Thursday, December 3, 2015

Artist Spotlight: U'Asia Cowan Creator/Designer of TU2'S By UU



What started off as a mom who decided not to buy store bought gowns for her daughter's pageants, has turned into a hometown success story! Born and bred in Paterson New Jersey, U'Asia Cowan has risen from the ranks of "Pagent Mom," or "Stage Mom" to bonafide business woman and entrepreneur.    Tu2's by UU has quickly become the favorite of many who want CUSTOM MADE PAGENT GOWNS,TUTU'S, and any other complementing accessories to make the event your attending memorable. Ms. Cowan's favorite tagline is "If you think it, I can make it!" Some of you may be doubtful of that comment, I however am NOT! She's made an entire skirt from light bulbs...LIGHT BULBS! That actually light up (without an extension cord,lol)! How many people can say they have the craftsmen ship to do that?

From first hand experience, I've seen the most creative, out of the box, just plain "damn why didn't I think of that!" Custom tutus and gowns created by Ms. Cowan. U'Asia has been in the design business since the early 90's creating detailed peices for special occasions, such as proms and weddings. I've witnessed the depth of her talent during the launch party for my debuting novel THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA. I personally extended an invitation to Ms. Cowan and her plethora of models ranging from children, to THICK AND SWEET to present peices of her summer collection. The show DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The models gave audience members a WALK FOR THE GODS, and wowed us with the range of precision, style, focus, and ability of each and EVERY one of them. 

But fashion isn't U'Asia's only passion. She also gives of herself unselfishly as a mentor for children in the city of Paterson. Serving as a modeling coach, drill team coach, booking agent, talent coordinator, ShayShay Productions Team member, and teacher for the Paterson Public School System Ms. Cowan is a "JILL OF MANY TRADES" I wonder how this multifaceted diva finds enough hours in a day (lord knows I need to borrow some, lol)? U'Asia Cowan is an inspiration, we had a conversation not too long ago where I had told her that when I get in a bad head space and talk to her she gives me the push I need to keep going, and all she said to me was "THAT'S WHAT I'M HERE FOR." How amazing is it that someone could have so very much on their plate as far as life is concerned and still make room to give encouragement to others? ASTONISHING! I count myself as lucky to be in her tight knit group of friends. Today Ms U'Asia is our ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT! Please give this queen her crown! 

**FOR CUSTOMS DESIGNS PLEASE SEARCH TU2'S by UU ON FACEBOOK!

TU2'S by UU FASHIONS:













Sunday, September 27, 2015

Artist Spotlight: Full Figured & Fierce Model Martina Knight- Boyd

With a model walk & pose for the gawds, Martina Knight Boyd has taken the Youngstown Ohio plus fashion scene by storm!

As a plus size model Martina has dedicated herself to the encouraging, uplifting, and empowering of plus positive body images; while being determined to make positive changes in her community. Such dedication to helping others resulted in the organizing of a benefit concert for the less fortunate with her husband. Martina is an accomplished model, actress, singer, and spokeswoman for the Lupus Foundation; who has worked with an array of full figured brands to hone her craft and gain experience that will allow her to further pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. Her work with the Angel of Avay Agency helped to share her experience in other parts of the country and learning the importance of dedication, hard work, and working with different personalities. 

Martina continues to grow her bodies of work by tireless becoming involved in local full figured events throughout Ohio. These events include Majorly Loving Me Fashion Show, modeling for a locally based radio and t.v. ads, has starred on an indie film in 2014 called NO MORE UGLY JESSICA, and she has hosted the an event for Saving Our Women Domestic Violence campaign. 


When she's not performing in making appearances, Martina is working on a CONFIDENCE & BEAUTY Campaign for the clothing line called AYENIE which she has cofounded in is the currently the face of the brand that is debuting some time this year.

Using her entrepreneurial skills, along with her yearning to lend a helping hand to all who are in need Ms. Boyd spreads her personal message of confidence and beauty to all of the major U.S. fashion cities that promote the beauty of a full figured women. 

As a modern day Jane of all trades there's nothing this size sexy woman isn't capable of, whomever said big girls can't do it better surly haven't met Martina! As a plus size writer it makes me proud to see my sisters doing what's in their hearts to do and achieve with absolutely no apologies for who they are, or what they look like. Full figured women aren't beautiful because of our personalities, we're beautiful because we simply are! Bookings and contact info for Ms. Knight-Boyd below!

ENOUGH TALK, STRIKE THAT POSE!












Links:
Twitter: @marty3176
Intagram: martinaknightboyd

DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD PLUS SIZE NOVEL: THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA ON AMAZON.COM



Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Diary of a FAT Fashionista: The Unlikely Leading Lady



The Best friend, side kick, the DUFF; these are the type of roals available for full figured actors and actresses, or is it? Once upon a time, Hollywood headliners were actors that reflected real life situations, but not reall life people in their actor portrayals in most major motion pictures and network TV shows. The executiveives reluctance to cast plus size stars and or co-stars unless they are the witty, funny, sarcastic, confrontational, non romantic, and less attractive side kick of a more popularized personality has caused the more curvylicious to be more determined than ever to break those stereotypes.

Everyday I am amazed by how far the Full Figured Community has come. Starring and co starring in ore and more major TV series and motion pictures catapults the curvy figure into being more accepted Than in years past. 
Let's examine the facts! More and more plus size  actresses are joining the ranks of prestige by pursuing
and creating memorable characters that appeal to all audiences. On the 'Big Screen', we have Rebel Wilson; who not only takes back her power by calling herself 'Fat Amy', she continuously asserts her power by embracing who she is regardless to the people that are around her, she maintains her own sense of self and doesn't take herself too seriously, but allows herself to be comedic and in that she keeps the momentum in the movie going. 


The next actress that has become the trendsetter for acting while PLUS is Gabourey Sidibe, making her acting debut in movies like Precious, Gabourey has broken doors that have stood so long that  they've begun to rot. Showing range In her acting ability she has transition from dramatic roles, to comedic rules such as the character she played in Tower Heist, to A mix of both the dramatic and comedic when she co-starred in American Horror Story Coven, and her most recent role as feisty assistant Becky in Fox's TV hit drama Empire. 


Another one of my favorite curvy actresses is America Ferrera. She brings a wonderful, spicy, Latin twist on what it is to be curvy and want to be taken seriously in the industry. From starring in movies such as real women have curves, America inspired me to embrace my curvy figure in not to be ashamed, or embarrassed by it watching that movie gave me The courage not to care what people thought about what my body looks like. Starring in movies like, our family wedding America has shown in that movie that curvy women find love and get married too. We are regular women and we have the same goals, aspirations, and hangups as any other woman in the world.

We can't forget the legends!

Actresses such as Queen Latifah, Monique, Ricki Lake, S. Epatha Merkerson, Kathy Bates Jennifer Hudson, Nikki Blonsky, Kirstie Alley, and Tamala Mann have all shown me that it's okay to be the size that you are in the industry that you're in and be successful beyond your wildest dreams. They also showed me that it's okay to be a little silly and not take yourself so seriously, just as long as it does not inhibit the integrity of your work.

What about the TV networks?

In my growing up, it was normal to NOT see anyone like me on TV. Much like not seeing a race similar to yours (something to relate to), I began to have an obscure view of what was deemed beautiful, intelligent, and worthy of being taken seriously; which is exactly what I feel like the network executives of the past wanted. As time progressed, so did the expectations of the audience they sought to contain. In this era, new TV series's were born that project real life people, scenarios, and relationships.  Ushering in this new era are shows, books, and movies like:






















I can't wait to see more PLUS POSITIVE entertainment through these different media outlets in the upcoming new seasons! 

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