Today we’d like to introduce you to Takiyah Denise.
Hi Takiyah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a 23-year-old Curve Model, Influencer, and Personal Stylist. I was born in Orlando, Florida which many call the “Sunshine State”. Here is where my story began! I was raised around many family members; some supportive and some aren’t. The ones who aren’t were the ones who pretty much bullied me into thinking I wasn’t good enough. Bullied me into thinking I wasn’t beautiful and made me think I couldn’t level up because of my weight. I lacked self-confidence within a young age bracket. I was depressed and unhappy with myself. “Why wasn’t I smaller or prettier?” Not even thinking I was just a baby and I would keep growing out of my awkward stage. But I could barely think about growing up at the time. I just kept thinking I wasn’t good enough. I was thinking about it so much that I almost had the courage to hurt myself. A 10-year-old child thinking like this? People will never understand the damage your words can cause someone else to do. Words are POWERFUL! You must watch how you speak to people and what you encourage them to do.
As I grew up, I found happiness within the fashion world even more than when I was younger. I would watch “America’s Next Top Model” and “Project Runway” faithfully. Still my favorite shows till this day. I kept watching how the fashion industry only projected glamorous skinny models. I would never see my size walking the runway. I knew in my heart I would never be the world’s “it girl” but I knew my love for fashion. I knew that I wanted to make a change in the fashion industry. To show that being skinny is not the only pretty thing in the world. Being curvy is also pretty! Being curvy is also being healthy just like being skinny is. I knew that I wanted to bring body positivity and confidence into the plus-size world. So, I began working at a cute boutique. That feeling was something new to me and I had to keep that feeling going. Every day, I began to feel confident and truly open up. Even with how I dressed, I became more myself! I was learning to care about myself and to not care about what others say. No one could say or do anything to make me question myself because I already knew the person I am. That’s when I created the idea of making an Instagram page called “Takiyah Denise” which is now my brand name. On my page, I show off my different styles to women like me. I promote body positivity and make sure to let my supporters know to love themselves. My page is catered to happiness and to find that happiness within yourself at ANY moment.
The post I create would show many different stylings on my body type. My page blew up so fast! My views and likes were growing extremely fast and I didn’t know how to react. I felt so proud and happy that my page exudes inspiration. My Instagram became a safe space for many women to gain confidence and self-respect. To show women you can wear anything you want and still rock it at any size. That what the world considers the “perfect body” is not the same anymore. The perfect body is the body that’s healthy and health comes in MANY sizes and shapes. So, like I tell many people. Wear what you want and feel good in what you wear! Wear that fitted dress, crop top, or bikini. Don’t let others make you feel a certain way because you don’t look like them or their idea of beauty. Don’t others dictate your life and how you live it. I’m learning to live my life to the fullest and to enjoy my positive experiences. If reading a book makes you enjoy life, READ THAT BOOK! Stand up for yourself and choose you and only you. Feel beautiful and confident in your own skin. The insecurities you might have about yourself. Take them and throw them out the window. Those words mean nothing to you anymore! All that matters is that you live life with a smile. That you are doing the best of your abilities. Don’t hold yourself back because of minor insecurities. Don’t stop because of that fear you have about other people’s reactions to it. Be unapologetically yourself! The point of self-love is to overcome the fear of putting yourself out there. Overcome obstacles that are in your way to self-love and confidence. You never know what reaction you might get. But the best reaction of them all is how proud you are of yourself for doing it. You did something to build up your confidence and make a start to a new you. You did something that will change your life for the better. I have a new message that I will go by now. “Don’t create limitations for yourself because you only live once.” So, go out there and be an inspiration! Be the representation for the young kids and women that need better influences. Be a representative for someone who is struggling to find that open door of being themselves.
I wish I knew all of this information when I was younger. I would have told myself to be the better version of myself. To stand up for myself and what I believe in. But, now I have the chance to change lives right now. To help many young women and men to have the courage to believe in themselves. That it may seem hard, but keep going! Keep striving for greatness and keep that confidence! You will have times where you fall, but pick yourself back up and keep going with motivation and faith. Keep believing you are worth the world. Keep giving yourself affirmations because that is what will keep you going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth, I struggled a lot with self-confidence. I struggled with finding happiness within myself and loving myself. I struggled with putting my thoughts on other people because I struggled to find that love for myself. A lot of struggles I had to learn and overcome and really get to know myself more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Curve Model and full-time Influencer. I specialize in fashion and beauty! Known for my fashion sense, self-love, and confidence. I am proud of putting myself out there and continuing to inspire many people on loving themselves and being brave. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I choose to stay positive and view them as business partners and friends. While others may view them as competition.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the scenery and how bright it is in certain areas. Least? I would say some places can be overcrowded and I don’t like being in small spaces with too many people.
Contact Info:
- Website: takiyahdenise.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/takiyahdenise
Image Credits
Model: Takiyah Denise
