The beginning…
I was 34 years old when my business partner and I embarked on a journey that would cement PLUS SIZE greatness into the history of the plus size industry via PMM. We never knew exactly what we wanted PLUS Model Magazine to become, we just knew that we wanted the people inside the industry to be seen and heard.
Through the years we have seen many ups and downs and have witnessed a remarkable change in the industry. In many ways, we have thrived and in other ways, we are still struggling for diversity and for a seat at the important tables.
Today...
THAT was sixteen years ago and today as I celebrate my 50th birthday I can say wholeheartedly that I feel absolutely privileged for every experience, opportunity, laugh, and even for those tears because all of it has made me the woman I am today. In a world that glorifies thinness and staying forever young, I have made it my mission to reach the everyday person by sharing my every day life so that you don’t feel like the world is only what you see on curated social media postings.
Life is TOUGH and unpredictable but who we are is seen when we are going through the tough times and while our spirit may be down, our faith and willingness to move forward prevails.
Any regrets…
I wish I would have enjoyed the early PMM years a little more but I wanted to see change so badly and I did not want to allow one more day to go by where I could not encourage someone to love themselves TODAY.
Tomorrow…
My wish is that we could see how wonderful we are and that people in positions of power would set aside their biases and truly embrace inclusivity and diversity. Until that day it is our job (all of us) to use our voice, our dollars and our influence to live in service of the greater good. Not just for our own personal gain and social media standing but to actively DO GOOD for others.
Thank you…
There are SO MANY people to thank so I will say this… I am here because strong women believed in me and poured INTO me, brands that I admired from afar became some of my fiercest supporters through the years and continue to support my efforts. The plus-size community I have devoted myself to has blessed me with support over all these years, but it’s your stories, your journey, and your heart that keep me going. And last but not least it’s my close friends and family who KNOW me, and still love me. I’m forever grateful for where I stand today.
xoxo
Maddy
50th Birthday Dress is available at CityChicOnline.com
