Mallory B. Richardson | Episode #306

Elle Baez | Episode #310

Trailblazing Latina singer-songwriter Elle Baez is taking over with her innovative pop-soul music and message. Real, authentic, and relatable, Elle is representation for womxn that have been craving to see themselves in the spotlight. She empowers and inspires others through her captivating hooks, body positive music videos, versatile writing style, and motto of self-love. Elle just recently dropped her new hit single Fuego which was featured in Rolling Stone and was named Entertainer of The Year at the Full Figured Industry Awards! As a songwriter, Elle has been featured by the Grammy’s. She has opened for charting artists Bea Miller and Leah Kate , been featured in Pop Sugar Magazine, and went on a VS Pink Sponsored Tour. Her ethos is simple: be you, be sexy, and above all, be confident.

Tawana Blassingame | Episode #309

Tawana Blassingame is the Founder and Executive Producer of The Full Figured Industry Awards and the CEO and Founder of Queen Size Magazine. In 2011, Tawana started Queen Size Magazine: an award winning monthly national full-figured fashion and lifestyle publication for both men and women. Under her parent company Cohesive Minds Inc, Queen Size Magazine has enjoyed over a decade of continued success. While diligently handling her career in healthcare and simultaneously operating her very own magazine company, Tawana embarked on a new journey in 2019. She produced her very first award ceremony called the Full-Figured Industry Awards (also known as the FFIAs). The FFIAs is a prestigious ceremony of awards and of distinguished recognition honoring the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence across various platforms spanning the full-figured industry. From models, makeup artists and designers, to bloggers, photographers, entertainers, influencers, and productions; Tawana and the FFIAs team continues to work relentlessly to ensure that the industry is celebrated for their work and dedication to the full-figured fashion industry. The Full Figured Industry Awards happening Nov. 4th at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center!

Zach Miko | Episode #308

Zach Miko grew up wary of heading to the beach or pool for fear of being judged for his body. Now a body-confident, plus-size IMG model and influencer advocating for fellow “big boys” living their most joyful life, Zach found himself fed up with the lack of fashionable big and tall swimwear options and decided to meet this need himself with the launch of the first collection from Meekos, his very own big and tall lifestyle brand. The swim line ranges from L – 8XL in size and features more modern styles of big and tall swim trunks than those typically on the market, along with a tank top, hoodie and additional shirts. In addition to founding Meekos, Zach is furthering his advocacy for plus-size people in the corporate realm through his partnership with Big Fig, the first and only mattress brand to exclusively cater to plus-size sleepers. Zach is nominated for the 2023 Outstanding Big and Tall Model at the Full Figured Industry Awards!

Tigress Osborn | Episode #307

Tigress Osborn (she/her) is a fat rights advocate and the Executive Director of NAAFA, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. In 2023, Tigress co-launched the Campaign for Size Freedom alongside colleagues at NAAFA and the Fat Legal Rights Advocacy and Education Project (FLARE) with support from Dove. She is also the founder of Full Figure Entertainment and co-founder of PHX Fat Force. She is an intersectional feminist teacher and writer whose professional background as a youth empowerment leader and DEI educator has informed her fat liberation activism since 2008. She has been featured in USA Today and Newsweek, and heard on BBC AntiSocial and ABC News, and seen on Everyday Feminism and NewsNation network. Tigress will be honored with the People's Choice Community Service Award at the 2023 Full Figured Industry Awards!

Mallory B. Richardson | Episode #306

Mallory B. Richardson is a Native American influencer and a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. She is the CEO of The Platform Experience, a North Carolina based fashion house that provides multiple services including wardrobe styling and model coaching. She is also the Founder of Beaucoup, Raleigh’s premiere plus size nonprofit support network for career development, wellness, and service. Mallory is the creator and producer of North Carolina’s first plus size fashion week entitled Crusade of Curves. Launched in 2017, Crusade of Curves is celebrating its 7th year anniversary with a three-city tour stopping in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Raleigh, NC.