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:

The Plus Size Poll! On The Come Up

Hola, Beautiful People! This is the first time I'm introducing The Plus Size Poll to Fashion Plus, I usually post my question via Instagram (www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom) but I thought that the question I'm going to propose to you needs more air play than the few seconds of spotlight on Instagram. With that being said, I know that some of you guys in the plus industry can relate to attending events and trying to figure out which ones are worth your time, which would you would most benifits from, and which one will afford you the best connections. If you have, this is your chance to address your feeling in the matter.

Question: Do you or would you attend any events related to your industry regardless of if it would benifits you or not? Are you selective about events you attend that are hosted by entrepreneurs on the come up?

**Please leave your comments below! Also LIKE and SHARE so that we can get a well rounded response from like businesses.**

Are you on the rise?

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Zaftig Diva's #Confident #Beautiful Tee Shirt Line: Interview with Creator & Designer Mary Leandra

I absolutely love meeting new people, and that includes budding entrepreneurs like myself.  Recently,  I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Leandra, an up and coming diva with a mission to promote self love, appreciation, and worth among full figured women. I love the idea of a woman who is taking control of her choice to believe in herself and abilities, despite the mainstream pushing their perceptions of beauty on us (the public) through what's presented in mass media. Through our correspondence I've learned of how she wanted to expand her Facebook group Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line. This is a huge step, let's see what Mary has to say...


1. Who is Mary Leandra? How did you come up with the idea for Zaftig Divas as a company?

She is a plus sized woman who was born and raised in South Texas.She has overcome and conquered the struggles that are associated with being a plus sized woman. She has gained confidence and boosted her self-esteem by realizing how beautiful she is and the fact that society does not make her.The idea for Zaftig Divas as a company came about my constant sightings of women on social media degrading themselves by posting provocative pictures to get reactions from men I just hate when women feel the only way to feel sexy or beautiful is if a man tell them because most of them are not looking at you as a person but as a piece of meat and it’s your fault because that is how you sold yourself.   I mean there is nothing wrong with someone complimenting you, but it should be an extra perk because you know how beautiful you are.


2. The name Zaftig is rarely heard of, what made you choose that name? Also, how does it represent you and your brand?

Zaftig meaning- a pleasantly plump figure; full-bodied or well proportioned woman.

I chose the name “Zaftig” because I hate being classified as a “BBW”, because around 1979 it was originated to be used in the context of a “Fat Fetishism” and I just could not stomach that.  Also, the words thick, curvy, phat etc, are overly used in the Plus Size community and I feel they are used more as a sex symbol than signifying who you really are. “Zaftig” represents me and my brand because I once was that “Zaftig” woman who lacked confidence and low self-esteem. I can now use my past experience to uplift these divas and help them grow, so they cannot let anyone define who they are.


 3. Expanding your brand, and perusing different venues to do so is commendable. What made you decide on expanding into a Tee Shirt line?

As some may know, Zaftig Divas started as a group on Facebook that promotes self-confidence and boost self-esteem in plus size women, so they can grow to love themselves for who they are and not how much they weigh.   I decided to expand Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line because the more you see, hear or say how beautiful you are the deeper it will sink in your mind and release that confident inner Diva in you.

4.  What separates your line of tee's from other companies? How do you come up with unique phrases? What is your favorite phrase?

I think what separates my line is I am using my shirts as billboards to share affirmations.  As stated earlier, you will start to believe what you see, hear and say the more it is presented to you, like that song you can’t get out of your head. I try to create my phrases based the opposite of what you think of yourself.  For example, “I hate my curves” will be “I love my curves”. I want women to put on my shirts and say, “oh yea, I am beautiful, I am confident”, and when other women see them in my shirt they will think the same. My favorite phrase would be my Signature tee, “Zaftig Divas” because it will be the first step to admitting who you are and it has that reminder of who you are with the definition of Zaftig on the back of the shirt.

5. Who or what inspired you?

What inspired me was a female who told me she lives her life through me. She was a plus size woman who was not confident enough to wear that Yellow pump or those Purple skinny jeans, so she got life by watching me do it. From that moment on I wanted to help women gain my confidence and self-esteem.That is how my group “Zaftig Divas” was born.


6. In fashion, what colors and styles are available? Do you have tee shirts with phrases unique to the season?

As of right now I will start with White Tees and work my way to other colors once I start receiving feed back on what the Divas want or like. I am very big on input from my Divas. Yes, I am planning to create phrases based on seasons and holidays, so stay tuned

7.  Do you customize tee shirts? What are the size ranges?

Unfortunately, at this time I do not customize the shirts but plan on implementing it in the future. I will carry sizes XL-4X depending on the style of the shirt.


8. If I asked you to design a tee for me using your own creative license, what would you design for me?

For you Dominique, I would have designed my “Hash Tag Tee” for you. #Curvy #Beautiful #Smart #Confident.

9. Where can we find Zaftig Divas Tee Shirts? And what are any other social media outlets?

You can find Zaftig Divas tee shirt line on zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.We can also be found on instagram @zaftigdivas and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/zaftigdivas. As of a week ago, I also have a Zaftig Divas public page where I will be promoting Zaftig Divas tee shirt line and other plus size events, it’s accessible to anyone.

10.  What is in the future for Zaftig Divas as a company and brand?

There is a lot in the future for Zaftig Divas. There will be a Curves and Confidence Boutique, Beauty Within Plus Size modeling agency, non-profit organization, book and a couture clothing line. Stay tuned!

There you have it a woman on a mission to succeed in the plus size fashion industry by making her own rules, while creating and reaching her goals. This interview has left me with so much hope for the plus size industry as a whole. While being a difficult arena to break into it has created a wonderful platform for young artists and entrepreneurs to grow, flourish, and most of all make great relationships with other people who understand that passion you have in this particular market. Please support this beautiful this diva to reach her ultimate success by visiting www.zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.

Stay Beautiful, Confident, & Sexy!

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