Welcome to our May issue of PLUS Model Magazine, where we’re embracing the beauty of the past while eagerly embracing the promise of the future.

This month, we’re thrilled to showcase the remarkable journey of one of our own: a returning cover model who’s not only graced the virtual pages of our magazine but also the hearts of many through her dedication as an educator and coach.

As we celebrate the spirit of resilience and perseverance, we remember our beloved plus-size model, Mia Amber Davis, whose light continues to inspire us even thirteen years after her sudden departure. Mia’s legacy is a testament to the power of embracing oneself wholly and unapologetically. Her impact on the fashion industry echoes through time, reminding us of the importance of representation and inclusivity.

In this issue, we’re not just reflecting on the past; we’re also celebrating the present and future of the modeling industry. Alongside Mia’s story, we’re excited to introduce you to new faces, fresh voices, and passionate individuals who are redefining beauty standards and making their mark in the world of fashion.

Our cover model’s journey embodies the essence of our theme this month. She’s not just a stunning face; she’s a beacon of inspiration, a guiding light for the people she works with, and a mentor for aspiring models. Her story is a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle too daunting when passion and perseverance are your guiding stars.

This month, may you be inspired by the stories of courage, resilience, and hope that grace our platform and social media pages. Let us celebrate the past, embrace the present, and welcome the future with open arms and unwavering optimism.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of inspiration and empowerment.

With love and gratitude
Madeline Jones

How To Measure Bra Size Yourself…

Properly measuring bra size is essential for ensuring comfort and support. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure your bra size at home:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start, you’ll need a few items:
– A soft measuring tape (cloth or flexible plastic)
– A mirror (optional but helpful)
– A well-fitting, non-padded bra (optional)

Step 2: Wear a Well-Fitting Bra
While measuring, it’s ideal to wear a non-padded bra or no bra at all. This ensures the measurements aren’t skewed by extra padding.

Step 3: Measure Your Band Size
1. Stand straight in front of a mirror, ensuring your posture is relaxed but not slouched.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage, just below your bust. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not too tight. Keep your arms down by your sides.
3. Take note of the measurement in inches. This is your band size. If the measurement is an odd number, round up to the nearest even number.

Step 4: Measure Your Bust Size
1. Again, standing straight in front of a mirror, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight.
2. Make sure the tape is straight across your back and doesn’t sag. It should be snug but not digging into your skin.
3. Take note of this measurement in inches.

Step 5: Calculate Cup Size
To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference corresponds to a cup size:
– 1 inch difference: A cup
– 2 inches difference: B cup
– 3 inches difference: C cup
– 4 inches difference: D cup
– 5 inches difference: DD/E cup
– 6 inches difference: DDD/F cup
– 7 inches difference: G cup
– 8 inches difference: H cup

For example, if your bust measurement is 36 inches and your band measurement is 32 inches, the difference is 4 inches, so your cup size would be D.

Step 6: Determine Your Bra Size
Combine your band size with your cup size to determine your bra size. For example, if your band size is 32 inches and your cup size is D, your bra size would be 32D.

Step 7: Try On Bras for Fit
Once you have your calculated size, try on bras in that size to ensure the fit is comfortable and supportive. Remember that sizing can vary between brands and styles, so it’s essential to try on a few different options to find the best fit for you.

By following these steps, you can accurately measure your bra size at home and ensure you’re wearing bras that provide the comfort and support you need.

View More From Plus Modeling 101

Understanding Autism: Promoting Awareness and Support for Special Needs Families…

In recent years, the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly evolved. Once considered a rare condition, it is now recognized as one of the most prevalent developmental disorders worldwide, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. As we observe Autism Awareness Month this April, it’s crucial to delve into what autism truly is, the significance of raising awareness, and the pivotal role of organizations in supporting individuals and families living with ASD.

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder encompasses a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Each individual with autism has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, making it a spectrum disorder. Some may excel in specific areas such as mathematics, music, or art, while others may face difficulties in daily communication and social interaction.

It’s important to understand that autism is not a disease that needs to be cured but rather a neurological variation that shapes the way individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. Acceptance and inclusion are fundamental in supporting individuals with autism to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Importance of Autism Awareness

Autism awareness plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance within society. By raising awareness, we can debunk misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding autism, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with ASD.

Increased awareness leads to early intervention and diagnosis, which are crucial for providing tailored support and resources to individuals and families affected by autism. Early intervention programs focusing on speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and educational support can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism.

Organizations Supporting Special Needs Families

Numerous organizations worldwide are dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism. These organizations offer a wide range of services, including advocacy, education, therapy, and community support. Here are a few notable organizations making a difference:

1. Autism Speaks: One of the largest autism advocacy organizations, Autism Speaks is committed to promoting solutions for individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, research, and support.
2. The Autism Society: This grassroots organization provides advocacy, education, and support to individuals and families affected by autism. They also offer resources such as support groups, informational webinars, and community events.
3. The National Autistic Society: Based in the UK, this organization provides support, information, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. They offer services ranging from helplines and online forums to employment support and educational resources.
4. The Arc: While not exclusively focused on autism, The Arc advocates for and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. They provide a wide range of services, including housing assistance, employment support, and family advocacy.

As we commemorate Autism Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of neurodiversity.

Instagram Accounts to follow:

IG @mrsspeechiep/
IG @specialneedsnetwork
IG @theautismdad/
IG @theautismconsultant/
IG @autisticprofessionalspeaker
IG @autismadvocateparentingmag/
IG @colorofautism/

Interview with Model Felicity Hayward

What an honor to speak with our March 2024 cover model Felicity Hayward… a MUST listen!

Get to know our cover model Felicity…

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Follow Felicity Hayward on IG @felicityhayward
TEDxTALK
ted.com/talks/felicity_hayward_the_great_body_positivity_swindle

This month, we’re thrilled to unveil our radiant cover model, Felicity Hayward – the force of nature behind some of the fiercest body positivity imagery and videos the plus-size fashion industry has ever witnessed.

Felicity has broken barriers as a plus-size model, author, and relentless beacon of self-love. She’s an inspiration to us all, a reminder that beauty and confidence know no size.

We’re living in a paradoxical time for the plus-size fashion industry.

On one hand, there’s greater visibility than ever before, and the winds of change are finally gaining momentum. On the other hand, we’re also witnessing disheartening regressions – a backlash to body positivity and unrealistic beauty standards that continue to plague our feeds and our lives.

My own journey offers a small reflection of this tension. As a mature woman diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis twenty years ago, a disease that often alters the body in frustrating ways, re-learning to love myself felt much like climbing a mountain. But climb it I did, and the view from the top – a place of true self-acceptance – is truly spectacular.

Let’s not sugarcoat the truth: 67% of American women wear a size 14 or larger, yet a shocking degree of body shaming and exclusion persists. We cannot move forward as an industry, cannot move forward as a society, without true diversity, inclusion, and a tireless celebration of all bodies.

This month, we’re not just highlighting stunning fashion.

We’re amplifying stories of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of self-love. We’re examining the complexities of the plus-size industry, exploring new frontiers in representation, and holding space for voices demanding real change.

Because let’s be clear: Our bodies are not a problem to be solved.

They are magnificent vessels carrying us through this extraordinary life. They’re worthy of clothing that makes us feel powerful, beautiful, and undeniably ourselves.

Join us for a powerful one-to-one with our cover model Felicity Hayward on Instagram later this month and allow her energy to be our guide to self-love. Let’s find inspiration in the stories of everyday women forging their paths. Let’s ignite a fierce love for ourselves, right here, right now, regardless of size or circumstance. Because we are worthy, and we are powerful.

With love and fierce determination,

Maddy Jones

It is with immense pleasure that we present to you our latest edition of PLUS Model Magazine.

This month, we’re not only celebrating Black History Month but also paying homage to the spirit of resilience, creativity, and elegance within the plus-size fashion community.

On our cover, gracing the pages with sheer grace and power is none other than a remarkable individual who embodies the essence of our celebration – Halle Deneen is a plus-size model, influencer, and mom. Through her presence, she not only captures the essence of style but also represents a force of change, breaking barriers, and redefining standards in the fashion industry.

Black History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history and within the realm of fashion and modeling, it is no different. We take this opportunity to honor the trailblazers who have paved the way for inclusivity, diversity, and representation within an industry that continues to evolve.

This month we will reflect on the stories, journeys, and triumphs that have shaped the narrative of plus-size fashion as a result of their hard work.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey of celebration, empowerment, and inspiration. Here’s to a month filled with reverence, celebration, and above all, a reaffirmation of the beauty of diversity.

XOXO Maddy