Queen Size Magazine September 2016 Issue

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

Cover Model

MEESHA ANN

SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

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Fashion + Lifestyle

RISING STAR

TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION

By SHIRLEY BEALE

ON TOP VERSUS ON BOTTOM: WHICH ONE ARE YOU

BEAUTY 911

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT RAYYAN AKHDAR

By DARSHI SHAH

YOGA FOR FULL FIGURED WOMEN

BY CARRIECE JEFFERSON

MODEL SPOTLIGHT SILVA GIBBS WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE

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Photography | PDrew Photography Dress | Ashley Stewart Shoes | Ralph Lauren

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Jewlry | hrisie Styles Boutique

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE EDITOR

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Welcome to the September issue of Queen Size Magazine. Each month I write to you all, but this month I am going to ask you all some questions. Where are we in Plus Size Fashion? How far have we come? How far do we have to go? Are you doing your part? What exactly is your role? Are you really supporting the industry?

Lots of questions right? Well my reasoning behind it all is simply this; we all have a part to play in building our industry. It takes way more than buying a ticket to a fashion show. This month I chose to open the minds of our readers and make you all think of how you can do more. Be the change that you want to see. Let’s do our best to continuously support each other and make our foundation a stronger one.

Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief Photography | PDrew Photography Dress | SWAK Jaket | Ashley Stewart

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director NICOLE FRANTZ Assistant Editor & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR NATALIE DAWN Assistant Editor CRYSTAL CARMEN Beauty Editor SHIRLEY BEALE Assistant Editor DARSHI SHAH Assistant Editor CARRIECE JEFFERSON Assistant Editor DUANE JONES Director of Photography for N. Carolina DOUG SWAIM Director of Photography for the DMV area KENDALL REED Photographer DIONNE REEVES-GRUBBS Model Recruitment Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPY MODEL | MEESHA ANN

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

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MEESHA ANN

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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“ON TOP VERSUS “ON BOTTOM”

By DARSHI SHAH

FEATUREDMODELS

SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE

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16

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08 TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION

By SHIRLEY BEALE

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YOGA FOR FULL FIGURED WOMEN

By CARRIECE JEFFERSON

BEAUTY&FASHION

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CLASS IS IN SESSION

By MEESHA ANN

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BEAUTY 911

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

BUSINESS

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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 101

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7 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA

By NATALIE DAWN

By QSM

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RAYYAN AKHDAR

By NICOLE FRANTZ

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

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“ON TOP” VERSUS “ON BOTTOM”

By Darshi Shah, Nutritional Therapist & Health Coach

Latest research suggests that looking at where the majority of fat

If your body stores more on bottom than the top (pear-shaped)

and muscle is deposited on your body may indicate what the

and you have a hard time losing weight from the bottom, you

body is lacking nutritionally. Some bodies store more muscle and

may benefit from taking a look at your estrogen hormone and

fat above the bra line, while others below the waist line. What

ensuring no imbalances. Dietary recommendations include

body type are you, and what can you do about it?

starting your day with high fiber fruits, vegetables, and grains in addition to lean proteins and non-dairy fats. Common cravings

If your body stores more on top than the bottom (carrot-shaped)

with this body type are usually high fat dairy and desserts. But

and you have good energy early in the day but wind down in

eating foods that help flush out estrogens (reducing goitrogenic

the evenings, you may benefit from taking a look at your cortisol

foods and soy); hunger is better managed between meals and

hormone readings throughout the day and ensuring they are

before bed.

not always elevated. Dietary recommendations include starting your day with complex carbohydrates with fiber (oats, brown rice, quinoa, sorghum, buckwheat) along with fibrous fruits and vegetables. This can enable better control over cravings for salty, fatty foods later in the day.

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“ON TOP” VERSUS “ON BOTTOM”| DARSHI SHAH

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If your body stores more in the belly area (apple-shaped) and you have energy slumps after lunch, you may benefit from better balancing your blood sugar levels. Dietary recommendations include starting your day with clean proteins and healthy fats (eggs, avocado, nuts, seeds, nut butters, coconut oil, full-fat cheeses, lentils, & quinoa). Eliminating caffeinated beverages, sports drinks, sweetened yogurts and fruit juices can also help balance your sugar load throughout the day.

If your body stores weight evenly throughout your body (hourglass-shaped) and you often feel water retention, you may benefit from monitoring your pituitary gland and checking your hormone levels. Dietary recommendations include starting your day with raw vegetables and fruits, with whole grains (oats, quinoa, sorghum) along with clean proteins.

Eliminating caffeinated beverages and sweets can help with better hormone management.

The take-away from these brilliant observations of body typing is that we have ultimate control over our body shape – not just based on exercise, but also based on the TYPES of foods we eat and WHEN we eat them. If you are interested in getting a consult on eating right for your body type, contact me for more information.

Darshi is a Board-Certified Nutritional Therapist & Health Coach. In addition to writing and speaking on health & wellness topics, she provides health coaching to groups and individuals seeking insights on different paths to greater health. Darshi writes articles and news-letters for a variety of organizations and apps on health of body, mind, and soul for her followers. She specializes in auto-inflammatory issues having recovered from her own illness, and holds a signature RESET detox quarterly, which combines eastern and western philosophies of achieving health equilibrium. She is author of RIGHT Diet for Autoimmunity, a guide to strengthen immunity via diet and lifestyle with recipes free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugars. It is available on Amazon.com.

Follow her at www.darshishah.com.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

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QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

“To Answer Your Question”

By SHIRLEY BEALE

TIRED OF WAITING FOR WEDDING DATE Question: Hello. My fiancé and I have been together for a few years and I’m tired of waiting to get married. He says we are getting married but it is taking too long. He says his ex wife won’t sign the divorce papers because she doesn’t want to give up her lifestyle and he doesn’t want to live together without getting married first. I’m trying to be patient but I’m tired of waiting. Should I give him a time limit or wait a little longer?

SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Hello Tired of Waiting. I don’t think “waiting” is really the problem you face. The problem you face is you are with A MARRIED MAN!!!!!! In other words, you’re with SOMEONE ELSE’S HUSBAND!!!!!! This man (1) IS NOT YOUR FIANCE because he has a WIFE and I determined that because you said HE IS NOT DIVORCED which translates to HE HAS A WIFE. (2) He won’t live with you, not because he wants to wait until you and he gets married, he won’t live with you BECAUSE HE LIVES WITH HIS WIFE!!!!!! And even if he doesn’t live with her, HE STILL HAS A WIFE. Dear, WAKE UP!!!!!!

Don’t go by what people tell you, do your own research and find out for yourself.

If you do your research, I would not be surprised if you find out that not only is he still with his wife but he probably has some kids, a house, probably even a dog!!!!!!!

You have wasted YEARS of your life with someone who cannot commit but has been stringing you along because you are allowing it. EXTERMINATE this relationship IMMEDIATELY for you will face more disappointment, heartache and a waste of more of your precious life than you have already. You won’t find Mr. Right if you’re wasting your time with Mr. Wrong.

FIRST DATE QUESTIONS Question: I’ve been out of the dating scene for some time and I’m going on a date with a guy this weekend. With the drama that is portrayed on social media, TV, etc., what is too much? There are a lot of questions that I want to ask but I don’t want it to come off like an interrogation however I want to ask enough questions to know that I’m not wasting my time. Is it okay to ask about criminal background, STDs, baby mamas, what kind of job he has, etc?

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SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Going on a first date can be fun or nerve-racking, you determine that. If you really like this person, just enjoy his company; don’t begin with an interrogation. Ask a few basic questions like what do you like to do, see if you have anything in common and when you find something you have in common, talk about that. If you really connect, you can find out the other information through conversation or by asking BUT NOT ON THE FIRST DATE. Phone conversations could also be a great tool for discovering information. Don’t be the one to always talk.

Listening is key also. If you’re not really interested, then finding answers to the questions you posed above won’t matter.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH Question: I have worked hard to give my family a good life, upbringing and headstart on their future but now that they are grown, it seems that no one is trying to give back or carry their weight. They still depend on me to take care of them and I’m beginning to think I have made a mistake.

I’ve tried talking to them but it doesn’t seem to work. I’m ready to walk away from all of it and start over somewhere else with a household of one. Fed up and Finished!

SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: Hello Fed Up and Finished. I certainly understand your frustration. I commend you on the way you have provided for your family. Not everyone you help will be appreciative. I suggest you do for people if you choose but don’t expect appreciation in return. Anticipate not being appreciated and then you won’t be let down.

Your family’s selfishness will hit them hard. If you decide to leave and they are left to do for themselves, they will have a rude awakening. Too often, we do for others to try and help but what we are really doing is enabling. Beginning immediately, start doing for yourself. Have a meeting with your family members and tell them they will have to start carrying their own weight. Let them know that you will no longer be able or willing to be their financier, banker, crutch, etc. Give them the opportunity to say how much they will contribute and if that is not enough, tell them how much you need (minimally) as their contribution.

Obviously you don’t need their money to survive but this will serve as a life lesson that they know what it takes for the house to function. Remember, it’s only one of you and you gotta take care of you before you can help someone else.

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

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..............................................

by CARRIECE JEFFERSON

Making a lifestyle change when it comes to health takes work and time physically but also mentally. In terms of exercise oftentimes we think of Zumba, treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, weights, bootcamp workouts, high intensity interval training (HIIT), and outdoor activities such as stair climbing, running, walking, and bike riding.

Yoga for Full Figured Women

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YOGA FOR FULL FIGURED WOMEN| CARRIECE JEFFERSON

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Personal trainers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts highly recommend yoga. When yoga became popular here in the United States around 20 years ago, it was branded as the exercise of flexibility, meditation, and relaxation. Another reason why most full-figured women avoided the class of foundational poses is because most participants were small and yoga wear didn’t cater to the plus size market.

I only took a yoga class twice in my lifetime and the first time wasn’t a pleasant experience because I was the only big girl in the room and there wasn’t a single move I was able to do. The second experience was much better and what a difference it made on my body.

Yoga is calm. Yoga does push your body to do things beyond what you can imagine. Doing yoga also allows you to learn your body. Yoga enables you to be comfortable with your body as well. Yoga is a confidence enhancement.

Should yoga studios be categorized by body type or by the body’s ability (beginner, intermediate, advanced levels)?

Both sides have been argued. Some feel that since the word yoga means “unity”, there shouldn’t be separate classes for full-figured women. To further the argument, they feel that since yoga is for everyone regardless of size, classes should reflect as such. The other side to the argument is that many full-figured women feel comfortable being in class of proximity because they don’t feel like they’re the sore thumb sticking out.

Nowadays, there’s yoga studios targeted specifically for full-figured women. Not only that but there’s a rise in full-figured women becoming certified yoga instructors that can be seen on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. More full-figured women are showing society that they too can be flexible and hold poses just like their counterparts.

Why should yoga be incorporated into your workout regimen?

You can incur injuries to body muscles if you do extreme cardio and weight training workouts without giving the body a chance to stretch. Aside from increase in flexibility, more benefits of yoga include: building stamina, improves blood circulation, strengthens lower back and torso, lowers risk of muscle spasms, spine flexibility, helps in pain recovery, decreases stress level, and stabilize your heart rate.

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CLASS IS IN SESSION| MEESHA ANN

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by Meesha Ann I am sure that I am not the only one not excited about resuming classes, but what I do look forward to each year is mixing and matching all those outfits I bought for school. However there are staples outfits that must be in a college girl’s closet. I will try my best to keep it to the basic items. Notice I said TRY! Here are four basic attire that all college ladies should have:

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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The Casual look (more dressy than basic)

College is all about networking and building your career.

The best thing about this is that you have a lot of meet and greet to attend. Happy hour! Off course this atmosphere require a bit more sophistication than your regular after work happy hour. You can never go wrong with a cute cocktail dress paired with a cardigan.

MODEL | ANDREA BLASSINGAME PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

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CLASS IS IN SESSION| MEESHA ANN

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The Business Casual look

They say first impressions are lastly. Believe it or not, but that’s not always true.

For most of your college experience you will notice that most of your time will be spent in meetings; I know right, who would have thought. While most of these meetings are often informal, your attire should not be. I am not saying you should wear jacket and tie, but it won’t hurt to put on a casual pants paired cute top. Don’t forget to add that pocket book!

MODEL | AMANDA SOWAH PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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The Professional Attire (presentation suit)

As a student you are at some point expected to do make a presentation.

Or better yet, get a call back on that internship you applied for last semester. Whatever the situation, you must always have a professional suit in your closet. You can never go wrong with a blazer and pencil skirt paired with a white tank top. Don’t forget those matching pumps!

MODEL | SHANIECE A. PETGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

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CLASS IS IN SESSION| MEESHA ANN

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The Basic everyday look

Not everything should be all casual and formal.

For my everyday look I like to wear cotton and denim, more so for comfort. But whatever you do, please stay away from sweatpants and t-shirts! Absolutely not accepted!! You can mix and match your cotton tops and skirts with your denim shirts and pants.

Now that you have all you need to stay focus, let’s get back to Class!

Until next time stay Fabulous! xoxoxox Meesh Ann

MODEL | LEFT - NIESHA WALCOTT RIGHT - LAURA VERNON PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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BEHIND THE GLAM

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

BEAUTY 911 The Problem and the Solution

THE PROBLEM: Makeup lovers often get tired of keeping those bulky lash packages when they are going to reuse their lashes.

THE SOLUTION: Put them all in one neat place.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• • • •

1 round bead organizer or rectangular (larger storage) 1 set of round labels 1 sharpie permanent marker 1-6 pairs of eyelashes

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: 5-10 MINUTES

THIS WORKS FOR STANDARD LASHES. I intend to embellish my case for my personal use. For work purposes I will leave the container clear.

ENJOY!

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BEAUTY 911| CRYSTAL CARMEN

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THE PROBLEM: Sometimes whether we’d like to admit it or not, we go to bed with our makeup on.

This results in raccoon eyes and not so hot looking skin.

The Solution: Find a cleanser that lets you skip the sink!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Round or Square Cotton Pads

• MY LITTLE SECRET_ PINK STILETTO COSMETIC’S HERBAL CLEANSER Or another Rinse Free Cleanser like Tatcha One Step Cleansing Oil ESTIMATED TIME TO CLEAN YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE: 2 MINUTES

While rinse free cleansers are great, from time to time it’s a good idea to wash the traditional way. I love The Renew Luxury Facial Bar by Pink Stiletto Cosmetics for balancing, toning and cleaning or Neutrogena Glycerin Bar for a nice, basic clean!

ENJOY!

Do you have a Beauty 911? Email us @ beautystudiopa@gmail.com.

Want to remain anonymous? Mail your questions to: ATTN: Bennett (Beauty Editor) P.O. Box 46 Glenolden, PA 19036

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BUSINESS

I am Meesha Ann

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MEESHA ANN| QSM

Meesha Ann was born and raised on the sunny island of Jamaica.

Her early childhood days were filled with great memories of designing doll clothing from her uncle’s scrap cloth box. She would spend most of her summer days with her uncle, her uncle being a Taylor, learning the basic techniques of designing and sewing. Meesha Ann love for fashion grew even more when her mother introduce her to the world of runway. She would have her practice runway walk with a hardcover book on her head, the old school way. Meesha and her mom would spend hours of watching fashion shows and pageants. Their all-time favorite was the Miss Jamaica World pageant, which became their annual ritual.

Family life was perfect for Meesha, although financially her family struggled, nothing could break the bond that they shared as a family.

Meesha Ann came from a strong family oriented household, who constantly remaindered her each day that she was beautiful, brilliant and fierceness. On the other hand School life was a bit difficult for her. Being a bit “chubby” Meesha Ann was constantly teased by her peers about her weight.

Despite the over whelming love and support from her family, the teasing affected her confident level, which eventually made her very shy. Looking back she

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realize that children channel their energy towards different activities; sports, singing, dancing -ultimately building their self-confidence.

For her fashion was her source of energy; fashion became her passion and she loves every aspect of it.

The love for fashion lead to her wanting to start her own her own clothing business. Determine to achieve her life time goal; she enrolled in the degree program at the University of Technology, Jamaica. For those who are familiar with the Jamaican school system, would agree how stick the dress code was. University life was the perfect life style she always dreamt off. Finally a school where she could be free to express her own since of fashion while learning the key essentials of the business world. She spent the next four years exploring and learning new fashion trends, while living the college experience.

After graduating from university, with second-class honors, she later migrated to the Unites States, where she started her very own online store. The operating cost of running a business became overwhelming for her and she decided to put it on hold while she followed another childhood dream, Modeling. Meesha always wanted to model, but the industry didn’t allow plus size women to do so, and even if they did it was on

the small scale. Eager to find out more she started do to research, where she came across a group called Full Figured Fierce, a group dedicated to inspire and uplift women of all shape, size and color. She quickly jump on board and enter the Face of Full Figured Fierce for the month of April 2015 and she won! It turned out that the owner and founder of the competition is a Model recruiter for Queen Size Model Management.

Meesha Ann was then introduced to the team and immediately fell in love the family oriented management style. While trying to juggle her Modeling career, Meesha Ann decided to go back to school, to pursue her MBA, with concentration in Management and Leadership.

Meesha Ann had the opportunity of gracing the stage at the Brooklyn Night Out 2015. She was also selected and competed as a finalist in the Kurvacious Model Competition 2015. Meesha Ann made her debut as an Ad Model in Queen Size Magazine October 2015 issue.

Meesha Ann is now the Fashion Editor for Queen Size Magazine.

This diva is no longer shy and jumps at the opportunity to pose in front the camera. Her confidence and bubbly personality is felt every time she enters a room.

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BUSINESS

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The Interview with Meesha Ann QSM: Meesha Ann, you are making quite the name for yourself dear. How long have you been modeling and why did you start down this journey?

Meesha: I have been professionally modelling for one year and three months; but who’s counting. From as young as seven years old I knew I wanted to be a model and when I started this incredible journey a year ago I knew I wasn’t turning back. My mother first introduced me to modelling at a very tender and as I grew older I developed a deeper love and passion for the craft. Unfortunately, they weren’t many opportunities for plus size models in Jamaica (which I plan to change eventually) to say the least. As a result I - let’s just say I tried every possible diet in the history of dieting. As you can see that didn’t work for me in long run. To be honest with you I wasn’t happy with my body. To make matters worse, I was tired of being told I was pretty for a “fat girl” or having to shop in the adult section from as young as twelve years old. After all that dieting and exercise it dawned on me that I will never be a size zero “0” or better yet a size “2” (Society’s ideal size of a model).

Surprisingly, I became okay with that. At that point I started to fall in love with myself as I strived to become a better me. My newfound confidence started to show in every aspect of my life. I was no longer the quiet shy girl sitting at the back of the classroom trying to stay unnoticed. I didn’t realize the impact that this newfound confidence had on the people around me. I know that this may sound cliché, but what started out as me trying to find myself turned into me inspiring and uplifting others. I started my journey a year ago to create a solid platform where I can not

only motivate and inspire, but to actually make a difference in the world.

QSM: I know firsthand that you are quite particular about what you will participate in as it relates to your brand; why is that so important to you?

Meesha: When I started modelling I made a promise to myself that no matter what, I will always stay true to who I am and what I believe in. I try my hardest to only associate my brand with positive and uplifting ventures. As mentioned before my ultimate aim in life is to positively make a difference in the world. I only feel comfortable working with individuals who share the same vision as I do, because in a blink of an eye the wrong message can go viral. Working with people that share the same vision alleviates the pressure of the wrong message going viral, and in the event it does I will be confident that it is in line with what I believe in and/or stand for.

QSM: Who are some of the other plus size models that inspire you and why?

Meesha: They are too many to list, but just to save space in this magazine I will just name three.

Tricia Campbell, Miss Glamour Glamour, I just love her positive and happy vibration.

Miss Campbell is a naturalist when it comes to posing; her demeanor, angles and facial expressions. She is a perfectionist at what she does and I really aspire to one day be as good as her.

Jeannie Ferguson is the “Queen of Petite Plus Models”. Don’t be fooled by her small frame because she will outwalk the tallest model on the runway. Not only is she a dynamite on the runway, but she is also a realest. She sugar coats nothing!!!! I really

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admire her blunt and honest personality.

Miss Ferguson is amazing at what she does and I draw inspiration from her every day.

Last, but most differently not least is Miss Sharon Quinn “The Original Runway Diva”!

Sharon Quinn is an icon in the plus size community, who has and continues to pave the way for models like myself. I have the upmost respect for her and all her achievements. She is simply amazing.

Sharon Quinn you are a true inspiration and I hope to one day be as phenomenal as you.

QSM: If you had the opportunity to change three things about the plus size fashion industry what would they be?

Meesha: 1. The first thing I would change in the plus size fashion industry is the array of size dynamics. I am literally a different size in every store. If we could come up with a universal size for all brands, across all stores, that would immensely save a lot time and money.

2. I feel that there isn’t a lot of diversity in the plus size fashion industry. Diversity with respect to body type that is. Not everyone has an hourglass figure; small waist with big hips. Although plus size fashion has come very far way and I appreciate the progress, but I often sense the lack of creativity and diversity when catering to differing body types. I would like to see more clothing that are flattering to different body types.

3. I am an online shopper, not because of choice, but more due to time constraint.

More than ninety percent 90% of the models I see on these website are size 14 or smaller. My two cent, if you’re catering to the plus size community wouldn’t it make better sense showcasing the outfits in different sizes? Just saying.

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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BUSINESS

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QSM: One of the things that I try to advise people is to set goals for yourself; when you hang up your heels what are the three things on your goal list that you would like to have accomplished?

Meesha: 1. Education is extremely important and I honestly think that the youth of today’s world don’t fully grasp the concept of this. Truthfully I cannot blame them for thinking that way. One of my goals is to have a one week conference explaining and exploring the importance of tertiary education and how vital it is in improving one’s lifestyle. In doing so, I would want to conclude the conference by offering scholarships to unprivileged students.

2. One of my dearest dreams is to one day walk into a store and see a portrait of me hanging on the wall.

3. Another goal of mine is to be selected to participate in Caribbean Fashion Week.

QSM: In addition to being an aspiring model, you also have a full time job and you are a full time student. May I ask what you do for a living and what you are going to school for?

Meesha: I work full-time for a pension firm in the Accounting/Finance department. I am also a full-time student currently pursing my Maters in Business Administration with a concentation in Finance.

QSM: How does your major in school relate to your modeling career?

Meesha: What I am doing in school does not directly relate to modelling as a craft. However, the business aspect of the industry is directly related to what I am doing in school. For example, simple things such as expenditure analysis,

cash-flow statements, budget forecast, business communication, contractual and agency relationships are just a few of the topics covered in school that will impact my modelling career.

QSM: Tell me more about this boutique that you want to eventually open and why. Will it be online or a physical store?

Meesha: Opening my boutique has always been a dream of mine; a store that offers the convenience of buying trendy plus size attire. I feel like there is a gap between designer and department store clothing. My boutique will aim at bridging the gap between both.

Ultimately I will definitely have an online presence along with physical stores, but for starters I will launch the boutique online.

QSM: All of this and you still have time to be our very own Fashion Editor. Tell everyone what your job is as a Fashion Editor and how it is beneficial to your modeling career.

Meesha: OMG…..Yes!!! I still don’t know how I find the time to juggle all of this; but I make it happen. If you have a passion for something, you will make time for it. It’s all about prioritizing.

The role I play as the Fashion Editor is to capture all the changing aspects of plus size fashion and to deliver it pictorially. I also cover different trends as well as give fashion tips and tricks.

Having the title of the Fashion Editor has definitely given me an avenue to train and develop my craft. Anytime I am in front the camera is a great opportunity to practice. As a model learning your angles is vital in developing ones’ craft and being the fashion editor has definitely given me the opportunity to

do so.

Another benefit is having the opportunity to meet and network with different designers and models. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented and incredible individuals in this industry who share the same passion and vision as I do. That in itself has been the greatest reward.

QSM: What advice could you share with other aspiring models that you have learned along your journey?

Meesha: This journey has been a rollercoaster. But nonetheless I have learned and grown from my experiences. My number one rule of thumb; never sign a contract without fully reading and understanding the terms of the agreement. Being new to this industry, models tend to get overly excited for every opportunity and as such sign away any right that they have or entitled to. As my mother would say, “Not everything the glitter is gold”.

QSM: Final words?

Never let society or the people around you define who you are. Who you are or who you want to be and always believe in yourself.

ALL PHOTO CREDITS IN THIS FEATURE MODEL | MEESHA ANN MAKEUP BY MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY | PHILIP DREW, PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

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MEESHA ANN | QSM

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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 101

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by NATALIE DAWN

No matter what your business is or who you do business with there is a standard of professionalism that should take place. As a business owner realize that people will always be watching and judging your every move. Why? Because you have now become a public figure and people are watching to see if they want to support your business, invest in you, or even invest in your brand.

10 common things to be aware of and thing about as a business owner: • Be aware of your appearance/image and if it is appropriate for your business • Show respect to other business owners (you do not have to like everyone but know people are watching your interactions with others) • Do not harass people. Being assertive is ok but harassing someone to invest in your business is going to far.

• Respect peoples wishes. If you are asked to stop advertising to someone, please do so.

• Ask permission before just leaving your flyers, business cards or advertisements in another establishment.

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• Keep a professional and respectful tone while communicating. Your tone is a quick way for someone to be turned off from supporting but they will make sure to tell the next person about their experience.

• Communicate effectively. If you are unable to complete a task, event, or product make sure to communicate.

•

Be on time.

• Network, meet people do not be the odd ball out. Talk to people when you have the opportunity.

• Keep your “feelings” to yourself. If you are angry or upset about something a patron did or customer. Keep your personal thoughts to yourself, they do not care about your personal financial situation, or business lost.

As a business owner there are going to be ups and downs remain calm, keep faith and keep pushing forward. What is meant for you is for you!

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Model Spotlight

Silva Gibbs Silva T. Gibbs is a Curvy Runway Model that resides on St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Silva has been modeling for the past 5 years. She has participated in several local fashion shows such as Naydia Young’s, “Vouge When the Mood is White”, Grace King’s “Winter Blue” and Kim Blacket’s Caribbean Cutie “Tribute to Michael Jackson”. The annual high fashion extravaganza in which she takes part in is Fashionista. This fashion fiesta showcases not only local designers and models but international designers and models as well. This event provides Silva with many opportunities to work as a curvy model and meet new people within the fashion industry.

She works with both young and mature individuals as a mentor and modeling coach in the areas of pageants and VI Top Spokes Model competitions. In 2017 Silva will launch the Bossy Virgins Fashion Consultants (BVFC) that will focus on mentoring and model coaching both young and mature individuals interested in pursuing a modelling career.

Silva has a passion for fashion, she strongly believes that ability is what you are capable of, motivation determines what you do, but attitude determines how well you do it.

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PHOTO CREDITS (FOR ALL EXCEPT APPLE PHOTO) PHOTOGRAPHER: DANNY N STYLIST: PEPPER EDGAR MUA: ROBERT CHEN HAIR STYLIST: ESPECIALLY YOURS WIGS SWIM SUIT DESIGNER: PASSIONISTA

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MODEL| SILVA GIBBS

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PHOTO CREDITS MODEL | SILVA T. GIBBS MUA | ROBERT CHEN HAIR | VICKI’S BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY | K. LANCE

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e b t h g i m u o y 7 Signs that When you begin looking at people like they are weird just because they say they don’t have social media accounts Let’s face it, not everyone has to be plugged into the net. There are some people that still like to keep some level of their lives private; and not just the elderly.

You use text lingo in your day to day life – One of my biggest pet peeves is when you are conducting business with people and they use responses like “thx”, using the letter u instead of typing out the word, you use GM in your email instead of typing out Good Morning.

You hashtag the hell out of everything – Sorry but if you are having a casual or business conversation with people and you just start verbally hashtagging, you might need to lay off the social media for a bit. #IJS (yeah like that)

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a i d e M l a i c o S o t d e t c i d ad You need your fix when you first wake up – I’m sorry but if the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning (before you use the bathroom, brush your teeth or clean the crust out of your eyes) is check to see what you missed on social media while you were sleeping, then you may be in need of some rehabilitation.

Social Media has to know everything first – the art of picking up the phone and sharing your good news with the most important people in your life is clearly loss. People will post their pregnancy announcements before they even tell their spouses and/or parents first. Imagine being on the receiving end of that. Also, if you are posting on social media that your house is on fire or that you are having an emergency BEFORE you call 911 then this is a sure sign that something is wrong.

Social Media has become the prayer room – people don’t believe in getting on their knees and praying anymore. They post their prayers to God on social media as if God has social media accounts as well. I mean I know God is everywhere but I feel like this is a bit extreme. If you go online asking people to pray with or for you then ok; but I don’t think this should be your source for praying to God.

You rely on Social Media for your news and weather reports – what happened to turning on the TV? With all of the fake news reports and the photshopped images out there, who wants to really rely on social media for the news?

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Rayyan Akhdar On July 19thmany industry professionals came out to witness and support Rayyan Akhdar as she launched her own independent beauty brand entitled Nayyara Beauty. During the elegant event, guests got to visualize Rayyan’s work as she had models on display, made up by Rayyan herself.

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Rayyan during Full Figured Fashion Week, where she served as one of their makeup artists. I gave her a ride home and we chatted about how she got into the industry. What I learned about her that evening was that she was ambitious and she had a plan that she intended to follow through with. People like Rayyan are who I like to work with.

Rayyan trained at Paul Mitchell the School in North Haven, CT. She has had the opportunity to work with some well known brands such as Ashley Stewart, Amber Poitier, Izavel Varela, the Underwraps Agency and Terilyn K Bridal. She has had her work featured in publications including Cover Time and Who Wore That Magazines; and now Queen Size Magazine.

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all photo credits | Jose Pagan

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BUSINESS

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