Welcome to the Curvy Boss Highlight, our twice-monthly celebration of plus measurement professionals who’re altering the sport behind the scenes. This collection was created to spotlight curvy creatives, leaders, strategists, and entrepreneurs who aren’t at all times in entrance of the digicam, however are completely making energy strikes, like Miss AK Brown.
As a result of let’s be trustworthy, 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, 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 boldness of plus measurement ladies via 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 speak about AK Brown, the style educator, editor, and entrepreneur rewriting what Black vogue management appears like… on her phrases.
From Blogger to Media Maven: Meet AK Brown
AK Brown didn’t observe the normal vogue 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 properly.
“I began as a vogue blogger, simply eager to share my love of favor and join with individuals who regarded like me,” AK shares. “That keenness opened the door to styling, schooling, public relations, and ultimately launching my very own publication.”
Right now, AK runs Advisor. Journal, a digital publication devoted to highlighting neglected voices in vogue. She additionally leads A.Studio, a inventive company providing styling, PR, and manufacturing companies. And as a vogue educator, she’s educating the subsequent technology easy methods to make noise in an trade that doesn’t at all times make room.
What a Curvy Boss Day Appears to be like Like
AK Brown’s days are by no means predictable… and that’s precisely how she likes it.
Someday she’s lecturing in a classroom, the subsequent she’s on set styling a shoot, and the subsequent she’s coordinating a brand new challenge of Advisor. She thrives within the chaos as a result of she reveals up with intention each time.
“I personal my area by main with confidence, utilizing my experience, and ensuring my affect is felt wherever I’m.”
When the Trade Mentioned No, She Mentioned Watch Me
Being a Black lady constructing a vogue profession outdoors of New York or LA hasn’t been straightforward. In actual fact, AK Brown says her greatest problem was being underestimated.
“I used to be usually dismissed earlier than I even had the possibility 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 have been born. She stopped asking for permission and began creating the sort 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 a scarcity of illustration. That absence drove her to change into the very picture she wished she had rising up in vogue.
“To me, illustration means visibility, entry, and proof that we belong in each room the place vogue selections are made,” she says.
Each class she teaches, each consumer she takes on, each challenge 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 like exhibiting up even after 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 discovered. Begin the place you might be. Be taught as you go. Maintain constructing.
Main With Transparency and Fact
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 individuals know they’re not alone,” she says. “I would like individuals who really feel neglected to see me and notice 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 Ideas from a Curvy Style Professional
AK retains it actual in the case of curvy model. Her recommendation?
“Perceive your physique sort, at the same time as a plus measurement lady, so you’ll be able to costume with extra confidence. But in addition, attempt belongings you suppose 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 obtained some main issues in movement. AK is presently rising Advisor. Journal right into a flagship platform for Black vogue. On the similar time, she’s scaling A.Studio right into a inventive powerhouse and increasing her model partnerships, together with a brand new collab with Hilton and the Angad Arts Lodge that brings vogue styling to the hospitality area.
A bit of styling together with your keep? Sure, please.
Celebrating Wins, One Macaron at a Time
Massive or small, AK celebrates wins the candy method, 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 individuals? No hesitation:
- André Leon Talley, for his unapologetic model and legendary voice
- Iris Apfel, the queen of maximalist vogue
- Tracee Ellis Ross, whose vogue, humor, and presence are perpetually targets
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 measurement 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 already know a Curvy Boss (or you might be one), we wish 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 like.
