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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The Golden Globes Vs. The Golden Rule

Picture this; it's the day of The Golden Globes, your either walking the red carpet, taking pictures, or viewing at home. All the stars that graced the carpet with their appearance are posing in their designer tuxedos, suits, and dresses. And coming into view is plus size, black woman known for her portrayal of an overweight teen from a film made in 2009. She is wearing a gown made by a designer who traditionally doesn't make outfits for plus sizes. The gown doesn't flatter her figure (not even a little bit). What do you do? Talk about her like everyone else, bashing the outfit choice?  Or perhaps you should try to dig a bit deeper?

ON FIRST LOOK:

YES! The best thing I can say about the dress is that the color was the only choice about it that worked   For Ms. Sidibe. The rest as most of you know was not a complete disaster, but more like hard on the eyes. It showed all the problem areas instead of masking them, the fabric was unstructured and sort of hung on her body instead of draping, and lastly, there was no use of control under garments to hold all a woman's jiggly bits from jiggling. While, all that is true you are missing the 'Golden Rule' of all press related events. ALL publicity is good publicity! 

ON SECOND LOOK:

When you look closer what Ms. Gabourey Sidibe actually did is make sure she will continue to be employed for the next upcoming fiscal year. How? I'll explain. Who was the most talked about person on the carpet? Who is being talked about in all the blogs? Answer: Gabourey Sidibe. 

Oops! I did it again!

Has anyone noticed that every time she makes a 'Red Carpet' appearance she is either praised or ridiculed?
Also every time that happens she is in another movie, tv show, or guest staring on shows like Project Runway. Not bad for a woman that a critic once said that the only role she would be good for is one similar to the 2009 movie Precious: which is based on the novel Push by
Sapphire. 

Gabourey should be looked at as exactly what she is...A business woman, who told everyone through a tweet that she will be crying (sarcasm, of course!) in a private plane on her way to her dream job (I'm paraphrasing). So basically she uses all the negative attention as good press to keep her name, talent, and above all BRAND relevant. KUDOS! That's smart thinking on her part. Not only that; she brought recognition to a designer, whether it be negative or not it is FREE PUBLICITY. Like I stated earlier ALL publicity is good publicity because it keeps a person relevant. 

The infamous tweet

As far as Melisa McCarthy is concerned, she look good in her dress; though she
played it safe by wearing black. Everybody knows that EVERYBODY looks good in black, and that black is a fat girls best friend. Also, the only reason why she was mentioned is to compare her to Gabourey Sidibe because they were the only two heavy set women attending the event. Even with the comparison Gabourey still received more press than Ms. McCarthy.

Ok, it may not be as strategic as I see it; but it doesn't change the fact that it's all relatively TRUE! An actress considered to be a ONE HIT WONDER is proving herself to be a working, professional. What can the critics say to that? I say, ma do your thing!  I will continue to watch your movies, tv shows, or whatever; just like everyone else. But, try to stay away from the unflattering dresses! Show that haters how a big girl can really dress! I don't care how big my rolls (of fat) may be, they will be the SEXIEST rolls ever to grace the pages of a magazine, movies, show, or RED CARPET! 

As always stay BEAUTIFUL, CONFIDENT, & ABOVE ALL SEXY! 

Leave any comment below.

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The Diary of a FAT FASHIONISTA: I don't have anything to wear!

Hello! Lovely, Fluffy, Divas! In the Confessions series we addressed plus size lifestyles that included careers, love, relationships, mental, physical, & emotional aspects of being FAT in a skinny world. In this series, were going to focus more on the journey plus size women take through fashion and coming into their own. Though it's talked about all throughout this blog, this series will be geared for women like myself who have a hard time staying on trends, keeping up with the seasons must have 'IT' item, and everything in between due to the fact that we are slightly heavier than the more solid plus size women. In other words, we might have a little extra in our tummy pockets then other women. This is for the extra meaty sistas of the world, I got you!

I've been going through my closet trying desperately to find something different to wear; The worst feeling in the world is to realize you have absolutely nothing or that you've worn everything in there at least more
than a dozen times. What's a girl to do! Ok ladies, I'm not the only fluffy woman who's thighs rub and because of that your pants start to show wearing in that area; so I know the pain of having to fix a good pair of pants because of it. Also, we truly get tired of mixing and matching the same items over and over. If any of you are like me and crave variety  then we know the same old wardrobe just won't due.

So, whats a big girl to do? First things first, 'New Year' new revelations! Use your connections or make some if you don't have any. Be a little more friendly when going into a store to make a purchase. Become friends with the sales people, in doing that you will find out when new items are coming in; or when something goes on sale. These people will become your fashion insiders; telling you what you need to know.

Next, though you may know this already shop clearence, not just any clearence ALL clearance. We all have our favorite spots to shop, but try to branch out. Go to stores you wouldn't  normally go to find a deal. Basically be more flexable, just because a store doesn't traditionally sell plus sizes doesn't mean they don't have wardrobe pieces that can work with you style. for example, I use to avoid J.C. Penny like the plague because what they offered in plus sizes was hiddious! Some garments fell apart in the wash, lost color, or stretched out. Because of that i stopped shopping there, now I visit a little more often and stick to  the items I now would look good, fit, and above all LAST! I will never find a a pair of pants there to fit me, but at least I can find a good, inexpensive top. 

Finally, ladies we have to get over the fear of the dressing room. This is the place nightmares are made of. I remember when I use to be so scared to go into the dressing room and be disappointed that my heart would pound has I opened the door. Dramatic? Yes. The truth? Hell yes! I don't know if I've completely gotten over the anxiety, but I do know that I've learned how to not let it strike fear in me.

Have you taken something in the dressing room and you were sure it would fit or that you would look good in it, only to find out that it doesn't even come close to what your imagination thought it would look like? Yeah, I've done that too. So, whats the point? How is this going to help you? I'll tell you how. Try not to be upset by the fact that whatever the item is that is doesn't flatter your body, recognize the fact that your found out in the dressing room and not at home, work, or a night out. It's the worse when your busy throughout your day and you have a wardrobe malfunction. So, think of it as saving you from spending money that would be better spent on something that would actually look good. 

ARE PLUS SIZE WOMEN VAIN?

Ladies, lets face it. Although we are plus size we are very vain in a way when it comes to letting the world know that we hold ourselves at a high standard even if they don't. We view it as a shame if your plus sized and not well maintained, in that we may try to squeeze into clothes that have long stop fitting; THIS MUST STOP! In our vanity, we refuse to see that though we're plus size weight has been gained making the size were are, become the size we were. Stop buying things in your old size in an attempt to save face with the fact that your maintain your size instead of growing out of it. Try making positive changes in your diet. Look, I'm no nutritionist but I have the same problem and I try to make healthier choices as to not grow out of my clothes. We all know the bigger you are the more money the clothes cost, but allowing your muffin top to take center attention over your personality, style, and essence of being is a far

bigger crime. 

I'm not therapist, but I call it like it is. I talk about things that have happened to me, or I've gone through myself. Shopping isn't always a quick therapy session, but if your going out to the malls to find something to wear; don't bring baggage with you. If you do, all you will bring how with you is more baggage than what you had the first time. Let the weight of finding something to wear go (no pun intended) in order to find something that fits. 

Stay plus size, sexy, and confident!

Please leave any questions or comments below!

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Press Play > : Plus Size Club Wear

Hi Beautiful People! Have you ever had  a ladies nght planned, or an amazing date night at the club with your honey only to discover that your club clothes are either don't fit or out dated? The worse part is that it's probably too late to run out a buy something. So, what do you do in that situation? I'll tell you what will happen; you'll most likely put on something cute that you've worn before, pair it with a new piece of jewelry or shoes that no one has seen you in yet, and get the stepping. Am I right? I know I'm right because I would the same thing. 

I also know that in the back of your mind your hoping that no one remebers this outfit, though thats impossible because everyone notices when a curvy or plus size girl wears something new. Its difficult for us to buy just anything to wear to the club or anywhere else for that matter because it leaves too many unknowns on the table. Unlike the curve-deficient ladies of the world, we have to worry about if our tops rolls up, the pants being too tight at the waist giving the wearer a burning sensation across the stomach because the denim is cutting into your skin, blouses that stick to back rolls, skirts that can roll up exposing thighs, panties, and much more if you know what I mean! It's hard out there for a big, plus size, or curvy girl to maintain our sexiness with all that craziness going on! So, I've attempted to make it easier for the pleasently plump divas; you know who you are! 

I've looked at some popular curvy retailers and found some great picks PRESS PLAY > CLUB WEAR!

Do you have a favorite retailer not mentioned? Tell me about it in the comments section below! Happy shopping Divas! 

From Torrid:

LANE BRYANT:

ASOS CURVE:

SWAK DESIGNS:

WALMART:

DEBS SHOPS:

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Fashion Plus's Holiday Wish List: Dominique's Picks For The Perfect Gift!

Happy Holidays Divas! This time of year we are all running around trying to prepare for family visits, party planning, traveling, shopping; all while still working, taking care of our families, and trying to maintain our sanity. With all this hectic activity going on we lose sight of ourselves. Instead of taking a breath; we take off top speed in order to get all our tasks done. In preparing for the holidays,we attempts to cater to others by giving them what they want; while not getting what we want or need. So, beautiful people we are taking the day off. Set some time aside for yourself. Get a drink, take a hot bath, or maybe spend some sort of alone time with your own thoughts. While, your taking that time to yourself try and figure out what it is you want Santa to bring your for Christmas. Here are some of the thing I will be asking Santa for when I take a seat on his knee this year!

This first thing I want is a Sexy Photo Shoot! Sometimes being a mom, and budding entrepreneur I get stuck in a routine. Its easy for me to throw on anything to run an errand or not care about what I look like. I want this photo shoot to remind me that I'm always going to be a sexy plus size diva, no matter how crazy my life is.

The next thing I would love is to be able to finish writing and publish my book that I've been working on for years. I love full figured novels, and become inspired by other authors. But I too want to be apart of this elite society and write about all the things that are in my heart.

Next, is a Dell Inspiron Ultrabook with touch screen. This diva defiantly needs a new computer in order to create works of art inside the pages of a book. Though my old computer is reliable  I really need an upgrade!

This beauty is a Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlcmberger cones bracelet in 18k gold. I want this just because it gorgeous! And of course beautiful girls deserve beautiful things!





This is for the diva on the go! I already have an Ipad mini, but what I don't have is a bluetooth keyboard to go with it. With this it will be a whole lot easier to write my blog, take notes, and do basically everything on the go without the discomfort of trying to type and hold up the device.

And if all the above wasn't enough, I need an Amazon.com gift card to feed the shopping beast I have!






I could always get these things my self, but I've been a good girl this year (sort of!) so I thing Santa a spare a little something extra! Happy Holidays Beautiful People!

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Confessions Of A Plus Size Fashion Blogger: It's So Hard To Be A Working Girl!

Hello curvaceous beauties! I want to talk with you guys about something that has been on my mind for a while, and it's being plus size in the work place. How do you feel about that? Has there ever been a time when you were passed up for a promotion, or passed over in an interview? I have, and my experiences are what I'm sharing today. I use to think that being qualified, and a skilled worker is was enough to gain a position (this was when I was younger), now I know the other factors that determines one's career path.

QUESTION: How hard is it to be the only plus size person in your department or company? Do you feel awkward?

  One factor that is timeless is the all important 'look' of the applicant. I know this shouldn't matter, it most of the time  it doesn't; however there are those rare times when it's more than obvious what's on someone's mind when meeting someone for the first time or when considering them to be promoted. 

My Story:

My experience with this area came in the form of a job I worked a long time ago, I worked for a company
where image was everything; due to the fact that it was a retail company where it catered to a specific type of consumer. The target consumer was a cool, thin, popular, in-crowd sort of person. How I got a position with this company was through my school who referred me, and due to their lack of people to perform a particular task I was last hope so to speak. I worked hard, stayed late, worked overnight shifts, trained team members who later joined, and even visited other locations to amp up that's stores notoriety. There were also times when the store was being visited by corporate offices and I was the only team member on deck to ensure that the layout and merchandise was up to par, that's how much I was trusted with the presentation of the store. 

Through all that I mentioned, when it came  promotion time I was passed over for a manager position; and the person that was chosen was someone I trained, that was the 'body type' the company felt good with representing them.




When it came down to it, the company felt that 'attractive people' attract 'attractive people', so to have someone
they felt didn't bring in the consumers they wanted to shop with them, I was to continue to be in the background, work in the stock room, hired help.


Honestly, the  person they chose instead was an epic IDIOT and didn't deserve the position (dumb as a box of rocks kind of stupid). To add insult to injury my manager at the time hid the promotion from me because he was afraid I would quit and they didn't want to loose me, but didn't think enough of me to promote me...HOW DOES THAT WORK? So needless to say I put in my two weeks notice. When I reported the incident to HR I was told maybe I didn't get it because I wore glasses, or my hair was in a pony tail....REALLY! Then tried to talk me out of leaving, yeah, cause after that I was really going to stay. So you can kind of see why plus size in the work place is a sore subject with me.

For awhile, I thought it was my fault. Maybe there was something I lacked that prevented me from getting the position I wanted, even after I heard what was told to me by HR (one guy in particular, not the whole dept). For a long time I struggled (work wise), I gave up on my goals and attempted to just work for the sake of working; though I wasn't happy. Me being miserable made people around me miserable too. Until one day I became so frustrated by not being where I wanted to be at that point in my life that I decided to start a blog. I did it because no other blogger was discussing the things that I could relate to. I was in a sense searching for something that I couldn't find. So, because I couldn't find it I created it in FASHION PLUS! 

QUESTION: Has anyone looked at your stomach before they've looked in your face?

That has defiantly happened to me. Every time I walk through the mall, go to a restaurant, even if I'm out and about with my husband and kids. It's almost like the size of my gut, butt, hips, and breasts define me more than my killer way of being. As long as their is a size restraint on beauty we will continue to be prejudged without the courtesy of showing who we are. Sad? Yes. Reality? Hell YES!

 THE SOLUTION:   

It's simple, FIGHT ON! who is anyone to tell you what you can and can' aspire for? Why is it because your body is not what the mainstream desires that the importance of your work is less relevant?  I feel like if you have a talent, passion, or connection to do something productive to your life; then you should do it. If your plus size, thick, overweight, or obese; if you are the best in your abilities don't sing backup, be front and center. If you want to be in the modeling industry? Let your stride, and confidence be what people judge you on; want to design? Make something that will SHOCK & AWE that has a great message. The point is be more that what they think you are, and go further that you thought you ever would.

It really doesn't matter what industry your trying to get into or what opportunities are given or not given to you; learn how to make a way from no way, don't take everything so personally, and be your own biggest supporter.

*Stay Beautiful, Positive, and Plus Size!

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