Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing Workshop – Seminar Schedule Set

Kimmoy Matthews, The Curvy Coach

Kimmoy Matthews, The Curvy Coach

Kimmoy Matthews, CEO of http://www.thecurvycoach.com is shaping the new way of doing business; she’s keeping it curvy, and spreading the innovation with the launch of the new Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing Workshop – September 22 and 23, 2009, designed just for savvy business owners in the plus size community

The Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing Workshop Online Seminar:

“It’s not hard to believe that there are tons of independent entrepreneurs/small business in the plus-size industry who are trying to make things happen, but the problem is no one knows about them. We can’t always depend on the media to tell the world who we are and what we do for our community. That is why now is the perfect time to allow yourself to shine in the plus-size industry whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for many years. Now more than ever, we need plus entrepreneurs to step up to the plate and let the world know they are ready to do business.  This workshop is for you if:

  • You are a model but not sure how to stand out in the plus size world.
  • You’ve got your blog or business up and running but not generating enough sales
  • You have a great product and/or service but no one really knows about it
  • You know you need a marketing plan but not sure where to start

In this one-of-a-kind workshop, Kimmoy the Curvy Coach will reveal strategies that she has used for her business as well as clients to help increase their visibility and increase their bottom line. Here’s what you can expect to get from the workshop:

  • How to create a unique marketing message & irresistible offers their clients can’t say no too
  • How to position yourself in the plus-size industry so that you stand out
  • 30-day Marketing Blueprint that increases your visibility and grows your client base.

Get all the details for this online workshop coming up September 22nd and 23rd

“The plus-size community makes up over 60% of the population but we’re treated like the invisible people.” I became more aware of this as I saw big-box companies ceasing production of plus-size clothing. It didn’t make business sense to cut out the true majority. I knew it was because they really didn’t take the time to get to know us or market to us as a plus-size community. That ‘build and they will come’ mentally doesn’t work with us.

“I also noticed that the entrepreneurs within the plus-size community were leaving a lot of money on the table; there is more to us than fashion.” Kimmoy also noted the plus-size entrepreneurs didn’t have many business role models speaking to their business needs directly.

“Now is the time for plus-size entrepreneurs to start businesses.” With the popularity of shows such as “Dance Your A** Off”, “Drop Dead Diva”, and “More To Love” the opportunities are exponential if done correctly. That is why I created a coaching program for those who are just starting out and even those entrepreneurs who are seeking a new market for their company.

The Curvy Coach’s goal is to make many aware of this exclusive training and perks that are available to the plus-size community. It’s imperative for any business owner to ramp up their marketing now so that they are at the forefront of their client’s minds especially when the economy takes flight. Take action now and reserve your spot at http://www.thecurvycoach.com
Take action now and reserve your spot at http://www.thecurvycoach.com

Kimmoy is also known as The Curvy Coach for pioneering the 1st ever Plus-Size Business Tele-Summit. She introduced the online plus-size community to exclusive business tips and strategies and offered motivational support. “I recognize the importance of having a strong support system, a mentor, and a business coach in your entrepreneurial life especially in the plus-size community,” said Kimmoy. “The areas of your life that is most important to you is where you need the most support, whether it is spiritual, marital, physical, educational, or business-wise.

Kimmoy the Curvy Coach
www.thecurvycoach.com
www.facebook.com/kimmoy
www.twitter.com/kimmoy

How to Shop with your Eyes Open

Stacked

Got me some JEANS, but at what cost?

I’m going to show you two pairs of jeans from two different online stores.  Since I have no desire to get sued, I’m going to call these stores Big Online Business (BOB for short) and Little Internet Zhop (LIZ for short).

BOB offers Daring Duke’s Denims Boyfriend Acid Washed Bootcut Jeans for $39.95.

LIZ offers Daring Duke’s Denims Boyfriend Acid Washed Bootcut Jeans for $45.99.

But before you push the Add To Cart button over at BOB’s site…

There’s a big red banner on BOB’s site offering FREE SHIPPING!* (and the * in 4-point type at the bottom of the page says:  only on orders over $100).

The LIZ site doesn’t have a free shipping banner, but does have a small paragraph on their Shipping Policy page that offers a flat shipping rate of $1.99.  Shipping from BOB’s convenient nationwide chain of warehouses is going to run you $14.99.

BOB: $54.94 – LIZ: $47.98

BOB’s base of operations is in San Jose, California, and you just happen to live in California.  Hello, California state sales tax of at least 8.25% – higher in some counties.

LIZ is in Phoenix AZ.

BOB: $58.23 – LIZ: $47.98

BOB’s return policy is buried deep within a Flash-driven FAQ that won’t respond to your particular browser, so you won’t find out until much later, or when the jeans arrive and you read the packing slip, that you have to pay a $10 restocking fee. When you open your package from BOB, you find… not the desired pair of Daring Duke’s Denims Boyfriend Acid Washed Bootcut Jeans, but a Daring Duke’s Denims Boyfriend Acid Washed Jeans JACKET. Whoops.

LIZ’s package arrives with a similar jacket. Whoops. We can talk SKU mixup later.  LIZ’s return policy is simple and in plain text:  If you don’t like it, send it back. Just call LIZ to let them know and they’ll make things right.  LIZ sends a shipping label “just in case.”

BOB: $68.23 plus return shipping – LIZ:  $47.98

As you can see, just a few very common details have really changed the picture. With our eyes wide open, BOB’s lower price is no longer the great deal it started out to be.

And they’re far from the only details that can make a difference in what you pay when you shop.  Here’s a short list of things you want to keep in mind for the next time you shop – just a few tips to help you keep your eyes wide open.

  • Use a service like BizRate, or Shop.com, or Shopping.com.
  • Visit stores that offer comparison services across a list of the merchants they offer.
  • Use a search engine like Google or  Bing or Yahoo or Ask.com and hunt across vendors for the best price and terms, if you have unlimited time.

But that’s just where comparison shopping starts.  To get the bigger picture, look at:

    Shipping Costs

  • Do they offer free shipping or reduced cost shipping?
  • Do they offer reduced price shipping on every order  – or only once your order amount exceeds a certain dollar amount?
  • Is this reduced or free shipping limited to certain product lines?
  • Is their free or reduced cost shipping a permanent offer or a limited time offer?
  • Does their free shipping or reduced cost shipping offer include your location?
  • Are there any hidden costs that may be escalating the order price in order to cover this lower shipping cost?
    Return Policy

  • Do they have a return policy stated clearly and understandably?
  • How many days do you have to return an item?
  • Does the merchant charge restocking fees for returned items?
  • Does the return policy include any fine print?  Make sure that you are aware of any restrictions that may cover items you’re looking to purchase.
    Privacy Policy

  • Does their website include an easily found and clearly written Privacy Statement?
    Contact Information

  • Do they offer clear and complete contact information including toll-free numbers, fax numbers, online customer and technical support?
  • Does the merchant offer SECURE shopping checkout (look for https:// at the start of the checkout page’s URL).
  • Do you recognize the merchant? Sometimes merchants like Sears, Walmart, Boscovs give web-only pricing in addition to their known offline presences.

A savvy online shopper runs through this checklist almost automatically before beginning to shop on a site for the first time.  Practice before you shop so you are entering your next shopping experience with your eyes wide open.

To encourage eyes-wide-open shopping, Perfectly Shaped World includes a Plus Size Mall, where we’re building a directory of plus size retailers, including brief savvy shopper summaries.

Marie Denee Launch Date Pushed Back For Even More Curvy. Confident.Chic Exclusives

mariedenee_250FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, 09/09/2009:
Marie Denee Launch Date Pushed Back For Even More Curvy. Confident.Chic Exclusives

She is the Queen of Curvy.Confident.Chic; so it came as no surprise when the online contemporary designer plus size boutique, Marie Denee, announced its launch date has been pushed back to accommodate even more fashion forward exclusives before the unveiling to the public.

Set to launch September 9, 2009, Marie Denee is one of the highest anticipated online shopping havens for the fashion forward plus size woman with lifestyle apparel and accessories from designers like Gayla Bentley, Kingley & Posh, Embody Denim by Natalie Wakeling, Melissa Masse, David Kahn Jeanswear, BGU and Amanda Uprichard, Oola Lingerie, Marie Melodie and many more.

The official launch date is still scheduled for September 2009 with a specific date to be released in the upcoming week.  Marie Denee will make appearances on Belle-Noir Radio, Sunday, September 13, 2009, followed by an appearance on PLUS Model Radio on Monday, September 14, 2009 to discuss all these new exclusives that will make the launch out of this world!

For more information or press inquiries, please contact: Renee D. Jennings: reneejennings@rmediagroup.com

About The Curvy Fashionista-Marie Denee Armed with years over eleven years in the retail industry, Marie Denee is a Plus Size Fashion Blogger who has interviewed fashion icons like, Monif C, Anna Scholz, Douglas Sez, Mia Amber, Gwen DeVoe, Jessica Svoboda, and Qristyl Frazier.

Marie Denee is noted for her ability to find contemporary, high fashioned, impeccably fitting fashions for the Plus Size woman.  Her tireless efforts have led her to create her own plus size fashion blog site, The Curvy Fashionista, in December 2008; which showcases fashion options, news and events for plus size women in a world where fashion for the plus community is often overlooked.

In June 2009, Marie Denee, along with plus blogger, Johara Tucker, created The Curvy Collective; a group of elite fashion savvy plus size bloggers whose sole purpose was to capture up to the minute news related to the first ever, Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek), in New York City.  She has shared her fashion expertise with such outlets like, Gemini Magazine, San Francisco Examiner, Plus Size Media Tele-Summit, Skorch Magazine and Style Sample Magazine.
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Plus Size 411 Resource Directory Goes Live

phone_bookPlus Size 411, a new online listing center for plus size resources, opened its virtual doors officially at noon, 7 September 2009. Starting categories include Blogs, Books, Boutiques, Business, Communities, Directories, Events, eZines & magazines, Fashion & Style, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle (social groups, clubs, etc), Model Agencies, Plus Size Models, Size Acceptance.  New categories can be suggested by any reader.

Listings are contributed by readers and visitors to Perfectly Shaped World, the online shopping portal which is hosting the resource directory. All listings are human-reviewed before being added to the directory by hand.

Although basic listings are free, upgrades are available.

[30 July 2010: Edited to point to new site address - http://www.plussize411.com]

Tiffany Braxton Belvin Crowned Ms New York Plus America 2010

TIffany Braxton Belvin

TIffany Braxton Belvin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plus Model Tiffany Braxton Belvin is crowned Ms. New York Plus America 2010

Tiffany Braxton Belvin will represent New York for the national title at the Miss Plus America Pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana July 2010

New York, NY, 09/04/2009: As the old saying goes, “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere,” and Plus Model Tiffany Braxton Belvin proves that she can make it as she represents New York for the national title in the Miss Plus America Pageant, scheduled for July 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Taking an interest in pageantry at a very young age, the newly crowned New Yorker is extremely excited about competing and what this means for plus women everywhere. “Miss Plus America is something I wanted to do for a few years. Being Ms. New York Plus America means that I am a representation of all women regardless of size.”

The Miss Plus America Pageant has three categories of competitions where a winner will be crowned: Miss: Ages 18-29; Ms: Ages 30 & Up; and Mrs.: Ages 20 & Up. Contestants must be natural born females who are beautiful, classy, poised and elegant and at least a size 14W or higher to compete. Categories of competition will include on-stage interview, evening gown, and elegant pant wear.

For all press inquiries for Ms. Tiffany Braxton Belvin please contact Renee D. Jennings at reneejennings@rmediagroup.com.

About Tiffany Braxton Belvin

Tiffany Braxton Belvin, a native New Yorker, began performing in amateur fashion shows in the early 90’s. In 2007, when cast for a reality show that did not meet production she was urged to consider modeling professionally. Tiffany began her professional career as one of the first signature models for the e-zine, Belle-Noir.com. She became a fit model for a denim company, and has placed as a finalist in multiple model search competitions.

Tiffany has appeared in various media outlets including, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC’s Eyewitness News, NBC’s Today in New York, and she appeared in the second season of Lifetime Television’s How to Look Good Naked. Tiffany was crowned Miss NYC Plus Diva 2008 where she also received accolades for her award winning poem, “Why Do I Love My Curves?”

Tiffany’s professionalism and work ethics have parlayed her into positions as a model consultant, pageant coach, and she is the Regional Director for the Miss Black New York USA Pageant. She is also the executive producer for The Miss Black Queens NY USA Pageant. Tiffany is currently represented by DSE Model & Talent Management.

Miss Plus America

Coronet Productions, L.L.C. is entity, committed to excellence in pageantry and owned by Christian women who believe in healthy competition, however difficult, that promotes individuality, confidence and overall achievement among all contestants. Coronet Productions, L.L.C. is an organization devoted to promoting the sophisticated, ambitious, responsible and community service oriented full-figured woman of the new millennium.
Committed to the plus size woman, we believe that all women are beautiful, inside and out and deserve a chance to promote those causes closest to her heart with a title worthy of her representation. The Miss Plus America Pageant System is an organization devoted to celebrating the essence of the full-figured woman.

A woman with ambition, our Miss Plus America titleholders are women with uncompromising morals and a desire to serve her community through volunteerism. They are women who shine on stage and are the perfect representation of poise and grace.
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[sniplet name]

All Plus-Size People are Not Created Equal

Kimmoy Matthews, The Curvy Coach

Kimmoy Matthews, The Curvy Coach

From Kimmoy the Curvy Coach, http://www.thecurvycoach.com – a featured member of our plus size community, The Perfect Social Club:

The way that plus-size people are being portrayed in the media speaks largely to what people really think about us as a community. They believe that we are depressed, we’re desperate for love, we don’t take care of ourselves, we wear muumuus, and the list goes on and on…

However, if you were to attend events such as Full-Figured Fashion Week or Fuller Woman Expo, you will find beautiful, confident models, business women proudly strutting their curves and handling their business.

So where is the disconnect?

You see, not all plus-size people are the same. Quite frankly, no two people are alike but thanks to studies, research, social class, and society we enjoy categorizing people to better understand behaviors, personalities, patterns, etc. I’m not doing this for discriminatory reasons but to actually help you better understand who your target market is. The goal is for you as a business owner to pay attention to who fits your client profile and figure out what motives them:

* Group A: those who yo-yo-diet, want and/or need to lose weight, and maybe considering surgery to slim down as a matter of life and death. They’re weight is an every day struggle and is viewed as an obstacle to living their every day life. Typically, they’re uncomfortable in social environments and probably won’t be at any events even if it were only for plus-sized people.
* Group B: those who have body image issues accommodated by low self-esteem, they’re usually beautiful and not severely obese but are quite unhappy with their weight. This is usually do to their upbringing, their environment, and distorted imaged of what beauty is. They may have been teased a lot during school or have family members that are skinny who “try” to help them lose weight. They blame their weight as to why they can’t do things such as date or travel, and they often seek validation from others to feel beautiful or good about themselves.
* Group C: those who have accepted their curves and are growing comfortable with their weight; their weight does not get in their way of life. They workout occasionally, but if they don’t lose weight, it’s not the end of the world because they actually workout for health reasons, not size reasons. They will be happy to be a size 12/14 but not anything below that. They also won’t stress about eating a slice of cheesecake.
* Group D: those who are fashionistas, they know everything about fashion for the plus-size woman. They’re a fan of every plus magazine, fashion show, and may even have blogs about plus-size fashion. They’re experienced or aspiring models and shock the world with their confidence. They want to be seen and heard and use terms like “curvy” and “voluptuous” on a regular basis.
* Group E: those who turn their confidence and sexiness up a few notches and may fall into what is dubbed the “BBW fetish” lifestyle. They’re the ones you see posing in lingerie, scantily clad clothing or nude in provocative and exotic magazines regardless of their size.
* Group F: the size acceptance group; they are filled with confident women who focus more on embracing their curves and helping the rest of the world to accept us for who we are no matter our size. They’re typically involved in advocacy groups and are up-to-date with any controversial representations of plus-size people in the media.

Of course, we’re all human and some may relate to more than 1 of the groups or none at all. I present this to you so that you understand why Group C or D for example is disgusted by your gastric bypass surgery ads or why Group A and B may not sign-up for your “Big Gurls Night Out” celebration. The moral of this story is to get to know your customers; we are not all the same but you can tap into our common interests, likes/dislikes, patterns, and more. Use this intelligence to better connect with your audience and market to the plus-size community more effectively.

* These are solely based on my experiences and observation, no official study was conducted. I do not support size discrimination or sizism in any manner. Take heed with caution*

Kimmoy the Curvy Coach is a business consultant and coach dedicated to inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs in the plus-size community. If you’re ready to achieve business success in the plus-size industry, get your free tips, access to training and more at http://www.thecurvycoach.com

Tiny-Online-Business Disaster Recovery 101

**FOR SALE**

Fire Sale

Act 1 Scene 1:  Your small business just took a major body blow, and you’re reeling in shock.  What do you do now? Starting with these seven simple steps can help you cope, survive, even thrive after the dust settles.

Step Back and Separate Emotion from Fact
The first reaction is rarely the calm reaction, and the first response your brain comes up with is probably not the most healthy one for the recovery and long term success of your business. Recognizing this will help you to do an objective damage assessment.

Assess the True Impact
Was that body blow a scratch, a tummy-ache, an amputation or heart failure? Is it The End Of The World As We Know It, or a momentary hiccup? Did that just-canceled supplier represent 80% of your annual sales, or 8%? Does that lost DayTimer really mean that every bit of your schedule is lost, or just your schedule for the rest of the week? Get analytical. Determine just how much of a setback you really face.

Apply the 10-Year Rule
My grandmother used to say, “If it’s going to make a difference in ten years, worry. Then stick around to see if you were right.” A lot of business AND personal wisdom in that.

Revisit Your Strategy
Re-read your mission statement, strategy and tactics. Do they need to change at this juncture? Does this catastrophe mean a change in your overall approach? Jot down some ideas to go over with your Impartial Advisor.  (Note: The heat of the catastrophic moment is not the best time to be writing your first mission statement and strategy document. Write them when things are calm.)

Enlist an Impartial Advisor
Involve someone who doesn’t have a vested interest in the success or failure of your business, and talk over your current situation and your next moves. This leaves out employees, spouses, vendors, customers, even nearest and dearest friends. You need someone impartial, not a “yes” person, nor anyone whose feelings or livelihood will be impacted by your decisions.

Step Outside and Look Up
We tiny-online-business-owner types can get very focused on the world as we see it through the computer screen. Stand up and go outside, look up at the sky, look around the neighborhood. It helps put a crisis in perspective to see that the roof is still on the house.

Get Back in the Game
Cave in and throw yourself a brief Pity Party if it’ll help. But only for a little bit. Don’t wallow in the panic mud too long or, like the mastodon in the tar pits, you may have trouble getting back out.  Re-enter the game with facts together, an objective plan of recovery, and a sense of humor.

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Casey: Now staring at a ton of ‘lemons’ left behind by yesterday’s business catastrophe, and wondering just how many gallons of lemonade I can make from THAT.

Introducing Marie Denee- a premier plus size contemporary boutique

Marie Denee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, 08/17/2009:

Summer may be winding down but plus blogger, stylist and new eponymous online boutique owner, Marie Denee is heating up the fashion industry one curve at a time!

Marie Denee is an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today’s fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a haven where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion forward, and impeccably fit options.

Carefully edited and sourced from all over the globe by designers who see fashion beyond a size 12, Marie Denee will feature lifestyle apparel and accessories from designers like Gayla Bentley, Kingley & Posh, Embody Denim by Natalie Wakeling, Melissa Masse, David Kahn Jeanswear, BGU and Amanda Uprichard, Oola Lingerie, Marie Melodie and many more.

Interviewed by PLUS Model Magazine and Fat and Fabulous Chic, Marie Denee is forecasted to be a plus fashionista’s ultimate boutique for high-quality designer and contemporary fashions.

Marie Denee officially announced her boutique’s opening at First Friday’s 11th Annual White Party in Oakland, California. With assistance from designers such as Jibri, Corinthia Peoples Designs, and Coqo, attendees received a sneak preview of some of the fashion forward styles Marie Denee will feature.

To celebrate the grand opening of Marie Denee in conjunction with PLUS Model Magazine’s August 2009 Denim Issue, Marie Denee is currently running a contest to find out, “What makes you Curvy.Confident.Chic?” One grand prize winner will receive a $500 shopping spree to Marie Denee.

Through her blog, The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee, works tirelessly to highlight figure flattering trends for her audience. Her work has garnered her ranking on We Magazine’s 100 More Women Bloggers to Watch for 2009.

Marie Denee will also show her fashion expertise by serving as a seminar speaker for the BBW Empowerment Cruise 2010, hosted by plus model icon, Ms. Gwen DeVoe.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact: Renee D. Jennings: reneejennings@rmediagroup.com

ABOUT THE CURVY FASHIONISTA-MARIE DENEE

Armed with over eleven years in the retail industry, Marie Denee is a Plus Size Fashion Blogger who has interviewed fashion icons like, Monif C, Anna Scholz, Douglas Sez, Mia Amber, Gwen DeVoe, Jessica Svoboda, and Qristyl Frazier.

Marie Denee is noted for her ability to find contemporary, high fashioned, impeccably fitting fashions for the Plus Size woman. Her efforts have lead her to create her own plus size fashion blog site, The Curvy Fashionista, in December 2008; which showcases fashion options, news and events for plus size women in a world where fashion for the plus community is often overlooked.

In June 2009, Marie Denee, along with plus blogger, Johara Tucker, created The Curvy Collective; a group of elite fashion savvy plus size bloggers whose sole purpose was to capture up to the minute news related to the first ever, Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek), in New York City. She has shared her fashion expertise with such outlets like, Gemini Magazine, San Francisco Examiner, Plus Size Media Tele-Summit and Style Sample Magazine.

The Boutique: Marie Denee

Follow Marie Denee on Twitter

Marie Denee on Facebook

Marie Denee, MBA

Plus-Size Fashion Blogger, Journalist, Stylist

www.thecurvyfashionista-mariedenee.com

Twitter: MarieDenee

On a personal note, I’m thrilled to bits and puffed up like a mama hen to see this wonderful news release arrive.  Marie Denee is one of my favorite people, a mutual member of The Perfect Social Club, and a bright source of inspiration. I’m proud to count myself among her growing circle of cheerleaders.
Casey

Blogroll Madness, Ghost in Machine

Where I´ve Been Lately 2008After making yesterday’s claim that the blogroll problems were resolved,  this morning’s situation is baffling me.  When I logged in to do some maintenance, I found not one but TWO blogroll sections – the one that had been repaired yesterday, and the one that I had been told was lost forever.

I may have angered the Gods of WordPress Widgetry, but this morning they seem to have heard my feeble cries for redemption. The blogging universe is, once again, restored to balance – at least for now.

If you had requested a link in the blogroll, it’s there again.  If you would like to have your blog or site added to the blogroll, leave a comment on THIS post (or yesterday’s – matters not which).  Again, no adult sites. This is a family-friendly perfectly shaped world.

Blogroll is Almost Back

Where I´ve Been Lately 2008During the latest upgrade process, the formerly rock-solid blogroll, also known as Links, decided to vanish.  When I finally convinced it to return, I was chagrined to see that several links placed in the last six months have gone missing.  Those links are also missing from the backup made just before the upgrade.  It’s a mystery that I am unable to solve. However, I’ve been assured, by someone far more technical than I, that links that I add from this point on will be properly stored.

If you had a link from Perfectly Shaped World’s blog to your blog or site, and it is no longer showing up on the blogroll, please add a comment to this post, and let’s get it back in place.   If you would like to have your blog or site added to the blogroll, add a comment to this post.  It should only take a couple of hours to get your new link verified and in place.  (Please, no adult sites.)