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Thick and Thankful Fall Fashion Show features resilient plus-sized local women

Featured photo: Tia Tolliver is a model in the Thick and Thankful Fall Fashion Show

Written by Tanya Terry

Models in the Thick and Thankful Fall Fashion Show shared their powerful stories of resilience and how they’ve overcome challenges. They also shared about what they are thankful for and what keeps them going.

Tia Tolliver, who wears size 16 clothing, shared with the Courier her children and grandchildren keep her inspired.

“I have made a lot of mistakes in my younger days, and they keep me going without having a lot of bitterness in my heart towards the guys that did me wrong,” Tolliver said.

Shopping is one of Tolliver’s favorite self-care practices.

“I like to get my hair and make-up done,” she added.

Tolliver sees the importance of just taking care of herself in general.

“It makes me feel wonderful,” she stated.

Tia Tolliver

Tolliver expressed she feels people overlook plus-sized women.

“We don’t get the credit we deserve because even though we’re plus- sized, we’re still beautiful…I feel there should be more plus-sized fashion shows so we can get our flowers…I wish that people would look at plus-sized women differently.”

Timeka Brown stated life would provide all types of challenges.

“You have an opportunity as a person to decide whether or not you succumb to the situations, or you take the lemons and make lemonade,” Brown said.

Brown describes herself as a person who can do so.

“As a single mother and a divorced woman, I have just decided that I will be prosperous,” she added. “My faith in God plays a big role in that for me. So, I guess that has made me resilient.”

Regarding her personal story, Brown lost her father and siblings.

“I’m the last of my siblings that are still alive, and I continue to find greatness in life, even after losing so much.”

Brown’s favorite self-care practice is going to the hair salon.

Timeka Brown

“When I go see my stylist, Tammy Hampton, at Summerset Salon on Miller Road, that is quality time for me to make sure that the things that make me happy happen. Just the pampering, from putting my feet up to a haircut to just having a relaxing time, it’s what I love to do every two weeks.”

Brown has already booked her hair appointments for the year.

“That’s something I will not sacrifice for myself.”

Dawana Cleveland shared she is a rape survivor with a history of depression.

“A couple of years ago, I stepped out and reached out for help as I knew that faith without work comes back null and void,” Cleveland said. “So, I had to work to heal myself, forgive myself and others, and, most importantly, love myself once again. I am here loving and living in my truth, flaws and all-a perfectly imperfect being of His work.”

Cleveland’s favorite self-care practice is a love/hate relationship with journaling.

“Journaling makes everything real for me,” she said. “Journaling is the most healing practice I do because I can put feelings in writing better than I can say them sometimes. I can admit things in writing that my voice sometimes can’t say. So, it’s healing and painful at the same time.”

Cleveland acknowledged obesity isn’t healthy but said it’s her truth.

She also shared she feels plus-size women are shamed and put down in this world and continue to smile and shine.

Timeka Brown

Cleveland stated all women must find beauty in their reality to overcome everything the world throws at them. She pointed out stereotypes exist that plus-sized women are less attractive, lazy, unintelligent, greedy, desperate and undeserving. She said she and others break these stereotypes by being their fierce selves.

“The only way we get over these mental blockades is by loving ourselves today, curves and all! I want the next generation of plus-size girls to love themselves today! There is time to lose weight, but never waste a day not loving you today.”

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/413901318987?aff=efbneb.

 

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