Interview with Plus Size Blogger-Jackie Paytes
So, this fashion chic right here, gives me life. I make sure I go to her social media page just to see what she is going to wear. What I love about her is she displays confidence and set the example not only for the curvy women but for all women. I know your going to love her story about her aspiration and also her inspiration behind her brand.
A. Tell us about Jacqueline Paytes the Plus Size Fashion Blogger. How did you get started?
Q. I have always been into fashion. Shopping makes me happy! I followed a few bloggers, and always thought that it was something that I wanted to try. I never did, because I didn’t think I had the time nor did I think I had the resources. I met a photographer, Marco Nunez of Severe Photographic in 2014 when I hired him for another event. We hit it off pretty well, and I told him about my idea to start a fashion blog and asked if he would help me with photos. He had no idea what a blog was, but he agreed, and we got to work. Curvy Fabulosity was launched on May 1st 2015.
A. What was the influence or the motivation behind becoming a Fashion Blogger?
Q. If I am being honest, there’s a certain level of narcissism that comes with starting a blog, or writing a book or anything like that. What you are saying is that you think that you are such an authority on a certain subject that people should listen to you as it relates to that subject! That sounds bad, but I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing, as long as you aren’t too cocky about it. For me, I followed certain bloggers or would see things in magazines, and would think that I had as much to offer as anyone that I was following. Couple that with my deep and unyielding passion for shopping (LOL), and blogging was inevitable!
A. Being that you are into fashion and catering to the curvy girl… How do you feel about the representation of how fashion is being portrayed today?
Q. I’m feeling much better than I was when I started two years ago. Of course, there still much work to do, but there are more lanes being opened for the plus sized community. There are more collaboration and campaign opportunities. Just recently, Gabi Fresh launched a swimsuit line. Before that, Essie Golden and Chante Burkett of Everything Curvy and Chic partnered with Rebdolls on a swimsuit line. People are paying attention…..I say, let’s give ‘em something to talk about!
A. What advice would you give to someone who wants to started their own blog?
Q. The same advice I give to myself daily…..be consistent! Blogging is such an overly saturated arena, so consistency is crucial. Being consistent can be the difference in getting 30 hits a month to 300 hits per month. I struggle with consistency, having a full time job and a family, but if this is truly what you want to do, you have to discipline yourself and get it done.
A. What’s next for Jacqueline Paytes?
Q. I really want to put Chicago on the map as a plus size juggernaut. I feel like we’re slept on as it relates to opportunities. I am working on collaborating with the boutiques, models and organizations here to do some things and make a little noise in the plus size arena. I also have a brand line that I am launching in time for the holidays. In the interim, I am going to keep trying to produce good content and inspire others!
You can connect with Jackie: @curvy_fabulosity