Life and Work with Francie Maupin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francie Maupin.

Francie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began modeling at the age of five years old. My grandmother owns a hair salon and I would begin runway modeling in the shows. As a teenager; my mother would find gigs for young models and actresses that I would show up to.

I graduated from Georgia State University with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology and I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’ve always had a passion for modeling but put it on hold to finish schooling; although, I would still attend casting and shoots every now and then.

When I graduated with My Bachelors, I started The MissDivaKurves brand which started out as my social media, modeling name. The name grew Bigger and bigger online and in 2014, I launched my plus size clothing line: The Diva Kurves Collection. I custom design swimsuits and dresses. I’ve now been in business for almost five years with my clothing line which is how my annual Swim Thick Pool Party came about.

Swim Thick Annual Pool Party is my official anniversary celebration for my clothing line. I started this in 2016 for my 2-year celebration. I did NOT expect this party to grow so big. The first party had around 75 attendees and a few guests flew in from out of state. Now, we have over 500 attendees and the party sells out the first month of ticket sales with over 90% of attendees coming from out of town and even out of the country.

My brand has grown so much over the years!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy. I started my brand while juggling school and working a 9-5. I stopped working my 9-5 after graduating with my Master’s degree three years ago. I struggled with deciding if I wanted to work just because I had degrees but I didn’t necessarily like office, corporate settings. I begin to feel like all my years in school was a waste of time. But Fashion was everything for me. I found myself focusing more on that, even while at work! I started getting booked for shoots and gigs that took place during times that I would have to be at work. So, I made the decision to take on my business full time.

Being a plus size model can be challenging as well. Top brands and agencies that take on plus models only want models a size 16 or smaller and the average plus woman; including myself, is over a size 18. So, you pretty much create your own lane and get booked with companies that appreciate your look and what you bring to the table!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a plus model, fashion designer, and digital influencer. I love that I can aspire women all over the world to be unapologetically themselves. I believe in simply being you and not trying to conform to society’s outrageous standards. Which is why I feel I’m different from most. I simply don’t care what others think!

Who have you been inspired by?
My mother; Tywanda, inspired me to persevere and work hard in life for what you want. She taught me to rely on no one for what you want and to choose wisely who you hang around; especially on the road to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.missdivakurves.com
• Email: press@missdivakurves.com
• Instagram: @MissDivaKurves
• Facebook: Miss Diva Kurves
• Other: www.thedivakurvescollection.com

Image Credit:
@_irisofmine_, @shotbycam

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