May 2020 Issue 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 May 2020 issue of Queen Size Magazine. Instead of planning for a 100th issue celebration, here I am just trying to survive from one day to the next. Things are not the same as they were four weeks ago. The Coronavirus has taken the lives of many people. It has affected the lives or even more than that; financially, emotionally and healthwise. A lot of us are worried; myself included. I have not been ok emotionally since this all began. Like most, I have good days and I have a lot of bad days. I understand how a lot of you are feeling because I am feeling it too. I wanted to share that with you and let you know that I am here for anyone who needs me. We are in this together. We will get through this together. Remember to reach out to people to check in. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be surprised; that check in might just help YOU. Through this all, we are still dedicated to bring you the same quality content that we have been doing before this all started. 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, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like and/or want to see in future issues. We value your opinion. Be blessed and remember to be a blessing as well.

Photo by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Hair and Makeup | Meesha Ann @plusmodelmeeshaann Dress by Ashley Stewart @byashleystewart Shoes | Vince Camuto @vincecamuto

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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 Correspondant LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor Sharonda Grandberry Oversees Ambassador EYANI COUTURE House Designer Nathaniel Jaye Beauty Janelle Simmons Fashion Nyemade Boiwu Lifestyle Detras Powell Lifestyle ValaRae Partee 2020 Face of QSM

CONTENTS 24

FEATURED STORY VALARAE PARTEE| THE 2020

FACE OF QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE TALKS ABOUT HOW SHE GOT STARTED AND HOW SHE IS MANAGING LIFE THROUGH THE COVID-19 CRISIS

HEALTH AND FITNESS

ARE YOU GETTING ALL YOUR VITAMINS

A SMALL SAVORY PLATE

SPRING CLEANING FOR SPRING ALLERGIES

By STATEPOINT

By FAMILY FEATURES

By BRANDPOINT

BEAUTY&FASHION

12 CORONAVIRUS AND MY HAIR By NATHANIEL JAYE

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

MAY 2020 ISSUE

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | DR. JANELLE SIMMONS By QSM

MAKEUP SANITATION QUICK TIPS

VIRTUAL PAGEANTRY - SPOTLIGHT ON CLASSIC BEAUTIES INTERNATIONAL

By LAWANDA SANYANG

By JANELLE “THE CURVY DOC” SIMMONS

HOW SMALL BUSINESS CAN BOOST SALES By BRANDPOINT

BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | CHENESE LEWIS

FINDING BALANCE DURING A QUARANTINE

By QSM

By NYEMADE BOIWU

LET GO

By DETRAS POWELL

14 52

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

ARE YOU GETTING ALL YOUR VITAMINS?

HOW TO REVAMP YOUR DIET

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ARE YOU GETTING ALL YOUR VITAMINS | STATEPOINT

Getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need each day is one of the most important things you can do to feel your best. The good news is that you don’t need to devote hours each week to meal prep to ensure you’re healthfully getting essential vitamins. As you revamp your diet, here are a few things to keep in mind: • Don’t follow fads: When it comes to your wellness, it’s best to rely on basic science, not the latest fad diets or sports drinks and supplements that rely on added sugars, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, sweeteners, dyes, and negatives. Look for products that transparently list all their ingredients. • Drink your vitamins: Did you know that liquids are the most bioavailable form for your body to absorb nutrients? For complete health on-the-go, consider drinking your vitamins. One effective solution is Drink Nutrient, which offers singleserve stick packs that make it easy to get the nutrients and essential vitamins you need. Among its offerings is Vitamin Coffee, a natural health enhancer and energy booster made from 100 percent Colombian Arabica coffee that offers 50 percent of your daily essential vitamins in each serving. Served hot or cold, it’s a good choice for anyone who needs a caffeine boost without the crash. Or, to get 100 percent of your daily essential vitamins and 610 mg of electrolytes in one go, consider Vitamin Booster+, which contains real fruit juice and

is only 15 calories per serving. • De-stress: Too much stress can compromise your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. So, take steps to relax and unwind. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, cooking or jogging -- discover what hobbies and wellness activities help you reduce your stress levels and be sure to make time for them. • Refuel wisely: If you hit the gym frequently, you likely have tried one or two sports drinks and know how important it is to refuel quickly and wisely after a workout. For optimal high performance, consider upgrading your drink of choice. For muscle repair, mental focus, 13 essential vitamins as well as double the electrolytes of leading sports drinks, Liquid Nutrient has a potassium-to-sodium ratio intended for highquality hydration. • Maximize meals: To maximize meals, make sure the bulk of the calories you consume are not “empty.” Empty calories, such as added sugars and solid fats, contain little to no nutritional value. Fill up on dark leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds and goodfor-you fats like avocado and salmon, while avoiding chips, cakes and other junk foods. Don’t let your busy lifestyle get in the way of ensuring you’re getting all the nutrients you need to feel your best. With new tools, it is easier than ever to revamp your diet for optimal nutrition.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

A Savory Small Plate Provide a tasty snack to tide appetites with this Caprese Avocado Toast. Featuring Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze as one of the key ingredients, this aesthetically appealing appetizer brings tanginess and artistic flair for a flavorful bite. Simple preparation precedes only five minutes of time in the oven, meaning you can put this tasty snack on the table in a hurry. Find more recipes at filippoberio.com.

Caprese Avocado Toast with Balsamic Glaze

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A SMALL SAVORY PLATE | FAMILY FEATURES

          

2 tbsp Filippo Berio Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 cup Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze 4 slices rustic Italian bread, about 3/4-inch thick 1 large clove garlic, halved 2 small ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 cup torn fresh basil, divided 1/2 tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper, divided 1 large ripe tomato, sliced 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes

1. Preheat oven to broil; position rack to highest level. Brush olive oil over both sides of each slice of bread; broil, turning once, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Rub cut side of garlic clove over bread while still hot. 2. Mash together avocados, lemon juice, and half of the basil, salt and pepper; spread over one side of each slice of bread. Top with tomato slices; season with remaining salt and pepper. Top with mozzarella slices; sprinkle with hot pepper flakes. 3. Drizzle each slice of bread with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with remaining basil; serve immediately. Tip: Serve with sliced dry cured salami or prosciutto for a side of protein. article provided by Family Features WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2020 ISSUE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Spring cleaning for spring allergies: 6 steps from the experts

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SPRING CLEANING | BRANDPOINT

As days grow longer and new blooms appear, it can only mean one thing: Spring is here and with it comes the task of spring cleaning. For people with allergies, spring cleaning does more than spruce up a home. When done correctly, it removes dust, mold, dander and other allergy triggers so you can feel your best. “There are specific things you can do while cleaning that can dramatically improve allergy symptoms,” says Dr. J. Allen Meadows, allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When you spring clean to remove allergens, you can breathe easier plus enjoy a sparkling home.” Meadows and the experts at ACAAI recommend these steps when cleaning for allergies. Before you begin, keep in mind that when you clean you come in contact with many allergens. You may want to take allergy medication beforehand and if your allergy is severe, consider wearing an N95 filter mask while dusting or scrubbing.

STEP 1: DUST THOROUGHLY Dust all surfaces in your home with a damp rag or microfiber cloth made for cleaning. Avoid using any kind of duster that simply kicks dust into the air. Additionally, clean vents and return registers to limit dust recirculating and finish by wet mopping tile and other hard flooring. Don’t neglect the area under the beds, which can get dusty and should be cleaned often. Eliminating dust helps your home shine and also removes some of the most notorious indoor allergy triggers.

STEP 2: CLEAN CARPETS Start by moving all furniture off the carpet. Then vacuum well with a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Meadows does not advise shampooing carpet, because it can cause dust mite eggs to hatch. If you are using diluted bleach and water solution for spot treatments or to kill mold, make sure someone other than the allergy sufferer does the cleaning because bleach can trigger asthma.

STEP 3: CLEAN WINDOW TREATMENTS Window treatments like curtains and valances can be a magnet for dust and pollen yet are often ignored when it comes to cleaning. This spring, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and wash or dry clean window treatments. Remember, opening windows allows pollen and other allergens into your home, so during peak allergy season keep them closed, and whenever possible, use air conditioning in your car and home.

STEP 4: WASH BEDDING Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water that is at least 130 degrees F. This temperature kills dust mites and effectively removes allergens. If bedding can’t be washed at this hot temperature, place items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at 130 degrees or above. For children with allergies, do the same with their stuffed animals.

STEP 5: REPLACE AIR FILTERS At the start of every season change the air filter in your furnace. This helps the HVAC system run efficiently while also filtering out air particles -including allergens - to keep your home’s air as clean as possible. Consider setting an alarm for every three months as a reminder and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. This is also a good time to clean the drip pans in appliances like the refrigerator.

STEP 6. CONTROL HUMIDITY Bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces are prone to mold, so spring is a good time to deep clean. A bleach cleaner works well to eliminate mold or make your own by mixing borax and water. Next, help prevent mold from developing through moisture control. Always run bathroom fans when bathing or showering, clean up any standing water immediately and use a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity below 60%. “Spring cleaning is a great step in allergy control,” says Meadows. “However, if you continue to suffer from allergy or asthma symptoms, see a boardcertified allergist to help you control your symptoms and live the life you want. You can find an allergist near you at acaai.org/locate-an-allergist.”

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

“CORONAVIRUS AND MY HAIR” It Just got REAL!!! One thing I have learned about a woman is that you don’t come between her man, money, children or her HAIR. This Coronavirus pandemic that we are experiencing has literally affected everyone ALL over the world. From the NBA, Schools, Malls and “you guessed it” the Hair salons. Clients have been blowing me up asking what they are going to do if I have to shut down. Will I do house calls? Or will I just keep the shop open anyway? As much as I love doing hair the health of myself and clients are far more important. Moreover, I want to ensure that I take all the precautions to keep the salon environment safe for everyone. However, I will keep bumping and curling until further notice!! But all of this had me thinking “what will women do to their hair if we have to be quarantined for several weeks”. Many women look for their hairstylist to get them right on a regular basis. However, with us being forced to stay home that experience has been temporally put on hold. A lot of my clients have told me they don’t own ANY products or hair tools at home, while others have a mini beauty supply under their bathroom cabinets. Nevertheless, looking good is still so important; especially if you’re a woman who still has to do video meetings many times throughout the week.

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CORONAVIRUS AND MY HAIR | NATHANIEL JAYE

Here is a list of essential items you will need at home: Deep Cleansing Shampoo (this is perfect for my natural clients that use heavy oils on their hair) Moisturizing shampoo/conditioner (keeping the hair moisturized is so important; especially if you live in a dry area) Hydrating Shampoo (for those who have color treated hair) Styling gels/ curl Puddings-These can be used for quick protective styles such as twist outs/two strand twist etc. Sit under dryer Rollers- for my relaxed clients, roller sets will never go out of style/ this will be a great time to let the HEAT go and give your tresses a break. Rods/Flexi Rods –Rods are great to create tight curls that will last you for at least two weeks; there are many sizes that can be used to achieve a looser look. They are also great to use at your ends for your twist sets. Also Flexi rods are great on my natural queens; they create the best heatless ringlet curls. Flexi rods are also great to use at night to maintain flatiron curls. Flatiron (should not be used but once a week)

In addition, ladies; this would be a great time to let your scalps breath. Take down the braids, wigs and weave; Your hair and scalp will thank you. One thing that a lot of people don’t know is that your scalp needs oxygen in order to keep the growth of your hair going. Trapping it under extensions for several months is not ideal. So take this time to break free from all that. And might I add that these suggestions can be applied at any time like maternity leave, sick leave or Vacations. I know the expectations of life makes this hard, but try and find the balance in-between styles.

Here are few hair brands that I love to use in the salon and that I retail in the salon:

Avlon Keracare hydrating Detangling shampoo Avlon Keracare Moisturizing Conditioner Avlon Keracare Humecto crème Conditioner (deep Conditioning) Nairobi Exquisite Hydrating Detangling Shampoo (Great for color treated hair) Agadir Argan Oil Moisturizing Shampoo Agadir Argan Oil Conditioner Agadir Styling curl crème (great for defining and reviving curls) These products are just suggestions, always consult with your beauty professional when in doubt. And if you don’t have a regular hair stylist I encourage you to find one. Also I am a source, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email NathanielJones84@Gmail.com or Instagram @Hairbynathaniel_Jaye Stay Safe ladies and continue to spread your beauty in your own authentic way.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Dr. Janelle Simmons

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | DR. JANELLE SIMMONS

Dr. Janelle Simmons, also known as “The Curvy Doc” is a published plus size model, author, and pageant queen. Born in Brooklyn, NY, with Trinidadian roots, she is the youngest of seven children and is now living in Raleigh/Durham, NC. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts and Masters of Social Work from Stony Brook University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education and Adult Learning from Walden University. After working in the higher education arena for fifteen years, Janelle decided it was time to step out of her comfort zone and try something different. At the suggestion of her sorority sister, Janelle decided to pursue modeling, quickly becoming a model and brand ambassador for Moni B Cosmetics, and soon after catching eyes with only a few photo shoots and local fashion shows for brands such as Designs by DeAngelo and Elegant Evenings. In March 2017, Janelle was awarded the Beauty and Barbers United (BBU) Award for Model of the Year-Plus Size. After her modeling success, Janelle again took her friends’ suggestions and entered the world of pageantry in 2016, competing in the Ms. Full-Figured NC pageant, where she placed 1st Runner Up, was crowned Ms. Photogenic, and was awarded Ms. Social Media and Rising Star. In April 2017, Janelle competed in the Ms. Full-Figured USA pageant in the Exquisite (ages 40+) category. In 2018, she won the title of American Beauties Plus Woman and is currently Queen Eminence of the National Sorority Pageant.

Janelle has taken her body positivity message to new heights with the release of her book, Waist Does Not Equal Worth: the Curvy Doc’s Guide to Positive Self-Esteem, now available on Amazon. Through sharing her personal stories, Waist Does Not Equal Worth provides seven tips on how to change your mindset from self-hate to self-celebrate. Her work promoting body positivity earned her the 2019 ACHI Magazine Woman of Inspiration Award. Janelle plans to go global with her message of self-love. “In the next 5 years, I hope to make a difference not just in the U.S., but worldwide. I hope for all people, regardless of age, size, or ability, to stop finding fault with oneself and embark on a journey of self-love.”

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | DR. JANELLE SIMMONS

S I M M O N S

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

QSM: Congratulations on everything. I have seen your growth first hand and I am so proud of you. I want to talk to you a bit about how you are managing through this COVID-19 pandemic. First tell me what you do for a living and how you are managing in that area. Janelle: Thank You! I am forever grateful to Queen Size Magazine. You and Philip took a chance on me and I will never forget that.

QSM: This pandemic has been tough for a lot of people. How has it affected your modeling career?

Currently, I am the program manager at the headquarters of a scientific research honor society. I oversee student research initiatives which include grant administration, in addition to overseeing the awards process for the organization and a program that brings distinguished scientists to the membership. I am currently working from home and will be for at least the next month and a half, which has been a major adjustment. I’m also an ESL teacher, teaching children in China online. Thankfully my teaching wasn’t affected.

QSM: Can you suggest some ways that models can stay still promote themselves even without being able to book shoots as much? (name 3 is possible) Janelle: Definitely use social media to engage your followers. Go live a few times on Facebook, Instagram, etc. and do a Q&A. Continue to network with others in the industry via email and telephone, a personal touch goes a long way. Finally, if you do not have one, CREATE A WEBSITE! A website is a great way to promote yourself and have everything you’ve done in one location. You can add your modeling resume and portfolio.

I’m an extrovert, so it was been tough not being out and about. I try to communicate with friends and family as much as possible. On a positive note, it has been great to get some much-needed rest. QSM: Let’s talk about your awards. You have to feel proud. Janelle: Outside of pageantry, I won a couple of awards. I didn’t think I would win because so many wonderful individuals were nominated; I was just happy to be in such great company. I was nominated for the Beauty and Barbers United (BBU) Award (which is big in North Carolina) for Plus Size Model of the Year. I won the award with only one year of modeling under my belt. Five months ago, I won the ACHI Magazine Woman of Inspiration Award. I was nominated by a peer and letters of support were submitted on my behalf. One thing these awards have shown me is you never know who is watching. I’m just trying to get my life like everyone else. QSM: Are you able to push your book at all through this? I recall at one point you were doing some book signings? Has sales increased or decreased? Janelle: It’s been a challenge. I had to cancel my in-person book signings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I will be doing a few virtual book signings, in which I will discuss the book. Those who purchase during the virtual event will receive an autographed copy of my book. I was also in the process of wrapping up the recording for my audiobook but had to put that on hold since it requires me to go into the studio. Sales have decreased, but I am confident sales will pick up once the pandemic is over.

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Janelle: Due to the stay at home order, I am unable to shoot. I like to shoot at least once a month, so I always have new content. Fortunately, I was able to get a shoot in right before the order, so I’m good for now. If I’m still at home beyond April I’m in trouble…LOL!

QSM: What about the pageantry? If my memory serves me correct, you were slated to compete again? Or you were producing your own? Janelle: I’m competing this October in the Royal Productions Prevailing Queens Pageant, which is for former queens of any of Royal Productions’ five pageants (I like to call it pageant all-stars) to compete for the overall title of Queen Excellence. I am also assisting with the inaugural National Sorority Pageant, which will be held in August. QSM: How do you feel about people who are still holding events even during this pandemic? Janelle: Those people are selfish. It makes me angry. Why put yourself and so many others at risk? QSM: What are you working on next? Janelle: I am working on a YouTube channel titled “Get Waisted with The Curvy Doc” which will focus on the curvy lifestyle and other fun topics. I had started recording in the studio and then COVID-19 struck. Hopefully I’ll be able to launch my channel in late May/early June. Also, I am ecstatic to be a new writer for Queen Size Magazine, writing on all things pageantry. QSM: What do you miss most dealing with this stay at home order? Janelle: Traveling, photo shoots, and attending events. QSM: What are you looking forward to when this is all over? Janelle: Traveling! After staying at home for so long, I will be ready to hit the road and the friendly skies.

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | DR. JANELLE SIMMONS

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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Makeup Sanitation Quick Tips 22

BEAUTY AND FASHION

Most women love having their makeup done by a professional or even playing in their own makeup from time to time. Now more than ever makeup sanitation is a must and should be in the forefront of your minds with the onset and spread of COVID-19 (the Coronavirus). We have learned the virus can live on surfaces for several days. It is not uncommon for makeup artists to use makeup multiple times from their kits on several different clients, so here are some helpful quick tips on sanitation that you should be aware of or practicing as a working makeup artist.

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Photo by Anderson Guerra from Pexels

MAKEUP SANITATION QUICK TIPS | LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

TIP 1. Make sure you have appropriate makeup sanitizers, these can be purchased on Amazon or you can use 70% alcohol which is recommended by the center for Disease Control (CDC). 99% alcohol does not have enough water content to break down the bacteria that can be held in makeup. I always carry a bottle of alcohol to sanitize my makeup in between clients. It’s important to wipe off your products and spray the surfaces and simply let it air dry.

TIP 2. Wash or sanitize your hands between clients and make sure that you are cleaning your brushes after each use. Cinema Secrets carry an amazing brush cleaner that many artist keep as a staple in their kit.

TIP 3. Use disposable sponges and wedges because Beauty Blenders are impossible to clean and bacteria can grow in moist environments.

TIP 4. Never double dip in your products such as your mascara and your lip glosses always use disposable wands. Once these items have been used and contaminated they must be discarded. Placing a used wand back into a mascara container can create bacteria which may lead to your clients getting an infection. And no one wants that honey.

TIP 5. Properly sanitizing your lipsticks, lip liner and eye pencils are a must. This is done in a two-part method sanitize the product, sharpen the pencil or remove the first layer of the lipstick, then sanitize the product again before you place the product on the client. Make sure that your sharpeners are clean and sanitized prior to use. There you have it Queens. To ensure that you are using best practice for sanitation please visit your Cosmetics Art Licensing board website for your state’s guidelines. Stay healthy, stay safe xoxo, Lawanda Sanyang (Lala faces) WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2020 ISSUE

BEAUTY AND FASHION

ValaRae Partee

THE 2020 FACE OF QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE

y name is ValaRae Partee and I’m proud to say I get to do what I love every single day. I’m an environmental engineer and I design water treatment facilities that protect the environment and improve our quality of life. Outside of my 9 to 5, I’m a plus model and visual artist inspiring women to pursue their dreams wherever they may lead. Whether it be creating pathways for young black girls to engage in STEM fields or challenging my fellow curvy women to be the best version of themselves, I’ve committed my life to helping make the world a better, more inclusive place. I know it may sound corny but that’s quite literally how I feel about life. My journey has not been easy, but I hope I can be an example for someone struggling with where they are in life. I recently found a picture of myself from 9th grade and it nearly brought me to tears. I stared at this 15-year-old, sad, chubby-cheeked kid and I distinctly remembered the feeling of never feeling beautiful. Looking back as an adult, I can clearly identify that was depression, but at the time, it just seemed like normal teenage blues. And despite how I felt about my physical appearance, no one would guess that I lacked confidence because of how smart I was. I put all my feelings of “worthiness” into my education and managed to survive on that for most of my childhood Growing up in metro Atlanta, I was excited about learning and I was passionate about the planet. I wanted to know everything about the world around me. I was reading encyclopedias (#throwback), picking my grandpa’s brain, and trying to beat my big sister at subjects 3 grades ahead of me. My brain was my favorite tool, but it was also an escape for what I felt I lacked physically. Tapping 200 pounds by 6th grade, my insecurities about my weight really began to take a toll. There weren’t people who looked like me in mainstream media. And if I did see plus sized people in TV or magazines, they were either the butt of a joke or the “before” picture for someone who was more palatable to the media. I struggled with my self-image all throughout high school and, in all honesty, I still do on occasion. Thankfully, once I got to college and graduate school, my thoughts about my appearance began to shift towards something more positive and healthier.

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THE 2020 FACE OF QSM | VALARAE PARTEE

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FEATURED STORY

I majored in environmental engineering to apply my math and science savvy towards being a real life, tree hugging, black superwoman. I committed myself to providing a sense of community for others and to creating inclusive spaces for black students in STEM fields. Life was moving in a really great direction! Fasting forward a few years, I found myself in job that I hated, and I had chosen to walk away from a PhD program that was not the right fit. I felt like a complete failure. Despite wanting to feel like the superhero that I built myself up to be, I only felt myself sinking back to 9th grade Val with all the insecurities that came with it. It was during this opaque period of life that I decided to pour myself into art. I started painting as a way to release, express, and/or form the type of woman that I wanted to be. Unexpectedly, it was a tool that helped me heal from decades of mentally tearing myself down. Being able to visualize myself in a different light also inspired me to pursue modeling!

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Modeling is not a career that you go into to boost your self-esteem. Modeling will tear you all the way down if you allow it. But one of the many amazing things I’ve gained from this journey is that, no matter my size, I have to love myself despite the noise and despite what I may feel looking in the mirror. Your confidence must be internal and rooted in real love for yourself. It took me decades to learn that and it’s something I work on every single day. But as the proud, 2020 Face of Queen Size Magazine, I’m so blessed to have a platform to help others learn to love themselves along the way. We feel good when we do good for others and that’s exactly how I’ve been rooted my whole like. The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. We just have to see that we are powerful enough to be that acorn.

THE 2020 FACE OF QSM | VALARAE PARTEE

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | ValaRae Partee @val_partee MUA | Dana Hall @dmariebeauty824 Blue dress | Cynthia JDijon Adams FB: @HouseofDijon Stylist and Jewelry | Chanell Vick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Timeline Style Therapy @ timelinestyletherapy

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G ValaRae

FEATURED STORY

etting to know

QSM: Let me first start out by congratulating you on being the 2020 Face of Queen Size Magazine; very well deserved my dear. As I told you when we met, this year’s search was very difficult because we has so many great contestants; even down to the final five. What made you enter the contest to begin with? ValaRae: Thank you so much! I’ve been following Queen Size Magazine since I got into plus modeling. The former Face, Sharonada Grandberry and my model mentor MsNickee both encouraged me to try. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose! QSM: Did you think you had a shot at winning? ValaRae: Initially, no haha. Even when it was down to the final five, I was still very uncertain about my chances of actually winning. During the Facebook voting portion, I received a lot of support from friends and coworkers so that really helped keep me positive. But I was still shocked when I learned that I won. QSM: As a brand ambassador for the magazine, what changes can people look forward to seeing? ValaRae: I think the magazine already does amazing things! To add to that, I want to increase stories and visibility on mental and physical health in the plus size community. It’s something that is rarely talked about and I think people would be surprised to learn that we all have many of the same challenges.

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THE 2020 FACE OF QSM | VALARAE PARTEE

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FEATURED STORY

To be successful at modeling, you have to have the right people in your corner to silence the noise; even when the noise is internal.”

QSM: Your story is nothing short of inspiring. In reading your bio and just learning from you in conversation, you are truly a success story. You are probably one of the prime examples of not judging books by its cover. LOL. One would never just look at you and guess that you are an environmental engineer. Model would have been my first choice. But let’s talk about what made you want to get into that particular field. ValaRae: Haha thank you! I’ve had a thing for the planet since I can remember. And, I excelled in math and science. When I learned that there was such a thing as an “environmental” engineer, I went for it and I haven’t looked back! My goal is to make sure everyone has access to clean, reliable water and sanitation services. It’s something we take for granted living in the US, but I want to teach people where their water comes from! QSM: What is usually people’s first reaction when you tell them what you do? ValaRae: When I tell people what I do, confusion is usually the first reaction haha. Confusion quickly turns to curiosity and the conversation goes from there. I don’t look like what some would consider to be a “typical” engineer or a “standard size” model. But we’re here to break stereotypes and challenge norms. So I love to talk about what I do and what organizations like Queen Size Magazine stand for. QSM: Tell us about your family. ValaRae: Whew! We’re all a bit strange but I love them haha. I grew up with my grandparents, my mother, my aunt, two older sisters, and an older brother. Yes, I’m the baby. My grandparents always stressed the importance of an education. QSM: You talked about being overweight as a child. But were you the quiet kid or the fun popular one? ValaRae: I was certainly not quiet! My mom called me “mouth of the south” growing up haha. I’m sure a lot of WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2020 ISSUE

my teachers wished I was a lot more quite! I wouldn’t call myself popular either but I had fun. QSM: I can recall many moments growing up (as you mentioned) of not feeling beautiful. Back then, what was your definition of beautiful? ValaRae: Back then, I associated beautiful with how small someone was and by how many people “liked” them. Problematic, I know. Back in grade school, I never got attention from boys and I thought it was because I was too big and not pretty. Thankfully, that has all changed but it was hard growing up and never feeling beautiful. QSM: Can you recall the first moment you looked in the mirror and actually felt beautiful? Tell us about that. ValaRae: I don’t recall the first moment I looked in the mirror and felt beautiful solely based on my own opinion of myself. I can tell you it wasn’t until my 20’s though. And there are still times today that I don’t feel beautiful but I’ve learned (still am learning) to love myself for things that aren’t just in the mirror. Looks fade and if that is the only criteria for feeling beautiful, then that would just be an unhappy existence. QSM: You talked briefly about being enrolled in a PhD program. What were you studying and what made you walk away from it? ValaRae: I was enrolled in an Environmental Engineering PhD program for 3.5 years. The proposal I was writing before I left was about nutrient management on a city planning scale. It’s something I’m still interested in and I’m glad I get to still dabble in research at my current job. I left because my mental health was in shambles and I didn’t feel like I had great departmental support. I was burnt out and I needed to walk away. It was really hard to leave because it felt like so many people were counting on me to finish. But I know I made the best decision for myself at that time. It’s something I’d like to revisit in a few years though.

THE 2020 FACE OF QSM | VALARAE PARTEE QSM: Tell me about this painting passion of yours. How good are you? Lol ValaRae: Haha I’m not too shabby. I’d say my style of art is “afro galactic.” So, my apartment looks like a black woman space themed art gallery. There is something about outer space that’s just captivating. And I think black women are magical! SO I put my favorite things into my art. My art is always a self-portrait in a way and I’m glad to have another outlet to express myself. Painting is neat because I have to push through all the ugly stages of a painting to get to the result I’m looking for. After spending days, weeks, or months on a painting, it’s so satisfying to sign it knowing I put my very best into it. QSM: Tell me about your very first painting and your last painting. What were they and what did each one signify to you? ValaRae: I have all my art hanging on my walls. The really neat thing is you can tell which paintings were early on and which are more recent. Looking at the first painting, I remember the feeling of just playing. I wasn’t thinking about technique or next steps. I was just painting to release a little frustration. With the last completed painting, I remember how much frustration I felt focusing on technique and having the painting not turn out how I envisioned. Instead of letting the piece guide me to the next steps, I tried to force it. So now with the pieces I’m currently working on, I’m giving myself room to adapt. That’s my favorite part about painting or being creative. QSM: Where did the idea to pursue modeling come from? You mentioned painting but tell me more. ValaRae: Modeling was something I always wanted to try but there wasn’t enough time, I didn’t have the confidence, and there was not an opportunity. When I moved back to Atlanta from Nashville, all those excuses dropped off. My art helped give me the confidence to try something new. So I reached out to MsNickee to get started and it’s been a fast paced journey ever since! She has truly been my rock during this entire experience. QSM: Explain this statement “Modeling will tear you all the way down if you allow it.” ValaRae: It’s so easy to compare yourself to other models. And this industry is primarily focused on what you look like so if your mental is not in order, it wouldn’t take much to break you down. But to be successful at modeling, you have to have the right people in your corner to silence the noise, even when the noise is internal. I’m thankful to have met so many positive and encouraging people along the way. The plus model industry is full of truly kind, genuine people. Not everyone is like that but I’m glad I found a positive network of people to surround myself with!

QSM: What is it about modeling that you love the most; that one thing that keeps you going back to it? ValaRae: Modeling is a craft like anything else. I had no idea how challenging it was before I started but I love it! I don’t have a single favorite part. I love helping a brand or designers vision come to life on the runway and in photoshoots. I also love working with creative photographers, like Rick Jones, who challenge me to step outside of the box. Ultimately, the best part is showing others that they can do whatever they want to do; showing women they can be powerful in ways they may not have thought possible before. QSM: You are signed to Diva Day International Modeling Agency, Makeup Studio, and Development Firm. How has the experience of being signed helped your career as a model thus far? ValaRae: I wouldn’t be where I am in modeling if it weren’t for Diva Day and MsNickee. She saw something in me early on and she continues to push me to be my best. She encouraged me to apply to be the 2020 Face of Queen Size Magazine so I give her every possible credit. The exposure that comes with being associate with an agency like Diva Day is also incredible. It’s so important to have great people advocating for you in this industry. I cannot understate the importance of having an agency by your side for anyone interested in modeling. QSM: You are definitely a very smart young lady. What is in the horizon for ValaRae? Where do you see yourself in ten years? ValaRae: Honestly, I have no idea. And in this current moment in my life, I’m okay with that. Typically, when I plan every step in my life, things never work out as I intended. So, I will continue to progress professionally in my various careers and see how the cards fall. But I am genuinely optimistic about what the future holds in all the aspects of my life. This is just the start of something amazing. QSM: How can people contact you for bookings? ValaRae: Through my agency at divadayint@gmail. com or my personal email valaraepartee@gmail.com QSM: We are definitely looking forward to this journey with you as that face of our brand. ValaRae: I’m really delighted to be on this journey with QSM! During parts of this experience, I got anxious because I felt like I was sharing too much of my personal self with the world. But I don’t think people talk enough about the real problems we all face. Social media makes it really easy for someone to not seem relatable because of how they are presented online. My goal is to just be real. And I hope that someone will get something meaningful out of witnessing my journey.

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FEATURED STORY

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THE 2020 FACE OF QSM | VALARAE PARTEE

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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.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Virtual Pageantry: Spotlight on Classic Beauties International

As the world adjusts to social distancing and stay at home ordinances due to COVID-19, pageant directors and contestants are faced with dilemmas. Pageant directors are struggling with the decision to either cancel or reschedule events that are usually planned nearly a year in advance. For contestants, COVID-19 has affected their finances, the ability to travel, and has brought on new, unexpected obligations. Some pageants have been postponed, some canceled, while others have become virtual pageants. Virtual pageants are not a new phenomenon. Virtual pageants were created to provide individuals with an opportunity to showcase themselves and their community without the financial burden of traditional pageantry. Application fees, evening gown, fashionwear, interview attire, hair, makeup, accessories, fees for optionals such as cover girl, talent, community service, etc., travel and accommodations, photos, and coaching can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5000. Pageantry can also require time away from work and family. Most competitions run for longer than one day. Don Hayes Creative Photography @donhayescreativephotography Model | Janelle Myers facebook.com/janelle.ladd.52

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VIRTUAL PAGEANTRY| JANELLE “THE CURVY DOC” SIMMONS

The Classic Beauty Elite (now Classic Beauties International) Pageant is one of those virtual pageants, which was created by Royal Productions. Now in its eleventh year, Classic Beauties International is a virtual pageant in which women display their talents, beauty and serve their communities (http:// www.royalproductionspageants.com/classicbeauties-international/). It is open to all women across the globe regardless of age, size, pageant experience, disability or residency. All categories are submitted and completed online. Contestants will represent their country of birth or origin and have an opportunity to win judged and non-judged awards. Even though the pageant is not held in person, contestants meet other contestants and participate in training via a private group on Facebook. Prize packages are given to the winner, as well as the first and second runners up. Participation in the pageant is not free; however, participation fees are drastically reduced. The competition consists of three components: a virtual interview, in which each contestant meets with a panel of judges for a video group chat; photogenic, in which the contestant submits a professional photo (head shot or full body); and finally the submission of five essays on specific topics. Contestants are scored on (but not limited to) appearance, confidence, oral and written presentation, and authenticity. Despite not being a live pageant, Classic Beauties International occurs during Royal Productions’ American Beauties Pageants, two live pageants usually held in October. The online interviews are held at the same time as the live interviews for the

American Beauties Pageants, and the winner is announced the same evening as the American Beauties Pageants finale. If the contestants are local to the pageant location, they are invited to attend the finale and be crowned in person if declared the winner. The outgoing queen has also been known to visit the winner and crown them in person. Just like live pageants, the reigning queen is required to make appearances, promote her platform, and have a social media presence. If the reigning queen is unable to fulfill her duties, the first runner up will become the new queen. If pageantry is a new venture, there are a few things to consider when deciding on which pageant (virtual or live) will be best: • Will I be able to take up to a week off from work to compete? • Will I receive sponsorships, or can I pay out of pocket? • Do I experience stage fright? • Am I an introvert or extrovert? • Will family and friends be able to travel and support me? One can compete in both formats during their pageant career (I highly recommend it). Because so many people love the glitz and glamour associated with live pageantry, it is highly doubtful that live pageants will become a thing of the past. However, virtual pageants are a great alternative for those unable to make the huge financial commitment and should receive the same respect as live pageants. It’s the pageant that makes the queen, not the composition.

Written by Dr. Janelle “The Curvy Doc” Simmons WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2020 ISSUE

HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN BOOST SALES

With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., it’s tough to stand out from the crowd. Successful small businesses turn first-time customers into repeat business, building momentum and growing sales. How can you achieve this? Marketing. Finding effective, easy-to-execute marketing strategies can boost your business by helping you engage your customers while attracting new ones. Here are some proven ideas to help your business thrive:

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Utilize positive customer reviews Did you know over 60% of consumers read reviews before buying? Reviews can include ratings, testimonials, photos, videos and more. Treat reviews as marketing gold, sharing them with customers and prospects to build trust and increase sales. You can generate and integrate them into your website, on social media and other marketing efforts.

Engage first-time customers

Turn shopping carts into opportunities

Show new shoppers that they matter. Send welcome emails and recommend products to complement what they bought. Offer special deals to keep them coming back.

Let’s face it, plenty of potential customers add items to their online shopping carts and never check out. While these “abandoned carts” seem challenging, they’re an opportunity.

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HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN BOOST SALES | BRANDPOINT

An effective way to convert abandoned carts into sales is by drawing on the power of customer reviews. Adii Pienaar, vice president of commerce product strategy for the email marketing platform CM Commerce, says small businesses can change their fortunes with this approach. “Our most successful small business customers don’t just send a reminder email to shoppers about items left in their carts,” said Pienaar. “They take it a step further and include positive reviews and ratings about that product with the follow-up, knowing how much importance buyers place on others’ experiences. By featuring personalized product reviews for abandoned cart items, there can be a recovery rate of 5-10%.” Spark interest with special offers Entice new and returning business by offering discounts, encouraging shoppers to give your business a try. Also, if you don’t have one already, create a loyalty program for frequent shoppers, or a referral special for those inviting friends to your website or social media. Personalization matters Shoppers don’t want mass emails treating them like just another number. Small businesses that tailor emails based on each customer’s shopping experiences and interests are far more successful in driving sales. Creating customized content may sound complex, but it all comes down to how you organize your customer list. For example, segment your customers by which products they’ve purchased, then use this information to inform them how to best use their products or remind them when it’s time to re-order.

dynamic content - information that changes based on a person’s interests - in promotional emails. Use a customer’s previous purchases and shopping interests to generate ideas on products to complement items they already bought. For example, recommend a similar flavor of cupcakes to ones they ordered before. Get started These proven marketing approaches can springboard your business to success. But, how do you get started? Marketing has greatly evolved, with many new, easy-to-use tools. You don’t need to be a marketing expert, technical whiz or creative designer to use them. For example, CM Commerce is an email marketing platform designed for small ecommerce businesses. It can easily create professional email campaigns to enhance and grow your business. To help small business owners, CM Commerce features pre-built email marketing recipes for everything from welcome emails and newsletters to abandoned cart reminders and more. Business owners can follow these guidelines and put their email marketing plans in place with a single click. “I always recommend small business owners invest in email marketing,” said Pienaar. “It’s a cost-effective way to establish your brand and regularly reach your customers and prospects. Most importantly, email marketing has the potential for huge returns and can truly make your business stand out.” For more tips and ideas to grow your business, visit The Marketing Resources Hub.

Personalization really pays off when you incorporate

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Photographer | Eve Harlow twitter.com/ EveHarlowe Model | Chenese Lewis @cheneselewis MUA | Tasha Mack @tasha_mack_mua Hair | Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shanye Washington @1glamourgyrl

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Chenese Lewis ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | CHENESE LEWIS

Chenese Lewis is the epitome of a sophisticated woman entrepreneur and entertainer who has gained international attention as a highly sought-after keynote speaker, expert commentator, as well as a positive body image and self-esteem advocate. As an emcee and host, Chenese’s ability to engage her audience, her quick wit, and relatable disposition makes her an in-demand host for major fashion and beauty events. She has hosted large-scale fashion events during New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and abroad in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chenese’s style and eloquence help elevate events to unparalleled levels of success. Chenese made history by being the first crowned Miss Plus America in 2003 which helped give her career momentum in the plus size market. Chenese has since worked with various plus-size brands in different capacities. She has modeled for the national chain Torrid and was the Coast-to-Coast Curves Spokesperson for Ashley Stewart. A guru in the plus industry, Chenese has appeared as an expert on Dr. Phil, Huffington Post Live, and quoted in USA Today. In 2014, Ebony.com recognized Chenese as a pioneer in the plus size industry by naming her one of “The Top Six Plus Fashion Power Players in the Plus Industry” and stated that Chenese is “integral in laying the foundation for plus size fashion!” Chenese continues to make a splash in the mainstream market as well. She graced the cover of VICE Magazine UK’s 10th anniversary issue, a mainstream publication distributed worldwide. She has also posed for the popular celebrity driven NOH8 Campaign and served as the face of Aida Cosmetics’ “Confidence and Glamour” campaign for three consecutive years. In 2015 Chenese was honored by Baton Rouge Fashion Week with the Fashion Icon Award recognizing her outstanding achievements as a fashion trailblazer from Louisiana.

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Along with fashion, Chenese is also a trailblazer in the podcasting field. In 2008 she introduced her podcast, The Chenese Lewis Show – the #1 podcast for plus-size women! For over a decade, the iconic podcast has featured in-depth interviews with a wide range of industry experts, including plus size influencers and national brands. In 2010, Chenese was accepted as a media correspondent for the Essence Music Festival and participated for five years interviewing mainstream celebrities during the festivities including Boyz II Men, Gladys Knight, and a host of others. As a philanthropist, Chenese has been a national spokesperson for several organizations, to help raise awareness for charitable causes and shed light on prominent issues. She served as president of the National Organization for Women Hollywood Chapter, in addition to producing Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day” for six years from 2006-2011. The annual event to promote positive body image was officially sponsored by the City of West Hollywood. The 2010 Love Your Body Campaign, where she posed nude with America’s Next Top Model cycle 10 winner, Whitney Thompson went viral internationally and magnified Chenese’s role as a leading positive body image advocate. Media outlets worldwide covered the campaign, including E! News, Extra, and People. com. Chenese has also been praised as an actress for her work as a cast member on B.E.T’s “Hell Date,” which was one of the most popular shows in BET history. The show allowed Chenese to showcase her impeccable improvisational and comedic skills, and kept millions tuning in weekly. Chenese also won rave reviews for her dramatic portrayal of Connie Williams, a largerthan-life professional baseball player in the NAACP Awardwinning play “The Girls of Summer,” set in the 1940s. Chenese is frequently booked for lectures at national workshops, seminars and universities around the country. The National Eating Disorder Association’s Teen Summit and University of California, Davis’ “Celebrate Your Body Week” benefited greatly from hearing her unique perspective. Chenese also served as a commencement speaker at The Art Institute of California in Hollywood. The Louisiana native is the Chief Creative Officer for Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC, a media company she established in 2007. Chenese genuinely embraces who she is, inside and out, and it shows every time she steps into the spotlight. Chenese attributes her success by not conforming to society’s ideals of beauty, but rather showing by example that you can be beautiful and confident regardless of your size. Considered an icon within the plus size industry, Chenese shows no signs of stopping her ambitious efforts anytime soon.

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Photographer | Eve Harlow twitter.com/ EveHarlowe Model | Chenese Lewis @cheneselewis MUA | Tasha Mack @tasha_mack_mua Hair | D’Shanye Washington @1glamourgyrl

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | CHENESE LEWIS

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Photographer | Eve Harlow twitter.com/ EveHarlowe Model | Chenese Lewis @cheneselewis MUA | Tasha Mack @tasha_mack_mua Hair | Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shanye Washington @1glamourgyrl

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | CHENESE LEWIS QSM: Chenese, hosting, modeling, pageantry, acting, radio personality, event producer, keynote speaker… Take us back to the beginning and tell us how it all got started for you. Chenese: Summer of 2000 I learned that plus models existed by hearing a commercial on the radio. The commercial advertised a national model search coming to my hometown, specifically looking for plus size models. My interest was immediately sparked, and I eagerly went to try out. I was chosen to attend a modeling convention with promises of being discovered by big agencies. I end up going to a convention in Atlanta and then another one in NYC where I won some awards. They did nothing for my career and were a waste of money. Discouraged, I went online to search for modeling opportunities, there were no opportunities near me. Through message boards I discovered the plus size community and I found out about the Miss Plus America Pageant. QSM: What made you enter the Miss Plus America pageant? Chenese: I entered the Miss Plus America Pageant for exposure. The pageant system was brand new, so it didn’t have name recognition to give me major opportunities or press, but I was able to use my title in my personal branding to stand out from the crowd. The concept of a plus size beauty queen had not gone mainstream, so it was something that made me interesting and memorable. All of this happened before social media boomed, so if I was trying to get started in 2020, I would probably go a different route. QSM: What were the categories for the pageant and tell us how you felt when they crowned you. Chenese: Private interview, elegant pant wear, evening gown, on stage interview, and talent. I felt amazing because it was the first pageant I had ever competed in! QSM: What was your platform? Chenese: The platform I choose was “Positive Body Image”. At the time body positivity wasn’t as popular as it is now, so I had to constantly explain to people what my platform meant. A monthly obligation of promoting my platform essentially became the catalyst for my brand. QSM: I think a lot of people have slept on you; myself included. It wasn’t until about a couple of years ago that I learned that you used to model as well. I knew of your name and what I had heard about you but then I had to dig and do some extensive research of my own. That is when I learned that Chenese Lewis was a big effing deal. Did the modeling derive from the pageantry? Tell us when and how you got your start as a model. Chenese: Thank You! I entered the pageant and made history as the first Miss Plus America. A year later, I moved to Los Angeles where more opportunities were in entertainment. However, I want to be clear that plus size pageantry is not a gateway to professional modeling. I did not have the stats to be signed by a modeling agency, but I networked and was able to book jobs on my own. I never lowered my standards and never participated in anything a signed agency model wouldn’t. I hit the ground running and booked my first job three weeks after moving to Los Angeles as the lead in a music video. The song was “Jook Gal” by Elephant Man featuring Twista, Youngbloodz, and Kiprich.

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QSM: Have you always been the go-getter as a child? Chenese: Yes, I’m an only child. I’ve always been independent and an extrovert. I took dance lessons (ballet, tap, jazz), swim lessons, and piano lessons. My parents instilled confidence in me at an early age, so I always had a positive body image and high self-esteem. I never felt limited about what I could do or accomplish. QSM: Now when did you get into hosting? Tell us about your first gig and how that came about. Chenese: I can’t give you an exact date because everything happened organically. As I gained more exposure people sought me out with opportunities. When I started producing my event in 2006, I served as a co-host. I think I started taking hosting classes in 2008, right before launching my podcast. But early in my career I hadn’t yet realized how important it was to document everything I did. I did not realize I would be talking about those things over a decade later! Now with social media it’s normal for everything to be archived to reference back to. QSM: I have binge-listened to the Chenese Lewis Show and have become such a fan of yours. Why did you make the focus of your show about women only? Not that I am complaining. Chenese: When I started my podcast in 2008 the plus industry was exclusive to women, now times have changed, but women still dominate. You do not have to be a plus size women to be a guest on my show. You must have a national brand that is of interest to my audience. I’ve had men as guests on my show such as Mo Vaughn, co-founder of MVP Collections and most recently Phil Ryan, CEO of City Chic Collective. I try to secure the most influential guests because people are more inclined to listen and support who they are familiar with. If they don’t know the person or the brand, they will scroll by without listening. QSM: What would you say is one of your most empowering interviews thus far? You can name more than one if needed. Chenese: I have over 260 interviews, so it’s hard to choose. The best interviews are when people are vulnerable and share their struggles as well as their successes; those are the most empowering. QSM: You have been extremely successful over the years. How have you been dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic personally and professionally?

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Chenese: I live in Louisiana and at the time of this interview we are under a “stay at home” order. I do not live in an area where there are a lot of industry functions to attend or events I can go to network with the plus community. So, most of my work in terms of my career is done online already because I don’t live in a major city. Personally, I was getting anxiety in the form of headaches, but I decided to pull away from watching the news all day. I am currently in good spirits and being productive. QSM: With things slowing down right what are some things that people can do right not to keep pushing their brands? Chenese: Everybody is home on social media. Therefore, this is the perfect time to create new content such as a new blog post, new podcast episode, new Facebook or IG live video. If you don’t have your own platform you should be submitting to be a guest or pitching ideas to those that are accepting. I would also suggest updating your website. Also, it’s never too early to plan ahead. A lot of events had to be canceled in 2020, but people have started planning 2021 activities. Even if you don’t have all the details set in stone, this is a good time to reach out to people to schedule conference calls and strengthen business relationships for future collaborations. QSM: Why is Women Empowerment so important to you? Chenese: It’s important to me because women’s empowerment is promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. QSM: If you can share five branding tips with people what would they be? Chenese: 1. Do your research – many people skip this step and set themselves up for failure. 2. Know the industry standards – know the difference between what is credible and beneficial, as well as, what is fraudulent and a waste of time. 3. Know your demographic – just because a project or event is promoting big girls does not mean it’s my demographic or aligns with my brand. 4. Always be professional – in-person and online. 5. Be consistent- if you do good work, and you do it consistently, people will notice you.

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | CHENESE LEWIS

Photographer | Joshua Alexander Simmons @ a1media.agency Model | Chenese Lewis @cheneselewis MUA | BeatBy Ebb @BeatBy Ebb Hair | Monique Aron @mo_neq

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Find Balance During A Quarantine WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2020 ISSUE

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FIND BALANCE DURING A QUARANTINE | NYEMADE BOIWU

When the mandatory quarantines started at first I went through all the normal range of emotions. I was upset and angry that events I had worked hard for were being canceled; but, there was also a part of me that was excited at the thought of getting to stay home. The minute I started thinking about how nice it would be to relax I began to see a flood of motivational posters and memes. Ones that said things like, “If you don’t use this time to create something new, you’re wasting your time” and “Shakespeare wrote King Lear during a quarantine”. While I understand the purpose behind those messages, they can add a lot of stress to an already stressful situation. Even if someone isn’t sick or knows someone who is, we’re all experiencing some level of stress about what’s going on in the world around us. So, it’s only natural that some people might feel overwhelmed at the thought of doing additional work during this time period. Now don’t get me wrong, if you have the ability, time and mindset to do so then create away! However, if you find yourself exhausted and drained don’t beat yourself up. It’s okay to not be going 100 miles per hour during all of this. These are very stressful times and your body is reacting to a traumatic situation. My body chose to react by sleeping. I didn’t have to work the first two weeks of quarantine and I expected to use the time to get a lot done. I made a huge to-do list of tasks I needed to accomplish. Instead of getting through that list I just slept and watch movies the first week. I was surprised that I could actually sleep

so much. At first I felt bad about “wasting” all that time but then I realized that my body was just doing what it needed to reenergize. Week two I still did quite a bit of resting but I was able to start completing tasks that I needed to get done. I took that massive to-do list I created when the quarantine started and broke it down. I give myself the goal of getting 1 – 2 things done on the list each day. Breaking down big projects into small bite size pieces gives me a sense of accomplishment and productivity without feeling overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on the things I’m not getting done I spend time each day being proud of the little bit that I did do. I still have to work my full-time job and getting rest during this time is also important. I’m a Libra so I automatically always try to find the right balance of things for my sense of peace. However, even if you’re not one, I think balance is the key for getting through this quarantine without getting too stressed. That balance will look different for everyone because people are fueled by different things. Whatever relaxation looks like to you and whatever productivity looks like try to fill your days with a little of both. Don’t feel like you need to accomplish great feats just because you’re home and have extra time. We all have enough stress being put on us right now from the outside that’s completely out of our control. Don’t let your inner voice be the cause of additional stress for yourself.

Written by That African Butterfly WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2020 ISSUE

BUSINESS

Let It Go It’s time to be free! Free in your mind, body and soul!

You must let go of things, people and places that are holding you back from being great! Why do we continue to hold on? It’s because we become familiar and comfortable with what’s going on or in our circumstances. Sometimes letting go isn’t that bad. It could very well be the blessing that God is trying to give you. We get so complacent with what we are doing or where we are. We know that is time to make a change. Our minds and hearts get so tied up into what is, and we are afraid to explore what could be. This is when God makes the choice for us. He will help you walk away from the situation that you would not LET GO of, on your own. This could be a job, a person or even a situation.

heart is telling you to let it go but you are afraid of what going to happen. Did you ever think to yourself; I’m holding up my blessing by holding onto what I should be giving up? Your future depends on you letting go.

We don’t want to let go of what feels good, all though in our minds and hearts we know it is time. We feel the pressure, we feel the uneasiness, we feel there is more to us than what we are getting, and we know that we are worth more than being less than great.

Let me give you one last one. Let’s look at what you have gone through in the past, some failed relationships, some hurtful words that were said to you, some actions that may have caused you to want to give up all together. Why are you holding on it? Its time for you to let go. I know it hurt but it hurts more to know that it still controls you. What is it doing for you by holding on to it? Absolutely nothing! Its only take a toll on you mentally, physically, spiritually and even financially. Let it all go! Free yourself! Speak to the situation and let it know, I have let you go and I’m moving on to better things.

Stop feeling guilty or bad for letting go. Everything isn’t meant to last a lifetime. I’m pretty sure we are all familiar with the phrase “Everything has a time and purpose” and this is so true. You will know when the time has approached to let go. It’s up to us to just do it. I know it hard to let go of what feels good or familiar. Let me give you a little walk through of what I’m saying. Let’s look at relationships - Just because you have decided to let go of person, that doesn’t mean you no longer love them or appreciate them, it simply means, you love yourself enough to want more and do better. That person may have given you up, but you are still holding onto what could possibly be. Your

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2020 ISSUE

Here’s another walk through. Let’s look at that job you are truly fed up with but, you are simply afraid to let go of what you have because you have become so comfortable in the position because that’s all you THINK you know. You have so much more potential in you that you are simply afraid of challenging yourself for more or greater. You have spent many nights and days wanting to let go. Step out of your comfort zone and go for bigger.

Letting it all go, includes; the past failures or hurt, the aggravation, the sadness, some places, the need to fit in, the anger and even your old way of thinking. Try letting go, you will see a change and a great shift in your life. You will understand just how important and worthy you are if you only….LET IT GO!

LET IT GO| DETRAS POWELL

Photographer | Charles Mitchell @cmsonicc1 Model | Detras Powell @detraspowell