by Valery Amador

In this issue of PLUS Model Magazine, we sat down for a virtual chat with Nancy Baum, owner and president of  Cherished-Woman.com, an Internet retailer specializing in trendy clothes for plus size women.

Baum, a former plus size model spent the last ten plus years building a very successful career in the high tech industry before making the change to entrepreneur.  "It was very exciting to work in the high tech industry" said Baum, "I was there to see the inception of the Internet and the explosive growth of ecommerce on the Web.  I knew that with my technical and fashion background I could create an exciting Internet based shopping destination for plus size women like me."

[Valery] How did you get into the plus size clothing industry?

[Nancy] It was out of sheer frustration of not being able to find hip and stylish plus size clothes. I was shocked and dismayed at how limited the choices were for women like myself.  It was embarrassing and frustrating to show up to work or at a social function and have on the same outfit as my plus size peers.  This has happened to me more times than I care to admit!   

Working in the high tech industry I saw first hand the explosive growth of the Web and realized that an online boutique specializing in stylish and trendy plus size fashions would be very successful – but it had to be done right.  While the web site was being built I started meeting with designers and manufacturers from around the world.  I was on a quest to find the most cutting edge plus size designers that catered to a curvy girl's discriminating tastes.

Photo: Abby Z Goddess Dress
Available at Cherished-Woman.com