Hey y’all! I’m finally beginning to recover from the amazing time that I had in Atlanta and am now ready to download all the info here. . I was invited to the Lifestyle Honors event by its founder Maui Bigelow also known as Phat Girl Fresh. An annual event hosted in Atlanta, GA that honors impactful and fashionable individuals making their mark in fashion, entertainment, and beyond. I was more than happy to attend anything that would place me in a space that encourages collaboration, empowering other like-minded women, and of course jaw dropping fashions. Before we get into the must read takeaways from LifeStyled Honors here’s a short list of the honorees.
The Lifestyled Honors Honorees
NikkiFree Wiggins an Atlanta based influencer of style, beauty, life, travel and philanthropy that has been featured in magazines like RedBook, Ebony, and Kontrol Magazine. She shares her stylish life and times as a slightly bougie black girl.
Michael Moss affectionally calls himself the male version of Maui Bigelow (the Phat Boy Fresh). Is a digital influencer championing for big and tall men in fashion on his platform @bigmanculture.
Cece Olisa probably needs no introduction for us ladies in the plus size fashion industry, but here we go! Cece is an influencer who’s motto is “Don’t wait on your weight to live the life you want.” She is also one of the co-founders of theCurvycon (by the way tickets go on sale today so get your life).
Danielle Young is a comedian, writer, producer, editor, host @Essence, and master storyteller of OUR stories. Between Danielle and Cece I don’t know who made me cry more!
Francie Maupin also known as MissDivaKurves is a model, designer, and influencer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the creator of the plus-size fashion line The Diva Kurves Collection, and the annual Swim Thick Pool Party.
Jacquelyne Teemer has made an impact on her community dating back to 2014 starting as the Economic Development Planning/Program Manager in Georgia and is now the Downtown Business Development Manager in the city of Albany, Georgia.
Nicci Gilbert Daniels is the creator of the female R&B group Brownstone. She is also the creator and executive producer of R&B Divas and From the Bottom Up. She also created the From the Bottom Up Foundation (FTBUF) which, as the foundation’s site explains, seeks to “redress inequities in services, education and awareness of critical issues facing women and girls of color. FTBUF will seek to provide support and access to services that enhance the mental, physical and financial health & wellness of minority women and girls in need across all socioeconomic statuses”.
This event blew my mind and brought me to tears because so much of what was shared through the introductions, acceptance speeches, and the runway shows resonated with me. I know it will resonate with some of you as well. So here are 5 key takeaways from LifeStyled Honors that will leave your heart full of joy and inspired to continue doing the good work here on Fro Plus Fashion.
5 Takeaways from LifeStyled Honors
There’s Room For Everyone, No Room for Competition
Cece Olisa drove home the point that there’s no such thing as over-saturation and competition is not necessary to be successful. Amen?! Don’t be discouraged based on the fact that what you want to do has been done before. Instead see that fact as proof that you can also do it and thrive.
Take Up Space Anyway
One of the first things that Danielle Young expressed through tears as she accepted her award was “I play in spaces that don’t welcome me…Don’t sell your self short. Go for it!”. I felt that to my core. As a black woman often times we are the only black individual and we just have to work twice as hard for anything. It may seem like our voices don’t matter and the work we are doing falls on deaf ears. Don’t be discouraged. Stay motivated and pursue your passions and dreams.
Explore and Support Indie Plus Size Fashion Brands
In between the honor presentations, we got to see fashions from indie designers like Livi Rae Lingerie, Arden’s Closet, Curverra, and The Diva Kurves Collection. Let’s just say that the fashions were fire, and I have my eyes on a few pieces from each collection.
Arden’s Closet Layered Ruffle Ankara Skirt Plus Size Mesh Organza Top from Curverra Livi Rae Lingerie Lingerie Set
Support Our Plus Size Men
When plus size women began demanding more fashionable plus size options, plus size men with style began to make their needs known as well. There’s still a lot of work to be done from a representation and provisional stand point, and we need to support our plus size men like Michael Moss.
Maui is That Chick
This not so much a takeaway as it is the BIGGEST THANK YOU I can express to Maui. Her brainchild, Life Styled Honors, is truly an impactful and essential event that I would highly recommend others attend. She is the epitome of women’s empowerment and making a mark in your community through sharing your truth. If you don’t know Maui, please do yourself this favor and follow her @phatgirlfresh to get to know her.