I took a chance on myself five years ago when I opened the boutique. Back then, I just needed a legit place to sell the hoodies that were in high demand. I wanted every customer to feel like they were buying from a real business — not just someone hustling on the side.
The thought had been sitting in my mind for a while, especially when being a designer was the only thing I lived and breathed. But I knew I had to take it to the next level when I realized hoodies weren’t the only thing I wanted to offer. So, I took the leap and got to work.
My first collection was definitely a product of inexperience — I had no idea what I was doing (low-key still don’t, lol, but trust me, I have way more knowledge now than I did then). Now that we’re this locked in with our SOACGBaes, I want to give you more.
Last December, I told my email subscribers I wouldn’t be buying from vendors anymore. From here on out, it’s all me — designing from scratch. The fact that I said it out loud, journaled it, prayed on it, and finally put pencil to paper means I can proudly say: I am a designer.
From January to March, I made moodboards to get my ideas down. I wanted to get everything in front of me so I knew the direction I wanted to go. April to June, I traveled, soaked up inspiration, and celebrated SOACG turning 10! Those months were also about sharpening my sketching skills. Eventually, I found myself sketching the same design over and over — even dreaming about it. That’s when I knew this had to be the first piece to come to life.
I thought about filming every step, but honestly? I wanted those early moments to be just me and God. Now that the tech pack is done, it’s the perfect time to bring you into my world — a world that’s about to change the game for both of us.
She doesn’t have a name yet, but let me tell you about this dress. As a plus-size girlie who loves everything about her body, I love showing off my back. And apparently, I’m not the only one. While researching and gathering inspiration, I saw so many women asking for pieces that let them show off without holding back.
The moodboards kept pointing me toward elevated pieces that still have that casual, everyday ease. That’s exactly what this dress is. It shows off your curves in the most elegant way while giving you the cozy vibes of fall/winter. You will not want to stop rubbing on yourself. You’ll be a walking hug. You won’t want to take it off. And when you turn around to reveal that it’s backless — rolls and all — you’re instantly the main character.
Wearing this dress says: I know I look good, no matter what. You’ll be remembered when you wear her — and when you wear everything else that’s coming from SOACG.
Am I scared? Absolutely. But I’d rather do it scared than not do it at all. From this point on, you’re getting the inside scoop. I’m still deciding if I’ll post the journey on IG or TikTok (probably TikTok, because that’s where the raw, uncut stuff will live).
I’m beyond excited to finally be the designer of my dreams — creating the pieces you’ve always wanted to wear and be remembered in.
See you in the next one (and on tiktok)
Xoxo, Jonice 💋
Styles of a Curvy Girl 