NATIONAL CURVES DAY, INC. EMPOWERING DIVERSITY WITH THE LOVING MY BODY MASS PHOTOSHOOT THAT INSPIRED A MOVEMENT
30 MODELS IN RED UNITE TO SHARE STORIES OF TRIUMPH OVER BODY SHAMING
In the footsteps of legends and pioneers of the Plus Community who have battled against Body Shaming and fought for Diversity and Inclusion in the Fashion, Arts, Entertainment, and Beauty Industries, National Curves Day, Inc. (NCD) is changing the game globally.
"We don’t only want the runway; it’s consistent representation on billboards, magazine covers, leading roles in films, and the number one entertainer title, to name a few," said ZaK Bell, Founder of National Curves Day.
NCD accepted the baton and turned it into a torch by igniting the light within through self-love and acceptance first.
On January 7th, “Love My Body” Mass Photo Shoot Houston, TX was a powerful and transformative event with over 30 models, all dressed in vibrant red, gathered for the Loving My Body mass photoshoot. What was a single act of empowerment has now become a movement, as this remarkable photoshoot is set to embark on a multi-state tour, to kick off the 10 Year Anniversary of National Curves Day. The Love My Body Mass Photoshoot Tour is to bring awareness to PLUS SIZE Inclusion on and off the RUNWAY!. Highlighting confidence, empowerment, and body positivity with a tumultuous sound to silence societal norms. NCD is spreading a message of self-love, acceptance, and the triumph over body shaming. It's going back to our roots when we launched in 2015 with our “Stop Body Shaming” campaign because it is still a current issue in our society.
The heart and soul behind the Loving My Body photoshoot is a young woman named Maddie, whose personal journey serves as an inspiration for the entire campaign. Maddie, who experienced relentless bullying for her size throughout her formative years, decided to turn her painful experiences into a source of strength and positivity. Rhonda McTyer, NCD Texas Ambassador, shared her receptive experience with “Body Shaming” on social media during an IG live session in June 2023.
Maddie's story is one of resilience and courage, as she faced taunts and jeers for being larger than her peers. However, instead of succumbing to societal pressures, Maddie found the strength within herself to embrace her body and celebrate her uniqueness. Her mission is to empower others to do the same.
Maddison "Maddie" Chanel Gaines, also known as Tallulah Chanel, thrived as a Courier Driver in Houston, Texas, shuttling blood and specimen samples. With a High School Diploma and a resilient spirit, she navigated her path despite a brief stint in higher education.
Beyond her courier duties, Maddie found solace in hosting The Mutant Academy Podcast and delving into fanfiction and a sci-fi fantasy novel. Her support system included her mother, sister, roommate/best friend, and two long-distance besties.
In 2017, after her grandmother's passing, Maddie faced a mental health crisis but emerged stronger. A pivotal moment came when she posted a vibrant Little Mermaid cosplay, receiving both positive and body-shaming comments. Despite the negativity, Maddie chose to focus on the overwhelming love she received. Almost a year later, that love continued to triumph, defining her journey of self-discovery and confidence.
Check out the links to some IG footage
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtPFaOFt4qZ/?igsh=MXkyYTZ3NGs5bm5uYQ==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPD0RqrKCo/?igsh=N2ZhY3Vsd3M0cm4x
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CtQESH2MP2r/?igsh=MTQwd2g3b2dpODI5dw==
Why did you participate in the shoot and what does loving your body and being apart of this movement mean to you?
“Participating in the Love My Body Mass Photoshoot was a profound and empowering experience. It was an act of self-love and acceptance. It’s also a powerful declaration that beauty transcends size and that the plus-size community deserves equal representation and visibility in the fashion, arts, entertainment, and beauty industries.
Being a part of this movement means embracing the mantle of change passed down by the pioneers and legends of the plus community who have fought tirelessly against body shaming. This movement is a testament to the strength found in unity and the profound impact of standing together to challenge and dismantle the restrictive norms that have long governed the narrative around beauty and body image.
The Love My Body Mass Photoshoot Tour is more than just a series of events; it's a clarion call to society to recognize and celebrate the beauty and worth of plus-size individuals.
The theme "PLUS is!" encapsulates the essence of this movement – an affirmation of the plus-size community's value, beauty, and rightful place in every aspect of society. It's a celebration of diversity, a call for equality, and a reminder that everybody is worthy of love and representation." ~Ta Morrison
What would you tell an individual who is body shaming someone?
"I would just say "STOP", just stop! Take a look at yourself, because there has to be something type of insecurity inside for you to body shame others. It's hurtful.
Loving my body is something that I have been working hard at getting back to, because I found out that I have body dysmorphia and it's due to all of the comments in the Asian community. I am full Asian and in the Asian community being plus size is condemned, but l am tall, thick, with curves and I love it. I love being apart of this movement, I'm so honored, to be hear and to be heard."
What would you tell an individual who is body shaming someone?
"You have to care about people as individuals. Everyone has their own struggles and it's important for us not to judge others by their looks, but by their character.
By Loving my body I realize that no matter your shape, or size, we are all worthy of greatness and of what you desire. I'm so honored to be apart of this event and movement." ~Khris Ferguson
The photoshoot united 30 models from various backgrounds with the goal of highlighting the common experiences of body shaming endured by many individuals. Each model empathizes with Maddie's narrative, confronting their unique challenges and victories against societal expectations and body standards.
The sea of red-clad models not only showcased their diverse beauty but also served as a visual representation of solidarity. By sharing their personal stories during the Loving My Body photoshoot, these models hope to break down stereotypes and challenge conventional beauty norms.
What would you tell an individual who is body shaming someone?
"I would just tell them to STOP! As a person with a larger frame and in the big and tall community, we already know what we look like and we don't need anyone trying to come in trying to tell us anything about the way we look. It's very hard for some people to build up the confidence it takes to come out and do some of these types of things, and that type of commentary just doesn't help.
It feels so good to be here and apart of this movement of loving our bodies. There are people here I've never met before, but it feels like we've known each other forever, and it's because we are out here living the mantra of ‘Loving Every Body’!." ~Eugene Bernard
What would you tell an individual who is body shaming someone?
"What gives you the right to do such a thing? Everybody has their own stuff going on and quite frankly, I feel the bigger look is better!
I love bigger, because for me it's more masculine , so I prefer it. Everybody has their opinions, the world is filled with opinions, but at the end of the day, love is the reason that we are all here.
I feel extremely blessed to be apart such a movements and love that movements and events like this exists, because at the end of the day, looks shouldn't matter because as I said, love is why we all are here on this Earth, so just to be apart of a movement that involves that is life changing." ~Christopher Rua
The impact of the Loving My Body movement has been profound, prompting the decision to take the photoshoot on a multi-state tour. The goal is to reach communities far and wide, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging individuals to embrace and love their bodies, regardless of societal expectations.
As the campaign gains momentum, it becomes clear that the Loving My Body photoshoot is not just about external beauty but about empowering individuals to find strength in their uniqueness. The individuals participating in the campaign are not merely showcasing their physical beauty but are also sharing their inner strength, resilience, and self-love.
What does loving your body and being apart of this movement mean to you?
"Participating in the Love My Body Mass National Curves Day photoshoot was important to me because of the brand’s mission of promoting, encouraging, and uplifting; debunking negative connotations society has placed on the plus size community. Being amongst so many diverse, amazing, and empowering individuals was such a spiritually motivating experience." ~Calvetta Lane
This initiative stands as evidence of the profound influence of self-acceptance and the significance of welcoming diversity. As the campaign commences its journey across multiple states, it is poised to motivate numerous individuals to cherish their bodies, revel in their individuality, and take a stand against body shaming. Maddie's narrative, alongside those of the 30 models, serves as a guiding light, emphasizing that beauty manifests in various ways. Now is the moment to fully embrace and celebrate every body, just as it is.
National Curves Day, Inc. hopes to see you on the tour stop and at its 10 Year Celebration event on October 12, 2024, in the Washington DC Metro Area.
But of course none of this could have been done without the love and support shown from our sponsors. Many thanks to Alll4uboutique @alll4uboutique, AJMichelle LLC and MsBeYouDoYou @ajmichelle, Go Legend Media @golegendmedia, Star Class Travel @starclasstravel, Alkaline Market @alkalinemarket, Fashionable and Thick and The Dorcas Collection @thedorcascollectionbydeemoore and Queen Size Magazine @queensizemagazine. We are so grateful for you all believing in our purpose.
Photo credits for Maddie’s images:
Hair | Lisa Jackson with Houston Glam Geeks - IG: @houstonglamgeeks
MUA/set assist: Stella MAC @stellamacnique
Looks by: @amazonfashion
Photography | Alfred Beverly @charissolutionsphotography (all images in this feature)
