What does one say after writing for 11 years?

You’d think after 11 years, I’d be running out of things to say. But being a yapper has definitely come in handy from time to time. As I stated in the previous post, I’m sick I can’t celebrate this milestone with yall, but trust me I’ve been wearing SOACG all weekend! Did I take pics? Barely smh but in the midst of it all, business cards have been handed out left and right.

Over these 11 years, I’ve faced more than a few moments that could have made me stop completely. Life happened. Detours happened. Doubt happened. But through all of it, I kept coming back to SOACG because I truly love the commitment and devotion I’ve poured into it. That love has allowed me to meet incredible people in the industry, build a community, and create pieces for customers who have supported us since day one.

Last year, I wrote about how I always knew I was a writer since high school. This year, I can confidently say I’m a designer, and honestly, I knew it since 3rd grade.

While everyone else was saying they wanted to be doctors, teachers, astronauts, or ballerinas, I was the little girl saying, “I want to be a designer.” I was sketching on anything and everything I could find, turning towels and bedsheets into dresses, and probably stressing my parents out in the process. (They absolutely were stressed, but they still fed into my dreams anyway.) They bought me my first sewing machine, and from that moment on, things went up a notch.

Years later, I got my first mannequin as my love for fashion kept growing. I still remember making a polka dot bubble skirt and an orange jersey knit dress.

As a teenager, I picked up other hobbies and sewing slowly faded into “one day again.” Then my sewing machine broke, and I gave up completely for a while. I picked it back up on my way to college, hit another detour, and thought maybe that chapter was closed.

But God wasn’t done with me yet.

He had a plan to bring me back to this dream, and I’m so grateful He did.

Now, with one completed dress waiting to be released and sketches flowing like never before, I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. I’m taking sewing classes, so don’t be surprised if you see me wearing 1 of 1 pieces. I feel so blessed to be in a position where I can create more options for plus size women. Especially now, as so many brands continue scaling back their size ranges and stopping at XL, it’s become harder than ever to find pieces that truly honor our curves.

But I also believe this moment creates opportunity. It gives brands that genuinely cater to plus size women a chance to step forward, take up space, and showcase who we are and where we’ve been all along.

And as the weather gets hotter, understand that we will too.

I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with Styles of a Curvy Girl — not just as a blog, but as a brand laying a stronger foundation every day. My hope is that you’ll continue reading, growing, getting inspired, and most importantly, dressing yourself in pieces from SOACG that make you feel seen and remembered because we’re still here!

Here’s to the next 11 and beyond.

Xoxo, Jonice 💋