We never know what life will bring us and as much as we plan and try to be prepared, life has a way of throwing 'curve' balls our way. How we handle these situations is key to our success both in every day life and our professional lives...

Remember:
Fear Immobilizes...
Action Empowers...

This month, on October 14th PLUS Model Magazine will be featured in an episode of "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" on the Oxygen Network. This was one of many curve balls that came towards PLUS this year. Our decision to participate in the show was due to our passion for the plus community and plus size models as well as our personal commitment to step-up and represent curves. We knew going in that we would not be well received by Janice Dickinson herself... however, rather than backing away, we chose action instead of fear... it mattered more to have the "message" out than to stay silent and let someone else confront the woman who openly has stated that, "Plus models do not belong in fashion."

Our message is very clear... 65% of women in the US wear a size 14 or over. We know that plus size models, when given the opportunity, CAN represent high fashion as well as commercial, print and catalog modeling. PLUS strongly supports plus size models and the industry that assists in making it all happen and we believe that with persistence and support from the community we will continue to make changes and have "our" voice heard.

It has been said by retailers that Plus size consumers do not respond well to plus size models and would rather see ads with smaller models. I'm sure there are women that feel this way, but the majority of women I know do not feel this way.  For instance, let's take a look at our Sponsor Biluzik... They have openly chosen to use plus size models for their campaigns and they have been reaching their market fabulously.

Care to weigh in on this subject? If given the opportunity, what would YOU say to the fashion industry that do NOT adequately represent plus size women in their ads, catalogs and websites? How can we convince them that it is the right thing to do? Drop us a line and let us know. We cannot wait to hear your comments on this hot-button topic!

And a few special announcements...

Check out this issue for the PLUS Model Magazine and Blog Talk Radio's First Annual 'Top 12 Curvy Entertainers'!

Jennifer Jonassen has been promoted to Entertainment & Arts Editor and Chantelle to Fashion Editor, International Division. Congratulations to these two brilliantly talented women who bring such life and passion to PLUS!

If you are in CA, check out Love Your Body Day 2008 on October 12th at the West Hollywood Pavillion. For more information, visit www.loveyourbodyday.com

Don't miss the Old Navy Plus Sweepstakes for your chance to win a $1000 shopping spree!

And finally... as I shared in the April 2008 issue, my husband and I were expecting our first child in mid October... well, as life DOES continue to throw curve balls, our beautiful baby daughter, Madison, arrived into the world (fashionably early) on September 27th... Thank you all for the love, support and advice through this journey.

Enjoy... and as always, keep thriving in your curves...


Maddy Figueroa-Jones
and the PLUS Model Magazine Team
Drop us a line to let us know how we are doing!