Leah V. opens up about how she became a blogger, representation in mainstream media, and redefining beauty standards.
IG: Lvernon2000
Instagram bloggers
Big Thanks: New Blogging Camera
For those of you who don't know, my refurbished camera from Amazon that I used for blogging and events broke near the end of last year. Samsung wouldn't honor the warranty and the Amazon seller went ghost. For most of us, money is always tight. As I sulked about not having a camera to continue my blog and vlogs, this organization I was working with told me that I should put my creative community to the test: start a GoFundMe page.
Like many others, it is hard to ask for something--anything. You feel weird involving someone in your own problems and issues. Siena (The Void Academy) told me that I had to get used to it. I was an artist and as an artist you create art and people WANT to help you succeed. They do? I pondered. Did the people around me really want to see me have a nice camera to continue creating?
In fact, they did.
These pictures are the first photo I took with my Sony camera that my community allowed me to purchase. We raised $850 in 30 days. People shared, donated, prayed, and sent good vibes and we made our goal. I was like a kid in a candy store when I went to Best Buy to purchase it. I couldn't have been more happier.
So this post is for every single one of you who put in the work for little ole' me.
Big thanks to:
Mary Carter, Dana Chase, Susan Cartsonis, Bonnie Culver, Taylor Polites, Siena Oristaglio, Kaylie Jones, Barb Taylor, Samia Bowe, Scott Mitchel, Lauren Stahl, Cynthia Ramsey, Linda Hunt, Zarinah El-Amin, Gregory Fletcher, Suzzane Ohlman, Stephen Gliatto, Shawna Farmer, Camilla Vernon, Nicole April Carter, Nisha Sharma, Jasmine Nicholson, Aleka Thrash, Victorious ME, and all the other countless supporters!
Photo: Madinah M.
Model: Leah V.
Dress: Forever 21 Shoes: Torrid
Lippie: Colourpop
15 Diverse Bloggers You Need To Know
in Feature
1. Veroiam_ (US)
Style: This girl knows how to have fun. Her style is edgy yet sophistacted.
Before we go any further with our other 14 gorgeous blogger babes (and bae), I'd like to let you guys know why I searched Instagram--high and low--compiling this list of curvy fashion influencers. Diversity, for me, is key to any and everything that I do. My motto is that 'fashion isn't exclusive' and from this list of very different and stylish individuals you can see that style comes in all forms.
Although, I am not a 'top blogger' in any way, I thought it'd be fun to mix this list with underdog bloggers as well as ones who are more established. A lot of plus-size blogs and websites mostly feature the 'in crowd' bloggers (no shade!). But there are soooo many talented bloggers out there just waiting to be discovered.
Here's the thing, we have to be the change that we wish to see. So with that said, I want you guys to give these bloggers mad love. Support them, follow them on the 'Gram', tell them how lovely they look, or just say heeeeeeeey! Lol. I'm quite sure they'd appreciate it :)
2. Jewelz Journey (US)
Style: Fearless. Her style is quirky, sexy, and fun.
3. Nazira Hashari (Malaysia)
Style: Clearly fierce. Her style is eclectic and bold.
4. Plus Size Beausion (Haiti)
Style: Her style is clean and bold.
5. Windy City Wardrobe (Chicago)
Style: She plays with prints, colors, and textures.
6. Ashley Tisdick (NY)
Style: His style is modern grunge.
7. Nina Wolves (Munich)
Style: She's giving us casual chic.
8. Curves Become Her (South Asia)
Style: Her style is retro and feminine.
9. Weesha's World (Dubai)
Style: Her style is street glam!
10. Style Trifecta (Detroit)
Style: These sisters bring their own unique styles to the table. I say great style times three :)
11. Suits Heels Curves (NY)
Style: Her style is all business with flair.
12. RolyPolyWardrobe (Berlin)
Style: Her style is playful and bright.
13. _LifeasLauren (Texas)
Style: Her style is a beat face and dope turbans with sass.
14. For the Love of Lolly (Dubai)
Style: Her style is colorful and elegant
