How being Mentored changed my life #LatinoBigs

When I heard it's National volunteer week I couldn't help but share my story of who mentored me and why It is very important to mentor a young person, if it wasn't for a young man that walked into my school one day and said he was starting a program called SPARK, I can honestly say I don't think my life would have turned out as it has.

His name is Cecil Moniquette and he was the person who mentored myself and other's from my school, their was a group that he knew needed a bit more attention and I was in this group.

Mr. Moniquette ,was and is a person that understood that speaking to a person and not talking down to them would get more results, he helped me out a great deal more than he would ever know or understand. I had asked him once why are all these bad things happening to me and he said why not? I looked at him as if he had lost his ever loving mind and I said to him why would you say such a thing, he explained to me that why shouldn't I go through so much hardship that all of us go through some rough times and that we must be strong and take each lesson and learn from it and not do the same and to help if we ever see someone going through the same. At the time I thought he was crazy as all get up and go, but as time passed by I started to understand what he meant though at the time it sounded a very harsh to me I can see what he meant and what he said.

My Mentor: Cecil Moniquette

His mentor-ship to myself and the group was essential he helped us to see the big picture, he motivated us to want more out of life to help others even if we are in pain because they maybe in even greater sadness.  Mr. Moniquette  made such a difference in my life that my children whom have never seen him know of what he has done in my life. So needless to say that my children looked for him on all social media sites to see if we could reconnect after 25 years of not seeing each other.

And the day that I heard from my best friend Lisa that she had found him, I was so glad and I made sure to reach out to him and we didn't get to speak to each other until two (2) years later from the initial meeting on facebook.I wanted to share with him how I missed him so and how much he had impacted my life because he mentored me and showed me that their is hope even in a hopeless situation, what he taught me in his program I have also taught my children and made sure to let them know that Mr. Moniquette was the one who taught me this.

We did give him a hard time I make no bones about this, heck we were kids testing the water's but he made sure to take hold of the reins and bring it back home. I have to share that we did get to speak to each other via-cell phone and it was such an emotional meeting we both were speaking over each other at times because we were so happy to hear from each other, I wanted to let him know that what he did for me 25 years ago did not go in vain that because of what he did for me my life changed in such a way that even I am surprised as I didn't believe in myself as a kid and I felt I had no self worth.

Myself: Brazilia Moda

 I made sure to tell my mentor that he is one of the reason why I kept going and his words guided my life that God had a plan for both of us, him walking in that day to the gym to speak to all of us about his program over all the cat calls from the girls in gym class.I played it as a hard headed kid who didn't listen and was just in his class to pass the time, little did he know I was listening and he did reach me and the life lessons he showed me and the group I kept to heart.

In my Mentor's words, what the program he was involved in meant to him and what it was about....

S.P.A.R.K: School Prevention of Addition thru Rehabilitation and Knowledge

SPARK was founded in 1971 to deal with a drug emergency in the New York City public high schools. I was assigned to Bushwick H.S. because it was one of the schools in 1983 suffering with these type of problems.  The program pioneered intervention and prevention approaches that were specifically designed for an adolescent population. The SPARK process went beyond the surface symptoms to identify underlying psychological causes. SPARK countered substance abuse with supportive counseling and positive peer influence. Open and forthright communication cut through defense and denial. Young adults clarified their values and altered their problem-solving strategies. SPARK produced “significant behavioral change.”

SPARK empowers adolescents through information about drugs and alcohol, counselor/peer empathy, sharing experience, and coping together with pain and guilt. It empowers adolescents through individual and group participation to overcome isolation and alienation and to develop self-awareness and a sense of belonging. It also empowers adolescents through positive role models and constructive values.

SPARK professionals are selected on the basis of their caring posture, competence and commitment. They combine personal concern with human relations skills and diagnostic insights. The SPARK counselor functions as a friend, surrogate parent, mentor, and positive role model. SPARK’s own training institute orients SPARK professionals. Staff development is a continuous process at SPARK. Skills are refined and reinforced in workshops, seminars, and ongoing evaluations. 

The SPARK staff at that time consisted of one person, Cecil Moniquette who was an important element in the delivery of services to students, school staff, and the community. He provide substance abuse workshops, identify and refer students “at risk,” engage in short-term supportive counseling, and organize school-wide and educational events. He was the substance abuse information resources for the school and community. He also organize and facilitate developmental groups, counsel individual students, consult and confer with school administrators, and assist parents/guardians with problems associated with drugs and alcohol.

Our group will never forget him as he was and is our mentor he is above all our friend, to my dear friend Cecil, never think your mentor ship has gone avail it has fallen on good ground and we are all better people, parents, partners and friends because of this. So if you are thinking of being a mentor, do so with out hesitation.

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Make an extraordinary difference in a Latino child’s life by becoming a mentor. It changes lives, I am a result of being mentored and directed on the right path. Our children need a boost in self-esteem and encouragement to believe in themselves. Only an adult can provide this kind of guidance and consejos, which can come in the form of sharing a personal story about the difficulties of algebra or how you relate with the hardships they are going through. 

Latinos have a strong heritage of volunteering in their neighborhoods and places of worship. You can have a big impact now that will not only help one child, but help your entire community. Let’s celebrate National Volunteer Week on April 21-27 by giving back to our youth. 

If you would like more information and want to know how to volunteer to be a Big Brother or Big Sister today check out the links below. Mentoring a child will make a difference in their lives and yours as well. 

 www.latinobigs.org or www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org for more information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBrothersBigSisters

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBBSA

This is part of a supported campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Johnson & Johnson's #Inspired Care Social Media Campaign

These photos represent a few of the many programs supported by Johnson & Johnson and its partner organizations to serve the health and well-being needs of communities and people around the world.   To read more about these programs and others that help us care for those in need, please visit our website: http://www.jnj.com/connect/caring/.” 

Being a good mother to me is very important to me, as I had three women raise me my mother for a bit my aunt who to this day I call mommie and my grandmother which I kindly call her tonita. I would love to spend time with my grandmother she told me about how she had to raise her eight kids by herself and run a business with he help of her older children and the crazy stuff her kids which are my aunts and uncles would do to her, and it would just make us both laugh.

My grandmother taught me that being a good mother and being their for your children is a very important job and that these are lives we are molding and should be kind and loving to all your children and to make sure to give them a good education. My aunt would be the one to spoil me and be very motherly to me I was with her for a very long time and under her care she should me to always have open arms for your children and to love them and keep them safe. I was with my grandmother and aunt till I got married and all the time they raised me the always made sure to let me know to be a mother that your kids can come to and speak with and be open to be understanding but to always be a good mother.

I have to admit there is one more women who meant and still means a lot in my life and that is my godmother and her name is coca and she was our Madea in our family if any of the kids got out of line they (the parents) would say if you don't stop misbehaving we will tell coca and I remember till this day that we would be all scared and would straighten up in a heart beat. In realty she was the sweetest and kindest women I spent many summers at her house and watched her cook up these great meals, she should me how to make the greatest tasting BBQ chicken. I would be in the kitchen on my tippy toes asking all these questions and she would just answer all of them and teach me so much. 

What all of these women thought me was to at all times that you have the blessing of having your kids with you to love them, nurture them, teach them value who they are as individuals.

Johnson & Johnson and its partners support global motherhood with programs that meet the needs of moms and babies in the U.S. and around the world. Did you know that for  many years, Johnson & Johnson has worked with its partners to care for the well-being of mothers and children around the world?  Johnson & Johnson and its partners touch an estimated one billion PLUS people’s lives each day through their health care products, services and various programs

At this year’s LATISM 2012 conference, Johnson & Johnson will be showcasing some of these initiatives under the theme “global motherhood.” You and others are invited to learn more about their work and help them spread the word through social media about the challenges that mothers face around the world. You, like my mother,  can inspire mothers like you to join them in helping other mothers by raising awareness about important issues and some of the solutions that make a difference. If you are going to LATISM 2012 make sure you stop by suite “Arboretum II” during the LATISM conference to talk with Johnson& Johnson and its partners about the amazing work they do globally!

Jennifer Livingston Rocked the Airways

Jennifer Livingston TV anchor (Photo credit: On Being)

Jennifer Livingston rocked the airways as she read an email that was sent to her by a viewer live on WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wis , she was elegant and there was no fear in her voice as she read this horrible letter. 

Yes there were no profanity in the letter but the profanity that was there was the thought process of this individual that thought that this type of degrading statement would do good. . At no time would such a letter do good to anyone, but it showed the lack of respect this person has towards individual who are full figured. 

Jennifer Livingston is a champion for all of us who have been bullied in one way or another she took the power that bullied thought he had over her by calling her obese and trying to give her a guilt trip for being a big girl and just cleaned the floor up with him.

 I love what Jennifer Livingston said to "Good Morning America" why she decided to speak out.
"This was a personal attack," Livingston said.  "Calling me obese is one thing.  Calling me a bad role model for our community that I've worked at for 15 years and especially for young girls when I have three girls was a low blow and I thought it was uncalled for and I wanted to call him out on it."

And that she did with such grace and fortitude and  it was just amazing, as you see towards the end her eyes got a bit teary as she made sure to tell everyone who has ever been bullied to never give in to bullies no matter what and to stand tall and not be afraid for who they are.

Being in the spotlight and being fat one has to prepare themselves for all the ridicule, hate and degrading comments some will say, just because one is different from mainstream gives no one the right to put you down to say that you are unacceptable in society. Being fat some think that they have carte blanche to put one down by coming under the cloak of "oh your not healthy" this is a fine line one must be careful, as a lot of  full figured people are not unhealthy as one may think.

Jennifer Livingston's husband even stated how she works out and has ran triathlons and has a thyroid condition,  so she is pretty healthy despite that she has a thyroid condition which makes it harder for her to lose weight and no one who watches WKBT-TV knew this until now. 

In this case a lot of people who are overweight  may have different conditions that contribute to their weight gain and people don't know this and feel free to make degrading comments or try to be what they call caring by saying the dumbest thing like are you aware that being overweight brings a lot of health concerns really like we are not aware and at the same time a lot of full figured individuals are not unhealthy because they are plain and simply put fat. We shouldn't have to always defend ourselves for being fat and say oh yes I am fat but I am working out and changing my eating habits or I have a medical condition that is why I am fat to avoid any kind of criticism.

No matter what the whole outcry for this is that bullying anyone because they are what some may see as different, plus size, too slender,gender orientation or may have a physical disability no one has the right to make fun of them, but because some think that it is their job in this world to point out what they see as flaws. We will have bullies when we choose to be who we really are and be comfortable in our own skin, what we have to do is see them for who they really are, which is very sad individuals who feels the need to try to bring down another person by making derogatory comments to make themselves feel superior. We must speak our peace but never lower ourselves to the bullies level and  be the great person that we are and never give a bully the power to make you feel as if you are not worth nothing. You are worth so much and are so beautiful, your weight doesn't determine your self worth you do.

Get Swept away with Trident: #Seewhatunfolds

When was the last time you let yourself get swept away in a little fun?  If you know me you know i am spontaneous and quite out there in a good way. When i'm in the supermarket and i hear that song that makes me move i start busting out moves like  Iris Chacón . And because i am a Curvy girl i tend to get noticed, so when a crowd gathers i pull a few people in to dance with me and guess what? They do! We all have a good time.  I'll tell you another one, because i am always getting swept away in a bit of fun i have so many stories to share. So I was at a store and because i sprained my ankle i couldn't walk, so i decided to get into one of those Mart-Karts. I Drove my mart-kart next to this elderly gentleman, looked him in the eyes and mouthed "Do you want to race"? To My surprise he said yes and off we went racing down the isles, funny thing is his wife looked all around like what just happened? Where'd my husband go? lol 

I am always trying to have some sort of fun, hey! you only live once why not! This is why i love the new campaign Trident came up with. Trident is encouraging you to take the unexpected turn, the road less traveled and see what unfolds. Trident chewing gum invites you to “See What Unfolds” when its flavors create a spark that ignites a journey connecting you to the positivity you've always had inside.  

I went to the supermarket (So many memories lol) and picked up two packs of Trident Layers one in Wild Strawberry Tangy Citrus and Juicy Berry Tangerine (Which is my favorite one so far!)  

The new Trident Layers flavors include a line up of unique blends including Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus,  Peach + Mango, and Juicy Berry + Tangy Tangerine.

This fun video is brought to you by great-tasting Trident Gum. Trident: See What Unfolds.

Have you every been swept away in a bit of fun? Have you ever done anything spontaneous? 

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and TRIDENT. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Virtual Scrapbook with #Lifeables

When my children were born i would spend countless hours taking photos of them. Till this day i have two plastic containers full to the brim of family photos that i yet to scrapbook them. Since i am a working mother i really don't have time to scrapbook, so i'm always on the look out for something that can help me with this. I was so excited when i was told about Lifeables. It's a virtual scrapbook, it tells your families story all in one place. In mere seconds, this website searches through all of your content, bringing together the pictures, posts, videos and comments and puts them all together automatically. Completely secure and FREE! 

Something that i found rather amazing, was that not only does it organize your life in a snap of a finger. But it searches through all of your social networks that mentions your child's name and posts it on your child's timeline.  

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up with your email or though facebook
2. Attach your Social Network accounts Facbook,Twitter,Instagram etc to your Lifeables account.
3. Add your childrens information and photos

Once you add your childrens info they’ll find all pictures related and you’ll be able to create milestones and customize by adding comments and captions and share them with family and friends, who can add their own comments. I love that Lifeables has a secure network, you can choose who can see your childrens photos which is a plus in my book!  

Watch the Product tour below

Lifeables Product Tour from Lifeables on Vimeo.



Also if you are an expectant parent, you can  make a  lifeables for your unborn child. Soon enough you will be making tons of memories with your baby. http://www.babyblog.lifeables.com

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, compensated and in collaboration with Lifeables and Latina Bloggers Connect

Lornalitz Baez of Curvy Girls interview with blogger Marta Rivera..

· Curvy Girls will be airing on September 18, 2012 on NuVo TV at 9PM and I am sure that we will all be watching. I contacted Lornalitz and her publicist Priscilla Nuñez for an interview and they were so gracious, saying yes, here is her interview...

Marta-Where were you born?...

Lornalitz- I was born in New York City. I am from Puerto Rican decent. I also lived in Puerto Rico for a few years. I received a college scholarship and decided to leave New York City to study in Puerto Rico. I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Business Administration finishing with Magna Cum Laude honors, from the Universidad del Turabo. I visit Puerto Rico every chance I get, as my parents live there. I love my island!

Marta- How long have you modeled for? How did you get your start?

Lornalitz-I remember, as young as 5 years old, I would put on my mothers make up, her heels and “Pose” in front of the mirror. I didn’t realize I wanted to become a model until the year of 1994 when I saw Tyra Banks on the cover of ELLE magazine. Seeing Tyra made me feel like I could also grace covers. She was my inspiration during the beginning stages of my career. I started booking modeling work at the age of 17, after Jennifer Lopez chose me over 1300 models in NYC for the chance to model her JLO clothing line, the rest is history.

·Marta-Has there been any challenges?

Lornalitz- Working in the Modeling industry is not easy. It’s a competition and you need to have thick skin to survive. I was a straight size model the majority of my career. As a straight size model, I’ve compiled, established and maintained a strong client list. Unfortunately, I was not happy because I was forcing myself to be something I was not. After I made the decision to gain all my healthy curves back my agency dropped me because they did not have a plus division. I feel like I am starting from scratch. Although it’s somewhat of a challenge, all my hard work is paying off and I am happier now than ever.

Marta- Is it difficult to work in an environment that is so demanding?

Lornalitz-It is difficult to work in an environment that is so demanding but just like in any business or career you have to work hard. I love what I do. This has been a passion of mine since a young child. I know exactly what I want and where I want to take my career. I think if you know exactly what you want and love what you do; it should not feel like work.



Marta- Has there been any concerns while filming? Working with all the talented and beautiful women how is it?

Lornalitz-There have been no concerns while filming. Luckily, the production company and my fellow cast members are wonderful people to work with. Every day of filming was filled with fun and laughter. I never thought reality television would highlight my new journey in the plus size world. It was not easy putting myself out there as the first plus size model on “Model Latina Las Vegas” but at the same time it was an honor. I wasn’t afraid to speak up for what I believe in and that’s changing the industry’s image on what models should look like.

For years the size zero has dominated the industry but the average American woman is curvier. We should market to all sizes. Every woman should feel confident and beautiful no matter what size.Although I didn’t win the title of “Model Latina Las Vegas” my message was heard and soon after I was asked to be on “Curvy Girls”. My career as a Plus size model is blossoming. I guess sometimes when you lose, you win!

Marta- Any advice you can share with us?

Lornalitz- I think it is time to put a stop to the stereotypical standards of what is considered beautiful. I want all females to love themselves and accept themselves the way they are. Focus on internal happiness rather than physical appearance. From personal experience, when I stopped listening to other people and started listening to my heart I found “myself”.Tune into “Curvy Girls” Tuesday September 18th on NuVoTV to hear more of my story and see my transition from a straight model to plus model. Log on to www.lornalitz.com to keep up with me.

Lornalitz Baez is a pride and joy from our beautiful Island of Puerto Rico. Her inner beauty reflects her outer beauty, that is why she shines like the star she is!

About the Author Marta Rivera is a blogger from Puerto Rico, she is an English professor and a Plus Size advocate on the Island, an Island that is mainly for thin models, but she is trying her best to change that. Marta will be blogging P.H.A.T and loving it letting us know everything that is happening in the Plus Size Community from fashion to events in Puerto Rico.

How the Women who raised me made me Unapologetically strong.

I was so happy to hear that Degree Women is looking for women who are Unapologetically strong. When they asked me to share my story I was thrilled. I've been lucky enough to be raised my three women, My Mother, Grand Mother and Aunt. These were the three most influential Women in my life, they were strong in every way.  They taught me that being a strong woman is something to be proud of, not to be ashamed of it in any way. My Grand Mother and Aunt helped raise me and showed me that working hard and studying will get me ahead in life. And that i should take every challenge that life brings to me as a new opportunity to learn.

They always instilled in me that working hard is not something to be afraid of , that if i was a janitor to be the best at that job. They told me if i believed something strong enough and had my facts straight to stand my ground. To not be narrow minded in thinking, to be open minded and accepting of all. My Aunt, Grand Mother, and Mother all have been through so many things and not once have i heard them complain. They have shared with me how they have struggled but kept on going strong. From my Grand Mother Raising her Eight Children alone and running a business, then my Aunt Starting a new life in a different country and helped to raise me, to my mother who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  These women made me who i am, 

 unapologetically strong. 

As part of the degree campaign I was given a sample of “Degree Women® Clinical Protection with motionSENSE™ to try out. I absoulty loved it.  
The campaign kicks off on Wednesday, September 12th with a contest hosted on the Degree Women® Facebook page, inviting women to share their own unique and inspiring Unapologetically Strong stories and goals. By sharing their own stories of their own personal challenges, fans will be entered for a chance to win giveaways from Degree Women® to help on their Unapologetically Strong journey. One winner will also have the opportunity to win the grand prize of $5,000 to spend on achieving their goal.

Degree Women spokesperson Erin Andrews who shares her Unapologetically Strong story.
Don’t forget to like Degree Women® on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DegreeWomen and follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen.
I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network, I received product, and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Terri Herlihy is praised by Plus Model Magazine

Terri Herlihy is a beautiful curvy woman from New York, she was taken to Project Runway by a friend, going with such high expectations and then she met Designer Ven Budhu, it was literally a nightmare. The designer complained about her size and humiliated her. 

Madeline Jones and Terri

I contacted Terri because I just had to talk to her and know her reaction to this awful situation. She was so gracious and told me that she felt bad about the experience of being on Project Runway because of Ven's bullying and when she saw the show it had been edited not airing most of the awful things he said, but something wonderful came out of all of this. Madeline Figueroa Jones Editor and Chief of Plus Model Magazine heard the news and was appalled saying that this was unacceptable to treat a human being like this, she contacted Terri and offered her a shoot for her October Issue, Terri was so happy, she accepted immediately.

Terri at PMM Shoot

Terri told me that she got the royal treatment from PMM, they treated her with dignity and respect, having such a great time at the shoot. She has received so many messages supporting her and she was invited back to the final episode of Project Runway. I wish Terri all the luck in the world from our Plus Size Community in Puerto Rico and myself.

Always remember these words... keep your head up high my darling!

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Animal Activist, Composer and Recording Artist FAWN on Diversity News Radio

Fawn is an amazing person with a heart of gold and a gifted artist and musician, songwriter.
About FAWN:
Fawn is an award winning ASCAP singer, songwriter, composer, recording artist, actress and animal activist. For more information visit her IMDB at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2779641/or http://www.Fawnmusic.com/

About Diversity News Radio, On AIR with Steven Escobar: “Diversity News Radio, On AIR with Steven Escobar” is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that focuses on singers, business leaders, actresses, actors, recording artists, music composers, authors and writers and more of all genres and mediums. The show format features live music, interviews, breaking news, gossips, announcements, confessions, events, advertisements and much more.

To hear the interview with Fawn please visits Diversity News Magazine

   































Host Steven Escobar explores the careers, advice, writing style and personality of each guest. Callers are encouraged to call (760) 888-5783 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diversitynewsradio or http://www.diversitynewsradio.diversitynewspublications.com/

The show is live every Fridays and Saturdays at 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

Project Runway’ designer Ven Budhu Plus Size problem

Thursday night’s Project Runway made me scream at my tv and throwing punches in the air like a mad woman because i was in utter shock. Ven was my Favorite until Thursday night's episode. I was flabbergasted when he told the cameras when he first saw Terri he was “in shock” Because she was bigger than he would like. 

He goes on to say that  ”Working with a plus-size person is very, very challenging,” he told the cameras. Later on, he told Tim Gunn, “My client doesn’t really have a shape. She doesn’t have any sense of style whatsoever.” Hold the phone mister, aren't you plus sized yourself? Someone had the talent to make clothing for you, why can't you make clothing for a beautiful plus size woman? Then he complains the whole remainder of the show, how it was not fair for him to have a plus size client, and that nothing fits her. 

He goes on to make fun of her appearance and made up a random age saying she looked like she was 40 years old which is far from the truth, how disrespectful . 

Tim Gunn recognized the problems with Ven's approach right away. As Ven chortled in disgust at his estimate that his client was a size 14, Tim pointed out that that's only "on the cusp" of plus sizes. Ven insisted she "doesn't have a shape," and doesn't have any sense of style whatsoever."  

Ven treated Terri so rudely that she wound up in tears, to the point where other participants in the challenge were comforting her. To make a person breakdown in tears in front of total strangers because of how you made them feel, that's cruel and abusive. They brought her there to give her a make over, what she got instead was somebody trying to completely tear down her self-esteem.

The outfit he made for her was awful, i'm sorry but he could have done better. She is a gorgeous woman, if you put the right fabrics together you could have played up her amazing features.  

He defends himself on twitter saying,

You should always treat everybody with respect, no matter their sex, age, weight, color, sexual orientation and faith.  

You can be apologetic now, but you made a very very bad career move. As a designer you have to be able to work with all body types. (Just in case you did not know Ven you are plus sized also) Just throwing that out there.... 

He stated that "Everyone’s client was enthusiastic about being there and his client was miserable from the first day they met." Of course she was upset, you were hurling insults towards her as if she wasn't even in the room. He made her feel awful, how would you like someone doing that to you? 

Let me ask you this Ven was what you did worth it? Now your getting treated the same way you treated Terri.. How does it feel? Not very good does it..   I hope this teaches him a very good lesson in life,that if our words are not chosen wisely it can be the end of us.  Ven you have potential to be a great designer, but perhaps just a tad bit of growing up to do. 

Wishing you all the best Ven Budhu and Terri you are fabulous and absolutely beautiful a true beauty. 

What are thoughts on what happened on Thursday nights Project runway? Do you think if Ven apologizes that would be enough? 

Pluzz Boutique in San Juan

I found this beautiful boutique in Puerto Rico, it is called Pluzz Boutique, located at 501 Ave. Andalucia Pto. Nuevo, San Juan.The boutique oficially opened it's doors this month and they have beautiful clothes and accessories for Curvy Ladies. 

What caught my eye is that they are having a contest looking for the image of the store, the lucky model will attend all the promotions and events representing the store.I was talking to Melissa Duran, the owner the other day, a very charming lady, and she is so exited about this, the girls are given self-esteem workshops among many other things.

Some of the models in the contest

Her main goal is that her clients find the right clothes and that they be exclusive for them. She gives her clients the royal treatment and takes pride in this. Soon she will be adding some regular lines for other clients among them Kids Plus and Kids Regular clothes.

We are talking about doing a project together, I'm so exited about that!! I will be blogging about the contest soon and the winner. Good Luck Melissa, keep up the great work you are doing for our Curvy Ladies in Puerto Rico.