"To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind." ~ Pearl S. Buck
2016 has really been a whirlwind for me. In the last month and a half, so many wonderful things have happened that I am convinced this is going to be the best year ever.
I was a part of SmartGlamour's #ImFlattered campaign that went viral |
I can be seen on the SmartGlamour site (The Katie Dress) |
Me at the PLY fashion show during New York Fashion Week FW2016 (left: my friend Alex LaRosa, PLUS Model Magazine Feb 2016 cover model) |
When you claim things, speak it out to the Universe and believe, the possibilities will come. I've worked a lot on myself in the last few years after losing my dad and brother. Death can really force you to re-evaluate your life. I realized that what is meant for me will come. And if something doesn't work out, it wasn't for me. Once I started thinking in that way, it was as if a huge weight was taken off my spirit. No pressure.
I started writing articles on the community website On The Plus Side |
All I do now is work towards my goals and dreams, put myself out there more, stay humble and always be true to myself. I don't compare myself to others anymore. I also don't resent the successes of others. The spotlight is big enough for all of us to get shine. I truly believe that.
One of the best things to happen this year is a new project I was chosen to be a part of. Plus size clothing subscription service Gwynnie Bee recently launched their First Fit reviews on their site. The reviews are courtesy of everyday women (not models) offering honest reviews on fit and style of new arrivals. These women come in all shapes and sizes. It's truly size/body diversity. Not every body is the same and to me, this is an amazing feature.
Currently, I am the only woman my size (26/28) to be a part of the project and that inspires me even more, to do the best I can with this opportunity because it's not about me. It's about helping women find their best fit while shopping.
Basically, I try on different pieces and then write honest reviews on them. I have to stress that I am not styled. I usually wear black pants and flats with whatever tops I have to try on; black flats with dresses and a black tank with jackets. The goal of this project is not to style outfits. It's to show fit on different bodies and offer honest reviews to help subscribers have a better shopping experience.
It has also been an amazing experience for me since this is my first time in front of the camera in a professional setting. It has helped me loosen up and work on my poses. It has also helped me to have some fun and interact with other people. So this has not just been an opportunity to inspire others but inspire myself to get out there more.
I love being able to try new brands and it reminds me to not focus so much on the number on the size tag. It reminds me that I have to try on clothes and know my measurements. Sizing is so inconsistent across the board so this is a great opportunity to let women know if an item is true to size or if you have to size up or down.
The Gwynnie Bee folks are so great and really care about their customer. Working with them has been an amazing experience.
Believe has become my "word"; the word that sums up my life at the moment. It is something I say to myself all the time. If you believe in life, in yourself, in the unknown, in everything... that is the basis of achieving what you set out to do.
I can't wait to see what happens with Gwynnie Bee and I am so excited for what's to come for the remainder of 2016. I hope I will inspire a nation of women who are my size and look like me, to shop better, treat themselves with love and dress their bodies fearlessly. When you feel pretty and love yourself, you will want to dress accordingly. Sounds like a big, crazy dream but I am claiming it and putting it out into the Universe. I just believe.
Click here to read more about the First Fit Review project at Gwynnie Bee.
Images: Gwynnie Bee/Ferny Chung
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