Listen, don't think for one second that just because you read Candace's Closet that I am some fashion expert! Uh not! And please don't think that I can afford designer brands---uh not! I don't not now or ever claim to be any of those things. I have to work with what I have--and to be honest it's not much but it's me!
I'm a single mother of three boys and I haven't shopped for anything for myself in months--sad I know. But there are just more important things in my life for me to focus on right now. I like to say this: I'm currently under construction---it sounds better than saying I'm broke right?
Well, either way its the truth! I am currently under construction and so is this website. This magazine of mine has been apart of my life for almost 10 years. I've birthed it, nurtured it, neglected it, cried over it, been frustrated with it---but it's still here!
Still, I recognize that nothing stays the same and everything must change. And there will definitely be some changes to this magazine. I'm going to be trying some new things just to see how it all works out. I hope that you stick around and leave a comment or two to let me know what you think of all the changes.
Candace's Closet will be a sporadic post that will appear every now and then just to talk about my wardrobe and how I put my outfits together for whatever I'm doing and where ever I'm going. This magazine has always been centered around plus size men and women because I am a plus size woman. This magazine has and always will be an extension of my life. Well, my life is changing and so will this magazine. We're going to go through these changes together.
My closet doesn't have much. It's not glamorous or fancy. It holds your typical size 18-20 and an occasional size 16 (on a good no water weight day) casual, business and formal wear. Honestly, if I have to pull something out of the closet it's a real good day. Normally, I grab some stretch pants and a nice shirt and I'm out the door (cue sad music).
I decided to go to church this Sunday, (don't ask why it's not an every Sunday thing--too long of a story) so Saturday night we prep night. I grabbed two of my favorite dresses out--one a light peach and the other a pastel pink. I've worn both several times for different occassions--church, events, weddings, and dinner. I've worn both while pregnant because their both very comfortable and easy to slip in and out. I've even nursed (breastfed) in one--quite easily actually- so these are definitely two of my go-to dresses.
Since I couldn't decide between the two dresses I just decided to move on to accessories. I really like to put together my accessories the night before because I hate to get dressed and can't find that one earring or bracelet that I feel matches perfectly.
I decided to wear pearls because no matter which dress I picked I felt like they would go perfectly. I have a good selection of pearl jewelry so I just picked out a few pieces that would go great and decided that I would pick the perfect pieces after I put on my dress.
Sometimes I can overdue it in the accessory department. I decided to pull out one of my flowers. I couldn't decide if I would put it in my hair or my dress. I ended up not wearing it at all even though you see me in the pictures with them on. After I took the picture I showed my son and he said the flower was too much LOL!! You gotta love boys--they will be so honest with you!
When it comes to shoes I don't quite have the extensive collection as most women do. I feel so crazy sometimes that I'm just not that into shoes the way other women are. I decided to go with my pastel pink pumps for the first part of the day--before and during church--and then my pastel pink sandals for after church!
May 19th, 2018 marked the 2nd annual
Black Magic Live Art Museum Event.This
event was created and put together by the Tiffney Funches and Chelsey Pough of
Isupportdreams Inc. group—an organization that creates an atmosphere for
creative expression for the youth and young adults in Jacksonville,
Florida.
Tiffany Funches spends the bulk of her day working with the
city of Jacksonville youth at the Leadership Academy formally Eugene Butler
Middle school. During this time she is
instructing her students on the importance of peer to peer learning and
teaching valuable skills such as using context clues, how to define words, how
to look up words. She also instills in
them cell skills such as personal accountability, self-management, and
attendance. She works with students that
are just out of high school on up to 25 years of age.
Children live in a world ran by adults who often forget that
they were once children. I step into
their lives as a mentor or advocate when needed. I try to empower them by teaching them how to
advocate for themselves as well as leading by example. I don’t hide my imperfections from the kids
that I work with. They see me make
mistakes, come back and apologize. This
is important because they need to know that in life you mess up, but it’s all
about how you recover from what you’ve done.”
Business partner and best friend Chelsey Pough also plays a significant role in the isupportdreams
inc. organization. They're both two phenomenal young women brought together by their passion for their communities, their crafts and the youth.
Isupportdreams inc. was birthed about five years ago in a small room in a Moncrief apartments called Palm Terrace. Pough and Funchess along with two others wondered how far they would be in life if they'd had positive reinforcements pushing them towards greatness in their creative lives. At the time the adults in their lives wanted them to do the regular-- finish high school, go to college, and start a career--there's nothing wrong with those goals but they all realized that their passions were not being molded as they should've been.
It was a conversation that would birth an organization that created a space for them to explore their creativity and empower the youth of Jacksonville, Florida to do the same. It was also how the Black Magic Live Art Museum came into fruition. The BMLAMis an event held each year in Jacksonville to showcase and show support to local black artists.
Black Magic 2 Live Art Museum Event 2018
This year’s event took place in Jacksonville’s very own
somewhat hidden treasure WonderlandJax—an establishment that was specifically
created for the artists in Jacksonville, Florida.Attendees of the Black Magic 2 Live Art
Museum gave positive remarks about this year’s location, stating that the
experience began when you first arrive.
Driving up to the location the first thing you see is a
warehouse with different compartments. You climb a few steps strategically
placed along a long wooded platform.Guests have the choice of climbing steps or taking the lift which is an
experience not all Jacksonville natives are used to but definitely adds to the
whole artistic experience.
Music could be heard from outside building, and if the HoneyDripper House and Hazelnut Grill food trucks didn’t keep you outside the
vibrations from the beat lulled you inside.High Fashion models from Jacksonville’s very own Ione Fashion ModelAgency greeted every guest upon arrival and gracefully collected tickets.
From there guests were free to explore an open space filled
to the brim with black expression.
Immediately to the left were hanging works from photographer AlfonsoJarrod.His collection included “lady in
Red” series-- a tribute to strong black women that he feels magnifies their
beauty-- and a fan favorite “Infinity Waters” a moment he captured while at the
beach during sunrise.Jarrod admits that
he loves sharing his perspective of the world through his camera lens and hopes
to start conversations with his works.
Dominic Haynes better known as Rex-D, a designer who
provided the audience with some live art using only trash bags and duct
tape.He was inspired by episodes of
project Runway and various YouTube videos.Rex-D admits that he was nervous but definitely up for the challenge.Last year’s event he presented a full
collection of his designs but stated he wanted to do something a little
different this year.He really wowed the
crowd with how quickly he was able to construct a two piece gown together.He’s looking forward to the day when he can
see his brand everywhere and dress his
favorite muse Rihanna for one of her
many glamorous events.
Alexis Harley debuted her collection of paintings named “TheMind of A”.She admits that all of her
paintings are inspired by her imagination.Her series of paintings are filled with vibrant colors but are layered
with so much meaning.Some of her
paintings speak about fear and control.Harley’s been in the art world for 4 years.She started her journey after taking an art
class during her freshman year in college.Since then she has developed a great love for artistic expression.She stated that she doesn’t really have a
style just yet but rather, just paints whatever makes her happy.She admits that she is still developing as an
artist.Harley is an artist to keep up
with because in a few years she will be more developed and will have a lot to
say with her art.
Jacksonville native, Aset is a self-taught artist who
showcases her artistry through painting.She has works that are now featured and can be purchased at Zsa Zsa
Lapree Art Gallery in Jacksonville, Florida.Aset admits that she’s only been painting for two years.Her first works were debuted at last year’s
event but since then she’s created a whole new collection that was featured at
this year’s show.Aset has a unique
artistic voice that speaks volumes about the beauty, sensuality and complexity
of the Black woman.
Attendees of the BMLAM constantly admired the works of
Kiations “Adam and Eve” three-piece set.Kiations admits that what she ended up with was not her initial vision
but the end results speak volumes about her skills.
Other artists that featured their works included
photographer Larry Key, Sonye Locksmith, Dante Jennings, FOXX, and Tavian Teage
.
The “House of Xhaos Dance & Co.” presented art in the
form of dance, Share and Seed Academy blessed the audience with their artistic
expression through song and Ebonie, Keisha and Johnakesha presented a fashion
runway show like you’ve never seen before.Most runways shows send their models down the catwalk while blasting house
or techno music, these ladies sent their fashions down with their voices.It was a great experience that allowed you to
enjoy fashion with a message.
The hosts of the evening were none other than iOne Fashion
model Takerra and Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood.LoveReigns is a poet that has been performing for over 10 years and is
the cofounder of “The Cypher” and open mic poetry event.
Along with the art and entertainment were vendors that
offered a taste of Jacksonville’s hidden treasures.Unapologetically Single is definitely one of
those treasures that celebrate the single black woman.This organization brought an array of items
that included buttons with clever slogans, journals, natural soaps, apparel,
and beauty products that are very affordable.
The Elite Group which is a company that specializes in event
management, marketing and promotions for small business clients came to show
support as well.
Many attendees had nothing but positive remarks about the
event.First time attendee Sharletta
Stephens stated that the BMLAM2 “was the best event she’s attended in a very
long time” and she was happy to have been invited.
Writer, Producer and Rap artist RIZM attended and thought
that it was awesome that black artists got together to support each other.“It was good to see that black people were
able to get together and showcase their artistry in a positive
environment.This doesn’t happen enough
here in Jacksonville. The artwork was phenomenal.”
"Enjoy the journey" those words still ring in my ear even though it's been weeks since I've interviewed Monica Davis founder and designer of Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimsuits. Her designs are made exclusively for curvy women and has graced many fashion runways and she's been featured in various magazines (check out this Essence feature). But Monica's interest in swimwear goes much deeper than a simple love for fashion.
Growing up Monica admits to always being drawn to and having a great love for the water--beaches, pools,--anything dealing with the idea of being able to immerse yourself in a body of water. She would often have the opportunity to visit the beach for "mini-vacations" with her Daddy. She says that she's always been a Daddy's girl and cherishes the moments that he could get time away from his job as a butcher to help teach her how to swim.
Monica fell in love with the water and the freedom it would bring her. She says the beach was an escape and describes it as a place where heaven meets the earth. Being in the water is very spiritual to her and a way that she can feel cleansed from life. She admits that she's had some of her best conversations with God while being in or near the water.
Monica started out working in the medical field but quickly realized that life was not really for her. When her body changed she could no longer wear the clothes that she used to wear due to multiple surgeries. She felt depressed because now she had to find swim styles that complimented her new body frame. She also has experienced some serious health issues dealing with fibroid's. According to UCLA Health, "Fibroid's are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system. They are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells.
It is estimated that between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroid's. In more than 99 percent of fibroid cases, the tumors are benign (non-cancerous). These tumors are not associated with cancer and do not increase a woman's risk for uterine cancer. Although it should be noted that obese and African American women are at a higher risk of developing these types of tumors. (for more information click here).
In most cases, fibroid's are very small. A lot of women don't even realize that they have them. I found out that I had one when I was pregnant with my son who is two years old now. But up until that moment I had no idea. I was advised that I didn't need to do anything because a lot of times these types of tumors shrink on their own.
However in Monica's case, her fibroid's did not shrink. They continued to grow. And although most people can live with fibroid's and not have any issues, some women do experience heavy menstrual periods, lower back pain, pain during intercourse, and anemia. This may not seem like a lot but when you personally have to deal with this it really does greatly affect your life.
I'll admit that I have issues with this as well and it is bothersome. I deal with heavy menstrual periods and I've always had low iron. It does indeed make you feel tired all the time. I've had to alter my eating habits and take iron supplements (which I hate) as well as take vitamins. It's extremely crucial that you stay on top of this if you experience it because our iron is very important. It felt great to be able to talk to someone who can relate to some issues that I experience but not always able to talk about.
Monica has had two surgeries because of her fibroid's. As these tumors grow they can deplete you of iron and cause you to have an iron deficiency. Monica has had two iron infusions. Having an iron deficiency leaves you tired and worn out. You loose interest in the things that you normally love. Some people confuse this with depression. Many times counselors and therapists will ask their clients to visit their physical doctor to have their iron levels check when they complain of being tired and losing interest in things they once loved.
Because of the issues with fibroid's and iron deficiencies Monica had a very tough decision to make. She had tried over the years to have children but was not successful. Unfortunately after trying a few more times and realizing that her health was not improving she made the decision to have a hysterectomy which took care of the fibroid and iron issues.
The surgeries that Monica has undergone have left physical, mental and emotional scars. But don't you dare feel sorry for her or count her out. She is a strong and courageous woman with an awesome testimony.
Because of the physical scars that surgeries left on her beautiful body Monica felt like she couldn't enjoy the Beach like she normally could and that really got her down. She couldn't find anything to wear because she had gained weight and had visible scars. So instead of feeling down about herself she decided that, "if you don't see it--create it" and I love her for that. I will always remember these words because they are so powerful.
Life will always bring challenges, trials and disappointments but it is up to us to be determined to PUSH through and persevere in-spite of! Monica started sketching designs for bathing suits for herself first. But then she thought, "hmm, if I'm going through this and feeling this way, so are other women!"
She received a lot of support and encouragement from family to go further--and that's exactly what she did. She took her sketches and designs to a seamstress who helped translate her designs to a manufacture in New York. She was introduced to a designer in Washington, D.C. who became her mentor and adviser. It took a full year of planning and traveling, praying and hard work for her to get her samples to a manufacture but once she did, doors began to open up.
Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimsuits was birthed out of a lot of pain--which most dreams are--but it
takes hard work and dedication to turn those dreams into goals and then into tasks that make it a reality. Bjuled is a sexy and flattering swimsuit line adorned with unique embellishments that features flirty, sexy, and sophisticated styles.
In September 2015, after personally presenting Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimsuits in the first ever pop-up street performances by Elucid Magazine in New York City, it was showcased one week later at The Church of Holy Apostles, presented by Elucid Magazine. Shortly after, Monica received a personal invitation to appear at the Harrisburg Fashion Week and ended the year as a presenting designer at LS 1426 Curves Swim week in Texas.
"It has been a wild ride so far and I look forward to immensely to expanding Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimsuits and making the brand available to curvy women in top resorts and cruise lines in 2017. My loyal customers should also know that I am hoping to create a ready-to-wear line that meets their every day wardrobe needs. Stay tuned!"
JoJo West is the COO of Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimsuits, as well as a professional plus size model and model coach in Miami, Fl. with more than 15 years of experience in modeling, pageantry, and dance, including ballet, jazz, and modern dance, beginning at age 5. From the ages of 10-16, she modeled for several local events in the South Florida area before taking a break from the industry, reemerging in 2012 as a plus size model. Since then, she has worked with several photographers across the East coast and has participated in several runway shows and trade shows incuding: Baltimore Fashion Week, DC Fashion Week, NYFW Plus, Elucid Magazine NY Fashion Week, Harrisburg Fashion Week and Ashley Stewart "Love Your Curves Tour".
Jojo's goals is not only to represent curvy and plus size women, but also to help women embrace who they are. As she say's, "The human form is beautiful regarless whether it's a size 2 or a size 16. Art and beauty are all about perception. Through Bjuled Couture, we are granted the privilege to create are by combining the designs with the beauty of the women wearing them."
Jojo's entrepreneurial spirit has continued to flourish, inspiring her current project of a 100% organic skin care brand that will help women feel even more beautiful in their bodies.
Before we ended our conversation I asked Monica what would she tell someone reading this who has a great idea but may be tip-toeing or hesitant to follow their dreams. This was her response: If you were diagnosed with Cancer and had only six months to live, what would you do? Would you be fearful? Would you care about what other thought or felt? Or would you live life to the fullest?
God gives all of us gifts. I tapped into my gift at the age of 41 and their are others who have began walking in their calling late in life. There is no age limit on your dreams. It's a challenge. The question is: Are you up for the challenge. Be your authentic self and follow YOUR dreams. Surround yourself with people that are on another level so that you can see what is possible in life. Don't listen to the naysayers--JUST DO IT!
Needless to say, I left this conversation with Monica so motivated! I love meeting and talking to people who have faced their challenges head on and come out successful. Monica is a very inspiring person with a beautiful collection of swimwear for curvy and plus size women. She has an amazing team of people working with her and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn more about who she is and why she started this amazing journey in the swimsuit business.
For more information on Monica Davis and Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimwear and JoJo West please visit their websites (highlighted).
Monica Davis and Bjuled Couture Plus Size Swimwear is represented by Emma Medeiros of Medeiros Fashion PR--the first public relations firm in the United States to specialize in the plus size fashion industry.
After my conversation with Monica I dug out this old poem I wrote years ago about an experience I had while at the beach.
Enjoy!
My Thoughts--by Candace Smith
I
NEED MY THOUGHTS TO GO SOMEWHERE
A
BUCKET
OR
A RIVER PERHAPS
ONE
DAY I RELEASED THEM IN THE OCEAN
THAT
WAS A GREAT DAY
FOR
MY TEARS MIXED IN WITH THE WAVES EFFORTLESSLY
AND
I DIDN’T HAVE TO HIDE THEM FROM ANYONE
I
WAS FREE
IN THE OCEANS VASTNESS MY THOUGHTS WOULD BE
SAFE
NO
WORRIES ABOUT THEM BEING DISCOVERED
THEY
FLOATED TO THE BOTTOM
WEIGHTED
DOWN BY MY WILL
AND
ANCHORED BY THE HEAVINESS OF MY SOUL
TODAY
THE OCEAN IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO ME
SO
WHERE SHALL THEY GO
THERE
IS NO SAFE PLACE AMONGST THIS DRY LAND
WHEREVER
THEY ARE TOSSED THEY THREATEN TO RESURFACE AND HAUNT ME
To read the full article please visit: http://phatabulousmagazine.blogspot.com/2018/03/jamie-lopez-babydoll-beauty-couture.html
I enjoyed interviewing and writing about this beautiful soul so much! I love her courageous spirit! And she also has an amazing team of people that are great at what they do and love making people look and feel beautiful!
Special thanks to Emma Medeiros of Medeiros Fashion PR--The first PR firm in the US to specialize in the plus size industry.
http://www.medeirosfashionpr.com/
Video Clips courtesy of: Jamie Lopez & The Babydolls please visit their YouTube and subscribe:
My grandmother owned a beauty salon. I can still remember the smells, the conversations, the heat of the dryer on my neck--that part was the worst part btw--and the way I felt when she rolled me around to look at myself in the mirror. I always felt so beautiful when she was done.
Years later, as I grew older I worked at different salon as a shampoo girl which allowed me to keep my edges laid and a few dollars in my middle school and high school pockets. I loved being there and being apart of making women feel and look beautiful. The way they smiled when they saw their reflections in the mirror was priceless and every woman deserves that--no matter what.
As an adult I've shopped around a little bit for hair and nail salons that was the perfect fit for my personality, hair texture and my pockets. It's not easy. The choices are endless and all beauticians and nail techs are not created equally. I've walked into many places, felt the atmosphere and turned right back around and out the door. I've also received horrible service by people that don't understand why a woman goes into a beauty salon in the first place.
So, we've all been there--or at least I have. I've walked into numerous salons-- hair and nail--and immediately either felt welcomed or like a fish out of water. It's the reason I choose to either get my nails done by one person or no one at all. I hate the feeling of walking into an establishment having everyone turn their head towards me, not smile, mumble a quick "be right with you" and then share words with fellow co-workers either in hushed voices or another language followed by snickers and muffled laughter. I ask myself, why in the world would I ever give you my money to be treated like you don't want to service me?
Beauty Salons and nail salons are a place where a woman go to make herself feel and look beautiful for whatever reason and whatever occasion, its a place for women to let their hair down (literally) and chat it up gossiping and just enjoying each other's company. Jamie Lopez, the owner of Baby Doll Beauty Couture knows this feeling all to well. She was inspired to open her salon which promotes body positivity because of an experience no woman should ever have.
So imagine going into a salon to get your hair and nails done only to have the chair break underneath you--in front of everyone! The horror! Needless to say, she never wanted to go back again and was actually forced to get her hair done at home. But, out of this tragedy was birthed triumph and isn't that usually how it goes? Doesn't it seem like our worst moments present us with opportunities for greatness?
It was exactly this moment that inspired Jamie to open up her own salon that would cater to women just like her--plus size and fabulous! Babydoll Beauty Couture is an all inclusive salon that caters to the full-figured woman. And to ensure that no other woman would have to endure what she had to, Jamie made sure that all of the seating in the salon is reinforced with custom made throne like chairs that holds up to 800 lbs and waxing benches--also custom made to hold up to 600 lbs. When we spoke she stated that she did this to "ensure there would be no accidents and so that her clients would feel comfortable." Jamie's been praised all over the country for creating a safe place for plus size women to go and have the opportunity to look and feel beautiful without being mistreated.
So, let me just stop right here and address a few things because I know that there are some people out there who have heard this story and many like it that would just say, "well why won't she just lose the weight?" I've been hearing this question and many other statements like it for the life of this publication. Hell, I've been hearing things like this my entire life and if it were that simple it would be done. But its not and what many people don't realize is that you cannot become the person you may want to be and then start to love yourself and treat yourself like you're special--you have to do that right from where you're at.
If you're 100 pounds to 700 pounds you still have to love you enough to care about you. This is something that many people who don't really struggle with their weight seem to understand. And some people don't see their weight as an issue--they actually like who they are--even if everyone doesn't understand it. But I do. I get it.
Jamie understands this as well, being the only plus size person in her family she grew up very confident and positive. She was even crowned prom queen in high school. She says that she always wanted to be an inspiration to her younger sister letting her know by actions and not just words that you "can do anything" and that you have to keep going in life to accomplish your dreams and goals. She really only wants to make her family proud of her and try to motivate the people around her to dream big!
The discrimination because of her weight has followed her--her entire life. She's always been interested in make-up and went to school for it. She's also worked at MAC and admits to needing a stool to work the required hours but they did not want to accommodate her. She tried standing on her own but started having issues in her legs and pretty soon they just stopped putting her on the schedule. But these obstacles only pushed her towards her destiny of owning her own salon.
Babydoll Beauty Couture started in California and with the support of family and friends did very well but Jamie had dreams of moving to Las Vegas and opening a salon there. She moved there all on her own and fought many obstacles including losing friends and having people give up on her while the project was underway--but Jamie persevered and Babydoll Beauty Couture opened and has been a success ever since. Now, she is able to create an atmosphere of acceptance for everyone.
Her team of hair and make-up stylists share her sentiments. Jose Granados is the head MUA for Babydoll Beauty Couture and he feels that the salon really "embodies the all terms all-inclusive" and that it really does cater to everyone regardless of race and size. He admitted to me that he's worked in other establishments that did discriminate against people because of their race and because of language barriers. He reached out to Jamie via Instagram and she jump started his hiring process. He's been with the company for about five months and says that he has "high hopes for the salon" and that "no one leaves disappointed" and every customer he's worked with has been "appreciative" of the positive atmosphere.
Letasha Collins is the head stylist for Babydoll Beauty Couture and she took a big leap moving from Florida to Las Vegas to join the team. She stated that the salons in Florida were "too competitive" and after she saw a video about Jamie's story and salon she was inspired to reach out. As a plus size woman she could relate to a lot of the struggles that many of us face. She enjoys making the women feel and look good no matter what it takes. She shared a story with me about working with a woman that wanted her hair color silver and how it took over six hours to accomplish the look. She was very happy that she was able to help her achieve her desired look. Collins has been in the hair business for close to 17 years and she admits that she's seen a lot in those years, but she really enjoys the atmosphere at Babydoll Beauty Couture.
Head Nail Technician Lee Jackson has an amazing story all on her own. She's a a T-cell Lymphoma cancer survivor that switched her career from cosmetology to nails because the chemotherapy weakened her bones and now she suffers from osteoarthritis, and collapsed hips. She's unable to stand or sit for long periods of time but that hasn't stopped her from doing what she loves which is making people feel and look beautiful. Lee's worked with Jamie since the Las Vegas shop opened strongly believes that people should not be bashed for their size. She admits that Babydoll Beauty Couture is a great place to work and the perfect place for a plus size woman to come and feel beautiful.
Jamie has big plans going forward, March 31st marks the 1st anniversary of her Las Vegas shop and she's planning a re-grand opening which I'm sure will be fabulous. She's also hosting a BBW Vegas night club every month and there's a TLC show in the works!
Her story inspires me so much to just live my life regardless of what others think or how they feel. It really is nothing and no one that can hold us back from achieving our dreams and goals but ourselves. It's our own fears and insecurities that keep us down. If we believe in ourselves and have faith in who we are then there's really no limitations to what we can achieve in life and Jamie Lopez is living proof of that!
*Special thanks to Emma Medeiros of Medeiros Fashion PR--the first PR firm in the US to specialize in the plus size industry.
*All photos are credited to Gerry Garcia
Contacts for Jamie Lopez and Babydoll Beauty Couture: