5TH ANNUAL FULL FIGURED INDUSTRY AWARDS
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION, GLAMOUR, AND TRIUMPH
The 5th Annual Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs) transformed the Jamaica Performing Arts Center into an unforgettable celebration of the plus-size industry’s most remarkable talents on November 2nd. Founded and produced by Tawana Blassingame, Editor-in-Chief of Queen Size Magazine, this year’s event united creators, pioneers, and advocates in a dazzling showcase of elegance, empowerment, and recognition.
The evening kicked off with an exclusive VIP networking reception, where industry luminaries—sponsors, nominees, honorees, presenters, and special invited guests—mingled in high spirits. Executive Chef Gary Pyrus returned to dazzle attendees with an artful array of skewers that filled the room with mouthwatering aromas, while Bartender Jada kept glasses raised with the event’s signature FFIA-Fly cocktail. The VIP lounge was abuzz with excitement, setting the tone for an extraordinary night.
To open the show, powerhouse Latina performer Elle Baez took the stage for an exclusive, high-energy set. Known for her unmatched vocals and magnetic presence, Elle once again thrilled the audience and underscored the spirit of confidence and talent celebrated by the FFIAs. Her incredible performance raised the energy in the room, preparing the crowd for the powerful night ahead.
Hosts Maddy Jones and Reggie May then stepped into the spotlight and kept the momentum going with charisma, humor, and undeniable chemistry. Maddy, a passionate advocate for body positivity and editor of Plus Model Magazine, along with the charming and engaging Reggie, brought both heart and humor to the evening, keeping the crowd engaged and connected throughout. Their banter and genuine enthusiasm for the nominees and honorees created a warm, celebratory vibe that made the audience feel like part of an extended family.
Photo credits (all images above) Mel G @melgfilmz
Attendees arrived dressed to impress, gracing the venue with elegant gowns and sleek suits that proved plus-size fashion is both sophisticated and sexy. The red carpet, hosted by Leah Nicole and Jeannie Ferguson-Goodlow, provided a glamorous runway for interviews, with guests striking poses in their finest attire and celebrating a night where everyone felt like a star.
As the ceremony began, the seats were packed with an eager crowd waiting to see who would take home the evening’s trophies. But more than that, they came to honor an industry of resilience and talent that deserves every bit of the spotlight. Tawana Blassingame shared her vision for creating an event like the FFIAs: “This is something we don’t have, and it’s something we need for ourselves. We deserve to be celebrated for all of our hard work, and we can’t sit around waiting for others to do it for us. The FFIAs is an opportunity for us all to unite with a common goal of celebrating the industry.”
The awards paid tribute to pioneers and trailblazers who have made significant contributions. Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Theresa “Sparkle” Randolph was celebrated for her over 35 years of dedication to plus-size representation. Model and entrepreneur Nikki Gomez was honored for her work in reshaping beauty standards, while Zach Miko, the first plus-size male model signed to a top agency, was celebrated for breaking boundaries in men’s fashion. Sasha Renee, a fierce advocate for body positivity and equal rights, and Sarah Chiwaya, whose #PlusSizePlease movement revolutionized inclusivity, were also honored for their impact on the community.
This year’s winners represented the best of the best. Naisha Yolande took home the Outstanding Makeup Artist award for a second year in a row, reaffirming her skill and artistry. Silvana Vinnik of byVinnik claimed the trophy for Outstanding Designer with her first nomination. Cameron Boyland, a two-time winner, was named Big and Tall Model of the Year; he’s also the founder of The Bigger Picture, a consulting agency advocating for size inclusivity in men’s fashion. An emotional highlight was Outstanding Silver Fox winner Tonja Phillips, who shared in her acceptance speech that she had survived a heart attack only two weeks prior, adding an extra layer of meaning to her triumph.
Tawana Blassingame closed the ceremony with an empowering reminder to all nominees, winners, and attendees. “I know the saying ‘it’s an honor just to be nominated’ sounds cliché, but each of you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. Years ago, we didn’t have anything like this in our industry, and now we do. That’s a big win for all of us. Be proud!”
Photo credits (images below) Rene Vega @renevega.co
The success of this year’s FFIAs was made possible by sponsors like AJ Michelle, Bandelettes, Big Fig Mattress, Courageously Curvy, Katz Institute for Women’s Health, Mood And Senses, Music Lives, Newton’s First Clothing, Photos by PDrew, and Sydney’s Closet, with Queen Size Magazine as the Presenting Sponsor.
If you missed this spectacular night, mark your calendar for November 1, 2025, when the FFIAs return. Nominations open in February, so get ready to support and celebrate the stars of the plus-size community once again! For a complete list of winners and event highlights, visit www.theffias.com.
