I can believe in myself, and I feel like I'm such a strong and talented designer.
It was really important for me to create fun and trendy pieces for the plus-size market.
Once you feel good, you look good... that projects to everyone.
I'm super excited to be collaborating with JCPenney to create my first-ever capsule collection for that plus-size woman who needs that confidence and wants to be fabulous every day.
Beauty and fashion is not pain!
I have to constantly remind myself that no one is perfect and that this is my journey, and I have to be kind to myself.
You can't continue to reflect on the past.
Torrid was that company that I went to as a plus-sized kid. They're the ones that kind of got me out of my shell and gave me the confidence that I needed to experiment with my wardrobe, and they really inspired me to become a plus-size designer.
I follow a lot of the plus-sized bloggers.
I'm representing for the plus-size community and the plus-size industry. It feels amazing to be able to be the voice that we need.
It's going to take baby steps to see a complete turnaround. But there's been such a positive outcome from seeing it at Fashion Week. Plus-size fashion shows are being more welcomed into Fashion Week, and having more plus-size women in major magazines.
We should just all wear what we want.
I trust people until they give me a reason not to trust them.
Me showing my emotions... it's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of passion.
Social media is an influence but with my own twist!
Widening a garment or making it larger is not understanding the real curves of a plus size women.
I went to multiple doctors to make sure that I'm taking the right anti-depression medication and make sure that my blood pressure's okay. I found out that my blood pressure wasn't okay and that I had a fatty liver. All these health risks were coming up.
Going into the hospital for something that was caused by just being overweight really struck a nerve. I didn't ever want to be in that pain again or have another scare like that. I was like, I really need to figure out what I can do to lose weight and get healthier.
Weight loss surgery isn't going to make you lose weight; it's a tool to help you lose weight. Half of it is the surgery, and half of it is you eating what you're supposed to eat and exercising.
I was seven years old when my grandmother stated teaching me to sew, and she always encouraged me to be creative.
