the first person in line to support your event. I promote classic and kindness everywhere I go. I am a woman who loves God and share his love to others. I am a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporate. QSM: You recently re-enrolled back in school after graduating this year. Tell us about that. Sheena: A lot of people have told me that I am crazy for going back to school two weeks after graduating with my bachelors. But I always say what is for you, is specially for you. No one can walk in your shoes other than yourself. But yes, I started graduate school and I’m enrolled in the Social Work Master Program at University of Saint Joseph School in West Hartford, CT. I got accepted into the one year advance masters program, which means I will be graduating with my masters in May of 2019. The social work department calls it the crazy track but sometimes you have to live on the wild side to get things done. QSM: I know you also announced recently that you just got a new job? Sheena: Yes! During my senior year, I was chosen to be a part of a stipend internship with the department of children’s and families. This required me to complete 300 hrs, several workshops, trainings and keeping my grades over a 3.5. I was one of seven students out of the state of Connecticut that was picked for this scholarship internship. So I applied for a position with that department back in March 2018 and I was recently offered a social work position with them. I had a feeling that this would happen but I didn’t know it would happen so fast. This new job will not only change my life but I don’t have to work 3 part time jobs anymore. I can now say that I have benefits and be in a great position to make healthy financial decisions. My hard work in my academics is finally paying off and I’m so excited for this new chapter in my life. QSM: When I say Queen, what does that mean to you? Sheena: Powerful! Strong! Fearless! Respect! QSM: Let’s talk Full Figured Fashion Week. What made you audition and how many times did you audition previously? Sheena: I only auditioned three times for full figured fashion week. The first time for me was in 2014, then 2015 and 2018. What made me stop and not auditioned in 2016 and 2017 was the rejection letter that FFFWeek team sends models that don’t get picked. I actually read what it said and fixed the changes they suggested in the email. I practiced on my walk and poses, invested money into photos and created a good Comp card. It took me two years to finally say, that I was ready to audition for full figured fashion week because I listened to the feedback that I received and made those changes. QSM: What was that moment like for you when you found out you were chosen as one of the models? Sheena: The morning that I found out that I was chosen, I was at my internship and my phone was going off from the notifications of being tagged on facebook because I made the famous wall of full figured fashion week. That alone was an honor and I was so glad that I made it that far into the auditions. By lunch time I received the official invitation and I sat in my cubicle crying; crying because my hard work and growth is finally showing. Yes my audition was the first step to get me into the yes pile but it was my headshots that took me the rest of the way. Plus, I got the news two days after my 35th birthday so I was on cloud nine.

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SHEENA POSTELL | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Swimsuit | Avenue @aveplus

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FEATURED STORY

QSM: Can you share your experience as a model vs sitting in the audience? Sheena: As a model you have to let your guard down and trust the people around you. However, at the same time keep yourself together and be professional at all times. While back stage and the day of the show, it’s always chaos but keeping calm is the hardest thing to do. There are no mirrors back stage which is so annoying because it forces you to trust makeup artists, designers and staff that’s helping you. Once you’re on that stage all eyes and cameras are on you. The pressure is on and at that moment all devices catch you licking your lips, blinking too long and getting fabric caught on the back of your heels. But your job is to sell the garment you are wearing and get the perfect shot. Modeling pressure is worse than peer pressure. However, being in the audience is much calmer but expectation is still high. Making sure you look well put together is very important because you can be in someone’s picture. Plus, you get first glance at a new collection. You are able to witness how the material moves and flexes down the runway. QSM: Who are five of the most inspiring individuals in this industry that you like to follow and why? Sheena: Tessa Holiday is such an inspiration because modeling changed her life over night but I always see her pushing herself into amazing photos. Her look is remarkable in every shot and she pushes me to try new things in front of the camera. Ayesha Curry is another dope inspiring person that I follow and watch a lot because she is so diverse. On top of being a mother she ventures out in cooking, home decor, fashion and great ideas on how to enjoy the simple life while sharing to the world that she is a Christian. Kierra Sheard is a gospel artist and she has been such a help to me as a women and a Christian because she loves worship and fashion. Her work ethic is so amazing and she surrounds herself with people who love her and support it. That only is so inspiring and it pushes me to be better. She recently created a sisterhood program about six months ago and women were able to join for a year. I decided to be a part of her sisterhood program and it has been such a great help to me. It allows me to meet other women, talk about important topics each month and learn from one another; but also be accountable in my goals. Halle Deneen is another person that I look up to and she inspires me to be myself. She is a model who is signed to Dorothy Combs Model Agency and she is always trying new features and giving her all into anything she does. I relate with Halle because of her kindness and professionalism. Rev. Sandra Postell is my hero. My mother raised me as a single parent and taught me everything. She is a very strong person but also has a heart of gold. Because of her openness and willingness to love people and not judge them, is the reason why my career as a giver and social worker came to light. QSM: Being a model and student with a full time job; what do you do for fun? Sheena: I love going to the movies. It’s something about reclining in those chairs with a bucket of buttered popcorn. It allows me to get away from everything and enjoy a nice picture. QSM: What is your favorite season? Sheena: Fall is my favorite season because of the colors. I don’t WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

have a favorite color but I do love creams and shades of gold. The fall season represents nice and cozy. Plus, the fall season has fairs and festivals. QSM: What are some of your favorite summer activities? Sheena: I enjoy food truck festivals, jazz festivals and brunches in the city with friends. QSM: What are your go to summer outfits? Sheena: I love a good maxi dress that touches the floor. I love dresses that give you movement and length. QSM: If you could make three wishes what would they be? Sheena: My first wish is to be the model that hands the awards to the actors and music artists as they walk up the stairs at the award shows. No one notices them except the people that win the awards. If I can have two seconds to say congratulations to my favorite artists, that would be the perfect time and place. Second wish is to be a relatable human. I never want my Fabulousness to take over my character or personality. My third wish is to be able to financially travel to any and everywhere in the world. QSM: Can you share with us your proudest moment as a model and why? Sheena: The proudest moment in my modeling journey was when I learned how to turn on my model swag and turn it off. A lot of models walk around on a high horse all day long and forget to realize that they started from the bottom. No matter where my model journey takes me, I will always make time for people who want to ask me a question. I will always make time to learn more poses and take runway classes. I will always make time to give back to the community. QSM: Was there ever a time you wanted to quit? Sheena: Everyday I think about quitting and leaving it all on the coffee table but God reminds me of all of the mountains I climbed and I reached the top. So why stop now, the sky is the limit so I keep pushing. QSM: How do you remain so humble? That is the one thing that I simply adore about you. Sheena: To be completely honest and transparent, my past failures and wrong choices taught me how to be humble. You can’t have it overnight but after awhile you learn that it’s ok to fall down but how you get up is the important part. I am humble because I know how it feels to be judged and to have people turn their backs on you. I hated that feeling and I can’t do that to others. QSM: Where can people follow you and your journey Sheena? Sheena: Everyone and anyone can follow me and my shenanigans on Instagram page and my hashtag. @mspostell #mspostell QSM: Thank you so much for your time Sheena. Any final thoughts you want to leave our readers? Sheena: Keep an open mind everywhere you go. Keep learning and growing because our brains are able to still grow at any age.

SHEENA POSTELL | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Swimsuit | Avenue @aveplus

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FEATURED STORY

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best. -Marilyn Monroe

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Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography MUA | Ashlee Lawson @mubyashlee Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Swimsuit | Avenue @aveplus

SHEENA POSTELL | QSM

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Tiffany Rice CEO, Mylk and Hony Clothier image by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography

QSM: Hey Tiffany. Thanks for your time. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? Tiffany: I grew up in Syracuse, NY. I spent my adolescence in Maryland on and surrounding Fort Meade Army Base. I eventually settled in Baltimore after college. QSM: Were you in the Army? Tiffany: My parents both were. We only did one major move from N.Y. to MD. They got out of the military right before 9/11 happened. But we stayed in the area because of the army reserves and stuff. QSM: What was that like for you being an Army kid? Tiffany: I liked it. It reminded me of New York because people were from all over the country and world. You had a set community. There were plenty of kids to play with and nice schools. But it was so different from living in the hood where I came from. I thought my family was rich when we moved in a townhouse that had an upstairs AND downstairs, AND carpet. It was the middle school on the army base that taught me to sew. They really focused on technical skills there. QSM: What did you see yourself doing career wise when you were growing up? Tiffany: I wanted to be a medical doctor. I was really good at math and science growing up. My school had me in all the STEM clubs and activities. QSM: So you were a nerd huh? lol. For those that don’t know, please explain what a STEM Club is please. Tiffany: Yes I was a nerd. I just never looked the part. STEM is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the clubs I’d do things like build bridges, learn about airplanes, research, and super computers. QSM: When did that career path change for you? Tiffany: When I was in college, actually on my 18th birthday. I was a pre med major. My science classes seemed impersonal. I wanted to connect to people in a richer way so I changed my major to social work. QSM: So you are now a Social Worker? Tiffany: Yes. I have a private practice where I do therapy with people with special needs. I’m also a part time social work professor. QSM: WOW Private Practice. Good for you. When did designing clothing become an idea for you? WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

Tiffany: Thank you.I started when I was in my PhD program. I didn’t have much money. Also there weren’t many plus size brands out yet. I was inspired by fashion blogs. Sewing was my way to stay hip and current even though I was a broke student. That was maybe in 2011 or 2012. QSM: You sewed for yourself or other people? Tiffany: Myself for the most part. I’d occasionally sew something for a pregnant friend, or when a friend welcomed a newborn baby. QSM: Have you been plus size your whole life? Tiffany: Not until well into college. I was very thin as a child. As an adolescent I was very curvy and thick. That body shape wasn’t as revered back then, so I was really made to think I was far larger than I actually was because I was called fat. But in hindsight I was 16 and maybe 150 or 160lbs. But the body mass index chart told me I was “overweight” even though I ran and lifted weights in school. QSM: As a curvy designer, what do you currently specialize in? Tiffany: I specialize in Swimwear. QSM: The name of your clothing line is Mylk and Honey Clothier. How did you come up with the name? Tiffany: I wanted a name that connoted richness and thickness without sounding like I was fetishizing plus size bodies. I remembered Heaven is called the land of milk and honey. I put a Y on Mylk because the other Milk and Honey is already copyrighted. When you love and embrace yourself, you are in Heaven. QSM: Will you stick to swimwear only or can we expect something else? Tiffany: I want to branch out. I literally started doing fashion shows this year after my fashion history professor pushed me to do so. I chose swimwear because I enjoyed making it. Then things took off like wild fire. QSM: Can you tell us what you are working on next? Tiffany: I’m preparing for the Miami Curves Week Go Red Show. It’s a charity for the American Heart Association. Then I have my own NYFW show with Plitzs Fashion Marketing this September. QSM: Where do you pull your inspiration? Tiffany: I get inspiration online from artsy Instagram pages. I like to look at vintage pictures and nature. My childhood influences me too. The 1990’s hip hop scene was flashy and colorful. QSM: We are super proud of you and all that you are doing. Any final thoughts you want to share with our readers? Tiffany: I want people to know that it’s perfectly fine to embrace change and creativity in life. Fashion is like a second career for me and it was scary to put myself out there. But it’s working out for me. Also fashion is a type of self expression and can be a tool for empowerment. I really suffered with poor body image. Making clothes and embracing full figured bodies really turned that around for me. I’m really happy I’m in a position to share that with others. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share QSM: Please let people know where that can follow and support you Tiffany: I’m _MylkandHoney on Instagram. MylkandHoneyClothier. com. MylkandHoneyClothier@gmail.com

DESINGER SPOTLIGHT | TIFFANY RICE

MYLK AND HONEY CLOTHIER

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Edlexis Spady @_spaddy Swimsuit | Mylk and Honey @mylkandhoney

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MYLK AND HONEY CLOTHIER

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Catharine Chu @catdarlin Swimsuit | Mylk and Honey @mylkandhoney

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DESINGER SPOTLIGHT | TIFFANY RICE

MYLK AND HONEY CLOTHIER

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Natasha Crys @natasha _crys Swimsuit | Mylk and Honey @mylkandhoney

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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STANFORD

MODEL SPOTLIGHT| IMAHIA STANFORD

Imahia Stanford is a student at The University of the District of Columbia, studying Biomedical Engineering. She has spent the last 5 years volunteering and tutoring the youth of DC and pursuing her goal to become a signed curve model. As a model, she has graced the Runway of DC Fashion Week. She has been featured in Rybel Magazine and now Queen Size Magazine. Imahia plans to start a nonprofit organization aiming to empower young girls to find their voices in STEM fields through peer/ mentor programs, hands on workshops and science camps. Her motto is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Stand Strong as Oneâ&#x20AC;?. Imahia began modeling as a way to help society understand that beauty comes in the most unusual and unique individuals, during her journey she has also found an unbreakable sisterhood within the curve model community. Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Imahia Stanford @imahia MUA | April Turpin @aprilmaykup Yellow Dress |Forever21 Plus @forever21plus Shoes | Forever21 @forever21 Earrings | Forever21 @forever21

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | IMAHIA STANFORD

The thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. Somebody who may not look like you. May not call God the same name you call God - if they call God at all. I may not dance your dances or speak your language. But be a blessing to somebody. That’s what I think. ~Maya Angelou

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FASHION DESIGNER JASMINE HOYLE

Fashion Designer Jasmine Hoyle of Greensboro North Carolina began sewing at the early age of 12. She was an at risk youth in and out of group homes dealing with suicide. As a child she was bullied a lot because she was bigger than most kids her age, and because her mother was a lesbian. Her Pastor Wynella Williams introduced her to sewing as a way to help her to target anger. Shortly after she began sewing her mother passed away, and then sewing became the only thing that helped her stay grounded during that difficult time. Because Jasmine’s mother was a stud lesbian she got in into sewing for transgender people and to this day she continues to do work with the transgender community. Her goal is to empower other people through her art of sewing. In her senior year of college, Jasmine had a baby. Money was tight and she could not afford to shop at Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart like she used to, so she began making unique pieces for herself. Jasmine learned to push through her fears and really began sewing for others. Although she sews for all sizes her most requested sizes are plus size and transgender. One of her goals is to begin focusing more on advertising for the transgender community because a lot of people are not open to the community. She is currently looking for a transgender model to represent her transgender line. Jasmine is excited to see the evolution of fashion because everyone is not a cookie-cutter shape. People are learning to embrace their bodies more; even people with disabilities. Jasmine gravitates towards working with women with more challenging body shapes.

BEAUTY AND FASHION

Photographer | Anna Riley @annastarnesriley MUA | Lala Faces @lalafacesmua

on her health. She recently loss her dearly loved sister, Yakema Hoyle, from a chronic family history of aneurysms. So she herself decided to undergo a Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss procedure. This procedure was mentally challenging for Jasmine, but as of today she has lost 50 lbs and her blood pressure is down from 160 /112 to 120/71; this is just the beginning to a healthier lifestyle for her. Jasmine is an Artist at heart who loves drawing and painting and adding that artistic flair. She manages a company based in Nigeria and soon will be releasing her next line called “Black Sheep”. Through her new line, she wants to send a powerful statement that she made it; she beat the odds of suicide. She was to spread the word that if she can do it then anyone can. Jasmine provided a few encouraging words to aspiring fashion designers; she wants you to find your voice and stick to your truth be your own unicorn, never give up, keep going and follow your voice. With the passing of her sister Jasmine is inspired to start a nonprofit organization called “Ultimate Sacrifice” where she will be taking a holistic approach to life and hopes to continue to inspire others to live their best life as well. You can find Jasmine on Facebook: Defined Intervention, IG as JazzyDefinedIntervention also her website will be coming soon www. Definedintervention.Com so be on the lookout for this Awesome Queen. Be inspired Queens, Lala Faces

As Jasmine continues to Blossom she has placed more focused WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT | LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

Shown above: A few of Jasmine Hoyle’s designed Model | Mallory Richardson @malthemodel Photo credits for top and bottom right image Photographer | Anna Riley @annastarnesriley MUA | Lala Faces @lalafacesmua Photo credits for bottom left image Photographer | Jose Pagan @josepaganphotography MUA | Alicia Smith @modelmudelta92

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BUSINESS

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THIS SUMMER

Bug Repellent to keep from getting bit up

Sunscreen USE it. Skin cancer is real y’all. Using sunscreen can help save your life.

Sunglasses Be sure to get some with UV protection. If your eyes are sensistive to light like mine, then you will thank me later. If not, these will help prevent those issues in the future. Sunglasses are not Just for style.

Cash On those extremely hot days, we can experience power outages. That means no ATM so having cash on hand can be a life saver.

Cold water and/pr water bottle water keeps you hydrated. And why not have a water bottler so you can refill instead of keep byuing water. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

Allergy Meds If you have allergies then this is a no brainer. You already know the importance. If you don’t have allergies then consider yourself lucky.

SUMMER ESSENTIALS | QSM

Lotion I know for me personally, my skin tends to dry out easy in the summer. Or if you frequest the pool or beach, you may want to have some of this in your bag so you are not looking ashy.

Wet wiped or a wash cloth These will help you keep fresh when you are sweating.

A light jacket or sweater I know what you are thinking here; A Jacket? Yep. You will thank me when you are going to restaurants or movies, etc that have their AC on high.

Fan - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just nice to have one so you can give yourself some instant relef if you are somewhere with no ac. They even have those small ones that you can plug into the headphone jack of your phone.

Portable phone charger - I usually add this to any must have list. But for summer time when there are power outages, you will want to charge up your phone. We all know most of us cannot live without our phones.

Chaptstick or lipgloss - because who wants chapped lips?

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BUSINESS

OUR FAVORITE LOOKS FROM THE FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK RUNWAYS

#SILVERFOXES

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OUR FAVORITES FROM THE FULL FIGURED FASHION RUNWAYS | QSM

#BAEWALKS

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BUSINESS

#FFFWEEKFINALESHOWCASE

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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STILL ARRIVING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SHUT UP & PREPARE By: Joy Pittman

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BUSINESS

STILL ARRIVING - SHUT UP & PREPARE | JOY PITTMAN

Transparently, since the last article, I have suffered some disappointments. I have had to walk away from a few relationships and opportunities, mainly as a means to secure my sanity and maintain my integrity. If I am even more transparent, I would have to admit that I was not just disappointed. In some instances, I was pissed the frick off (frick is the word of choice because my momma reads these articles). I was angry, I wanted exoneration, retribution, revenge and to feel like my voice was heard and my hurt was felt. While I know that my feelings were and are legitimate, I also realize that feelings can be consuming, paralyzing and deceiving. I am clear that often our feelings are in contradiction with our faith, and I know that seeking revenge only disrupts God’s ability to defend us and have our backs. Sadly all of this logic and clarity did not change the headspace that these disappointments had me in. And then in a moment of magenta (if you don’t get this reference, stop reading immediately and google “The Golden Girls Blanche feeling magenta”) I came across a quote by Henry David Thoreau, a 19th-century poet, and philosopher which said: “If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.” Be quiet and ready enough…sigh… adulting sometimes can be such emotional labor. The truth is that everyday spit happens (yep spit… I told you my momma reads these) to all of us, and truthfully it usually happens for a purpose. I know that sounds cliché as hell (momma said hell was acceptable) but it’s seriously THEEEE truth. However, it is up to us to find the value in the process and use it to learn, to grow and to evolve. We are often looking for some magic potion or secret sauce to navigating the hard moments in life. Whelp, I tend to agree with Henry… the secret sauce is pretty simple, SHUT UP AND PREPARE. Yup, I said it SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop talking, stop clarifying, stop rehashing, stop restating, stop defending, stop rehearsing and for Gawd sake (because momma wouldn’t want me to use His name in vain) stop calling folks trying to get them to validate your rightness in the situation. Shutting up is essential for a few reasons, namely: 1. Somewhere in your attempts to clarify, rehash, rehearse, etc., you will omit, overstate or misrepresent something. Essentially you are most assuredly guaranteed to tell a lie. And whether it was intentional or not, it will still be a lie, and you will have been the one that told it; 2. At some point, you will become angry and bitter possibly even to the point of being consumed by negative feelings emotions, etc. Seriously??? With all the things you have going on

in your life do you have the extra emotional bandwidth needed to foster grudges and negativity? Ummm…Imma say NAH; 3. By continuing to discuss the situation you are keeping it alive far longer than necessary. Every time you recall the events, and every time you relay the story to a new person, you are resuscitating something that needs to be allowed to die; and 4. Eventually (especially if there was no initial wrongdoing on your part) you are going to compromise your integrity trying to explain, justify or sway the opinions of others to agree with you or validate your rightness. Consider how many times confidentiality has been broken or someone’s character defamed in an attempt to defend or rationalize behaviors. No matter how right you were in the initial situation, the moment you drop dimes, blow up spots, or spill tea you become just as, if not more, guilty than the person who caused your offense. … I could go on, but since I am stepping on my own toes, I am going to stop right here… y’all get my point. SHUT UP! And after you SHUT UP externally SHUT UP internally too. Clear your mind, stop dwelling on it, stop thinking about what you should have said and done. You have no time for this because you need to PREPARE. PREPARE for what you ask… the answer is simple… Whatever comes next! If you were disappointed by a relationship, PREPARE for the next one. Focus on getting rid of all the emotional baggage and dealing with the trauma that you suffered in, or because of the relationship. If you were disappointed by a job or work opportunity, PREPARE for the next one. Assess what went wrong and FIX IT. Take the class, learn a new skill, make the right connects, etc., so you don’t have the same outcome in the next chance… because there will be a next chance. If you were disappointed by a business deal, PREPARE for the next one. Review your business practices and address the areas necessary to ensure you dot the I’s, cross the T’s and close the loop holes. PREPARE, so you don’t get stuck in disappointment, so you don’t let disappointment change your character, compromise your integrity and most importantly, define who you become. As Henry said, expect to be compensated, reimbursed, rewarded and for your value to increase because of what you have learned through the disappointment. Now… (insert deep sigh)… I wish I could say I had all this together. I wish I could claim to have mastered SHUT UP, and I wish I could profess to be fully PREPARED for whatever comes next, but making those claims would make me a liar. What I can honestly say is that every day I am working on it and for now working on it will have to suffice because like I already told y’all… I’m STILL ARRIVING!

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BUSINESS

CHEAP SUMMER FUN IDEAS

HAVE OR GO TO A BBQ

HOST A MOVIE NIGHT

GO DOLPHIN WATCHING

GO TO THE LIBRARY

GO TO A FREE MUSEUM

HANG OUT AT THE POOL

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CHEAP SUMMER IDEAS| QSM

HAVE A PAINT AND SIP

GO FISHING

GO BOWLING

GO TO THE AQUARIUM

TAKE A TOUR OF YOUR CITY

GO BIKE RIDING

GO TO A FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

HOST A GAME NIGHT

GO TO THE BEACH

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From our family to yours Happy Holidays