Welcome to the Curvy Boss Highlight, our twice-monthly celebration of plus dimension professionals who’re altering the sport behind the scenes. This sequence was created to focus on curvy creatives, leaders, strategists, and entrepreneurs who aren’t at all times in entrance of the digital camera, however are completely making energy strikes, like Miss AK Brown.
As a result of let’s be sincere, you can’t be what you can not see.
We all know the trade tends to highlight the influencers and designers, however there’s a complete world of curvy professionals innovating in advertising and marketing, media, schooling, manufacturing, and past. We’re right here to shine a lightweight on these voices too.
Final time, we featured Jillian Pfennig, our vibrant West Coast contributor and inventive photographer capturing the arrogance of plus dimension girls by her daring, conceptual shoots.
And this week? We’re heading to St. Louis to highlight a multi-hyphenate powerhouse who’s constructed her personal media empire from the bottom up.
Let’s discuss AK Brown, the style educator, editor, and entrepreneur rewriting what Black trend management appears to be like like… on her phrases.
From Blogger to Media Maven: Meet AK Brown
AK Brown didn’t comply with the normal trend path… she flipped it, twisted it, and made it her personal. What began as a easy weblog over a decade in the past has developed right into a multidimensional profession the place she wears many hats, and wears them effectively.
“I began as a trend blogger, simply eager to share my love of fashion and join with individuals who appeared like me,” AK shares. “That keenness opened the door to styling, schooling, public relations, and ultimately launching my very own publication.”
In the present day, AK runs Advisor. Journal, a digital publication devoted to highlighting neglected voices in trend. She additionally leads A.Studio, a artistic company providing styling, PR, and manufacturing companies. And as a trend educator, she’s instructing the subsequent technology methods to make noise in an trade that doesn’t at all times make room.
What a Curvy Boss Day Seems to be Like
AK Brown’s days are by no means predictable… and that’s precisely how she likes it.
In the future she’s lecturing in a classroom, the subsequent she’s on set styling a shoot, and the subsequent she’s coordinating a brand new situation of Advisor. She thrives within the chaos as a result of she exhibits up with intention each time.
“I personal my area by main with confidence, utilizing my experience, and ensuring my impression is felt wherever I’m.”
When the Trade Mentioned No, She Mentioned Watch Me
Being a Black girl constructing a trend profession outdoors of New York or LA hasn’t been simple. In truth, AK Brown says her greatest problem was being underestimated.
“I used to be typically dismissed earlier than I even had the prospect to show myself,” she says.
As a substitute of ready for somebody to open a door, she constructed her personal constructing. That’s how Advisor. Journal and A.Studio had been born. She stopped asking for permission and began creating the form of visibility the trade was missing.
Illustration Is the Root of Her Work
From her first weblog put up to her newest journal cowl, AK’s journey has been fueled by an absence of illustration. That absence drove her to turn out to be the very picture she wished she had rising up in trend.
“To me, illustration means visibility, entry, and proof that we belong in each room the place trend choices are made,” she says.
Each class she teaches, each consumer she takes on, each situation she publishes carries that mission ahead.
Confidence in Layers
Confidence, for AK, is an inside job… and it’s not at all times loud.
“Confidence appears to be like like exhibiting up even once I’m nervous,” she says. “I construct it by taking small dangers, proving to myself I can deal with them, and letting that stack over time.”
Her recommendation to anybody watching her journey: you don’t must have all of it found out. Begin the place you’re. Be taught as you go. Hold constructing.
Main With Transparency and Reality
AK’s platform is rooted in realness. She’s not afraid to speak concerning the wins or the struggles.
“I share the highs and the lows so folks know they’re not alone,” she says. “I would like individuals who really feel neglected to see me and understand that carving out your individual lane is feasible, even when the trade doesn’t hand you one.”
That honesty builds belief. That transparency builds group. And that is what makes her management resonate.
Fashion Suggestions from a Curvy Style Professional
AK retains it actual in relation to curvy type. Her recommendation?
“Perceive your physique kind, at the same time as a plus dimension girl, so you’ll be able to costume with extra confidence. But in addition, strive stuff you assume you’ll be able to’t put on. You would possibly shock your self.”
She’s a fan of experimentation, pushing limits, and trusting your instincts in entrance of the mirror.
What’s Subsequent for AK Brown?
She’s received some main issues in movement. AK is at present rising Advisor. Journal right into a flagship platform for Black trend. On the identical time, she’s scaling A.Studio right into a artistic powerhouse and increasing her model partnerships, together with a brand new collab with Hilton and the Angad Arts Resort that brings trend styling to the hospitality area.
A bit of styling along with your keep? Sure, please.
Celebrating Wins, One Macaron at a Time
Huge or small, AK celebrates wins the candy means, together with her favourite espresso drink or a field of macarons. Easy. Stylish. Efficient.
Dinner With Her Fashion Icons
If she may sit down for dinner with any three folks? No hesitation:
- André Leon Talley, for his unapologetic type and legendary voice
- Iris Apfel, the queen of maximalist trend
- Tracee Ellis Ross, whose trend, humor, and presence are perpetually objectives
Actually? We wish a seat at that desk too.
Know a Curvy Boss Who Ought to Be Subsequent?
Each different week, we’re that includes plus dimension professionals who’re proudly owning their area throughout industries. These aren’t simply influencers or designers. They’re educators, consultants, creatives, strategists, and changemakers shifting the tradition in actual time.
If you understand a Curvy Boss (or you’re one), we need to hear from you.
Apply or nominate somebody right here:
As a result of the highlight is sufficiently big for all of us. And the world must see what actual management appears to be like like.
