Kearsten is a recent college graduate with a mission to make a big impact in the health industry as a nurse. As the youngest member of #NashvilleCurves Class of 2017 it’s amazing to see her evolution as a voice in Nashville’s plus size community! Confidence is created when we are faced with our greatest truth. Read Kearsten’s story below. Be inspired to be a confidence creator in the lives of young women around you.

Name, Age: Kearsten, 22

What do you do, why do you do it?
I’m a Class of 2017 graduate of the Illustrious and historic Fisk University. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a part of healthcare in any capacity. I currently work as a CNA for while working towards obtaining my Master’s of Science in Nursing. As of late, it’s becoming more evident that I need to do more in pursuing plus size modeling as these types of opportunities have been presenting themselves. But…we’ll see *birdman hand rub*

What made you embrace your curves? When did you say, “I’m ok with me?”
Honestly, this happened for me fairly recently. All through college, I would steer clear of social events or being visible period because I wasn’t 100% comfortable with my size. This meant I didn’t like how I looked in certain clothing which led to me thinking I had nothing to wear so now I don’t have to go anywhere . . . yay. Closer to the end of my undergraduate years, out of nowhere really, I gained this confidence and adopted a mindset that allowed me to step out of my shell and be who I genuinely was. That meant being comfortable with ALL that God has blessed me with.

Have you had to deal with mean or backhanded comments from family, friends, and/or strangers? What did you do?
I’ve never been skinny in my life except for like once when I was like 3! So, I’ve always had people comment about my size; especially family that you haven’t seen in forever. After my first year of college, not gonna lie, I gained a scary amount of weight. I remember, in 2014, when my uncle came to pick up my brother and I to go to our family reunion in Cincinnati. This was the first time he had seen me since I graduated high school. Literally, the first thing he said was “Wow, freshman 50?” It really hurt at that time but I just laughed it off.

What would you tell your YOUNGER curvy self?
Literally, I would say “Girl, stop trippin! Thick thighs save lives.”

When you were asked to do a bathing suit shoot, what was your first reaction?
“This is mad dope. She did this last year and it was FIRE. I’m gonna get to smize and stuff.” Then, reality set in. “Girlllll, you’ve never done anything like this before and why’d she pick me of all people?” But I remembered Melissa commenting under a picture from a photo shoot I did for my birthday back in March saying she had something in mind for me to do . . . .this was it. Needless to say, it was indeed mad dope.

What’s your favorite store to shop at and why? (local, online, vintage/thrift, etc)
Goodwill, Forever 21, and Target are my road dogs. I like Torrid because they have cute shoes for people like me with big feet and wide calves. Locally, I like shopping at Styles Boutique. My go to online stores are Fashion to Figure and Rebdolls.

Tell us about one item in your closet you’ll never let go of?
I will never let go of my red blazer so long as she does right by me. Also, everybody has a pair of converse; I love my white ones.

Describe your favorite summer look?
I’m loving the off-the-shoulder trend. Whether it’s a sundress, blouse and shorts, romper or what have you, I’m for it.

What does Nashville need to add to its CURVE APPEAL?
I love that more and more people are seeing natural curves as beauty and something to be embraced as opposed to being shamed or scorned. I think that creating a vibe of community among thick chicks is vital which is why I appreciate efforts like Nashville Curves Plus Size Meetup and other events that cater to thick thighs, wide hips, big butts, and all luscious lumps.

You can find Kearsten on Instagram as @ogkearsten

Click the links below to shop Kearsten’s Look:

• Martinique Floral Bikini by Fashion To Figure (top & bottom)
• Crochet Halter One-Piece by Target
• Sunglasses by SunnyBand Summer Sunnies