I’m noticing a trend these days of things coming around full circle. Earlier this week I blogged about the Fuller Woman Expo coming around full circle in just a matter of a year and then another opportunity I had (last weekend) was something coming around full circle again – in under a year.
I’ve talked about my first experience in this whole world of Plus Size modeling at Your Big Sister’s Closet where we did a body art installation on accepting our bodies. Well I’m going to talk about it again because this is the full circle that this blogpost is about.
That day I met so many amazing women but one really stood out. She walked into the store that day and my eyes were just drawn to her. Not only was she beautiful, but she had something emulating from the inside out that made her even more captivating. She walked confidently and ever so gracefully (in heels I might add) and that smile – it was warm enough to melt the snow! I wanted so much to talk to her but had no idea what to say. Eventually later on in the day she approached me and handed me her business card and said she saw something in me and wanted me to audition for The Fuller Woman Expo in the summer. I again, was kind of speechless but secretly on cloud 9 – well I guess the secret is out now.
I went home that night elated and chuckling because again, this whole dream that I realized of wanting to do some plus size modeling only about 6 months earlier seemed to maybe, possibly coming to reality. God told me to dream big and He also says in His word that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think… and that it will bring glory to His name (Eph 3:20-21). So I went home that day saying ‘really, God, really’. Little did I know…this was just the start.
Over the next few months this amazing woman and I were in contact. We shared some of our journeys with each other, encouraged each other and she even came and supported me at the W.I.N.G.S. Maternity Home Gala (my platform) in May which touched my heart beyond measure! When I told her the news about the Miss Plus Canada Pageant she was so happy for me and offered me tips and help as I got going.
She has always been so encouraging, supportive and making sure that I’m fighting for me and the desires of my heart. Her mantra is “It’s O.K. to be YOU” and she promotes acceptance of women of all shapes and sizes encouraging love for self and others. And she is constantly encouraging myself and all others she comes into contact with to love yourself, curves and all. Having been a woman who has struggled with her self-esteem most of my life – it’s refreshing, uplifting and encouraging to have someone pour into you and encourage you and now I’m in the place where I’m able to pass that along.
I ran into her again one day while I was at SexyPlus Clothing (located at 5100 Maingate Drive in Mississauga) just a couple months ago and she mentioned a show she wanted me to apply for. It was the Natural Hair and Beauty Show. I was elated! So a couple weeks later I submitted my application and was accepted to work the runway in her ‘Kurves are In’ segment featuring SexyPlus Clothing and The Size Sexy line.
In case you haven’t figured out who this amazing woman is…she is the one and only Ophilia Alleyne who has started her own movement – Ophilia’s Kurves . Be sure to check her out and follow her on Facebook. She was recently signed as a B&M Model and she is proof that you can accomplish your dreams when you set your heart and mind on it and work towards your dreams.
So let’s talk about this show we did this past weekend.
Throughout the whole process – application, rehearsal and day of, Ophilia was so conscious to make sure she communicated the plan, any changes and she made sure we were prepared and comfortable. Being that this was my first experience doing this type of show, all of this was new. She always had an opportunity to ask questions and worked to provide us all the details so that we went into this day confident, clear and ready to rip that runway. She was so professional, organized and communicated clearly with all of us. She also made sure we knew that there was no tolerance for any drama – which I so appreciate!
Rehearsals were even so fun! I mean come on – who doesn’t like to just storm a runway in 4 inch heels with a bunch of other hot, confident women! I think I’m standing even straighter after this experience. I even had someone yesterday ask me if I got taller. I can assure you my 5’11 frame has not gotten taller (although I would like 1 more inch) but My head is held higher, my shoulders back, I’m walking confident in my skin.
Check out some pics at the end from one of our rehearsals. So much fun!
The day of the event it was like getting to hang out with all these fabulous ladies as we were pampered by getting our hair and make-up done and getting all dressed up in some sexy dresses! Thank you to Faces by Pureness for doing an amazing job on our makeup and to Celebrity Unisex Salon for doing the hair for our show. It’s so neat getting to have all these opportunities because you get to meet so many great people, hear people’s stories and their journeys to where they are. Don’t get me wrong – it’s amazing getting to be all pampered but it makes the experience even more enjoyable when you get to connect with such amazing women!
Once we were all ready, it was time to put on our dresses. When I went to SexyPlus Clothing for my fitting I tried an awesome Black dress (that I loved) and we had almost decided on it and then Stefanie (the owner) said to me, are you willing to try one more – it’s a little bold. See the thing about me is, I usually wear black so it would be really ‘typical’ of me. A little bold, might have been an understatement for the dress named the “Columbiana Keyhole“. But when I put that baby on, man, those shoulders of mine were back, my head was held high and I even surprised myself when I looked in that mirror.
The dress is legit way more bold than I typically wear but I felt like a million bucks in it. A model from one of the other shows that day said to me when I had it on ‘You have an amazing body!’ I tried not to laugh as this woman who I thought had the perfect body told me that. I told Stefanie about this conversation and she said to me, but you do Sarah. Stefanie has caused me to stop and think. Although I’ve worked so hard at learning to love and accept myself and all my curves, I’m not 100% there every day but this conversation has made me stop and think and learn to say – I do have a good body, right now. It’s the only one I got and I love me and I love it. This is one of many reasons why Stefanie does what she does and why she’s so good at it. She’s more than just a store owner with amazing dresses, outfits, etc. She cares and she’s really vested in making sure her customers, friends and anyone who wears her dresses sees their beauty and is confident in the skin they are in. Thank You Stefanie for always being so encouraging, especially when I step outside of my comfort zone.
Well, the time came where the prep over the last couple weeks was about to come to fruition. We made our way to backstage and were ready to storm the runway. As we walked there we were all so excited and encouraging each other and making sure everything was sitting in the right place and we got all hyped up and tried to calm our nerves at the same time. Size Sexy was up first and those ladies rocking B&M Model Tierra Sedgemore’s shirts just took the stage by storm. It was awesome and the crowd loved it! If you want to get your hands on one of these epic shirts, pick yours up at SexyPlus Clothing located at 5100 Maingate Drive Mississauga or you can order it online.
Then it was SexyPlus Clothing to take the stage by storm and I was first up. My heart was beating a million miles a minute, my legs were shaking but as soon as my feet hit that runway, my heart was beaming with excitement. We each took our turn showing off our amazing outfits and then we finished it off with all of us joining on stage for one final look.
And that was it.
Now the icing on this cake is who Ophilia chose to be our photographer – Rebecca Northcott Photography! I knew without a shadow of a doubt that we would have amazing pictures and that we did! Be sure to check her out and follow her!
It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and has sparked something in me – again – to keep going. I was talking to Ophilia a couple weeks ago about this whole world of modeling. I had been thinking and was thinking that maybe, I didn’t really want to do this side of things. But, I’ve come to realize that most of that feeling was fear based. Ophilia said 2 words to me when I told her about not trying. She simply said, “Always Try”.
Thank you Ophilia for seeing something in me, helping me see it, encouraging me and being the instrumental woman you are in my life. I credit the fact that I am even in this industry to 2 people – God (and His Plans for my life) and you. Every time I have an experience with you – whether it was the simple fact of you handing me your business card and telling me I was gorgeous to supporting me with WINGS or to accepting me to be in this segment – you inspire me and always spark something new in the depths of my soul.
I wish you nothing but success, happiness and a life full of zeal!
Love you girl!
Check out a couple short clips from the show
Click on the images directly below and for more pictures keep scrolling
I’ve talked about my first experience in this whole world of Plus Size modeling at Your Big Sister’s Closet where we did a body art installation on accepting our bodies. Well I’m going to talk about it again because this is the full circle that this blogpost is about.
That day I met so many amazing women but one really stood out. She walked into the store that day and my eyes were just drawn to her. Not only was she beautiful, but she had something emulating from the inside out that made her even more captivating. She walked confidently and ever so gracefully (in heels I might add) and that smile – it was warm enough to melt the snow! I wanted so much to talk to her but had no idea what to say. Eventually later on in the day she approached me and handed me her business card and said she saw something in me and wanted me to audition for The Fuller Woman Expo in the summer. I again, was kind of speechless but secretly on cloud 9 – well I guess the secret is out now.
I went home that night elated and chuckling because again, this whole dream that I realized of wanting to do some plus size modeling only about 6 months earlier seemed to maybe, possibly coming to reality. God told me to dream big and He also says in His word that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think… and that it will bring glory to His name (Eph 3:20-21). So I went home that day saying ‘really, God, really’. Little did I know…this was just the start.
Over the next few months this amazing woman and I were in contact. We shared some of our journeys with each other, encouraged each other and she even came and supported me at the W.I.N.G.S. Maternity Home Gala (my platform) in May which touched my heart beyond measure! When I told her the news about the Miss Plus Canada Pageant she was so happy for me and offered me tips and help as I got going.
She has always been so encouraging, supportive and making sure that I’m fighting for me and the desires of my heart. Her mantra is “It’s O.K. to be YOU” and she promotes acceptance of women of all shapes and sizes encouraging love for self and others. And she is constantly encouraging myself and all others she comes into contact with to love yourself, curves and all. Having been a woman who has struggled with her self-esteem most of my life – it’s refreshing, uplifting and encouraging to have someone pour into you and encourage you and now I’m in the place where I’m able to pass that along.
I ran into her again one day while I was at SexyPlus Clothing (located at 5100 Maingate Drive in Mississauga) just a couple months ago and she mentioned a show she wanted me to apply for. It was the Natural Hair and Beauty Show. I was elated! So a couple weeks later I submitted my application and was accepted to work the runway in her ‘Kurves are In’ segment featuring SexyPlus Clothing and The Size Sexy line.
In case you haven’t figured out who this amazing woman is…she is the one and only Ophilia Alleyne who has started her own movement – Ophilia’s Kurves . Be sure to check her out and follow her on Facebook. She was recently signed as a B&M Model and she is proof that you can accomplish your dreams when you set your heart and mind on it and work towards your dreams.
So let’s talk about this show we did this past weekend.
Throughout the whole process – application, rehearsal and day of, Ophilia was so conscious to make sure she communicated the plan, any changes and she made sure we were prepared and comfortable. Being that this was my first experience doing this type of show, all of this was new. She always had an opportunity to ask questions and worked to provide us all the details so that we went into this day confident, clear and ready to rip that runway. She was so professional, organized and communicated clearly with all of us. She also made sure we knew that there was no tolerance for any drama – which I so appreciate!
Rehearsals were even so fun! I mean come on – who doesn’t like to just storm a runway in 4 inch heels with a bunch of other hot, confident women! I think I’m standing even straighter after this experience. I even had someone yesterday ask me if I got taller. I can assure you my 5’11 frame has not gotten taller (although I would like 1 more inch) but My head is held higher, my shoulders back, I’m walking confident in my skin.
Check out some pics at the end from one of our rehearsals. So much fun!
The day of the event it was like getting to hang out with all these fabulous ladies as we were pampered by getting our hair and make-up done and getting all dressed up in some sexy dresses! Thank you to Faces by Pureness for doing an amazing job on our makeup and to Celebrity Unisex Salon for doing the hair for our show. It’s so neat getting to have all these opportunities because you get to meet so many great people, hear people’s stories and their journeys to where they are. Don’t get me wrong – it’s amazing getting to be all pampered but it makes the experience even more enjoyable when you get to connect with such amazing women!
Once we were all ready, it was time to put on our dresses. When I went to SexyPlus Clothing for my fitting I tried an awesome Black dress (that I loved) and we had almost decided on it and then Stefanie (the owner) said to me, are you willing to try one more – it’s a little bold. See the thing about me is, I usually wear black so it would be really ‘typical’ of me. A little bold, might have been an understatement for the dress named the “Columbiana Keyhole“. But when I put that baby on, man, those shoulders of mine were back, my head was held high and I even surprised myself when I looked in that mirror.
The dress is legit way more bold than I typically wear but I felt like a million bucks in it. A model from one of the other shows that day said to me when I had it on ‘You have an amazing body!’ I tried not to laugh as this woman who I thought had the perfect body told me that. I told Stefanie about this conversation and she said to me, but you do Sarah. Stefanie has caused me to stop and think. Although I’ve worked so hard at learning to love and accept myself and all my curves, I’m not 100% there every day but this conversation has made me stop and think and learn to say – I do have a good body, right now. It’s the only one I got and I love me and I love it. This is one of many reasons why Stefanie does what she does and why she’s so good at it. She’s more than just a store owner with amazing dresses, outfits, etc. She cares and she’s really vested in making sure her customers, friends and anyone who wears her dresses sees their beauty and is confident in the skin they are in. Thank You Stefanie for always being so encouraging, especially when I step outside of my comfort zone.
Well, the time came where the prep over the last couple weeks was about to come to fruition. We made our way to backstage and were ready to storm the runway. As we walked there we were all so excited and encouraging each other and making sure everything was sitting in the right place and we got all hyped up and tried to calm our nerves at the same time. Size Sexy was up first and those ladies rocking B&M Model Tierra Sedgemore’s shirts just took the stage by storm. It was awesome and the crowd loved it! If you want to get your hands on one of these epic shirts, pick yours up at SexyPlus Clothing located at 5100 Maingate Drive Mississauga or you can order it online.
Then it was SexyPlus Clothing to take the stage by storm and I was first up. My heart was beating a million miles a minute, my legs were shaking but as soon as my feet hit that runway, my heart was beaming with excitement. We each took our turn showing off our amazing outfits and then we finished it off with all of us joining on stage for one final look.
And that was it.
Now the icing on this cake is who Ophilia chose to be our photographer – Rebecca Northcott Photography! I knew without a shadow of a doubt that we would have amazing pictures and that we did! Be sure to check her out and follow her!
It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and has sparked something in me – again – to keep going. I was talking to Ophilia a couple weeks ago about this whole world of modeling. I had been thinking and was thinking that maybe, I didn’t really want to do this side of things. But, I’ve come to realize that most of that feeling was fear based. Ophilia said 2 words to me when I told her about not trying. She simply said, “Always Try”.
Thank you Ophilia for seeing something in me, helping me see it, encouraging me and being the instrumental woman you are in my life. I credit the fact that I am even in this industry to 2 people – God (and His Plans for my life) and you. Every time I have an experience with you – whether it was the simple fact of you handing me your business card and telling me I was gorgeous to supporting me with WINGS or to accepting me to be in this segment – you inspire me and always spark something new in the depths of my soul.
I wish you nothing but success, happiness and a life full of zeal!
Love you girl!
Check out a couple short clips from the show
Click on the images directly below and for more pictures keep scrolling
|
Sarah and the ladies struttin SexyPlus Clothing
|
Final walk for SexyPlus Clothing
|
Kurves Are In Show
(click on image to enlarge) |
Some pics from Rehearsal
(click on image to enlarge) |
        
|
        
|
Some other pics from the weekend of the show
Check out some of the other fabulous ladies I got to meet or work with again
(Click on the images to enlarge)
Check out some of the other fabulous ladies I got to meet or work with again
(Click on the images to enlarge)
Stay beautiful,
amazin women doin amazin things