Before we get this profile started, I must say “Thank You!” to everyone who viewed, shared, and commented on the #NashvilleCurves campaign! Each woman shared an amazing part of themselves. Besides putting on a bathing suit, they shared parts of their struggle and parts of their hearts. I truly appreciate their transparency! Make sure to read about Kimmy, Nora, Kearsten, and DD; leave some comments on their posts.

So, I’m gonna answer some of the questions I asked the other ladies in their profiles. And, I’m gonna answer some questions I’ve received about the #NashvilleCurves campaign and our upcoming Plus-Size Meet-Up! Let’s go!

Name, age: Melissa, aka FabGlance, 39

What do you do, why do you do it?

I’m a lifestyle blogger and social media manager. I made a decision to leave my corporate job, after 10 years, because it was no longer fulfilling. Check out my YouTube video, “I Quit My Job to be a Full-Time Blogger“, I talk ALL about it. Blogging appeals to me because I love to write. I’ve been a writer since I knew what words meant. I write all the time, and I’m even working on a book of fiction (Jack and Ahlia) due out late fall. As a lifestyle blogger, I get to share my LIFE and my STYLE with my wonderful audience. Being plus-sized still presents a challenge for so many women. I like to show women how to dress well and be comfortable because I know what it feels like NOT to be comfortable in your own skin.

What made you embrace your curves? When did you say, “I’m ok with me?”

I can’t pinpoint the time I decided to embrace my curves. I can say as I got out of my twenties, I started to be OK with the body I have. Whether I’m on my fitness kick or I’m just chilling, I need to appreciate my body. I’ve had times when I was sick, going to hospital visits, having surgery, and I regretted not loving my body. The older I get, the more I love my body. Body confidence is truly a journey and some start earlier than others. I hope my blog can help people get on the path to body acceptance.

Have you had to deal with mean or backhanded comments from family, friends, and/or strangers? What did you do?

YES! I’ve dealt with a variety of horrible comments from strangers, WHOLE discussions from well-meaning family members, and shady comments from ‘friends’. We tend to think we know what’s best for other people, because we are on the outside looking in to their lives. So, when you go to comment on someone’s lifestyle choice, you really need to chill. You don’t know how far they’ve come.

Dealing with judgmental and mean comments is HARD! Like, if I really concentrate on ALL the mean comments I’ve received in my 39 years, I would be in a DEEP depression (I’ve been there!). What do I do? If I see a mean comment about me on the internet, I immediately delete it. I usually don’t know that person, so there’s no value in their comments. Now, dealing with family and friends is another story. Because I’m non-confrontational and an introvert, I usually distance myself from that person. After I gather my thoughts, maybe cry a bit, I usually confront them. It’s hard. I’ve lost some relationships because of nasty comments and underhanded discussions. But, I must do what’s right for my mental well-being.

What would you tell your YOUNGER curvy self?

OOH girl! I’d tell my younger curvy self to “Stop worrying!” I spent so much of my teens and twenties trying to fit in. Clearly, God got jokes! I was six-feet tall in the 10th grade, there was NO WAY I was made to fit in. I was made to stand out. People are gonna look at me, I’m usually the biggest person in the room (whoa! even typing that made me feel a way!). Like the saying goes, “If people are a gonna look, make it worth their while!”

Now, let’s get to the questions EVERYONE has asked about the #NashvilleCurves Campaign!

How can I be apart of the NEXT swimsuit campaign? How can I be selected for the Class of 2018? How do you choose the models?

Ok! So, the women I selected for #NashvilleCurves Class of 2016 and Class of 2017 are NOT models. They are regular women, who caught my eye because of their beauty, their influence in their industry and the city of Nashville, and their social media presence. For the remainder of the year, I keep my eyes on certain women who are just doing it! Each class has 5-6 women, representing different shapes & sizes seen in plus-size community. The ladies have to be confident and willing to put on a bathing suit. I use a female photographer and find a safe space to shoot so that the women can feel comfortable and showcase their beauty.

I’ve already got my eye on some ladies for 2018. I am thinking about doing an official model search and teaming up with a plus-size retailer to make the campaign even bigger. So, be on the look-out for info about that . . . if I decide to go that route.

But, I REALLY wanna be apart of Plus-Size style in NASHVILLE! Help me!

I got you GIRL! So, this year I am hosting Nashville’s first OFFICIAL plus-size meet-up! The #NashvilleCurves Plus-Size Meet-up is happening October 8 at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel! We are planning workshops, shopping, entertainment, and a FASHION SHOW! Official Model Call for the fashion show will be posted on the website and on my instagram, so follow me to stay posted.

EARLY BIRD VIP Tickets are now available on EVENTBRITE and we are currently seeking vendors and sponsors. Email me, melissa@fabglance.com for more details.

Once again, THANK YOU for all the love on the campaign! FabGlance is now dedicated to bringing the Curvy Conversation to Nashville. It’s evident that plus-size women aren’t represented in the city, even though there’s so many curvy ladies making it happen in our city. Special thanks to Toni Denisa for her amazing photography and editing skills. Also, a VERY special thanks to Sunny Fitz, creator of SunnyBand! She sponsored our amazing sunglasses and gave us the space to shoot at her pool.

You can find me on the internet as FabGlance: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Shop my looks here:

• Black two-piece peplum suit from Avenue – Top, Bottom
• Royal blue ruched one-piece from Target – Buy Here
• Sunglasses – Black w/Bling (my faves), Pink Ice Cream Cone Sunnies