Queen Size Magazine March 2015 Issue

AlisaWade Designer Spotlight Jennifer Diaz

The Color Box The Face Has It Face Atelier Foundation Angels of the Community My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services

BEHIND THE LENS PHOTOGRAPHER | Ron Mayes

FeaturedModels EricaHall NicholeDawnn JenniferDiaz ToriaLee

MARCH 2015 Issue

Making queen size moves

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Queen Size Model Management is a company created to guide aspiring models along the path to becoming successful models. This is not a one day boot camp, nor do we just email models information to follow up with on their own. We are with you step by step until you have all the knowledge you need to follow your dream with confidence.

If you really want to be a model and you are willing to invest in yourself, then Queen Size Model Management is willing to invest the time in you. Queen Size Model Management continues to build our network of photographers and designers.

With such networks, we are able to offer our models a whole lot more for a whole lot less. It is our goal to ensure that our models are treated fairly and with respect.

SHARON DIGGS

QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2015 ISSUE Photography by | ALEC TURNER

QUEENSIZEMAGAZINEď˜łGMAIL.COM

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Article Title | By Author M a k i n g Q u e e n Si z e m o v e s

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Note from the Editor

elcome to the March 2015 issue of Queen Size Magazine.

This issue is about loving yourself. I recently read an article about a student that spoke so highly of one of his teachers.

He spoke about how this teacher made all of the students feel like they were important; like they mattered. The teacher stood them all up one by one and told them all personally that they mattered. I thought that was an amazing testimony from the child because many of us feel like we don’t’ matter; like our dreams are less important than others. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you (yes you reading this) that you are beautifully made in our creator’s eyes. You and your dreams matter to me. Don’t ever stop dreaming and don’t ever stop chasing those dreams.

Thank you all for your continued support. We have some amazing things in store so be on the lookout for special announcements.

“

“

Take the first step in Faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

ard, Jr

Photo by Paul J. Heyw

TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief

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M a k i n g Q u e e n Si z e m o v e s

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIPDREW Executive Director ErickJorgensen Creative Director JAMILA JAYCHOYCE Writer Paul J.HeywARd Jr. Photographer Videographer DAWN HALL Model Recruitment Manager jessica starnes Model Recruitment Manager MARIA WILLIAMS Writer Amanda Tucciarone Writer Duane Jones Photographer Doug Swaim Photographer

Cover and this photo by Photographer|Rick D Jones Models|alisa wade

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Contents Featured Story

20 Love Yourself

By Alisa Wade

Health and Fitness

06 Relieving Stress with Yoga

By Jessica Starnes

08 To Answer your Question

FeaturedModels

MAR 2015 ISSUE

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By Shirley Beale

Business of the Community 12 Angels My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services

By TAWANA BLASSINGAME

THE LENS 16 BEHIND PHOTOGRAPHER | Ron Mayes

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business steps you need 18 Important to take to avoid your business from taking a fall

By TAWANA BLASSINGAME

Spotlight 28 Entrepreneur Foundations 4 adVANCEment

By TAWANA BLASSINGAME

Beauty&Fashion

Designer Spotlight

32 Jennifer Muojeke Diaz

Sultry Glamazon Closet™

By Jamila Choyce

38 Spring into Spring

By Jenn Laws

Color Box 40 The The Face Has It

Face Atelier Foundation

By MARIA WILLIAMS

Traces of my pen

41 Be Fearless

By Amanda Tucciarone

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Health and Fitness

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Relieving Stress with Yoga

by Jessica Starnes

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aving too much to do and feeling like there isn’t enough time in a day to do it?

That’s when stress kicks in and you feel like you’re ready to explode. If you are going to get anything from this article, the first thing we need to understand is the meaning of stress. Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When we get stressed some of us eat more and some eat less. Our sleeping habits change, we tend to isolate ourselves, and we get lazy and procrastinate. We start neglecting our responsibilities; or worse, use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to help relax or nervous habits. Everyone has some stress in their life, but do you know the best exercises to relieve it? The best exercise would be yoga. Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. Here are 5 types of poses that you can try to relieve your stress. It may not be easy to do at first but as with anything, repetition is key.

Pose 1: Child pose (Balasana) When getting in the pose one must begin by kneeling on a yoga mat or the floor.

Bring your knees together and your buttocks to your feet. Exhale and slowly rest your torso over your thighs so that your forehead touches the mat.

Pose 2: Anjali (Salutation seal)

Mudra

When getting in the pose one must begin by coming to comfortable sitting position.

Lengthen your spine out of your pelvis and extend the back of your neck by dropping your chin slightly in. Open you palms, slowly draw your hands together at the center of your chest as if to gather all of your resources into your heart.

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Pose 3: Sukhasana (Easy Pose) When getting in the pose one must cross your legs in front of you at the shins. With your knees wide, place each foot beneath the opposite knee.

Fold your legs in toward your torso Place your hands on your knees, palms down. Balance your weight evenly across your sit bones. Align your head, neck and spine. Lengthen your spine, but soften your neck.

Article| By jessica starnes

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Pose 4: Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) When getting in the pose one must begin by kneel on the floor and lean forward putting both your palms on the floor pointing forward. Your legs need to be slightly apart and palm should be at shoulder length. Let your trunk be parallel to the ground, the thighs should be vertical and straight. The lower leg and feet should be on the floor. Exhale completely and feel you belly go inwards. At the same time move your head inwards between your shoulders. While doing this your back will bend and arch upward. Now inhale and arch your back in the opposite direction. The spine will bend slightly downwards.

The head, neck and shoulders should be arched backwards, as if you are looking up.

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Pose 5: Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose) When getting in the pose getting on all fours with your shoulders stacked over your wrists, your hips stacked over your knees, and the tops of your feet relaxed down on the mat. Slowly begin to walk your hands out in front of you, lowering your chest down toward the ground, Keep your hips over your knees and your arms shoulder distance apart, and gently release yours forehead down to the ground, Active your arms by pressing into the palms of your hands and lifting your elbows and forearms away from the ground. Draw your shoulder blades onto your back and reach your hips up high toward the ceiling. Invite you neck to relax and breath into you’re, back, lengthening your spine in both direction.

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Health and Fitness

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Queen Size Magazine Presents

“To Answer

Your

Question”

By Shirley Beale

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UESTION NO. 1 erplexed in Phoenix wrote:

ello Shirley. I have a 15 year old daughter who I thought was very responsible. I recently came home early from work and caught her in my bed having sex with her boyfriend. I went off. I had him to leave immediately so I could get my head together. My anger could have led me to react in a way that would have resulting in me hurting both of them physically. How should I handle this?

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Y RESPONSE: Good morning Perplexed. Your situation is not uncommon. I have heard of a problem like this being handled in many ways. First, I would sit down and have a long talk with my daughter alone, then I would have a talk with her and the young man TOGETHER.. I would explain the consequences of such irresponsible behavior. Consequences of unprotected sex are STDs, pregnancy - neither which young people are capable of handling.

There are some adults who aren’t prepared to handle it.

On the chance they were exercising safe sex, there is still the problem of disrespecting your home. After speaking with both of them, I would gauge their maturity level and decide how to proceed from there. If I feel I am not reaching them, I may next want to involve his parents. The unfortunate reality of this is there’s a chance his parents are immature, young and possibly see nothing wrong with his behavior. Assuming the young man is the same age as your daughter, his parents could be as young as 28 and I can promise you their response will be different than that of more seasoned parents.

At 15, sex should be the farthest thing from our children’s minds however, videos, music, reality tv shows, video games and society has made it the forefront of their makeup. I would suggest you keep your daughter actively involved in school, church, neighborhood activities that will occupy her mind and body until she is mature enough to think for herself and know the direction she wants her life to take.

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Mistakes of today can follow you the rest of your life. If you like the young man, involve him also in some of these activities. Our young men are lost because of such a lack of guidance in the home. I hope these suggestions would be of some help.

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UESTION NO. 2 reaching Parent wrote: Hello Shirley. I would like to know your thoughts.

o women raised in the household where there is a father or father figure make a better selection of spouses than those without? Do men raised in a home where there is a dad or father figure make better selection of a wife than those without?

H

ello Preaching Parent, what a great question. There is no clear cut answer to this. A lot has to do with the individual person and/or persons. There is a definite benefit to the dad or father figure being in the household and taking an ACTIVE PART. The male presence in the home taking an active role will teach his daughter how she should be treated, talked to, taken care of and provided for and he would show his sons how he should treat, talk to, take care of and provide for his girlfriend and/or wife. The male presence in the home will demonstrate this by his example of how he treats His Queen. You cannot say treat them well yet you show examples of the opposite.

Many males have had no example of a real father figure or male role model in the home so they are basically winging it and learning a lot of bad behavior from the media, videos, rappers and friends on the street. Consequently, they are passing that bad behavior to their children and their children are passing it to theirs which results in a spiral effect of a corrupt society.

I grew up in a family with strong Black Men from both my maternal and paternal side. Examples of how I should be talked to, treated, provided for were surrounding me all the time. No one

To Answer your Question|By Shirley Beale would dare verbally or physically disrespect my grandmother, mother, aunts, cousins, etc. They were considered Queen Bee and you’d better recognize. This is a custom that has become largely extinct yet if it was taught, it will be practiced and passed down. Because of the teachings and examples I had before me, I will not allow a man to treat me or talk to me on a level lower than that of a Queen.

Being raised in a stable environment with great examples can have a profound effect on you being a great spouse and also picking a great life partner. It’s not a guarantee but it is definitely a good start.

Hope this answers your question.

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QH S

UESTION NO. 3 ello Shirley. What do you think is the sexiest attribute of the plus size woman?

hirley’s Response: I think the sexiest attribute is ……. Classy Confidence.

If you have confidence in who and what you are, I think that is when you are at your Sexiest. Different parts of the body could also be sexy but presentation means EVERYTHING. Gorgeous legs or a vivacious butt may not look so wonderful if they are packaged incorrectly. There is a difference between sexy and slutty. The key is Accentuate, not Over-Exaggerate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QR

UESTION NO. 4

ich Man Poor Man wrote: Happy New Year, Shirley. Please answer as soon as possible. I have a boyfriend that I’ve been involved with for over 10 years. He has promised to marry me over and over but has yet to take any action. He says it’s because of finances that he has not taken steps yet.

Last year I met a very nice older man who is financially set. We went out 3 times and he has expresse...d an interest to see me on a regular basis and hopes it leads to a more permanent situation. I’m not physically attracted to him but he is nice and tries hard to make me happy. We have not been physical and I have a nice time when we are

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out. I love my boyfriend but I don’t want to waste more time if he is not making steps towards something more permanent.

S

hirley’s Response: Hello Ms. Rich Man/ Poor Man. Happy New Year to you also. It’s a shame that you have wasted 10 years waiting on a man to marry you. If it’s a financial situation, that can be fixed if you really put your mind to it. Since you’ve met a man that has shown he wants to spend time with you and has expressed an interest in taking it further than dating, I would explore my options with him.

Regarding the physical attraction, physical attraction is great but it is in the eye of the beholder. Obviously you have physical attraction to your boyfriend but you have the negative side of wasting 10 years for him to marry you coupled with the fact that he has financial issues which he has not rectified in 10 years. On the other hand, you have the older, financially secure man that you are not physically attracted to but who has expressed an interest in taking your “dating” to the next level. What is your desire for your future?

I would not waste another moment waiting for your boyfriend to make a move.

You have already allowed him to waste 10 years of your life. He should not get another minute. If you want to give him one last time, tell him you are tired of waiting and if he is not ready to marry you then leave. If he has financial problems, you may end up with a marriage and still not happy. I suggest cut your losses NOW. Regarding the older more financially secure man, I would explore where this could go. You say he seems very nice and has expressed

an interest in something more long-term and he has done so in a short period of time. Regarding physical attraction, it is in the eye of the beholder. You are physically attracted to your boyfriend but still unhappy. If you get to know the older gentleman, he may have qualities that you become attracted to. Attraction can be so much more than physical.

Mental, emotional and spiritual attraction is more priceless than physical. Give this relationship a try. I would hate for you to give another 10 years to someone who still may not be ready to commit to you.

If physical attraction is really that important to you, then maybe you should be alone until a handsome, financially secure man that is ready to commit comes along.

You CAN fall in love with a person you weren’t initially physically attracted to. That takes maturity and an extensive knowledge of who you are and what you want out of life. Only you know the answer to that. Take out the superficial, take out the nonsense and I’m sure you will arrive at the right decision. Happy New Year and I pray 2015 brings you true happiness

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Erica Hall Photographer | Doug Swaim

Erica Hall won the 2014 Curvy Spokes model Contest for Curves Rock Fashion Weekend, has walked in numerous fashion /runway shows, and is a fashion show producer/coordinator herself.

Erica is a fit model for Curvaceous Boutique, Seven Curves JM, and TWAZ designs. She was featured in the MayJune 2014 issue of Size Overrated Magazine, appeared in the November 2014 issue of Beyond Curves Magazine, and has also appeared in several episodes of the 700 Club on the Christian Broadcasting Network. Erica has always had a passion for modeling.

“When I’m in front of the camera I feel free, confident, and outgoing, like I’m in a different world.”

MODEL STATS

Height 5’5” Bust 38” Waist 30” Hips 48” Dress size 14 Shoe size 8 Hair color Dark: Brown Eye Color: Haze

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Business

Angels of the community| BY TAWANA BLASSINGAME

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rdra T. Caldwell started My Brother’s Keeper Youth Center, Inc. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1994. In 2014 My Brother’s Keeper was renamed to My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services, Inc. with a new vision.

Florida-native Ms. Ardra Tolbert-Caldwell is a woman of power, determination and influence. A well sought after person when it comes to raising funds for charities, organizations, etc. Ardra accepted her passion and then was directed to her purpose. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Tuskegee University.

Having overcome numerous obstacles during childhood and still achieving a level of success she had never imagined. Ardra set out on a mission to help youth from low income families, shelters and group homes. This passion led her to My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services, Inc., a 501©(3) non-profit organization for youth.

During 2014 My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services, Inc. started three events which will become annual. These events were Think Pink Extravaganza honoring Breast Cancer survivors, Sock Hop Dance (collected socks for homeless teen shelter) and Breakfast with Santa for less fortunate children. Each event was very successful with the help of the community.

Donations are always appreciated and needed to fund various charity events.

My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services, Inc. Information: Website: mybrotherskeeperyouthservices.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mybrotherskeeperyouthservices

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Business

Tawana: With a name like My Brother’s Keeper; are your youth services focused on helping young men?

Ardra: Tawana we provide services to young girls, young men and families.

Tawana: How do you come up with the name?

Ardra: The name was decided using the bible verse Matthew 25:35…For I was hungry and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.

Tawana: What inspired you to create such an rganization?

Ardra: I wanted to establish a way to give back and make a difference in our youth lives. Many have fallen along the waist side because of not receiving the attention and time that was needed.

Interview with

Ardra T. Caldwell By: TAWANA BLASSINGAME

Tawana: Do you have a team working with you or is it just you?

Ardra: There is myself and a powerful Board of Directors working together to make My Brother’s Keeper Youth Services the best.

Tawana: May I ask what you do for a living?

Ardra: I am employed with Fulton County Sheriff Office as an Administrative Assistant II going on 7 years now. I have over 20 years of Social Service experience.

Tawana: Where are you from?

Ardra: I am from Florida, born in Cocoa and raised up in Bartow.

Tawana: What areas do you provide services to?

Ardra: I service families in the Metro Atlanta area.

Tawana: Do you travel to help youth as well?

Ardra: Yes I will, but to date my services have been to the Metro Atlanta area only.

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Interview with Ardra T. Caldwell |BY TAWANA BLASSINGAME

Tawana: How do you go about finding organizations to provide assistance to?

Ardra: I research various organizations and I also receive referrals from individuals and businesses.

Tawana: What kind of work do you do with the youth?

Ardra: Provide outreach services such as youth development programs, educational training programs, etiquette training and mediation services.

Tawana: Why is this so near and dear to you?

Ardra: Working in the various Social Service agencies I have seen so much despair and misfortunes and I wanted to be able to be able to help anyone that I can and as many as I can but I knew I could not do it alone.

Tawana: I imagine that the assistance you provide takes money to help make a difference; how are you funded?

Ardra: At this time Tawana, I am doing the funding by coordinating charity fundraiser events.

My goal for 2015 includes obtaining sponsors such as corporations, business and individuals.

Tawana: Where do you see your organization in the next five years?

Ardra: I see my organization as one which will be known in the community as the organization that genuinely cares for the community. On the funny side I planned on receiving one of Steve Harvey’s neighborhood awards in the future.

Tawana: I think you are amazing! I think you organization is amazing! We really need more people like yourself. Like they say, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Thank you for being a part of the village. Any final words you want to leave us with?

Ardra: Thank you Tawana, I would like to share if you are unsure of what you would like to do then follow your passions and it will lead you to your purpose. Also, if you do it with the right spirit God will bless it right!

I would like to say thank you for allowing me to share my love for charity with you and your magazine.

Tawana: What is the biggest obstacle that you face with running such an organization?

Ardra: My biggest obstacle has been locating other founders of non-profit organizations who are willing to be a mentor to those who are new to the business.

Tawana: Can you share any information on any upcoming events?

Ardra: 2015 Calendar events; April Community Easter Egg Hunt, May End of the School Summer Jam, August 2nd Annual Sock Hop, October 2nd Annual Pink Kraze Extravaganza (Breast Cancer event) and December Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dinner.

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BEHIND

THE LENS

Ron Mayes Mr. Ron Mayes is a 40 year old photographer from Pulaski, TN. Ron has been a Photographer for approximately 5 years now. He does all type of photography but his passion is Fashion Photography. Ron has been blessed to work with some awesome models in his career. He’s a Canon man. He shoots with 5D Mark iii. His goal in life is to become known internationally, and he knows with God’s help all things are possible.

Ron is also blessed to have a beautiful 12 year old daughter, Jordan Mayes, who makes it all worth it.

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BEHIND THE LENS

PHOTOGRAPHER|Ron Mayes

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Business

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Important business steps you need to take to avoid your business from taking a fall

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wing your own business begins with a dream and for some it usually ends there. It all sounds wonderful to be able to own your own company and be your own boss. I mean who would not want that? There is a whole of information out there on how to start up a company; a whole online superhighway worth of information. You can read until you can’t read anymore. Some will walk away with enough information to get it done, while most will walk away as confused as before they began reading. This article is written with the intentions of providing you with the basics steps to set up and legalize your company.

If you are following these steps then you should already know By: TAWANA BLASSINGAME what kind of business you are interested in starting up. That part I cannot help you with.

Keep in mind that this very basic and may or may not apply to the type of business you want to start.

The first thing you want to do before you anything is to come up with a company name and check online to make certain it is available. What I did was Google, Bing, Yahoo (whatever search engine you use) the name I wanted to use. For example; if you want to use the name Whatever Inc. then you

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will search that online. If you see someone or people using it then you can submit a formal request for a company to do a preliminary name search for you. To do that you will just type in the search engine “is my company name available”, or something similar to that.

You will see some sights that can do preliminary name searches free of charge. If you see that people are using the name whether they have it registered or not, think long and hard about whether you want to really use a name that someone else is using. The idea is to be unique.

The next thing you want to do, and keep in mind that these are before you begin filing paperwork with the state, check to see if your domain name is available. One site you can use is GoDaddy.com; there are others out there but that is the most popular. It doesn’t matter where you purchase your domain name from because once you’ve purchased it. It’s yours for the duration of the time you bought it for. So be sure to renew each time before it expires.

Once you’ve gotten all these basis covered then it is time to begin registering your business with the state. State laws in each state are different so prices for registering your state will be different. Here are a

By Author TAWANA BLASSINGAME

couple of sites that I would recommend going with to assist you in filing your paperwork.

Legalzoom.com and Directincorporation. com. Figure out if you want your business to be a Corporation, an LLC or a Non for Profit Organization. This takes a little bit of research to figure out which route to go. I suggest seeking some legal advice to figure out the logistics of each. Especially for taxing purposes. Once you have figure out which one to choose from and you’ve completed your paperwork, then it’s time to get working.

Now it’s time to begin thinking about a website for your business. You could hire someone to build your website from scratch but remember that you will need to depend on them to update your website continuously.

To cut back on costs, learn how to do it yourself. If is not hard at all. First thing you want to do is get a piece of paper and write out these basic things for your site.

1. An About us page: write out your company bio and the details of your business. This page should also contain your mission statement.

2. The Team: This page should contain pictures, titles and brief bios on your mail staff members. If you don’t have a staff and it is just you then you can title the page something like Meet the CEO. You can get creative with your page names.

3. Products and Services: This page will contain the products you are selling and/or the services your business is offering.

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If you plan to go with third party hosting sites that offer templates then do your research and find the most cost effective but your professional and useful one. There are two many for me to name for you, just do your research on them. If you choose to have your site built then you will still have to supply the builder with all of this information.

Once you’ve gotten all of this taken care of, start promoting your business on as many social networking sites you can. As a start up business, you should probably try to reach out to some local colleges to get interns to help you out. At the same time you will be helping them to gain some experience.

As soon as you get your paperwork back from the state saying that you are officially registered, you should immediately trademark your company name. Also you should sit with someone to have a professional logo made up for your company. That too should be trademarked. Don’t make the same mistake that I made by assuming that once you register your name that you own it and no one can use it. That is only true in the state that you registered it in. Trademarking makes the name yours nationally; meaning you can do business under that name anywhere you go. Please be sure to seek legal advice on how to properly run your business legally within your state legally. There are so many laws that need to be followed.

4. Contact Us: If you are going to be going with a third party hosting site then this page will more than likely be set up for use once you choose it.

5. Think about whatever else you want on your site and have it ready. You should also be thinking about the colors and look you want for your site.

•Photographer|Ray Edwards

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Love Yourself

By Alisa Wade

I

magine this: Imagine if society accepted you. Imagine if your peers adored you. Imagine if your friends and family worshiped you. Imagine if the entire world thought you were perfect and deemed you fit for every situation in life. Wouldn’t you be happy? Wouldn’t you feel as if you were on top of the world? Wouldn’t you love being who you are? Wouldn’t you love yourself?

In 2009 if you were to ask me those questions, my answer would have clearly been no. I weighed 125 pounds. I was perfect in society’s eyes, but was I happy?

Did I feel good about myself? No! I was insecure, I doubted myself, I criticized everything I did, I avoided social gathering, I questioned myself about everything, I was not confident, I didn’t live for me, I always wondered what would people think. It was not a good feeling; it was not the way to live. If everyone thought that I was pretty in the perfect body, why did I not feel the same about myself? In 2010 I attended a dancing event; I was in the audience, and the contestants were on stage. All the dancers were tall, very athletic and flexible except for one dancer who was a little heavier. I put myself in her shoes and thought; she will never pull this

off because she was too heavy. The look on her face was priceless though; she was ecstatic, confident and happy. She was not distracted at the fact that she was a little heavier than the other dancers.

Although she didn’t win, she maintained that positive, glowing attitude that spoke to me. I asked her, “How were you able to comfortably compete with them?”

And her answer was “I love myself, and nothing prevents me from doing what I love” I started thinking, I love myself, or did I not? Did the unhappiness and self-doubt in my life have to do with the fact that I didn’t love myself? I thought long and hard about the way I felt about myself and realized I really did not love me, I realized, that was my problem I had to wake up from this self induced coma.

My inner voice was a wall that didn’t have to be permanently erect. I started communicating with myself, I started to believe in myself, I started doing things for me. I accepted what God had created; he created me in His image. God loves me so who I am to not love what God has created. Here I am now, I truly understand the meaning of loving yourself, this is one of the reasons why I have decided to become a model. I am confident, I love Who I am, I love what I have become, I

AlisaWade Photographer | Rick D Jones

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“Love Yourself” A term that may sound very simple, but can be the hardest thing to do.” live for me, I believe in myself.

I have become one with me. I wanted to share my experience with other people who may be struggling with the same problem. If you are unhappy, if you doubt yourself, if you are ashamed of who you are, if you let your size dictate how you feel about you or how much confidence you have, if you are always bitter, if you are always hard on yourself, if you feel ugly and stupid, if you feel any type of negativity towards yourself, towards your body, YOU DO NOT LOVE YOURSELF! In order to love yourself and to be happy, you

have to be true to you, stay away from negative people, believe in yourself, get closer to God. Don’t give a single thought as to what society will think about you, love yourself, embrace yourself, and just be you. You are beautiful, you are unique, when You love yourself, nothing or anyone can stop you from being happy.

I love me....Love yourself!

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An Interview with

Alisa Wade By: TAWANA BLASSINGAME

Photographer | Turf Photography WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|march 2015 Issue

Tawana: What a story. So raw and common amongst most of us; although not too many are bold enough to admit it. You are an absolutely beautiful young lady. It is so hard to believe that you could not love yourself. Were you always the popular kid growing up?

Alisa: Thank you darling, I wanted to share my story, because I see alot of people around me who actually go through the same thing, and they look at me and ask how do i do it? No one knows how long it took me to love and accept myself, No one even knows I struggled with not accepting myself. It may seem easy to love yourslef, but you would be suprised how many people don’t know how to. I was not the popular kid at all because I didn’t allow myself to be, society accepted me, peers would look at me and say OMG she’s so beautiful, and I would love to be her friend, but the self doubt, and me always criticizing myslef, prevented me from having a social life.

Tawana: Where did you grow up Alisa? And do you think that your environment was filled with competitive behaviors that caused you to always think so lowly of yourself?

Alisa: I was born and raised in Caribbean and lived there until the age if 16. This is what was bad about it, there were competitive behaviors, but not towards me, I had friends who would invite me to social events, and also family gatherings, my whole attitude was just let me stay home, that’s where I felt safe. I would always question myself, am I good enough to be here? Are they looking at me? And I would emotionally fight myself.

Tawana: Do you have siblings? If so, was their teasing amongst you that may have also been attributing factors?

Alisa: Yes, I have 2 brothers, there were no teasing or bullying at all, just me constantly fighting myself, and not loving who I was.

Tawana: You are on the road to a pretty successful career today; congratulations on that. But did you always want to model and never thought you could? Or did this all come about when you began to really lover yourself?

Alisa: Thank you very much, Yes I’ve always wanted to model, but my self confidence level was so low it prevented me from putting myself out there. Today, if was in the same mind frame I was in 6 years ago we wouldn’t be here doing this interview.

Tawana: To whom do you credit your success? Also, who do you aspire to be like?

Alisa: It starts with you, No one can change you, No one can make you love yourself, you have to want to change, I was trapped in my own body for so long. No one knew what I was going through, I always walked around with a smile on my face, but there was a te war going on inside me, I had my son in 2009, and I could not keep living like that, I had to change not just for me but also for him.

Tawana: Let’s talk model for a moment. For those that put models in categories; where do you fit in? Plus Size or Straight Size?

Alisa: I am a size 12, in the model world, I am considered a plus size model. Although when peers ask and I say that I am a plus size model, the response I would get is “you are Not plus size” I would have to further explain that in the industry if someone is a size 8 or bigger, they are considered plus size.

Tawana: Can you explain the size categories at all? I laugh at this question because you and I both know that the answer to this question will always depend on who you ask.

Alisa: LOL, exactly! I laugh too, because in the Industry a size 8 or larger is considered “plus size” personally I think plus size starts at size 16 or 18 and so does many other people if you ask them. That subject would actually make a great debate LOL. But like you said, it depends on who you ask. The industry has their standards, but everyone looks at it differently.

Alisa: I have had looks a few times, but it was not in a negative way (at least I hope it wasn’t lol) A Few plus size models have looked at me and said “get your skinny self out of here” in a joking manner, but there was never any negativity or as everyone says “shade” lol.

Tawana: What do you think is missing in this industry?

Alisa: from what I’ve seen so far, we need to stick together and help each other out more, we are all plus models, and we’re trying to make it to the top, most of the castings we see the same models, we are always around each other.

I see everyone trying too hard to bring down the next person, instead of helping building and growing.

Tawana: What changes would you like to see made?

Alisa: OK this is it, now this is a problem for me, I am praying for the day when that change will be made. I am 5’2” and I am considered a petite plus model, reason for that is because I fall under the industry height standard.

The industry prefers a model who is 5’8” or taller. It can get disappointing at times, because I get turned down for certain shows or paid gigs because of my height, even when everything else is on point. I will say this tho, a few months ago I attended a casting for a major show, and of course the Industry height was required, I was told by the judges on the panel, although I was too short they loved my energy and the fierceness I had in me was exactly what they were looking for from the models. I was not able to walk the runway, but I was chosen to be a part of the show doing something else. It also came from the judges mouth, that the petite models were brining their A game better than industry height standard models. I would love if models were chosen on performance rather than their height or weight.

Tawana: What is your ultimate goal as a model?

Alisa: As a petite model, it is often a bit difficult to accomplish certain tasks due to the fact that I fall below the Industry height standard, but that will NEVER stop me.

Right now I am working on becoming a fit model.

Tawana: Does your family support your modeling career?

Alisa: Oh boy, lol, honestly, only a few, my family is very religious, and the fact that I have chosen to be a model doesn’t sit too well with them.

Tawana: What do you do for a living? Or is modeling your career now?

Alisa: Believe it or not, modeling is only part time right now, alot of friends and associates say to me, oh my god, “you’re always getting into something, you’re everywhere” and they think it’s my full time job. I fulfill my model duties 2 days a week, when I am not modeling I work my 9-5 job for NJ Transit.

Tawana: Alisa, you are such a doll and I truly enjoyed this interview with you. Is there any advice that you can offer to models coming up? Or advice you can offer to people in general?

Alisa: To people in General, i just want to say LOVE AND APPRECIATE yourself, you are unique, the almighty have created you in his image, don’t change who you are for anyone or anything. To the aspiring models even the petite, don’t ever give up on anything that you are trying to accomplish, there are going to be many bumps and disappointments along the way, let that be a lesson to make you come back even stronger. Believe in what you do and let nothing stop you :) Tawana: Alisa, I can’t thank you enough for sharing this story. Good luck to you in all you do. I will be following?

Alisa: Thank you for allowing me to share my story, I hope i was able to touch at least one person out there, love yourself guys and love god, it’s the only way to truly be happy.

Love you guys MUAH!

Tawana: In this “very Katty” industry; do you get looks from the “more plus size women”?

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AlisaWade

Photographer | Rick D Jones MUA:| Ravie “the beautician babie” Hello my name is Alisa Wade and I am a petite plus model, I use the word “petite” because I fall below the industry height standard of 5’8” or taller. I have been modeling since December 2013. I love modeling because it’s a form of art to me. I can paint a picture or tell a story without using words. I can use a simple pose or facial expression to create a masterpiece.

I also love modeling because It’s never a dull moment. I work with incredible people. I am working on being a fit model. I am a very dedicated and loyal person with an amazing attitude. Thank you very much.

MODEL STATS Age: 29 Height: 5’2” Weight: 175 LBS Bust: 42” Waist: 36” Hips: 46” Dress Size: 12 Shoe: 8 Hair: black Eyes: brown

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Nichole Dawnn

Photographer | Eric Carver Make Up Artist | Jackie Rob of Blush Me Pink by J.Rod

My name is Nichole Dawnn, I am a Baker with a home based bakery. I am currently studying to become a pastry chef. I currently hold the title for Ms. Clinton Maryland Plus America and will compete this spring for Ms. Maryland Plus America.

I began modeling when I was 13 years old, as I got older it became harder to get bookings because I was curvy. I thought modeling was over for me even though in my heart, my dream never died. I would do runway shows here and there but I never focused on modeling seriously because i was afraid of the rejection. That was until three years ago.

I always put off taking pictures and doing photo shoots, I would tell myself that I needed to lose weight before I got back in front of the camera.

One day I decided to do a photo shoot and ever since then I’ve been modeling. I love what i do, it’s not a hobby. Modeling is a craft i study to perfect.

From standing in the mirror practicing facial expression, to learning what the latest fashion is, to toning my curves to become more marketable I study what i love to do. I didn’t wake up one day and say i want to be a model I’ve dreamed of it all me life, for me plus size modeling is my second chance at a dream i thought was long gone and i plan to take full advantage of this time in my life.

MODEL STATS

Age 34 Height 5’8” Weight 245lb Dress Size 16 Shoe size 9 Hair color black Eyes Hazel Bust 44 Waist 42 Hips 52

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

Entrepreneurial Spotlight

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Wanikka Vance Ms. Wanikka Vance is the Founder and CEO of Foundations 4 adVANCEment Children’s College and Career Readiness Academy. Ms. Vance received her M.A in School Leadership from Concordia University and her B.A in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi. Ms. Vance has taught in the Chicago Heights Public School System for the past 10 years.

She has a passion for youth as well as for reading therefore she commits herself to making a difference and forming strong foundations in every child she meets. Ms. Vance believes in preparing students to be able to compete academically with the best of the best. By giving them an educational foundation no one will ever be able to take away from them.

She believes that every child deserves to be given a strong educational foundation. This foundation begins with basic reading FUNdamentals, parent involvement, and an excitement for learning. Ms. Vance prides herself in teacher and administrating to a higher standard. She believes in Ihsan which is proficiency and excellence.

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

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Interview

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|march 2015 Issue

Entrepreneurial Spotlight

Interview with Ms. Vance| By TAWANA BLASSINGAME Tawana: Ms. Vance, thank you for taking time out of your day to chat.

What subjects and grades to you teach?

Ms. Vance: I currently teach preschool through fourth grade.

The subjects i teach are all of the general education subjects along with life skills, intro to business, theater, and religion. Along with teaching I am also the principal.

Tawana: WOW! A Principal as well?

Did you always know that you wanted to teach?

Ms. Vance: I knew I wanted to become a teacher as long as the age of five. I would always come home and teach my younger cousins whatever I learned in school.

Tawana: Tell me about what it’s like teaching in Chicago?

Ms. Vance: Working in Chicago is very challenge yet rewarding. For 10 years I was a public school teacher in a low income school district and there were many challenges. I decided to resign from my job and open my own private academy because I was tired of seeing so many students being pushed through the educational system and set up to fail.

Tawana: Exactly what kind of services does your organization offer?

Ms. Vance: We offer an accelerated academic program along with amateur athletics. We also have college, career, and entrepreneurship training for our students. The students take part in jrotc, life skills, culinary arts, theater, and religion.

Tawana: Tell me about one of your most challenging students and how you have helped them to succeed.

Ms. Vance: last year we had a kindergartener enroll into our

school from the public school system. While in the public school the school district told the parents that he was underperforming and had a behavior problem; because of this he would be placed into special education. This student would cry and scream daily and was unable to do any work. The parents didn’t know how to handle him or how to correct his behavior. Several staff members stepped in and would take the young man home with them at times to give the parents a break; after months of working with this young man and his family he began to perform above grade level and his behavior did a 180 turn around.

Tawana: That is an incredible story. How do you get the parents interested in getting involved?

Ms. Vance: Before any parent is able to enroll their child into our academy we must first conduct a home visit and a consultation.

During these times we express to parents the importance of parent involvement. We also express to them that they are their child’s first and most important teachers. With our curriculum being accelerated, parents understand that their children can’t succeed without them.

Tawana: Do you find parent involvement to be a big challenge?

Ms. Vance: Yes it is at times, especially when you run across parents who don’t value education and/ or don’t put their children first.

Tawana: How did you get started with Foundations 4 adVANCEment?

Ms. Vance: I started with a vision and worked on developing it for years before I decided to step out on faith and follow my dreams. I

did not and still don’t have any financial support but when you have passion that’s all you need to get started.

Tawana: Did you have the assistance you current offer children when you were growing up?

Ms. Vance: No I did not and this is why I want to ensure that other children do. I can remember going to college and it being a culture shock because school hadn’t prepared me for the real world.

Although I came from a great family I was really exposed to college and entrepreneurship. After speaking to several people I realized that I wasn’t alone.

Tawana: Where does your organization travel to help children?

Or do they find you?

Ms. Vance: Students find our academy Tawana: Which leads me to my next question; how can people reach out to you for assistance and are there any fees associated?

Ms. Vance: People can contact us through our website f4advance. com, email info@f4advance. com, or facebook facebook.com/ foundations4advancement. We have monthly tuition for all of the programs we offer.

Tawana: Thank you for what you are doing to help out children; keep up the great work. Any final thoughts you want to leave us with?

Ms. Vance: Foundations 4 adVANCEment believes in helping every family build Legacies of Excellence and remember that college graduation is not an OPTION but an EXPECTATION.

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Sultry Glamazon Closetâ„¢

Jennifer Diaz

Photographer |Doug Swaim WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|march 2015 Issue

Designer Spotlight| Jennifer Muojeke Diaz Sultry Glamazon Closet™

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QUEENSIZE

MAG A ZINE PRESENTS

“Embracing the elegance of Height, Curves, and Fabulousity all in one Closet” Queen Size Magazine is honored to present “Designing Model” Jennifer Muojeke Diaz. She was born in Queens, NY, so her designing esthetic is influenced by the flavor of Queens, NY and her rich cultural heritage of Nigeria which is the birth place of her parents. As a youth growing up in Queens, she noticed that the trendy and fashionable garments for tall and curvy women did not exist.

Currently a resident of Southern Maryland for over a year, her objective as a “Designing Model” is to make sure she represents ladies with height and curves. She aspire to make them feel “… beautiful and fabulousness with her clothes.”

She specializing in ready to wear, couture, and lingerie/ loungewear for women 5’10 and taller who eludes confidence and style. Her customers have a sense of poise, originality, style, and are not afraid to show off their bodies.

Well, that is how Sultry Glamazon Closet was born; “Embracing the elegance of height, curves, and fabulousity all in one closet.”

She states, “I cater to the tall women 5’10” and taller. It’s not just the plus size community that have a problem with finding clothes to fit all height and curves... it’s also the tall and curvy women that have problems too. We love our height and we love our fashion so why not flaunt it!” Yes, she does at 6’3 and a dress size 14, she knows the dilemma first hand. Ms. Diaz states, “Every time a normal person hems inches off a pair of pants or skirt by a tailor, a tall girl weeps.”

Personally, she was fed up with seeing gorgeous amazons with skirts above the ankles!!! She advocates that, “Tall women don’t get that type of benefit when it comes to the fashion world that’s why I am here!”

I was excited to talk to this tall and curvy Designing Diva about her business and the Plus Size Fashion Market.

Jennifer Diaz – COE/ Designer for Sultry Glamazon Closet™

DESIGNERSPOTLIGHT

Tell us about your design business?

I’m a clothing designer for the tall and curvy community height 5’10 and taller. I specialize in ready to wear, lingerie, couture, and African apparel size 10 and up.

How long have you been a Designer?

Since my junior year in college, I was a seamstress in the Drama club at Norwalk State University.

What is your training and or education background?

My beloved grandmother and godmother influenced me with training and creative skills with the sewing machines. I decided to strengthen my craft with a friend who was a seamstress in the military apparel shop. These ladies were so creative and talented. I am blessed to have the experience to create such beautiful clothes with them.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Fashion Designer?

I was beyond disappointed that various stores did not carry suitable clothing to accommodate my figure, so I added length to everything. Then I found patterns I was interested in and increased the length of a few pieces. I was hooked! I love colors, textures, and patterns. I am inspired by African prints, also. I believe that they tell a story.

I’m Nigerian so we love designs and abstract colors.

How do you view the plus size market?

The plus size market is steadily growing in versatility. It can be very challenging in seeking clothing for a particular body type, especially for ladies with height. There are not many designers who specialize in women with height and curves.

Who or what is your inspiration?

My mother, she’s just as tall as I am, I can sell the clothes off her body! She’s definitely a trend setter and I admire her for poise and glow every time she steps out in something fierce. Again, my culture inspires the glamor and colorful fabrics which are beyond fierce. There’s a certain honor and grace when the garments are put together.

Like it embraces royalty.

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How difficult is it to communicate your vision? From your imagination to the finish garments?

Actually it’s not difficult at all, I draw what comes to mind. My vision is to embrace curves and height through fashion. My sketches flow quite nicely and once the piece is finished it’s a winner. People love the concept, because my clients are tall women who cannot find clothes to accommodate the tall curvy statuesque figure.

How important are leadership skills?

I believe leadership skills are very important in the Plus Size Fashion Industry. I was once a model and now have developed a brand to make clothing that makes women feel amazing it just places my expertise to the next level which is absolute genius. I love that most leaders in the fashion industry are highly multitalented which is needed to stay relevant in the business.

Who are your favorite Plus size designers/Retailers?

My favorite Plus Size designers and retailers are Juul Couture, Torrid, JustRaymona of NY, and Marco Hall.

What is your favorite fashion Trend this year?

My favorite fashion trends are leather sleeves, body-con gowns, anything with lace, and a high fierce stiletto. (Not in that order ) Favorite quote of all time: If I could change the world…. Eric Clapton Do you have any upcoming events we should look out for?

I have a few shows in DC, NY, and MD. Dates TBD.

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue Photographer | Duane Jones Photography

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Closing words of inspiration or advice for struggling or potential entrepreneurs.

If you are an entrepreneur, do plenty of networking and never ever give up your dreams.

Every dream and vision is worth sharing with the world and do not be afraid to be different. As an entrepreneur, it is necessary to uplift others in the community. I believe that consumers can make a difference in the success of a small business or a huge franchise. Entrepreneurs have to value themselves as role models in their community.

When they truly become established, never forget to give back and pay it forward for others that would like to follow in their footsteps. We have to share and uplift.

How can we contact you?

Website,Facebook and Instagram: Sultry Glamazon Closet Thank you, Jennifer Diaz, COE and Designer for Sultry Glamazon Closet. ™ Queen Size Magazine is so proud of you, we love your designs and the imprint you have left for others still residing in Queens, NY. As a model for success, with an entrepreneurial spirit, you are an inspiration to other little girls with immigrant parent’s still living in Queens, NY. They will look at you and say, “If see can do it, so can I.” Hail to Queens!!

Photographer |Doug Swaim

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Jennifer Diaz Photographer |Doug Swaim

Model and designer Jennifer Diaz grew up in Queens NYC. When growing up, she noticed that there weren’t too many selections following the latest trends for tall women!!!

Now residing in Southern Maryland she wanted to make sure she represented curves and height with beauty as well as fabulousness. Then Sultry Glamazon Closet was born; Embracing the elegance of height, curves, and fabulousity all in one closet.

Every time a normal person hems inches off a pair of pants or skirt by a tailor, a tall girl weeps. I was fed up with seeing gorgeous amazons with skirts above the ankles!!! Tall women don’t get that type of benefit when it comes to the fashion world that’s why I am here! Specializing in ready to wear, couture, and lingerie/ loungewear. I cater to the tall women 5’10 and taller who have a sense of poise, originality, style, and body to show it off. It’s not just the plus size community that have a problem with finding clothes to fit all height and curves... it’s also the tall and curvy women that have problems too. We love our height and we love our fashion so why not flaunt it!

Jennifer Diaz

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

BEAUTY & Fashion

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Spring into Spring

By Jenn Laws

L

adies it’s time to Spring into Spring with beautiful sundresses; but are you ready?

We are going to feature a few body flattering sundresses, but we are also going to show you how to get your body ready with some tips for making those not so flattering areas look good. A basic style for sundresses is Empire waist with spaghetti straps.

Now if your arms are anything like mine then you already know that we would rather hide them. To achieve toned and defined arms, a quick exercise to strengthen them and can be done at home or at work are chair lifts.

Chair lifts

In a sitting position, move to the edge of the chair, using your body weight you lift up and down not touching the floor. Repeat this for 8 reps you will see inches disappear and definition return to your arms. And while the empire style tends to hide your tummy another style that’s popular is the Maxi style which is more body hugging. With that being said in addition to great undergarments you may want to tone up the tummy and give that booty a lift.

The best way to achieve this goal is squats and planks. For squats you should stand straight, feet apart and arms extended in front proceed to lower and return to a standing position. Repeat this for 8 reps; this strengthens your core and legs.

Squats

Planking requires that you lay on the floor similar to doing a push up but resting on your forearms.

You raise your body and hold this position for 20 seconds then repeat. Combining the squats and planks will help your move closer to your goals.

Even if you are busy this quick 15 minute workout can be incorporated into your day.

However if working out is not your thing don’t give up on Sundresses you can always pair it up with a ballero jacket to hide heavy arms, cover excessive cleavage and dress up the outfit. Don’t be afraid to try a new style or layer it up for a daytime or evening look.

Planking

**as with any new exercise program please consult with your physician

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

BEAUTY & Fashion

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The Face Has It Face Atelier Foundation

THE COLOR BOX

By MARIA WILLIAMS

Hello to all my Queen Size readers, this is Maria Williams CEO of The Color Box

By Maria. I am a make up artist and avid make up lover. The art of make up is constantly evolving, changing and growing. Pro Make Up products have become available to the average every day woman. We can purchase professional products to enhance our beauty.

Make up is no loner only for those in the movies or on the runways of New York City and Paris.

Make Up when it is applied properly has the capability to enhance and bring out the “natural beauty” in every woman regardless of her race, age or size.

dation that matched her complexion.

She created a line that was easy to use by any race and age. Face Atelier can be described as custom blend foundation that is really affordable. What I like the most about this product is that women of color were truly taken into consideration and their vast skin tones.

Face Atelier Ultra Sheer Foundation is highly pigmented and has buildable coverage so you can achieve a light coverage for younger skin or full coverage for mature skin or to cover imperfections. This foundation has a light natural feel on the skin.

The make up industry has evolved so much in the past five years; this can be overwhelming for anybody.

The market has become so product specific it can be a challenge in choosing what is best for you.

My belief in enhancing your beauty starts with good skin care and an awesome primer but a good foundation is a must.

If you have a good foundation that looks natural but gives a flawless finish this is half the battle to projecting your natural beauty. A good foundation, a little mascara and a good lipstick are perfect for the “everyday look”.

I basically wear foundation every day.

This can be a cream, liquid or powder form. I can wear light coverage to full coverage. When I find a brand that is great I love to share the information so recently I heard about a foundation called Face Atelier. This is a professional line that can be used by anyone.

Face Atelier was created by Debbie Bondar because she could not find a foun-

A one-ounce bottle is $48.00 however because this is a highly pigmented product a little goes a long way. Your initial purchase should last you at least a full year.

Now here is the best thing I love about Face Atelier; if you are not sure what to purchase, Face Atelier has a sample program so you can order as many samples as you like and try the products prior to making the commitment of a full purchase.

Most samples are only a $1.00 each. So what do you have to loose but to fall in love with a great product?

So my Queen Size beauties the trend in make up for 2015 less is more.

Thick bat lashes are OUT The Smoke eye is now MINIMIAL Pointed dagger nails are OUT Kimmy K contouring and bronzing is OUT Thick heavy foundation is OUT Fresh natural make up is IN! Face Atelier is the perfect foundation to achieve a natural, clean, youthful yet flawless look.

Face Atelier is simple to choose. If you are a woman of color first you would choose the base (adjuster) that would match your skin undertone. This comes in Zero+, which is for women with a brown complexion with yellow/red undertones, or

You can purchase Face Atelier at your local Sephora or go to www.faceatelier. com

Zero ++ for women with black/ brown undertones. Second you would pick the foundation (color) that is closest to your actual skin tone. This can range from shade number one (Ivory) through number Twelve (Sable). Next you mix the adjuster and foundation to achieve the desired shade that you want. Now you have a custom blend that is suited just for you. Yes it is that simple!

I would love to hear testimony.

Maria Williams XOX The Color Box By Maria Make Up Made Easy and Simple

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|march 2015 Issue

Try it and drop me an e-mail with your experience at thecolorbox69@gmail. com.

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Traces Of My Pen By: Amanda Tucciarone

Be Fearless

If you want to achieve something in life, Just get up And DO it.

Even if you’re not entirely sure what that something really is: Just take a breath, Take a chance, And give it your best shot; You’ve got nothing to lose.

When you’re unsure of what to do Or you don’t know where to turn, You’re just completely at a loss for wordsAnd you’re feeling totally LOST: Follow your heart.

For on the outside it may only seem to beat, But on the inside, It does a lot of speaking too...

You just have to LISTEN more closely And pay attention a little more carefully.

You withhold a story within yourself that needs to be told.

And whether people want to hear it or not, You need to SCREAM it from the roof tops.

You NEED toSteal away all of their attention.

You NEED toMake those people listen.

I mean really, WHO CARES what anybody thinks?

It’s your story of SURVIVAL that you’ve lived to tell, And NOBODY’S opinion matters But YOUR own.

Because the strength you’ve built inside of you, And the person you GREW to be, IS NOT something just anyone could accomplish…

Especially on there own like you were FORCED to do.

All in all, Words mean NOTHING when actions speak louder.

Therefore others opinions do NOT matterSince they didn’t actually happenThey were just partially thought of and spoken.

You see where I’m going with this?

You see what I’m saying now?

FIGHT for yourself.

FIGHT for those who never got the chance to.

Be THEIR voice.

Simply, By raising YOURS: Think about the strength that you contain And be FEARLESS To those who stand AFRAID. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

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Toria Lee

Photographer |Matthew Scott GoodwinMSG Photography Studios, Cincinnati OH MUA|Artistry by Toria

Toria Lee is born and raised out of Cincinnati, OH where she still currently resides.

Being a model and makeup artist has been a dream of hers since the early age of 13.

The reason Toria wants to be a model is not because of just smiling in front of a camera, but to show in life’s journey the up’s, down’s, inspiring and life changing events that happen in life. Toria’s motto is “Embrace True Inner Beauty.” She lives by this motto everyday in anything that she does.

Toria has held the state title for Ms Ohio and is currently the national title holder for Royal Image USA Pageant as Royal Supreme Queen. Toria is an aspiring plus size model, a volunteer advocate, and mentor.

She has a passion for being a positive role model to women of all ages.

MODEL STATS Height: 5’8” Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Weight: 250lbs Waist: 44 Bust: 38 D Hips: 46 Dress Size: 18W Shoe Size: 11

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE SEE PAGE 49 FOR MORE INFO Follow us

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|march 2015 Issue

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MAGAZINE

45

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.

Full Page with Bleed 8.75” x 11.25“ Trim size 8.25” x 10.75” Text Safe Zone 7.75” x 10.25”

Format

1/2 Page Horizontal with Bleed 8.75” x 5.25“ Trim size 8.25” x 4.75” Text Safe Zone 7.75” x 4.25”

1/2Page Vertical with Bleed 4.375” x 11.25“ Trim size 3.75” x 10.75” Text Safe Zone 3.3025” x 10.25”

Quarter Page with Bleed 4.375” x 5.625“ Trim size 4.0” x 5.125” Text Safe Zone 3.75” x 4.75”

Ad Rates Full page

1x $100

6x $570

12x $1120

1/2Page

$60

$330

$600

1/4 Page

$45

$240

$360

Cover Story Inside Front Cover

$300 $250

//////////// $1470

////////////// $2880

Back cover

$200

$1170

$2280

File Name

Inside back Cover

$150

$870

$1680

Additioonal info

Issue December/January February/March April/May June/July August/September October/ November

PDF (preferred) 300 dpi at final size CMYK Embed all fonts and images Raster (psd, tif, jpg) 300 dpi at final size CMYK Embed all fonts or flatten Vector (ai, eps) CMYK convert type to outlines Embed all images

Name files clearly with company name and issue date. Example: Company_sept09.pdf

use our graphic designers for a flat fee of $70 QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE reserves the right to add a border around any ad when necessary

($95 a month) ($55 a Month) ($40 a month)

(245 a month) (195 a month) (145 a month)

($85 a month) ($45 a month) ($30 a month)

(240 a month) (190 a month) (140 a month)

Ad Due November 10 January 10 March 10 May10 July 10 September

SUBMIT FILES TO: QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| march 2015 Issue

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