Tag Archive | Q & A

“The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day” (Celeb Spotlight): CoCoa Brown of the Tyler Perry Sitcom, “For Better or Worse”

Jan3

For the past month or so I’ve been hooked on the new Tyler Perry sitcom, “For Better or Worse”. Mainly because of one actor in particular. The always outspoken and funny “Jennifer” played by actress and comedian, CoCoa Brown. “For Better or Worse” is a spin-off of the movie, “Why Did I Get Married?”. The character Jennifer is a salon receptionist and always has advice for the ladies while they’re getting their services done. You can so relate to the Jennifer character because it seems like almost every salon across America has a Jennifer in it. So after watching the show for weeks I decided to reach out to Ms. CoCoa. I’m so glad I did too, come to find out we’re both native Virginians and she attended college right here at VCU. That instantly gave me inspiration that you can make it no matter where you’re from. So I got a chance to get to know CoCoa a little better with a Q & A session and here’s what she had to say:

I see that we are both fellow Virginians. Was it difficult for you to be discovered here? If so, how did you end up finding fame?
 I actually started my comedy career in Washington, DC. I had recently graduated from VCU and took a job offer in the DMV area. I was there about a year when I was approached at a BBQ held by Tom Joyner Morning show personality Chris Paul’s home, by his manager Pop Thomas, to host a night at the now defunct Comedy Spot comedy club. There I was “discovered” by my mentor, Darcel “The Fat Doctor” Blagmon and was given the tools and wisdom to become a “real” comedian. 
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
 I would have to say working with Tyler Perry and being part of the Tyler Perry family on the TV series “For Better or Worse”.
Do you prefer a career in stand-up comedy or acting?
 If you had asked me this question a few years ago I most likely would have said stand up, but after working consistently over the past year with Tyler Perry and various other TV series, I now wholeheartedly say acting! Its something about being able to tap into various characters and make them your own I find extremely fulfilling. 
How did you get the role on Tyler Perry’s new series “For Better or Worse”?
 I saw the breakdown for the role and asked my agent could he get me an audition. At the time the character I felt most connected to was loosely based on the Jill Scott character from the “Why did I Get Married?” movie franchise. I got an audition while in Atlanta working at the Uptown Comedy Club and auditioned for the role. After many months of patiently waiting I was told that I got the part and the part had been rewritten especially for me. I was ecstatic!!! 
Can you relate to your character “Jennifer” on the show? 
 LOL! Of course! Who doesn’t know a Jennifer! or have a little (or a lot) of Jennifer in them. I’m not a single mother but I have very good friends who are and I was able to talk with them and build my character on their experiences. But Jennifer is loyal to her girls and her family almost to a fault. She is a “ride or die” friend, lover, sister and Mother.  She’ll have your back but will tell you bout yourself all at the same time. Every woman should have a “Jennifer” in her life. 
Your character Jennifer is such a snazzy dresser on the show and really represents that the “woman with curves” can be fashionable. In real life, what is your fashion sense and is it similar to Jennifer’s fashion taste? Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
 Almost everything they put Jennifer in on the show, I would wear. I believe you can be classy and sexy at any size. If you ask my husband, my fashion sense is “pure diva”, never without my heels, but I like to break it down with sweats and Nikes too. I believe your personality and swag make the clothes, not the other way around. My favorite places to shop are Ashley Stewart, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s and Lane Bryant. But I’ve also found some cute pieces in Target and Wal Mart. Like John Witherspoon says…You gots to coordinate!  
What are your future plans or projects that you’re currently working on?
 Well my plan for the immediate future is Motherhood. I am expecting my first child, a boy, in the Summer, and this I know will be my very best accomplishment! I also will be launching my own show, “No Cut Cards with Cocoa Brown”, on the Foxxhole station on XM/Sirius satellite radio in the later part of January. I also will be teaching a virtual stand up comedy class on the web via Ustream, tell help young, up and coming comedians learn the “true” business of this game. I also have a re-occuring role on the new Cedric the Entertainer sitcom, “Cedric” coming to TV land hopefully by the Summer. I am still touring as a stand up comedian and people can find out where I will be by following me on Twitter at cocoabrown22 or on my website, www.cocoabrown4life.com.

You can catch CoCoa Brown on the TBS sitcom, “For Better or Worse” on Friday nights at 9pm

www.cocoabrown4life.com

The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Alysia Joy Powell”

Dec27

A couple of weeks ago there was this guest on “The Wendy Williams Show” who caught my attention.  She was vibrant and outspoken and had a sass that was undeniable. I liked her TV presence right away. Then when she gave one of my fave plus-size retailers, “Ashley Stewart”, a shout-out, that sparked my attention even more. Come to find out her name is Alysia Joy Powell of the new hit movie, “The Sitter”. I immediately reached out to Alysia for an interview and she politely agreed and made my day. So ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Ms. Alysia Joy Powell, whom I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of on the big screen soon……

Alysia hails from Los Angeles. Born of parents who met at an acting class, it was no wonder that she would have the gift. Some of those gifts are acting, singing, writing (poetry and screenwriting), stand up comedy, directing, and producing. She’s had a career in Film and TV including credits like: Desperate House Wives, a reoccurring role on Everybody Hates Chris, Scrubs, NYPD Blue, and The Shield, just to name a few. Four years ago, she got a deep passion for all things more true and cultural. That’s what brought her to NY and she has been on her grind ever since. She, now, reigns as the Two Time Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion. Alysia was in the amazing stage production of “Who Is A Virtuous Woman”, directed by the fabulous Wendy McKenzie and is in the 20th Century Fox Film, The Sitter with Jonah Hill  and is working on a One Woman Show. Alysia, Just finished shooting “Excuse Me For Living” with the talented Tom Pelphrey from Guiding Light, Dick Cavett, Robert Vaughn, and Chistopher Lloyd, and is work- shopping at The Gotham Comedy Club with her stand-up skills. Did I mention, she has a beautiful jewelry line called My Diva-Tude. Please enjoy my Q & A with Ms. Alysia Joy Powell.

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How did you get discovered in the acting world?

I grew up in the business. I wasn’t allowed to play, though. My parents met in an acting class. My Dad had a career in acting and I was his riding buddy. I went everywhere with him. I wanted to sing, act, and write. On movie and TV sets, on location, the theater, etc. I soaked it all up. I wrote plays when I was little and put them on at my school. Lol. My parents forbade me from doing anything more or deeper than that. I think my Dad was afraid for me to enter the entertainment business. It’s funny how God can bring you full circle with your gifts. I started out in my late 20’s singing Gospel and singing back up. I then started my own management co. I managed gospel artist with a business partner. It was after that that I had a calling to go into acting. A friend called out of the blue and gave me info to an acting class in the San Fernando Valley. Did I tell you, I’m from California. From that class, I got representation. My first gig, was a Co-starring role of The Shield. It’s been 14 years in the business for me. Perseverance is everything. I’ve been in NY for 5 years, now.

What has been your most challenging role yet?

I would have to say, working on Virtuous Woman.  Wendy McKenzie of In The Wink OF An Eye cast it and directed it. I fell in love with this stage play because the characters were so rich and deep. I had to dig real deep for that one. The Trailer is on You-Tube.  I regret that we didn’t take that show on the road or Off Broadway. It deserved a good run. The ensemble cast was so tight. It’s rare to be able to have a cast that is so equally talented and bring so much to it. That was the one that got away.

Do you feel any pressure from Hollywood being a full- figured woman on the big-screen?

I have been very blessed in my career. I have never been asked to lose weight or the change.  Actually, the opposite. I’ve have been told not to change. I can’t speak for everybody, but I think if you’re comfortable in your own skin and you’re fabulous being you, what could they say. If you don’t know who you are, they will try and come up with something for you. I’ve had to say “No” a couple of times and had to turn down some project because it wasn’t right.

How did you land the role in “The Sitter”?

The old fashion way, I earned it. Lol.It was funny. I had a manager, at the time, that submitted me for  the role opposite me that was a larger.  I auditioned for it and did my thing but it didn’t feel right. Soon after that, I went to L.A. I still have my agent in L.A. He called me and told me he submitted me for this movie in NY. I told him I was in L.A. He said, I had better get my butt back and I did. I went in for the role and it just fit. The director was in the room. After I went through it twice, the director said,” OK, put down the script and give me something. “ I’m good off the top of my head. When I left there, I thought I had it but I didn’t hear anything. It was a month later that my agent called me and said I had it.

First, the script was very well written but I had a whole slew of curse words to say. So much so, I had to get an acting coach to help me. Needless, to say, I must not have been too convincing because they edited it all out. Lol

I recently saw you on” The Wendy Williams Show” and you shouted out clothing store Ashley Stewart. What is your fashion sense and what are your favorite stores?

Well I’ve been collecting fabric and designing wardrobe since I was in high school. I want to have my own clothing line one day. I, currently, have a jewelry line. I like to pattern styles from the 20s-30s and 50s- 60s. I love I Love Lucy for the fashions. I have a couple of designers in Brooklyn that I work with. My dress for the Red Carpet for The Sitter was a Monif C dress. But I, also, shop at Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. It has to be something that can fit my curves and looks good. I’m not the trendy type. I like to set trends and have all eyes on me when I enter a room. Somebody’s going to say, “ where did she get that!” 

What projects are you working on for the near future?

I have a lot of irons in the fire. Some things on the acting side, producing and film packaging side, my jewelry, my stand up, writing, and I’m working on a One Woman Show. I am taking meeting and choosing very wisely.

Follow Alysia at: http://facebook.com/alysia.powell

Here’s the trailer for “The Sitter”: http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-sitter/trailer-2

 

The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Tiffany Bank of the New Plus-Size Fashion Reality Show, “Big Sexy”

Aug12

 

Today’s “Curvy Girl of the Day” spotlight goes to none other than Ms. Tiffany Bank. Tiffany will be one of the new cast members of TLC’s new plus-size fashion reality show called, “Big Sexy”, airing on August 30th. I first blogged on this new venture last week, and today I have an exclusive Q & A with Tiffany.

I first met Tiffany in 2009 here in Richmond when she came down to do the “Tropical Divas” fashion show.  We have since run into each other at different events in New York from time to time and she is always a pleasure to be around. (Not to mention the fact that my son was a major flirt with Tiffany one time when they met, lol). I know if you follow me on twitter and facebook that I have been constantly talking about the “Big Sexy” premiere but I’m just so excited for this project. I hope that it has a really positive outcome and that each one of my readers will support.

Now on to a little more about Ms. Tiffany. Tiffany Bank is a plus-size model, actress, host and writer/producer.  She has modeled for brand names such as Liz Claiborne, Elie Tahari, and DKNY.  Tiffany has walked the catwalk for designers including Monif C., Ashely Stewart, Abby Z. and Lane Bryant and department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.  Tiffany has appeared in Obvious Magazine, Manik Magazine,  Igigi.com, All You Magazine, Newsweek.com, TV Guide, NY Daily News Entertainment Section, WE Television, The Tyra Banks Show, and Sex and the City 2.  She is currently a regular contributing writer for PLUS Model Magazine and is pursuing acting and hosting.  Check Tiffany out on the new TLC series, “BIG SEXY”, airing Aug. 30th at 10pm.

 (Above)  The cast of “Big Sexy”

Q & A with Tiffany Bank:

“What was your experience like working on Sex and the City 2?

It was such an amazing experience to be on set with the whole cast of Sex and the City 2.  Getting to chat with all the girls was mind blowing to me and I never thought in a million years I would be working on set with actors that I grew up watching.  It was inspiring and surreal!

 

 

You are also a contributing writer for “Plus Model Magazine”, how do you juggle acting, modeling and writing?

I’m honored that I get to be apart of such a great team at PLUS Model Magazine and Maddy, my editor, is an inspiration to me so it’s awesome.  As far as juggling all three, well, there just isn’t enough hours in the day.  *laughs* I love what I do and I love learning.  I try to make time for everything and invest wisely but I admit it gets challenging at times.  But, I’m having fun so I welcome the challenge ;)

 

How were you chosen to be a part of the new show, “Big Sexy”?

I auditioned for them and they kept asking me back for interviews and ta-daaaaa!  Here I am! *laughs*

 

Do you feel you will get any negative flack from doing a plus-size reality show? if so, how do you handle naysayers?

I think anytime you put yourself in the public eye you will get criticism.  That’s a given.  I’ve read a couple interesting comments on blogs but overall the reaction has been really positive.  I don’t mind the negative feedback because it’s expected and I think that maybe if those people take a chance on us they may be pleasantly surprised.

 

What do you hope for other curvy women across the world to be able to take from the show?

The girls and I had reoccurring discussions about how important this was for us to represent curvy women in a positive light so I hope that at least one woman feels inspired to liberate herself and do what makes her happy. 

 

Do you have any advice for aspiring curvy models on how to get signed with an agency such as Click who you are represented through?

Do your homework, be prepared, invest wisely and never give up.  I realized that things *never* come easy or quickly and you just have to have a lot of patience.  And, oh, remember to have fun!  

 

Do you have any other upcoming projects that you are working on?

I have an editorial coming out and a few other things that I will announce on my website and fan page very soon :)  Thank you SO much for your love and support!!!

You can find me at: 

www.tiffanybank.net

twitter.com/tiffanybank

facebook.com/tiffanybank

FFFWeek™ Fashion Front Spotlight: “The Curvy Girl of the Day: Tricia Campbell”

Apr18

TODAY’S “CURVY GIRL OF THE DAY” SPOTLIGHT GOES TO, MS. TRICIA CAMPBELL, OF NEW YORK CITY. BORN IN MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA, TRICIA CAMPBELL IS A FIRE STARTER. SHE IS A SASSY, SEXY, INTELLIGENT TRAILBLAZER. TRICIA IS CURRENTLY A CROWD PLEASING PLUS-SIZE MODEL, THAT DEMANDS HER AUDIENCES ATTENTION.

SHE HAS GRACED THE PAGES OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE, GLAMOUR, SISTER TO SISTER, VIBE MAGAZINE, PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE, ALMOST FAMOUS MAGAZINE , FIGURE MAGAZINE AND MULTIPLE FASHION BLOGS.

AS ONE OF THE BUSIEST FIT , SHOWROOM, AND COMMERICAL PRINT PLUS SIZE MODELS. HER WORK SCHEDULE VARIES AS A MODEL. TRICIA MODELS FOR DIFFERENT FASHION DESIGNERS/COMPANIES, AMERICAN RAG & THE JESSICA SIMPSON COLLECTION TO NAME A FEW.

TRICIA IS ALSO A ALUM MODEL FROM THE FAMOUS “BET RIP THE RUNWAY” FASHION SHOW FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS. ALSO JUST ADDED, SPOKES- MODEL FOR THE GENIE BRA. TRICIA SAYS,  ”THE SKY IS NEVER THE LIMIT! REPRESENTING PLUS SIZE WOMEN IS MY FULL TIME JOB AND I LOVE IT. “ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE THE RULER OF YOUR OWN DESTINY”.


I’VE SEEN TRICIA FIRSTHAND MODELING IN SHOWS SUCH AS THE “JUST MY SIZE” SYMPOSIUM IN NYC LAST OCTOBER AND DURING LAST YEAR’S “Full Figured Fashion Week™”. SHE BRINGS SUCH FUN AND EXCITEMENT TO THE RUNWAY WITH HER BUBBLY PERSONA. I ALSO PERSONALLY HAD THE HONOR OF WORKING WITH TRICIA LAST YEAR DURING THE SPRING SEMESTER OF “THE PLUS ACADEMY VIRGINIA”. TRICIA FLEW DOWN HERE TO VIRGINIA TO BE THE INSTRUCTOR FOR MY VERY FIRST CLASS, “PLUS MODELING  101″. TRICIA WAS SO SKILLED IN HER CRAFT AND OFFERED THE STUDENTS VERY VALUABLE INFO AND KNOWLEDGE. UPON FIRST GLANCE YOU CAN HELP BUT NOTICE HER STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO SINGER JENNIFER HUDSON. BUT HER PERSONABLE AND SWEET PERSONALITY WERE AN EXTRA INCENTIVE TOO. THE ENTIRE CLASS WALKED AWAY WITH A NEW OUTLOOK ON THE PLUS-MODELING INDUSTRY. 

My Q & A with Tricia:
How did you get discovered in the modeling business?
I got discovered in a unconventional way. After graduating from the fashion institute of technology with a bfa in fashion design. I started working for E S sutton as a assistant fashion designer. While working with that company the sales reps and sometimes the owner of the company would ask. “Tricia can you throw this garment on for the buyers”. I was doing showroom and did not even know it. This reminded me of the old days when I started modeling at 13 years old in Jamaica. When I attended modeling and dancing classes every Saturday where I learned how to walk on a runway, do turns and posing. I even entered Miss Jamaica but got booted because I was too young. When I migrated to NYC my main focus was college. Plus I did not know of plus size modeling. So I asked E.S Sutton’s fit model Susan bishop for some advice. She told me to go for it. What do you have to loose. You are beautiful you should try plus size modeling. I researched all the modeling agencies that represented plus size models and off I went. I attended all open calls in NYC. Finally 2 agencies said yes click model management and Msa models. 
What was your very first gig?
My very 1st professional gig was doing a showroom event for Fashion Designer Randolph Duke for his QVC line.

How was the experience of walking the runway at BET’s “Rip The Runway”?   Do you feel that show opened new doors for you?
The experience of walking the runway at BET’s “Rip the Runway” is just priceless. I get to showcase the 2 out of the 3 things I just love doing. Walking fiercely and dance-posing on the runway. BET “Rip the Runway” did open some new doors for my career. I got to network with great fashion designers, celebs and industry insiders. The best part you get to show the world that plus- size fashion and models are here to stay.


What tips for success would you give an up and coming new plus-size model?
My advice to up and coming plus size models. Time management is everything. Learn your craft, being a full time plus-size model requires both beauty and brains. This is a business. Get a good AGENT+ CPA .
Remember you are paid a lot of money to represent the plus size consumer,so you must embrace your healthy curves.
Do you feel exercise and being healthy is still important as a plus-size model? If so, what is your regime for being so curvy and fab?
Yes exercise and eating healthy is one of the main requirements of being a plus-size model. These 2 components gives you energy, keeps you toned, let’s your skin shine, and mostly it helps prevent certain sickness. Also has a full time fit model you have to keep your measurements the same. 

My regime is just keeping up with work! In one day I can be walking/running all over Manhattan going to fittings, go-sees, auditions or maybe a photo shoot or doing showroom. A long with that I still try to make it to the gym. I attend crunch gym. I take hip hop twice a week, cardio tai box twice a week and strength training with low -weights once a week. Plus I have a personal trainer at home my dog harry who I walk with 3 times a day. I am also a wholefoods foodashionista. That’s how I keep curvy fab.
In addition to being a model in the upcoming Full Figured Fashion Week™ finale show, what are some of your other ventures planned for the future?
My goal is to have my own fashion design company. I want women to know and love my designs because the fit flatters their curves. I want to be a brand like my idol Iman. Clothing, accessories, cosmetics tv hosting, more spokes-modeling gigs. Currently I am working on my blog www.fullfiguretv.com and of course my website. See you on the Runway at Full Figured Fashion Week™

For bookings contact 
www.msamodels.com
212-944-8896


The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Kasia Pilewicz of ‘America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 16″

Apr5


My “Curvy Girl of the Day” spotlight goes to Kasia Pilewicz of Season 16 of “America’s Next Top Model”. Kasia Pilewicz made a pretty big splash on the internet last January when she was one of the plus-size models featured in V Magazine‘s Size Issue in a photo essay titled “Curves Ahead”.  In that issue Kasia immediately stood out to me in that gorgeous leopard bodysuit. I said to myself, “Now that’s how you flaunt your curves”. She has also been featured in Seventeen, Glamour and I’m proud to say that as the Fashion Editor of Skorch Magazine, we even featured Kasia on our October 2007 cover. Kasia has walked many runways including that of New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park and has been featured on talk shows such as The Rachel Ray Show, Live with Regis and Kelly and E News. You may have even seen Kasia in major campaigns such as Target and Macy’s. Well I had a chance recently to personally get to know Kasia a little better and I wanted to share that interview with you all today. Enjoy!

 

Watch Kasia on ANTM:

___________________________________________________

My Q & A with Kasia:


How were you discovered?

“I used to get stopped and told all the time as a teenager that I should be a model, but my parents were always skeptical of the business.  Since I was OBSESSED with fashion pretty much ever since I was born though, they finally gave in and let me go to some open calls in Chicago when I was about 16 or 17.  I did a little local modeling, but my parents made sure I focused on school first.  I was already 5’10” but my baby face always made me look years younger than my age, so in the beginning, I didn’t get much work in my market because I looked too young (believe it or not!).”


What has your experience on ANTM been like?

“My ANTM experience has been amazing!  I mean, it’s so MAJOR to have an opportunity to work with top industry people and for this kind of exposure.  It’s been a dream to fit this much experience into a matter of weeks, and to be able to work with top photographers, designers, stylists, models, hair/makeup artists, the list goes on and on….

I am one lucky girl <3″


How would you describe your fashion style?

“My style is eclectic, random, classic with a twist, mix of high/low, and constantly evolving.  It makes me happy :) “


Where are some your favorite stores to shop?

“I love H&M, Forever 21, Bloomingdale’s, Urban Outfitters, Vintage Shops (love Allan & Suzi in my neighborhood; so many great ones in Chelsea), Thrift Stores (Housing Works has some treasures), those random boutiques you find in NYC, Top Shop, American Apparel, Nars, Sephora, Space NK, OMG….I think this list could go on for quite a while….”


What projects are you working on at the moment?

“I am working on the all-encompassing “Project Kasia,” lol!  We are not allowed to be doing much modeling work until the show is finished airing, so for now I’m testing more to stay sharp and to continue building my book.  I’m in ongoing acting classes, which really benefits both my modeling and acting careers.  I’m working to keep my mind and body in good health and good shape.  Every day I’m planning many more goals for myself, and I’m trying to take steps to start working towards them.  With all I’m working on, hopefully you’ll be seeing me around for a very long time!”


Has being a “curvy girl” ever affected you in a negative way?

“I have had my share of negative criticism for being a curvy model.  I believe some people think the fact that I’m a model gives them permission to criticize anything that’s not “perfect” about me, but honestly, I’ve always thought flaws make the person more beautiful and interesting.  How boring would we all be otherwise?  Slowly more and more people’s views of beauty are expanding, and I can only hope that I have a small part in helping to open people’s eyes and hearts to that.”


What made you even want to get into modeling?

“My love of fashion and performing made we want to get into modeling.  I love being in front of the camera, and I have loved it ever since I was a little girl.  I was extremely shy growing up, but something would flip and I’d come alive when there was a camera on me.  Combine that with fantasy photo shoots, unbelievable clothes, to die for hair and makeup…and I knew it was my dream job!”


What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in modeling?

“I think my biggest accomplishment thus far has been getting on America ’s Next Top Model at this point in my career, having already experienced a lot in the fashion industry, and really already making a name for myself as a high-fashion plus size model.  This is not an easy feat, and I’m really proud that all my hard work is getting me on the path that I want to be on…

There’s always more to be continued….”


 

Watch Kasia in action:

 

For Bookings, Contact Kasia at:

http://www.kasiapilewicz.com

http://www.facebook.com/kasiapilewicz

http://twitter.com/kasiafierce

The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “R & B Singer Gina Rose”

Oct12

Below story is via an article I wrote for  www.skorchmagazine.com:

 

GINA ROSE is one of the fastest growing entertainment entities in the Washington Metropolitan area and beyond. Classically trained, she charms audiences with a distinctive, soulful voice and a performance that ranges from R&B, Hip-Hop/Soul with the subtle inclusion of a little Neo-Soul. She has performed on the National Television show ‘Showtime At The Apollo’, won two DMV Entertainment & Music Awards for ‘Best Female R&B Artist’, and has shared the stage with and opened for National Recording artists such as Total, Avant, and Marsha Ambrosius. She has performed up and down the east coast and at major events around the D.C. Metro area including: The National Council of Negro Women’s National Black Family Reunion, The National Black College Expo, and Marvin Gaye Festival, to name a few. Her song “Dark 2 Light” is featured in the independent film ‘Misunderstandings’ for Washington, D.C. based Ideal PR Films, alongside National Artists including Chico DeBarge, and Teedra Moses. Aside from being a vocalist, Gina Rose is a songwriter, vocal producer, and the owner of her own publishing company, DAS1 Music Publishing. Always acknowledging that her talent is God-given, she cites her influences as the ‘Divas of R&B Soul’: Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, and Teena Marie. Gina Rose takes from the best and gives her fans nothing less.

 

For more info, visit:
www.reverbnation.com/ginarose
www.twitter.com/msginarose

 

 

Gina’s Top Ten Things:


1) Store to shop- Torrid: I love their trendy clothes. It gives Plus-Size women the option to wear alternative styles of clothing in all kinds of bold colors and patterns.


2) Plus-size model- Mia Tyler: I really love the funky edge that she always seems to bring out in her photos and on the runway.


3) Favorite restaurant- P.F. Changs: They have some of the best oriental cuisine I’ve ever tasted!


4) City to travel- New York City: There is always life and a crazy energy in NYC that you can’t get anywhere else. Being there makes you feel like you can do anything in the world!


5) Color- Blue: I love all shades of blue-maybe it’s because I’m an Aquarius. I must be drawn to my water sign color! :)


6) Car- BMW: Right now I am loving the new BMW Alpina B7. It is hot! It’s a nice size and gives a sporty look without looking ‘too sporty’. I can see myself cruising in one of those for sure!


7) Hairstyle- ‘Big Hair’: I love big hairstyles-Curly, wavy, or semi-straight with a hot swoop. ‘Big Hair’ just reads DIVA from a mile away in my book.


8) Fall trend-Leggings: It might sound like an old trend, but I say Leggings are a crucial necessity in my wardrobe. I can pair them up with just about anything-I can dress them up or be casual in them and still feel sexy and stylish.


9) Blogsite- www.bellastyles.wordpress.com: I really love the way Bella Styles gives the world all the latest trends, do’s & don’ts, and tips in fashion. It’s especially great to get a different perspective on what can enhance a Full-Figured Woman’s appearance from a professional stylist!


10) Music: Gina Rose- I take pride in loving my original works of R&B/Soul. There is no greater gift than being able to express myself through music and touch others in the process!

 

 

-Interview and Styling by Bella Styles

Photographer: Derek Lewis of Inkspots  Dzigns:   www.isdpix.com

 

My interview with Glen Johnson of Full Figure Plus

Aug10

I recently did an one-on-one interview with Glen Johnson of Full Figure Plus. Full Figure Plus is a blogsite that entails alot of information for plus-size women from a male point of view. I thank Glen so much for this spotlight and be sure to check out his site, www.fullfigureplus.com. Here’s the interview…..

  

Today you are going to get a chance to meet Bella Styles, stylist and entrepreneur extraordinaire. I have known about her for some time but only recently reached out to get to know her a bit better. In the continuing 10 question  series you get a chance to get to know Bella. Enjoy.

  1. Where do you call home? I currently live in Richmond, Virginia but travel very often to various places for fashion shows and events.
  2. Did the name Bella Styles come up before or after you started a blog? I got the nickname Bella as a youngster as sort of a joke but it kinda stuck with me through the years. I have always been stylish so when it came time to decide on a business name I combined the two to form “Bella Styles.”
  3. Why did you decide to start your blog? This past May I instructed one of the classes for The Plus Academy VIRGINIA and realized on that day that I have a lot of information and insight to give to people. I have always re-posted informative bulletins on Facebook and Myspace but that day of class is what made me realize that I need my own platform to share all my valuable info. I started my blog on my personal website, www.bellastyles.net, in May but recently had to move the Bella Style’s Blog to WordPress because I had so much content to share. I feel so blessed to have such a large following and for people to really appreciate what I do. I just reached over 10,000 visitors this week and have only been on my new blog url for almost a month
  4. Who are you looking to reach with your writing?  I aim to reach plus-size women who may not know how to or feel motivated enough to be fashionable and stylish. My aim is to be a positive example of how a woman with “curves” can look great and be “model material”. Unlike what mainstream media wants us to believe. But I also blog on straight-size fashions, modeling auditions, beauty items, celebs, savings & designer inspired looks, children’s fashion, recipes, traveling and more. So there’s something for everyone!
  5. How did you come to be a writer for SKORCH? It was from my constant informative bulletins and pictures that I frequently posted on Myspace relating to plus-size fashion and events that Jessica Kane, Owner of SKORCH, contacted me to become the Fashion Editor. I know alot of people have their reservations about social sites but if you market yourself correctly, these platforms can open many doors. You never know who’s watching your page!
  6. What exactly does a stylist do?  A stylist is someone who assists a client who may not have time to shop, the fashion knowledge to know the trends or a client who may be a little insecure about certain things. I almost become like a sister or BFF to clients once we start shopping & trying on different looks. Although I always remain professional, you have to “really” get to know the client in order to learn their style, fashion sense & body type. A stylist also helps models on photo-shoots with their looks. We may see the little things from afar that you yourself would overlook.
  7. Is it different styling for plus size women? Yes, there is a major difference from styling straight-size women. Firstly, there aren’t as many mainstream stores that cater to plus sizes like they do straight-size women. (But hopefully that’s all about to change). The stores that are dedicated strictly to plus-size women are shopped at by “every” plus-size woman so you’re likely to see yourself replicated if you don’t really style an outfit correctly. So it’s really a time consuming task. I personally have found out recently that there are alot of very “stylish & upbeat” fashion lines from the UK that cater to plus-sizes. So with that said, I have to allow for the extra time for the shipments to arrive. Next, curvy women’s body shapes are so different. You have to make sure that they are wearing the proper “foundations” underneath their clothing in order for the garments to look presentable.
  8. What challenges do you face styling plus sizes?  As I just stated plus-size women have to wear the proper foundations under their clothing. I often find that some curvy ladies are in denial about themselves and don’t want to wear Spanx or a Girdle. They don’t seem to realize that when you go on set for a photoshoot ‘everything’ must be proportioned and presentable. This has been my biggest challenge styling a plus-size woman.
  9. When did you know that being a stylist was what you wanted to do? When I was in middle school I always was the one who took chances with my fashion. I never let my size deter me in any way. I felt “model” in my bones back then. I was blessed enough to be able to frequent NYC so I always came back with unique stuff. I would wear the bob wigs and MCM bags before anyone down here in Va knew about them. I always liked to be ahead of the crowd and trends. It came so natural to me but I realized that some women really struggle with fashion. So once I became grown and went out into the workforce I was always complemented on my attire. People were constantly asking me, “Where’d you get that outfit?” or “How’d you think to put that together?”. It sort of became an ego booster and I said to myself, “Why not get paid for my advice?”. Therefore back in 2005 I developed my company “Bella Styles Personal Shopping & Fashion Styling” to assist others with my talents.
  10. From a stylist point of view what did you think of Full Figured Fashion Week™? Well I didn’t arrive to NYC until that Friday but the buzz allover the internet was already wild. I went right into a panel discussion where we discussed the business side of the plus-size industry. But for the actual finale show I have to say that I was “wowwed’. Never have I gone to a plus-size fashion show where all the clothing I can say that I wanted to go home with. This was my first time really seeing “curvy couture” looks. I would have thought the designers were Jean Paul Gaultier & Givenchy if I didn’t know better. It gave me such a thrill in my stomach to see beautiful, well put together models and designs on the runway. You could tell that this was a “production” and not just another show. I have been dreaming about this day for awhile and I think that mainstream fashion lines will open their eyes to “curvy ladies” on the runway thanks to Ms. Gwen DeVoe’s vision.

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