Interview with Aimee Cheshire of Madison Plus

I recently enjoyed a visit to MadisonPlus.com and got to know a little more about founder Aimee Cheshire when she kindly granted me an interview.

PSA- Hi Aimee, I want to thank you for taking the time to share with us about yourself and Madison Plus.  So tell us, what inspired you to get involved in plus size fashion Aimee?

MP – For me, it was always plus size fashion.  I grew up plus size and my personal experience of not finding a pair of jeans that fit me until I was 12, and the trauma of shopping for them with such a limited selection, forced me to become interested in clothing.  I felt like the odd girl out for many years.  Plus size fashion found me.  I graduated from James Madison University with a degree in psychology, but did not feel like I was moving in a direction in my life that I was passionate about.  Luckily, I discovered Catherine Schuller and quickly emailed her to find out more about the plus size world.  Her positive and encouraging response was all I needed to motivate me to go to NYC and get into plus size fashion.  I attended LIM College to get a degree in Fashion Merchandising, I started plus modeling during this time to help break me into this industry.  Once I graduated, I started working for Redcats USA and their various plus size brands.

PSA- So you came into fashion both through personal experience and formal education. Tell me about the conception of Madison Plus.

MP-Madison Plus was born in my mind more than 10 years ago.  The actual development started recently.  I was laid off from my job this past June which led me to turn my plus size dreams into a reality.  I want to make fashion more accessible to plus size women and most importantly show them how to dress with the hottest new fashion in the market.

PSA – I guess all you needed was a little nudge to help you take the big leap into your dream.  So Aimee which plus size issues are you most passionate about?

MP - Growing up plus size, and on top of that being tall, I always felt very self conscious about my body image.  It seemed wherever I turned, television, magazines, and fashion, it was not accepted to be different from a thin ideal of beauty.  I like to promote coming to peace with where you are today, as it will help you get to where you want to be in life.  It is not about fighting who you are, but learning to love who you are.

I carry this personal history and desire with me for everything I do for Madison Plus.  I don’t hate on our straight size friends, I want them visiting Madison Plus too!

PSA – I totally agree, be who you are no matter what size you are.  If you’re like me there are several blogs you like to lurk around in. Which blogs do you frequent?

MP – I definitely visit a lot due to my job!  The blogs that I visit daily to get my fix are Perezhilton, CoCoPerez, TheCurvyFashionista, Youngfatandfabulous.

PSA – What roll do you think blogs have with the plus size community?

MP - I think blogs allow more freedom of expression and an honest point of view.  What we are finding is that people love to get a personal perspective of something vs. a corporation telling them what they want you to know/hear/believe..etc.  I think plus size blogs have really showed other plus size women that they are not alone.  Blogs allow plus size women to bring up topics that they want to talk about; whether fashion, art, advocacy, and whatever else tickles ones fancy.

When groups of people are not being properly represented in the more traditional forms of media, blogs allow our voices to be heard.

PSA – For a long time traditional forms of media had all the power and that’s not the case anymore.  The internet has really expanded the individual’s power and options. What do you think about shopping for plus size clothing online?  What are the advantages and pitfalls that you see?

MP – I am the worst person to ask this question because for many many years I have been doing most of my shopping online (even groceries).  There are a few things that lead me to this.  When I was younger, there were very few brick and mortar stores which offered plus size.  The web was my shopping mall.  Online retailers like Kiyonna and Size Appeal became my favorite stores.  In addition to being plus size, at 5’10, you can never find pants with a long enough inseam in the stores, they are always available online only.  I was forced into it, but I love it.  I get to see the whole selection of what a store is offering, and more sale items too!

Of course there are the disadvantages of not being able to try things on and shipping fees to return an item.  For me, it is worth it though!

PSA – If there was one thing you would like to say to the readers of PSA about Madison Plus what would it be?

MP – I would love the readers of PSA to know that Madison Plus addresses all your fashion needs, whether you need tips on how to get a fabulous smoky eye for your night out or what to wear on a date.  Also, Madison Plus is a great place to come to for celebrity news on all the curvy and plus size celebrities.  We hope to become your home base for all your fashion needs!

PSA – On behalf of PSA readers I just want to say thanks Aimee for taking time to share with us more about you and MadisonPlus.com.  I look forward to reading up on plus size fashion tips and especially coverage of our curvy celebrities. Excellent blog!

Related Posts :

Curvaceous Boutique Casting Plus Size Models ...

Can CURVES Make A Difference??? We WON'T For...

Robyn Lawley - - The Very First Plus Size Mod...

Casting Call For A New Reality Show For Plus ...