CHENESE LEWS: THE ICON
Chenese Lewis, renowned as one of the pioneering Plus-Size Influencers according to Forbes, has been at the forefront of the body positivity movement for over two decades. As an advocate for positive body image and self-esteem, she has established herself as a trailblazer and pioneer in the industry.
In 2003, Chenese made history as the first-ever holder of the Miss Plus America title, and from there, she collaborated with various national brands, such as Torrid and Ashley Stewart's Coast-to-Coast Curves, leaving an indelible mark as a model and spokesperson. Notably, she was featured by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) in their Body Acceptance Week campaign, further solidifying her influence in the plus-size industry.
Apart from her accomplishments as an entertainer and entrepreneur, Chenese's charisma and relatable nature have made her a highly sought-after emcee and host for major fashion and beauty events. She has graced events during New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and even abroad in the U.S. Virgin Islands, consistently elevating these occasions to unprecedented levels of success.
Chenese's influence has extended to the podcasting realm, where she pioneered The Chenese Lewis Show in 2008, the first podcast dedicated to the plus-size industry. Over the years, the groundbreaking podcast has featured in-depth interviews with national brands, notable influencers, and celebrities, contributing significantly to the industry's amplification.
Beyond her professional success, Chenese has served as a national spokesperson for various charitable organizations, raising awareness for crucial causes. As President of the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Hollywood NOW), she organized the annual "Love Your Body Day" event, promoting positive body image with official sponsorship from the City of West Hollywood. One notable campaign, where she posed nude alongside America's Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson, garnered global attention, solidifying her reputation as a leading advocate for positive body image.
Chenese's talents also extend to acting, with roles on popular shows like BET's "Hell Date" and the NAACP Award-winning play "The Girls of Summer," where she received praise for her comedic and dramatic performances.
As the Chief Creative Officer of Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC, the Louisiana native has established a thriving media company. Her success stems from her refusal to conform to society's ideals of beauty and her unwavering belief that beauty and confidence can be embraced regardless of one's size. Regarded as an icon within the plus-size industry, Chenese continues to make ambitious strides.
In November 2023, Chenese will receive the prestigious ICON Award at the Full Figured Industry Awards, further recognizing her significant contributions and impact on the plus-size industry. With this well-deserved accolade on the horizon, Chenese's influence and legacy as a trailblazer are set to reach new heights.
QSM: Your journey as a plus-size influencer began over two decades ago, long before body positivity became mainstream. How did you navigate the challenges and break barriers during that time?
Chenese: Initially, I wanted to break into the industry as a plus size model but had many obstacles in my way. I didn’t live in a big city that had opportunities in fashion, and I also didn’t have the right stats (size and height) to be signed by a professional agency. I relocated to Los Angeles and although I was able to do freelance modeling, instead of focusing all of my energy where I had limitations, out of necessity, I pivoted. I excelled in other areas of the industry, gained exposure for myself, and built a successful brand. As a result, I was able to create my own lane and essentially became an influencer, before the term existed.
QSM: You've been a trailblazer in the plus-size industry, gaining recognition as an entrepreneur, entertainer, and advocate. What motivated you to become a positive body image and self-esteem advocate?
Chenese: Growing up I always had high self esteem and confidence. Early in my career, before I relocated, I competed in a beauty pageant called the Miss Plus America Pageant. I had to select a platform that I was passionate about to promote during my reign. The platform I chose was “Positive Body Image”. In the early 2000s that was not a mainstream phrase or concept yet, and I had to explain to many people what it meant when I made appearances. A monthly pageant obligation became the catalyst for my brand and advocacy.
QSM: Winning the title of Miss Plus America in 2003 was a historic achievement. Can you share the impact that moment had on your life and the plus-size community?
Chenese: Being the first to hold the title of a new pageant system meant hardly anyone was aware of it at the time, plus there was no social media. I worked extremely hard to get mainstream media exposure to bring recognition not only to myself, but to the organization as well. Early on, it gave me a platform to be an advocate for positive body image in the national press when there weren’t many voices, which was beneficial to the entire community and movement.
QSM: As a prominent host and emcee for major fashion and beauty events, what are the key messages you aim to convey to the audience regarding body positivity and inclusivity?
Chenese: I’ve had the opportunity to host some of the most influential events in the plus size community, at those events the overall tone is self- love and acceptance. As host, my main focus is to keep the flow of the show going and everyone entertained. I can better convey key messages about topics as a speaker versus a host. However, my brand is diverse, it is about body positively and inclusivity, but not limited to one market.
QSM: Your podcast, The Chenese Lewis Show, has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of the plus-size industry. How has the podcast evolved over the years, and what keeps you motivated to continue the show?
Chenese: March 2023 marked the 15th anniversary of The Chenese Lewis Show! The Chenese Lewis Show is the first podcast created for the plus size industry, established in 2008. The groundbreaking podcast was created as a platform to help amplify the plus size community, so it has never strayed far from the original concept.
The show features in-depth interviews with national brands, notable influencers, and celebrities. My podcast has served as an oral history of the plus size industry, with extensive interviews documenting the rise to fame of many of the plus industries top stars. The launches of the most prestigious events in the plus community were documented with interviews on the podcast. Major brands have used the platform to announce news and model search winners. In addition, the podcast has even covered some heated issues in the plus community with controversial guests.
What keeps me motivated to continue the show is when I see something exciting and positive happening in the community that I can use my platform to help support!
QSM: You are receiving the prestigious ICON Award at the Full Figured Industry Awards in November 2023. How do you feel about this recognition, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
Chenese: I am honored to be receiving the ICON Award this year at the Full Figured Industry Awards! I am extremely grateful to be recognized and celebrated by my peers!
Personally, it feels good to be acknowledged in an industry that is very cliquish. It is very common for awards and accolades to be given to friends instead of who is the most deserving.
Professionally, after being in the industry for 23 years I am extremely proud of my accomplishments and I appreciate the opportunity to be spotlighted at a plus size industry event in a major way, because it doesn’t happen often!
QSM: As a national spokesperson for various charitable organizations, you have raised awareness for important causes. How do you balance your advocacy work with your other professional endeavors?
Chenese: At times, it can get overwhelming, there is always something that needs to be done. I like everything done at a high level, but I am not a perfectionist. I don’t believe in stressing myself out. I don’t know if everything ever gets balanced perfectly, and I’m ok with that! I always do the best I can and that’s all I can do.
QSM: Your role as an actress on BET's "Hell Date" and in the NAACP Award-winning play "The Girls of Summer" showcased your versatility as a performer. How does acting complement your work as an influencer and entrepreneur?
Chenese: Through acting I had the ability to be representation for plus size girls on television when our representation was scarce. Being in the public eye complimented my advocacy and helped to bring more connections and opportunities.
QSM: Throughout your career, you have graced the covers of international magazines and collaborated with national brands. How do you see the fashion and beauty industry evolving in terms of inclusivity and representation?
Chenese: I think the fashion and beauty industry has come a long way but it is far from perfect. Many major brands are still not using models that look like me in size, shape and complexion. However, there is definitely more visibly for plus size women and men in all forms of media and entertainment.
QSM: What advice would you give to aspiring influencers and advocates who want to make a positive impact on body image and self-esteem issues, both within the plus-size community and beyond?
Chenese: Everyone’s path is different and times change, what I did 20 years ago to break into the industry is not what I would do today in 2023. My advice is to always remain professional online and in person, always have professional pictures and marketing that is in line with industry standards. Also, be authentic to yourself, and stick to your morals and values. Don’t be so thirsty that you say yes to everything, pick quality over quantity. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.
Photo credits:
Photog: @smile4meka
Hair & MUA: @1glamourgyrl
