Welcome to the Curvy Boss Spotlight series, an exciting new editorial initiative from The Curvy Fashionista, showcasing inspiring Curvy CEOs. This series highlights remarkable plus size women who are reshaping the definition of leadership across various industries. These women are not just executives; they are trendsetters, change agents, and community builders who lead with intention, style, and an unapologetic presence. They are at the forefront of their fields, whether they are spearheading brands, igniting movements, or climbing the corporate ladder. In this series, we celebrate those who embody confidence, excellence, and flair, showcasing what authentic plus size leadership truly looks like.
In our first edition of the Curvy Boss Spotlight, we are excited to feature Emma Medeiros, the President and Publicist of Medeiros Fashion Public Relations. Emma is a true pioneer in her field, having identified a critical gap in the industry and courageously created a solution that exemplifies the essence of empowered plus size leadership. Her work is dedicated to ensuring that plus size fashion, which caters to the majority of women in the country, receives the recognition and respect it rightfully deserves in mainstream media.
Emma’s professional journey commenced in 2015 with a clear and ambitious vision.
“I launched Medeiros Fashion PR in 2015 after realizing that, among the thousands of fashion public relations firms in the US, not a single one specialized in the rapidly growing plus size fashion industry. This needed to change!” she confidently declared.
For Emma, fashion is fundamentally inclusive: “To me, fashion is simply FASHION. Why should plus size fashion be an afterthought when the majority of women in this country fall into that category? We want to feel sexy, feminine, and fashionable, and designers and retailers are finally starting to recognize this truth!” This empowering perspective fuels her unwavering commitment to ensuring that plus size leadership and brands receive the visibility they deserve.
Emma’s typical day is dynamic, adjusting to the varying needs of her diverse clientele. However, one constant remains: her dedication to building community. She actively participates in several Facebook groups where publicists connect with journalists, event producers, and fellow publicists.
This commitment to collaboration underscores her belief in collective success, promoting a culture of teamwork and mutual support within her professional environment.
Transforming the Landscape: Emma Medeiros Discusses Plus Size Leadership and Confronting Obstacles
Emma’s journey has not been without its unique set of challenges, particularly in advocating for plus size visibility. She often encounters accusations of “promoting obesity,” a misconception she addresses head-on.
“From a purely medical perspective, it’s indisputable that excessive weight can have adverse effects on health. However, what I advocate for is equal access to fashionable, affordable clothing that fits properly and makes individuals feel confident, regardless of their size!” This clear stance highlights her mission: fostering access and empowerment, not making health judgments.
Despite the progress made, the fight for authentic representation in mainstream media endures. Emma notes, “Even after 10 years, it remains a struggle to secure coverage for plus size fashion in mainstream media outlets.”
She highlights the infrequency of plus size cover models like Tess Holliday appearing in publications such as Cosmopolitan, hoping for more enlightened leadership in leading fashion magazines. For Emma, representation signifies a world where plus size bodies are celebrated and featured routinely, not as exceptions but as vital parts of the fashion narrative, constituting a crucial aspect of effective plus size leadership in media.
In Emma’s perspective, confidence is refreshingly simple: it “means wearing whatever makes you FEEL fabulous.” She fondly remembers purchasing “a red coat for less than $20 that attracted compliments everywhere I went because it was the perfect color and fit for me.” This story powerfully illustrates that true confidence is not dictated by price but by how an item makes you feel.
Emma leverages her position to inspire and uplift others, particularly small business owners who often operate on limited budgets. She customizes her services, providing “various packages to accommodate their financial needs,” ensuring that her expertise is accessible to all.
Her advice for anyone seeking to boldly pursue their career or passion is both practical and insightful: “A person ALWAYS has options.” She urges aspiring entrepreneurs to “explore the numerous free financial resources available in this country,” highlighting the abundance of grants and loans, especially for minority business owners. “Start by Googling ‘Grants for small business owners’ in your area, and take it from there.”
For achieving polished plus size professional style, Emma emphasizes a foundational tip: “Wear. The. Right. Bra! Regardless of whether you’re sporting a $10 tank top or a $20K evening gown, NOTHING will look or feel right without the correct bra. Getting a professional fitting can transform your appearance!” This practical advice underscores the significance of a solid foundation in achieving an impeccable look.
As Emma looks to the future, she is manifesting exciting new ventures. While specifics remain confidential, she is “developing a project that merges plus size fashion with mental health awareness, which I hope will assist many individuals who are struggling.” This initiative further solidifies her commitment to impactful work beyond traditional public relations. She defines influence as the ability to “encourage others to think differently or reconsider if there’s a better approach to executing something, not just in fashion!”
Emma describes her essence in three words: “Class and sass!” A perfect representation of her sophisticated yet determined outlook. She celebrates achievements, big or small, by “sharing them on social media and tagging everyone who contributed to my success. Triumph is ALWAYS a collective effort!” Her vision extends to historical figures who symbolize change, expressing a desire to dine with Jesus Christ, Margaret Mead, and Susan B. Anthony, in gratitude for their monumental contributions to humanity and women’s rights.
Emma Medeiros is not just managing a successful PR firm; she is a powerful advocate challenging societal norms and nurturing genuine plus size leadership within the fashion industry. Her unwavering dedication to access, authentic representation, and the empowerment of others makes her an undeniable force in the Curvy CEO landscape.
We take pride in highlighting bold, stylish voices in the realm of plus size fashion—and we hope you’re enjoying it as well! If you’re a Curvy Boss making waves with your curves and confidence, we would be delighted to feature you next. Click the link to share your story and showcase your talents in our Curvy CEO Spotlight Series!
