Abundance, power, and new beginnings are the meanings behind the number 8. To be honest, that’s exactly what August has been for me.
I fully relaunched the boutique with our first original piece, Cyn. And it feels like a new beginning. Even in the middle of so many things moving at once, I can feel a path opening up for me. And there’s something about finally seeing things come together that makes me feel extremely powerful.
Even though the weather is still giving summer, I can’t believe Cyn is officially out in the world for you to see, wear, and flaunt your curves in. One of the captions I used for Cyn on IG was, “not to September your August, but can you blame us?” And honestly, I can’t.
That dress is perfection.
I can’t wait to wear it again. Not only because of how our models looked and felt in it, but because I can’t wait to show off, lol. As vain as it sounds, I look and feel amazing in that dress too. She’s the dress you’ll gravitate toward when you have that special night out with the girls, a date with that special someone, or a holiday party where you’re ready to deck the halls in.
And the fact that orders have been coming in? I couldn’t be more grateful.
But it got me thinking…
What’s next?
Not because I’m over Cyn. I don’t think that will ever be possible. But I know how quickly people move on from trends, pieces, and whatever is considered “the next thing.” And naturally, my designer brain started moving.
Because designing isn’t just about making something pretty for me.
Yes, I practice by making myself something out of nothing. That will always be a part of who I am. But when I’m designing for SOACG, I have to keep you in mind at all times.
I’m not thinking about what the next best trend is.
I’m thinking about what will be best for you.
I want to make pieces that not only make you look good and feel good, but help tackle some of the problems you’ve experienced while shopping for your curves. I know what I’ve been through when it comes to dressing myself. I know the frustration. I know what it feels like to find something you love only to realize it doesn’t fit the way you thought it would, isn’t made with your body in mind, or simply doesn’t give you the options you deserve.
And this isn’t just about me.
The interview I had with VoyageBaltimore
this month made me think about all of this even more. It made me go back to my why.
Because the fashion industry has slowly been taking steps backward when it comes to inclusivity and making plus-size women feel seen, considered, and appreciated.
Malls barely have stores that cater specifically to us. Brands stopping at an XL isn’t enough. Our bodies are not an afterthought.
We can and will outdress whoever. But at what cost?
Sometimes we’re all wearing the same things because our options are limited. Sometimes the quality only gives us a few good wears. And sometimes the price is baffling, to say the least. We thank God for personal style though. You know what I mean?
There are brands out there holding us down, and I will always appreciate that. But I also know there is still room for more.
More options.
Better quality.
Pieces designed with our bodies in mind.
Clothes that make us feel like we were considered from the very beginning—not added to the conversation afterward.
That’s where SOACG comes in.
Cyn is only the beginning.
I don’t know exactly what every next piece will look like yet, but I know who I’m designing for. And that makes figuring out what’s next a little easier.
So yes, August has been about abundance, power, and new beginnings.
And I think I’m finally starting to understand what all three look like for me.
See you in the next one
Xoxo, Jonice 💋
Styles of a Curvy Girl 