PLUS Model Magazine Exclusive Interview With Broadway Singer And Actress Patrice Covington

Interview by Rochelle Valsaint

Patrice Covington is a singer and actress with a strong foundation in the Broadway and musical theatre industries; and she has also just released her debut album!

As Patrice navigates to find her niche with her image as an artist, she can’t seem to get away from the area of being a natural woman from head to toe. As a Black female with natural hair and natural hips and legs to match, she knows the need to uplift and encourage other women that they are super beautiful no matter their size.

1.    So how did you make the transition from a performing arts high school and singing in the church to musical theater and R&B background vocals?

I went to a performance arts high school, so I learned how to do that early. School taught me how to be on the stage and perform. The biggest transition for me has been finding my identity with style.

2.  From singing in church to R&B and soul to Broadway and maybe the runway next, why modeling?

If I had a dollar for every time I heard from someone, “Patrice you should be a model,” I’d already be rich. But, after hearing it so much and with the evolution of the plus-size industry, which means there are so many choices for me now, I thought why not try it?

3. When did you discover your love of fashion and have enough confidence to boldly portray it to the world as a woman with curves?

It’s something that’s new. To see how amazing and diverse things can be in terms of style now for plus size women.

4.    How did you find PMM?

Just seeing info posted one of my “friend’s” Facebook pages. And once I found it, of course I fell in love.

5.    But, how did you decide to take the leap from finding it online to reaching out directly to learn more about the industry?

I believe that if you want something, you have to go for it. I would at least ask. And, if she said no, that was ok too. So, I made the effort and took a chance.

6.    Who are your favorite plus size designers?

Butter By Nadia, Monif C., INC, Bar III

7.    Tell us why your family and friends lovingly call you “Galaxy.”

I came across a quote six or seven years ago. “Don’t be a star, be a galaxy!”

What it means to me is being the in-between, being the jack of all trades. As an artist I like to express myself in many different ways. So, I want to be more than a star. I want to express my creativity through as many different forms as I choose. That’s why I want to add modeling to my galaxy.

8.  How have your world travels affected your view of women and body images? And have your global travels helped shape your own self-image?

Seeing the many options has helped. It helps that I don’t have to be caught up on being a certain shape and size to be successful as an artist.

9.    Every woman should recognize their physical assets, no matter what their size, what do you think are yours? 

You mean what parts of me do I think are the bomb – my hourglass figure, 36-24-36  in plus size measurements, my natural hair and how I love that it’s helping me shape my image. My music is feel good music. And I am feeling good about who I am in my natural state – curves, curls and all.

I also wear dresses that some may think are too short for a woman my size. But, I love breaking boundaries and showing that just because I’m plus size doesn’t mean I can’t show some skin. I won’t ever be inappropriate. But, I do think it’s ok to show the beauty of your body and not always be so covered up.

10. What’s a typical day for you when you’re not on stage or performing?

I co-own a record label with my husband. So, my days consist of doing everything to getting my music out there: calling radio stations, connecting with supporters to encourage them to request my music and everything else that goes along with making my first album a success. I am also doing the couch to 5k fitness program. I love it.

11. Where do you get your fashion fix online – blogs, sites, social media you follow?

PLUS Model Magazine, friends’ Tumblr pages, and online shopping.

12. What responsibility do you think we have, in the plus size industry, to share with women and girls about diversity of beauty and self-image?

I think that the industry should show some diversity in the types of clothes made for plus size women. We are finally getting clothes that are made to fit us. But, many of them are made with the thought of covering up every inch. I am excited to see offerings for intimates and clothes that make you look and feel sexy, but are appropriate.

13. Coming to love you and all of your beauty in your natural state, from your hair to your figure to the skin you’re in, had to be a journey as well. What are some positive highlights of that journey?

My family really uplifted me and always told me how beautiful I am. And I believed them. So, there was no other way of thinking for me. But, I’ll admit being in the industry will have you thinking about your size. But, it helps to have a husband loves me, just the way that I am and doesn’t want me to change my curves.

14. Who are your style icons?

 Jill Scott. She’s elegant. Then rocker chic. Also one of my favorite singers is Mary J. Blige. Her boots are always killing. Chaka Khan. She’s your mama’s age. But she’s a sexy mama. She always wears tight sexy, leather and shows skin. You can see a theme here with my love of music.

Mia Amber also always inspired me. Seeing her face and body everywhere was so inspiring.

15. I see you are an accessory lady, like myself. Tell me how you came to your bold accessory style?

 I have always loved accessories! I learned that growing up. Accessories can make an outfit. My favorite accessories label is Rebel Designs out of New York. I love bold choices and statement pieces. To prepare for my wedding day when I bought my dress that was cool. But when I went shopping for my head piece and accessories, they cost as much as my dress.

My headpiece is still a favorite. And, I will find a reason to wear it again. I love it that much.

16. I think the best of your fashion sense can really be showcased on your most casual days. Tell me how you show your sense of style on your jeans and t-shirt days.

 I love make-up, I’ll definitely beat-up a face. If I don’t have on earrings something is seriously wrong. So, between my makeup and accessories that’s how my style comes through on my most casual days. I am also experimenting with a red lip as a signature.

17. Anything else you want to leave with the PLUS Model Magazine readers?

 I just want to make sure that everyone knows about the upcoming release of my full album coming out in Spring 2012.

More information about Patrice can be found below:

Facebook.com/sangtrice

Twitter.com/sangtrice

www.PatriceCovington.com

by RochelleValsaint

Rochelle Valsaint is a wife, mom, brand coach and blogger. One constant in all of her roles is writing, from journaling to lists to white papers. Now she’s adding freelance writer to her titles. You can read her personal journey of coming to love her curves here. Now that she’s found that love as “Ms. Good and Plenty,” her manifesto is to celebrate the beauty of all curvy shapes and sizes. She believes you have to use what you got to get what you want in every area of your life! She’s a New Orleans native, calling Atlanta her home away from home. You can find her online frequently through her social profiles, especially her latest pinterest.com/rochellevalsaint addiction, pinning her fashion and plethora of other interests. Her first book is also in the works! http://about.me/rochellevalsaint

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