My Journey to #theCURVYcon

On Having Faith

Hey guys! I just want to take a moment to encourage you to always hold on to your dreams — never give up on what you want in life. Around this time last year, I was recovering from my second high-risk surgery: my leg was surgically broken and I was wheelchair bound for about a year. I remember it as if it were yesterday, coming out of physical therapy, in pain, tired, and having a bleak outlook on life. To make matters worst, there was an event that I really wanted to go to called theCURVYcon. As a curvy girl, I wanted to go to this event so bad, being surrounded by some of my favorite bloggers, celebrities, brands, etc., to be inspired and encouraged to love my body. But I knew that in my condition, there was no way I would make it. As stupid as it sounds, not being able to go to theCURVYcon really depressed me. It was one more thing that my legs held me back from. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t be with my friends. I felt like everything in my life was centered around what I ‘couldn’t do’. I cried. I screamed. I was angry. I was sad. I was disappointed. I was hopeless. Of course, my mom, being the mom that she is, held me, and promised that life would get better. Most importantly, she prayed over me and encouraged me to pray over myself. So that’s what I did. I prayed for healing, and I prayed for the desires of my heart.

A year later. This past weekend. And only four months after having hip surgery, I found myself walking around the streets of New York City. Walking miles…the furthest I’ve walked in years. I found myself at theCURVYcon…working. Yes, you read that right. WORKING. Last year, all I wanted was to go to the event. But this year, I found myself working next to my favorite bloggers, celebrities, and brands.

Being at theCURVYcon was such a surreal moment, a reminder to hold onto my dreams, and to never give up on my desires. In 365 days, my life has made a complete turn, in ways that I never imagined. If I had given up, stopped working hard at my recovery, stopped trying to improve my craft, stopped trusting and believing in myself and God, I can say without a doubt, that I would not have been at theCURVYcon this year. Doors are opening that I never imagined, and being a part of theCURVYcon was just a first step of reaching my destiny. I judged Him faithful to His word. And He did not let me down.

theCURVYcon Event

The event was simply epic. Hundreds of women traveled from around the world to attend theCURVYcon. Day One of theCURVYcon focused on health and fitness. Fitness experts Jessamyn Stanley (Yoga Guru), Anowa Adaja (Fitness Guru), and CeCe Olisa (Co-creator of theCURVYcon and founder of #PSPfit), taught us new ways to move our bodies, and how to have fun while being physically active. It was amazing seeing women of all shapes and sizes, shaking and moving their bodies, in such a body-positive atmosphere. Everyone was truly supportive of each other — it was refreshing not having to worry about being judged or criticized because of one’s size.

After a morning of fun and exercise, came shopping! Over twenty plus-size brands were at theCURVYcon to bring us a shopping experience that was outside of this world. Not only did they bring some of their hottest outfits and accessories, many brands brought equipment such as photo booths, custom shirt design tables, and more to make theCURVYcon even more memorable.

Day One of theCURVYcon concluded with an exclusive party hosted by GwyneeBee, for those with platinum tickets. This party allowed theCURVYcon guests to mingle and dance with bloggers, celebrities, and musicians. Check me out doing The Wobble with GooGoo Atkins from Mary Mary!

Day Two of theCURVYcon was just as amazing as the first! It included more time to shop, and paneled discussions lead by Chastity Garner and CeCe Olisa –founders of theCURVYcon — and other well-known plus-size bloggers. Keynote speakers included: Ashley Nell Tipton (Project Runway Designer), Michelle Buteau (Comedian, VH1), Susan Moses (Celebrity Stylist), and Sherri Shepherd (Comedian).

JCPenney, Title Sponsor of theCURVYcon, also chose theCURVYcon as an opportunity to unveil a top-secret campaign (Here I Am), featuring: Ashley Nell Tipton, Gabi Fresh, Valerie Sagun, Jes Baker, and Mary Lambert. Their goal is to show the true beauty in individuality, “when we start letting go of preconceived notions of who someone is based on what they look like on the outside, we all take one step closer to body positivity.”

theCURVYcon was such an inspiring event, that truly changed my life. I left feeling loved, encouraged, strengthened, and motivated to truly love and accept myself for who I am. I want to publicly thank CeCe Olisa and Chastity Garner for allowing me to experience such a great event, and to commend them on all of their hard work. I know firsthand how hard they worked to make theCURVYcon perfect for all who attended, and am proud of them for how well it turned out! I can’t wait to attend next year, during Fashion Week!!!

I promise you, theCURVYcon next year is going to be jaw-dropping! The earlier you get your tickets, the better…buy them here: tickets

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PinkCaboodle

Maya is owner of Pink Caboodle, specializing in Fashion and Body Positivity.