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Thursday, December 23, 2010

The 24-hour Scholarship

You want to attend The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE, so here's a challenge you can't refuse... 
The PA Charlotte Team is launching the "SHARE IT" contest on Facebook RIGHT NOW!

What do you have to do?
  1. Go to www.plusacademycharlotte.com
  2. Choose any post and SHARE it on Facebook. Do this once an hour for a chance to win! (Anti-spam rules regulate how many times one can post.)
  3. Tag Tiffany Jones in each of your posts (by placing "@" symbol with a space before her name).
  4. Email plusacademycharlotte@gmail.com with subject line: "I'm SHARING IT".  Include your name and phone number to be contacted personally if you win.
How do you win?
It's simple. The individual who posts the most between before 11:59 pm on Christmas Eve wins.
  • A team is in place to tabulate the amount of your posts.
What do you win?
$600 Scholarship to attend The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE in Spring 2011.  Classes are from March 19-May 7.
How many winners?
Only 1.
Copyright 2010-2011 The Consulting Studio

Friday, December 17, 2010

Do you like us?

Well, it's hard not to with all the beautiful people involved in The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE!  But we really want to know if you do.

Would you go to Facebook.com/plusacademycharlotte and let us know how you feel?  We can take the hard and ugly truth. ;-) We sort of know who isn't feeling us.  Hey, if we were them, we'd want to be plus size models, too. Lol!

Follow us at Twitter.com/plusacademyclt.   Now, where can we find you? The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE wants to support you, your business, and talents.  Let's work together and have the plus size market take over the Queen City!

((Sounds like it's going to be fun...You won't believe what we have planned for 2011!))

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Register for The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE for only $75 down!

It's Holiday time and we wanted to give the plus size women in North Carolina a V.I.P. seat in The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE Spring 2011 class.  While you're deciding whether you should go ahead and do it (since you've been thinking about it for a while now), we're going to go over a few myths and facts about PA Charlotte.

Myth #1: The "I'm Nots" - I'm not tall enough.  I'm not a size 12.  I'm not young like I used to be. I'm not going to be able to walk in those high heels.

Fact
  • The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE will teach you how to walk in those heels.  However, students with foot and ankle issues who were unable to strut in heels were accommodated and graduated with great success.   
  • Your age is of no consequence. The Class of 2010 ranged between ages 24 and 62. Didn't know that, huh?  Now how old are you? See, you can do it. :)
  • Size 12 is not the only acceptable plus size.  We invite you to enroll if you're a size 12 or a size 28! 
  • There is no height requirement to ride this ride.  We have had students from 5 feet and zero inches to 6'1".
Myth #2: It's too expensive.

Fact: To make it more convenient and affordable, we have created a 3-month installment plan that you can take advantage of plus save $175.  
  • $100  $75 before January 1, 2011. 
  • $200 by January 18, 2011.  
  • The balance of $150 by March 18th.
Your Tuition: $425 
Regular tuition: $600  And don't forget the old adage, "you get what you pay for", right? ;)
Offer ended 12.31.2010

Myth: So once I go through the program, then what?! I'll have no idea what to do after that.

Fact: The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE is well connected.  
  • There are 10 active Plus Academies around the United States and the Bahamas which are all owned by Gwen Devoe:
  • Founder and executive producer of Full Figured Fashion Week New York 
  • Full Figured Fashion Week(end) L.A
  • The Ms. Full Figured & Fabulous pageant
  • Project Curves
  • C.E.O. of Devoe Signature Events.  
The Academy prepares you for the industry through it's classes and expert instructors to increase your personal network.  

Okay. So we've dispelled some of the most common myths and assumptions.  Now, what's stopping you?  You're shopping for all the important people in your life, trying to find something special and memorable to give them for the holiday.  But what about you?  Why not give yourself a gift that you will never forget? A gift that will not compromise how much you can spend on your loved ones but will give you more than you could ever expect.  Still not convinced that this is for you? Don't have to take our word for it.  Watch the short video below...








Happy Holidays from The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE! 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

How does 50% off sound???

Scarlett Plus Boutique has just invited The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE prospective students, alumni, and the entire Members' Lounge + 2 guests each to partake in a very special offer: up to 50% off of all merchandise in the store plus "Mystery Gifts".  The store owner, Todd Albaum, will be providing personal one-on-one styling based on your shape, as well.  This offer is good until this Saturday, December 4th!

By the way, Todd dressed me for The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE "Grand Finale" last weekend. The outfit was an absolute hit!

What time are you going?

Here's the address:

Scarlett Plus Size Boutique
Sharon Corners Shopping Center, 
across from SouthPark Mall
4732 Sharon Rd., Suite P
Charlotte, NC 28210 
704-552-7383

Sunday, November 28, 2010

You want this shirt.

We don't blame you. It speaks volumes.

Adorn yourself with an undeniable affirmation that You Love Your Figure. Even on a bad day when you're not feeling yourself, you can slide this shirt on and begin to feel your fabulousness rise to the top.



Go ahead. Get one for yourself and a girlfriend, too. 


She might need an esteem super-charge.  Hey, we all do sometimes. ;-)


Available for a limited time. Pre-order today.




"I Love My Figure" Tee



T-shirt design: 7 Figgas Clothing Company
Top Image: 
Model - Cassandra H. 
Photo by Lady Iman Photography
Middle Image:
Photo by Meet the Fresh
(Left) Kelly McGlenn, vocalist
(Center) Tip Jones
(Right) Tanesha Dixon, Motivational Speaker & Life Coach

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Tell Your Story

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

What would you expect from The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Kelly McGlenn serenades the Class of 2010 at the Grand Finale

Slam Poet, Harold Logan, salutes The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE Class of 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

Dedication to the Fall 2010 Graduates of The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE: Performance from Eliah Keaton at "The Grand Finale", 11.20.10

Monday, November 8, 2010

Don't view this post...

...Or you, your friends and family may find yourselves getting all dressed up, clearing your schedules from 2pm-5pm on Saturday, Nov. 20th, and having a blast in Uptown Charlotte partying with a bunch of gorgeous models, sampling fancy chocolates, shopping an exclusive trunk show by Plush Boutique, and being serenaded by R&B soul crooner, ELIAH.  

Hey, but if you dare...kindly RSVP at plusacademycharlotte@gmail.com.  
We're expecting you!


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Fashion101Plus.com Dress for Your Shape!

Launches January 1, 2011. Get ready for the next decade, Ladies!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Be a Quitter

You want to be a business owner, an artist, model, performer, web designer, or (you fill in the blank).   So, you've started but you can't do, find, afford (fill in this blank, too).  What's stopping you besides you? Quit feeling and being defeated.  You were created for prosperity possessing everything necessary to succeed.  At some point, you, me, we all must decide to give up things, habits, even folks in order to meet up with our destiny.  Read on...

Here are 10 tips to get you started on your "Quitter's Journey".  
  1. Quit waiting. Determine your "why's" for waiting and quit justifying them.  
  2. Quit underestimating the leverage and authority of your colleagues. It's always "who you know." Nurture those relationships.
  3. Quit delaying the return of emails and phone calls. If they call you, that's a good sign. Make it a priority to get right back to them.
  4. Quit procrastinating. Simplify your tasks by writing them down as you think about them and check them off as you run through them.  Set a time limit for each and stay off of Facebook until completed. :)
  5. Quit discussing what you're going to do and get working.  How long can you stand to hear someone talk about the business they're going to launch and the people they know, but still complain about the same life issues?  Everyone can appreciate the guy or gal who puts their hands to the plow without the need for a cheering squad.
  6. Quit relying on money as your only resource.  Money is necessary but if it's slim pickings right now, get creative.  (Actually, always employ innovation.  You'll save a bunch of money even when you're rolling around in the little green bills all over your California king size bed.)
  7. Quit doing what you've always done with the hopes of going some place you've never been.  You will have to do something you've never done to go some place you've never been.  Have no fear.
  8. Quit fearing change, it's inevitable.  What lies ahead can dramatically change your current situation.  New city, new challenges, new people.  Embrace them and walk through the open door opposed to knocking on the closed one behind you.  
  9. You're only as rich as your 5 closest friends. How rich are yours in confidence, determination, focus, funds, and spirit? Birds of a feather flock together.  You choose what (or who) you may need to quit.
  10. Quit fearing failure.  My biggest successes are the result of some incredible failures.  They teach you and prune you.  
What are some suggestions you have for all aspiring quitters to read and adopt?  Share with us and start quitting today! 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

PlusModelMag.com's Lucas Pictures Promo includes Plus Academy students!

Who's ready to take a trip to New York City with me to shoot with one of the plus industries' most talented and beloved photographers? PA students receive a 10% discount! If you are unfamiliar with Lucas Pictures' work (you've probably seen a bunch but had no idea who the man holding the camera was), visit www.lucaspictures.net. The images and his resume speak for themselves.  Ladies, hair and makeup are included.  Let's just go ahead and make a trip of it!

Day 4 was...

...both informational and really, just a good 'ol fashioned time. We laughed, learned, and played. Thank you Kera Woodard, our Belly Dance instructor. You worked us to a sweat! Ashley Owens, b.k.a "Runway B", for Straight Runway - Level 2. The students are more confident and ready for the catwalk. Chris Williams, we all want Shakeology! You gave us a 30-day challenge and we're up for it. Now let's take a peek at the "goings ons" of Day 4, The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE.

P.S.
Mark your calendars: The Grand Finale of Fall 2010 on November 20th. We will be celebrating the graduates of the program. This is also a great time for those who have been considering attending the Spring semester to learn more about the Academy. More info coming soon...

Friday, October 29, 2010

Listen, Aspiring Plus Models!

Notes from FFF Week Aspiring Model Panels

The panelist for aspiring models.

1. Aspiring plus size models "You get paid to wear the clothes not like the clothes"

2. Basic qualifications for plus model...5'8" barefoot, clear skin, size 8-18, balanced measurements/facial features

3. Tips: Say NO to bad/gold teeth, tattoos, poor hygiene, bad skin, bad attitude, face/body piercings, low energy, or crazy hair!


4. Aspiring models, when putting your book together, keep it simple and make sure it flows well!
- #sonsifffweek


1 Billion Subscriptions

Where can you find 1 billion subscriptions? YouTube.com.

Visit The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE YouTube Channel and find out how we can help get your plus modeling career jumped started! Click here.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

No height requirement. No experience necessary. But you must be at least a size 12!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Whatever happens in PA Charlotte stays in...

...and goes out into the community.  (See, ya'll were thinking something else, huh? :)

During Day 3, the students of The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE learned about the importance of "giving back".  Giving is a personal responsibility.  It's a lifestyle, not a ritual and the students are prepared to go out and support the cause of their choice.  They will make a difference by utilizing their influence to be effective in various organizations to help fill a need.  Thank you, Kenny Boyd of Give N Go, for this wonderful workshop.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Everybody loves a "wanna-be" (Lol)

Passion Always Sells

There's nothing like intense desire.  Awaking with it on your mind, unable to concentrate throughout the day.  Eating and drinking are even dwarfed by the gentle reminder of its existence.  You crave it. You can taste it. Frustration overtakes you because you are unable to experience its tangible qualities. The first time you laid eyes on it, nervousness, goosebumps, and speechlessness surrounded you.  If only you could experience it every day. Just quit your job and do it all day!

Passion.  What's yours?

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The way I think has always been so innate I never considered it a talent or gift.  At 7 years old, my third grade teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I said with great confidence and assurance, "An obstetrician like Dr. Huxtable and entertainment lawyer because Michael Jackson is going to need one.  I have to have my own practice because I don't want to work for anyone like Mr. Stone." (Mr. Stone was my mother's employer at the time and uncle to famed Oliver Stone.)

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Oh, I had promise. :) I thought a little differently than my peers.  My desire was to employ others; to come up with cool ideas, inventions, and "stuff" that others could help bring to life.  I believed I would be as good a boss as I was a thinker and dreamer.  Experiences in junior high, high school, and college changed all of that.  College freshman at 16, I majored in psychology with the goal of being an industrial and organizational psychologist.  Anything I did had to be something that the masses hadn't already glued themselves to, but my proper planning skills were no where to be found.  I believed my creative thinking skills would guide me through the quicksand of statistics and that studying was unnecessary because I was supposed to be a "naturally-born-genius." I wasn't and I never graduated.

I was told I was a dreamer and dreamers don't do, they simply dream.  I was fooled into believing that for about 10 years.  Building business ideas, planning adventures, retreats, and trips at age 13, I knew I loved creating and executing.  (Executing is doing, right? I thought so.)  The only thing that ever came natural to me (and it wasn't schoolwork despite the early graduation), was listening to someone rant about their talent and automatically developing a business surrounding their gift in my head.  I would get excited and begin asking "what if you did this or that" questions.  I was more excited than they.  I felt like a bit of a weirdo.  I guess it's similar to how an artist may feel at times.  They think in colors or maybe in music.  I think in business.

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I have launched over 5 since that tender age of 13 and conceptualized over 30 on paper in full form.  It's my passion.  It's what I would do for free if money were no object.  It's what I did without thinking so I didn't even realize it was a talent.  I remember asking my mom, who is a gospel and jazz vocalist, "What's my talent, Mommy? I can't sing, dance, or play the piano." She didn't know what to tell her sad and confused child, so she nurtured each individual interest through the years with the hope that I would uncover my passion.

Now 31, I manage three businesses and am fully self-employed doing what I absolutely love.  It keeps me up at night and wakes me early in the morning.

If what you do 40-60 hours a week is not your passion, what is it and why aren't you doing it?  If you haven't found "it" yet, ask yourself, "What would I do for free if money were no object?"  Your answer will speak volumes.  Your "it" satisfies, excites, and drives.  You've written about it, talked about it, and dreamed of it for some time.  Others recognize it in you and are willing to invest their time and money because they believe in your passion.  Education is necessary.  Skill is required.  But, passion?  Passion sells.  A stranger listening in on a conversation you have about your "it" will want to know more because of how you speak about it.  Just think about the love of your life and how you speak about them unlike anyone else you mention.  Everyone knows how you feel about them.  You're passionate.

Start living your passion, if you haven't already.  The resources are available.  Time will be made.  Begin revealing that intense desire.  It has a magnetic pull to all you need to succeed.  Work hard and be faithful.

For assistance with unveiling your "it" and/or selling your passion, please contact The Consulting Studio at info@theconsultingstudio.com.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Official Chocolatier of The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE

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Have you ever had chocolate-covered red velvet cake? How about as a lollipop? Omg is right!  Let me tell you from personal experience that it is truly an experience. Cookies, chocolates, cakes, and the amazing "Chocolate & Wine Pairing".  Are you ready to indulge? You should be.

The Dessert Specialists have just signed on as The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE's "Official Chocolatier"!  Prepare your palates for sheer decadence, dessert designed with you in mind, and outstanding service from the chef and owner, himself...Sadruddin Abdullah.   What does this mean for you?  It means you get to sniff, touch, and taste at the Open House and Finale events (and if you're a student, you may experience private tastings throughout the course. Oh, the perks. ;) You will be hearing a lot more about these culinary sweeties in the very near future.  So save room for dessert...


Learn more about the array of desserts that suit your tastebuds at www.dessertspecialists.com.  Yeah, go now!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Plus Academy CHARLOTTE Motivational Speaker Part 1

Plus Academy Charlotte Motivational Speaker Part 2

The Truth About the Brand of You

Fact #1: Nobody cares about you or your story except you and your story.

Fact #2: Your target audience simply wants to know what you can do for them.

It seems harsh but it's true. Consider how you shop.  You seek out the best sales, quality, name brand, etc.  Often we don't even care which retailer provides it as long as it's at the price we want it or the brand we prefer.  Think about how much you concern yourself with Rite Aid versus CVS or Target versus Walmart or Dollar General versus Family Dollar, Nordstrom versus Dillard's.  Not much at all. The main questions are "who has it" and "who has the best deal".

As you build the brand of "you", what are you offering to your target?  What are they seeking that you are providing or better yet, what unique attributes do you possess that they don't even know they need yet?  Personal branding has been a topic of great conversation.  Individuals attempt to brand themselves for entrepreneurship, dream jobs, and even to seek out a mate.  The question still remains the same.  As a business owner, the potential customer wants to know how your company can help them.  A new employer needs to know that their investment in training and hiring you will provide a high return by way of productivity, delegation, etc.  We all know that a new mate hopes their life will be enhanced and improved financially, emotionally, and spiritually by partnering with you.

You want to be a plus model?  There are a few hundred thousand plus size girls and women with the same aspiration and already tagging themselves such.  What makes you different?  What are you offering?  You have a nice website.  Check. You're on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, ModelMayhem.  Check, check, check, check. You're doing everything you're supposed to and so is everyone else.  What else 'ya got? Try stepping outside of the box.

Try these 3 simple Guerrilla marketing strategies*:

  1. Create your own t-shirt with a tagline (include your website). If people like it, they will buy it, and spread the word about you.
  2. Vlog (video blog) about your model training, casting call and fashion show experiences. (Only discuss the good.  Never discuss issues you had with anyone or anything. It's a small world after all and you don't want to be the bearer of bad news.  Trust me.) As you share information about your experiences, you help other models. You become a wealth of helpful information and useful content.
  3. This one will cost you a little.  Create your own iPhone application.  (Need help? Contact Helpfulnerd.com for specifics.)  Everyone loves a cool app that engages.
Now, go make a name for yourself!

-The Pretty Guerrilla

(Pssst...don't be afraid to leave a comment.  We care about what you have to say. :)


Monday, October 18, 2010

The Must-Have Text for the Plus Size Girl

It's official! The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE has gotten their hands on the incredibly popular "Curvy Girl's Guide to Style".  Author, Chastity Garner, gives you tips, tricks, hints, and straight talk in her book about dressing full-figured you. This is "the" book for plus size style!
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Literally a crash course on having fabulous style at any size, this book explores several areas of style that the average curvy girl struggles with. Dressing your body type, shopping, and much more can be found and not from the perspective of a person who has never been in your shoes, but from a stylista who has always worn your peep toe pumps. Combine this with a little good humor, a dash of tough love, and whole lot of style and you have The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style, Volume I

Grab yours now! Limited quantity. $15.00 and only $3 shipping.


Saturday, October 16, 2010

Mind-blowing Day 1

Monday, October 11, 2010

We're in "The Fresh"

Meet the Fresh, Charlotte's full-service media outlet stopped by The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE on Saturday, October 9th at Spirit Square to see what the Queen City's plus size models were up to.  

Read the story they wrote on us and check out the images.

Meet the Fresh provides on-staff video and photography services to cover your most exciting events.  

Get The Fresh at www.meetthefresh.com.

2010 SHARE IT Scholarship Winner, Christina Brown

On September 18, 2010, we launched the SHARE IT Scholarship contest on Facebook.  These were the rules:
  1. Go to www.plusacademycharlotte.com
  2. Choose any post and SHARE it. Do this once an hour for a chance to win! 
  3. Tag Tiffany Jones in each of your posts (by placing "@" symbol with a space before her name).
  4. Attend the Open House.


How do you win?
It's simple. The individual who posts the most between 9/17 and 9/24 wins.


What do you win?
FREE registration for Fall 2010 ($525 value)


How many winners?
Only 1.

Ms. Christina Brown is the recipient of the 2010 SHARE IT Scholarship.  This is the letter she wrote after attending the Open House.


I hope you got some well needed rest after the amazing event. You did such an awesome job girl. You are off the chain! There is something my mother brought to my memory when I told her about me receiving free instruction...

As a young teenager I always wanted to model and look pretty. Even to this day I love watching Project Runway just for the fashion shows and America's Next Top Model. I loved the idea of walking in front of people with total confidence of knowing, "yeah, I look good and no you can't have any of this" plus I got to wear designer clothes. Also I love being in front of the camera and posing. When I was 15 years old, weighing 260 punds, I went to this free casting in Columbia, SC for plus size models. My mother and I prayed and she said, "Lord if this is of you and it is truly your desire for Christina to pursue modeling let her be selected to learn more."  Well, I was selected but there was a fee that we were unable to pay and I believe it was around 500 dollars or more. So after that I never looked more into modeling because I thought it wasn't what I was suppose to do. Although it was my heart's desire, we didn't have the money so I believed it just wasn't for me. But God!

 
I did the SHARE IT contest, at first wanting to support you and get the word out to everyone I knew. But, I also wanted to win the contest and part of me said I wasn't going to win because I have NEVER won ANYTHING! Of course that didn't stop me from doing it though! So when you called my name (at the Open House) it did something to me that I cannot explain. For once I was actually a winner. I came out on top for the first time in my life all because I was diligent and did not give up on something I believed in. Then I win a t-shirt from 7 Figgaz Clothing Company and a custom made dress from UR Tight because I registered and my ticket number was called. I not only won one thing for the first time, I won 3 different things in one day!!

Our God is so faithful! Nine years later, he answered a prayer that was prayed by a young, broken-hearted, teenaged girl and her mother. I know my calling and I am operating in it. But Tiffany, modeling and just learning more about it from experts has been my heart's desire since I was 10 years old. And I didn't try to pursue it until I was 15 and God opened the door for me at the age of 24. 

Lastly, I have been telling the Lord I want to go to school. I want to learn more about the things that I love! I was talking about one thing but he put me in another thing!! "He may not come when you want it but he will be there right on time. HE is definitely an on time God!"  I am so excited that words can't explain what I am going through and I am still in shock of what happened at the Open House. Now I know why I went through so many obstacles and challenges before the event that tried to get me to give up, but I couldn't. I had come too far!

Many thanks to Christina for her participation in the SHARE IT Scholarship Contest. We look forward to hearing about your experience at the end of the semester.


Would you like to win a scholarship to The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE? 
Become a Facebook Fan and tell us why you should win

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Fall is in full swing and Spring is already in!

Today was the 1st day of Fall 2010 classes and we had an incredible time!  Many ladies have called, emailed, and "inboxed" on Facebook about the Spring semester.  As the Fall session concludes over the next few weeks, you can pre-register for Spring with just a $100 deposit!  Grab your seat now before the rest of Charlotte and the surrounding cities catch wind of this opportunity.  Your plus modeling career awaits...
Learn more

Friday, October 8, 2010

Watch This! The Open House Recap

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Now, SHARE THIS!

Monday, October 4, 2010

The "Thank You's"

The Open House was an absolute success.  Sponsors, vendors, and attendees alike were excited to be a part of The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE Open House.  However, the true judge of our success was none other than Executive Director, Gwen Devoe, who flew in from New York to meet the Charlotte interests.  Ms. Devoe was incredibly satisfied with the turnout, the energy, the instructors, and the venue.  (Thank God! Lol.)  (Quick plug for Spirit Square, a division of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center:  It is a wonderful and reasonable place to have an event with galleries, auditoriums, classrooms, and dance studios to accommodate even the most diverse event.  Visit them at www.blumenthalcenter.org.)  Now let's get started with these "thank you's".  So many people were responsible for the success of the Open House and will continue to use their talents to assure we have a wonderful Fall program.

Thank you:
  • Gwen Devoe for giving me the honor of Affiliate Director of Charlotte.  We promise to continue to do it big!
  • Diamond Sponsors: Sylvia Fierro of Mary Kay and Latta Jones of Latta Health for your contribution and support of this event.  It wouldn't have been the success that it was without your inclusion.  
  • Tiffany Fant, you beat the streets with me to promote the event, made phone calls, paired us with WGIV, provided sound, remembered everything I had forgotten, helped set-up and break-down, and a bunch more innumerable tasks.  Spring is about to be a blast!!!
  • Joshua Craig, owner of HelpfulNerd.com, for constructing The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE website.  
  • Wendy Brown, owner of Plush Boutique in Atlanta, GA.  In less than 12 hours, I had 2 dresses to choose from plus accessories Fedex'ed to my door.  Everyone loved the dress by Dukes and Dutchess.  The jewelry was amazing.  Let me know how I can own it all! :)
  • Kenny Boyd of Tailormade Graphics and Give N Go, Inc.  Thank you for donating your time and talent to design the fliers and business cards and for allowing us to support your non-profit.
  • Joy Randall, owner of Flawless Makeup Art, for the divine glow you gave me, my mom, and Jay Jarvis.  My confidence was right where it needed to be because I felt good and looked great. Go Joy! 
  • Wanda of Noda Nail Salon for hooking up my manicure and pedicure.  Ladies, visit the salon and ask for the "rockstar" polish. Once you try it, you will fall in love. 
  • Tanisha Fant for transporting precious cargo, Ms. Gwen Devoe, from the airport to the hotel to the venue.  You have no idea how big of a help that was.
  • Ashley Andrews, Spirit Square Operations Coordinator, for responding expeditiously to emails, confirming that we had all the supplies we needed, and making yourself available on several occasions.
  • Jay Jarvis for playing the role of my personal assistant, confiscating and answering my phone, and emceeing the event.  Like slouch socks and high tops. You rock!
  • Raymona Tanner aka Mommy for helping everyone feel comfortable, handling registration for your baby girl, and simply being a presence.  
  • Johnatha Camp of Eventions by J. Camp, for your ingenuity and willingness to work with what we had.
  • Yeng Moua for donating your time to capture the campaign, "I Wish I Was a Plus Size Model", on camera.
  • Jameka Whitten of Charlotte Style Magazine for bringing your staff to cover the event.
  • CINTHE Magazine and Andre Michael for being a part.  We look forward to the November issue.
  • Loretta Spearman and the team at UR Tight for launching your women's line at the Open House and sponsoring one of your custom undergarments.  
  • Will McGlenn, owner of 7 Figgas Clothing Company for designing and sponsoring the "I Love My Figure" t-shirts and donating to Give N Go.
  • Gerwood Shephard of Bestram Productions for recording all of the Academy's classes, events, and developing promotional videos.
  • And all of the instructors for delivering your spiels concisely and confidently.  The fullness of the program is up to us and it is clear that you all are the right choices to get the job done. 
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Today is the Day!

Alright Ladies, it's 5:13 am and I am so excited about The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE's Open House.  Let's light the Queen City up today at Spirit Square! Be there by 3pm.  Dress up those curves, paint on your MAC lip glass, and slide on your favorite pair of shoes.  Go ahead, show your thinner counterparts why they want to be you!

Friday, October 1, 2010

I Wish I Was a Plus Size Model

If we were to be transparent just for the next few moments, we might agree that at some time in our lives we looked in a magazine, saw a show, or even another woman and thought, "Man, life would be so much easier if I looked like that.  If I was just smaller, thinner, taller" and on and on and on.  We've all done it at some point (maybe not today, not even last month, but some time in our far and distant pasts we dreamed of less of this and more of that).  

For some women, full-figured especially, these thoughts were nearly a chronic condition and tormenting for that matter.  Constantly seeing beauty portrayed in size 4, 36-24-36's, 5'11", shop anywhere, where anything, go braless, whatever!  A never-ending reminder of how supposedly unattractive or rather unwanted by American standards they were.  But, today is a new day! It's everywhere.  It's all around us.  Plus Size. Plus Size. Plus Size.  The latest trend.  The newest fad.  The "we've been here, representing over 70% of the U.S. for, um, years."  Opportunities to be a part of this target market and for retailers, take advantage of this target market are becoming more and more plentiful.  It's a most appropriate time for the tables to be turned with all this fashion, media, and retail attention we've garnered.  Give it a few more months, maybe one full year and our thinner counterparts may begin sharing this sentiment...

  
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