#FearlessWoman Feature | Marie of The Curvy Fashionista

Today is the last day of my #FearlessWoman series. It’s been such a joy introducing you to 9 fearless, dynamic and inspirational women who have and continue to inspire me daily. My final feature is none other than the plus size blogging diva and mogul in the making, Marie Denee.

Founder of The Curvy Fashionista, this Atlanta based full-time blogger is a go-getter, a patient mentor, and genuinely sweet person. Marie is a girl’s girl and strongly believes in girl power and women empowerment. She wants to see us all win! Her authenticity, drive, and confidence serves as inspiration to many and it’s my honor to share her interview today. Enjoy and thank you for embracing this series in honor of Women’s History Month.

What’s a typical day for Marie?

Being a full time blogger is nowhere near as glam as it may seem! LOL Most of the time, I am at home, in my scarf, with some type of maxi dress on! Bra definitely off! I am glued to my desk, researching, writing, strategizing, and plotting! There is hardly any off time for me! Although I am trying to get better at leaving the office before 7 pm! LOL I try!

But my day? I am usually (or I do try) to be up by 7 a.m. and checking my posts to see if it went live as scheduled, go into promo mode, then I check my emails! I probably have a few calls scheduled for the day. From there it is a toss up! Depending on what is trending on social, what I have planned for the week, each day is a new one! I kind of have learned to love that.

What inspired you to create The Curvy Fashionista?

It was actually random. I started it with a completely different goal in mind. I just finished my MBA in Marketing and just KNEW I was going to have a physical store and work it out! Well, with various turns of events, I launched a very short lived online store, and then my blog started to take off! Over the years, it has evolved into its own, and I have been along for the ride! Talk about a walk of faith. When I lost my job, I dove head first into growing it, not knowing where it would lead me… from there, it has become a business, an entity, a community, a destination! I am grateful for this!

Who are your top 3 women inspirations, famous or non famous, and why?

Three? You know, this is hard to answer, only because I pull inspiration from sooo many women- known and unknown, family and friends, mentors and new women on the scene! I would have to say that what they all have in common is moxie, drive, and some form of strength and the audacity to chase their dreams or persevere through life’s challenges! THIS is what inspires and drives me. I love networking and supporting other women- it is sooo awesome and inspiring to find women who make it work! They motivate me to do the same!

One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs? 

Find your own path/lane/purpose and do not look to others to compare, check for, or to imitate. We all have our own path, purpose, and walk. We also do not know what they are dealing with and have struggled through to get to where they are. Nor does anyone know YOUR story. While things may look ro seem to be soooo fabulous on the outside, they could be dealing with things and keeping a brave face. Also, checking for others is a waste of time and energy that you can be using to build your own dream and empire! When you learn this, supporting others, helping others, and mentoring others comes easily and without pause!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

You know what? I have a few ideas and goals around that, but God willing, I see myself and my brand growing to levels I have dreamt. I see my personal love life develop into something tangible and exciting! I have buried and busied myself in my work that now, I am ready for love and life and fun, in different ways. So honestly, that is something I find myself thinking about a lot! Who knows where the brand will be! I have plans, but I have learned that when man plans, God laughs… so who knows! LOL.

Keep Up With Marie

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