The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE: 08/29/10

Friday, September 3, 2010

YMDezign joins The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE Team

Charlotte photographer, Yeng Moua of YMDezign, has just joined the team of instructors for the Fall 2010 semester of The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE. As aspiring models learn proper runway techniques, Yeng will be their personal paparazzi at the end of the training catwalk.

Having a skillful photographer to capture that perfect pose and the essence of the designer's garment is imperative to a model's portfolio and the designer's impression on buyers.

Yeng Moua is that photographer.

Learn more about YMDezign here.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact Information:

Lakamar “Lucky” Austin

PR, Plus Academy Charlotte

Direct/Mobile: 980-226-1891

lucky@jswmediagroup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Plus Academy Announces Grand Opening in Charlotte N.C.

Empowering Women to be Fabulous at Any Size

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 2, 2010) - The country’s leading training and development academy for the curvy woman is debuting in Charlotte and will host its open house in the heart of the Queen City. On October 2, 2010 notable modeling instructors, top fashion industry professionals and aspiring plus size models alike will gather at Spirit Square (345 N. College St.) in celebration of The Academy’s newest venture. Open house begins at 3 p.m. and is free to the public. The Plus Academy Charlotte will provide aspiring full-figured models with hands-on experience to kick start their modeling careers and learn the business of modeling from the ground up. A team of 12 top professionals experienced in the plus size modeling market will conduct classes and workshops to help models take their careers to the next level. Tiffany “Tip” Jones, most recognized for her appearance as a finalist on Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance (The Oxygen Network) during its second season, is the Director of Plus Academy Charlotte and will be overseeing day to day operations at the academy. Gwen DeVoe, Executive Director of The Plus Academy, Founder of Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) and CEO of DeVoe Signature Events will make a special appearance in Charlotte during the open house to meet with prospective students.

“The aspiring plus models of Charlotte deserve the professional instruction that has led to the successful careers of many of the faces we see in Lane Bryant ads, Avenue ads, Monif C. ads, and on popular shows such as BET’s Rip the Runway. The Plus Academy is the elite training camp for models who desire to be recognized not only locally but nationally,” says Tip Jones.

The Plus Academy Charlotte will debut its fall 2010 Semester on October 9, which will span for seven weeks. To take advantage of early-bird registration and to read the detailed course descriptions, visit: www.plusacademycharlotte.com. For media inquiries contact, Lakamar Austin at 980-226-1891.

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About The Plus Academy

Gwen DeVoe, CEO of DeVoe Signature Events has risen to international prominence recently for creating and producing the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week in New York. Featured in the finale fashion show were models whose careers have been shaped by training through Gwen Devoe's Plus Academy, the country's leading training and development academy dedicated to plus size women.

Since 1999, The Plus Academy has provided unsurpassed training and guidance, helping to launch the careers of several plus models, many of whom have appeared in print ads, runway showcases, television programs, online magazines, designer showcases, pageants and more. They have also offered a variety of personal development and lifestyle workshops for plus size women and pre-teenagers. Gwen has expanded her Academy to reach plus size women on a regional level.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

She's Got the Look

Essence magazine has been on to something for many years with its annual spread of 40+, 50+, all the way up to 90+ year old beauties. Bringing awareness to the longevity of one's beauty has given many hope for their futures of agelessness. It's amazing what a little encouragement from a photographic image can do for another person's self-esteem. TV Land's "She's Got the Look" is a modeling competition show seeking beautiful, sophisticated, and confident women over the age of 35. Unfortunately I have not been surprised by their secured focus on the typical, straight size model. With all the gorgeous sizes 12, 14, 16, 22, 28 women over the age of 35, or even 55, they have missed out on an enormous market of women with class, style, grace, and appeal. But The Plus Academy has not. Bea Bynum (image on left), is beautiful, super-stylish, and has never modeled a day in her life! We won't tell you her age but we will tell you that her oldest child is nearly 40.

I met Mrs. Bynum last week at Scarlett Plus Boutique in Southpark. Her mane of silver, natural hair grabbed my attention at first and then I zoned in on all her fabulous jewelry. I thought, "Let me find out who her agent or manager is so I can get her in front of a camera ASAP." So you know I was baffled when she informed that she had never modeled. Nevertheless, she was excited about the opportunity and I was ecstatic. On Saturday, we got together with Kehinde Photos. With very little coaching, 30 minutes, and a strong 90 degrees worth of NC summer heat, she rendered the image you see. Mrs. Bynum said she had great fun and looks forward to doing it again. She will be at the Open House and plans to register for the Fall 2010 semester.

The Plus Academy CHARLOTTE is inviting you and the women in your life: mom, aunt, sister, grandmother, cousin, co-worker, and neighbor to join us at the Open House on Saturday, October 2nd, 3pm at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, to meet us, learn about the Academy, and pre-register for Fall 2010 classes.

Beauty is ageless. Show it off.

Photo by Kehinde Photos