We recently connected with Chenese Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chenese, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey deeply rooted in the positive reinforcement and guidance I received from my family, particularly my mother. Being plus size my entire life, my mother was instrumental in instilling a strong sense of self-worth in me from an early age.
I vividly remember her advice during elementary school: to simply ignore any negative comments from others because I was smart and beautiful. This foundational belief helped me navigate those formative years with resilience. At home, my parents never belittled me for my weight. Instead, they celebrated my strengths and accomplishments, fostering an environment where I felt valued and confident.
As I grew older, I sought opportunities to further solidify and express my confidence. Participating in the Miss Plus America Pageant was a pivotal moment in my life. Being crowned the first Miss Plus America in 2003 was not just a personal achievement; it was a statement that beauty and worth are not confined to a single body type. This experience propelled me into a career as a plus size model and actress, where I dedicated myself to promoting positive body image and confidence.
Through these experiences, I realized that confidence is about embracing who you are and celebrating your unique qualities. By turning my journey into a platform for empowerment, I have made confidence and positive body image my personal brand. I strive to inspire others to see their worth and potential, regardless of societal standards. This commitment to self-love and acceptance has been key in developing and maintaining my confidence and self-esteem throughout my life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I lived in Los Angeles for ten years, where I built my brand from scratch through strategic networking and self-marketing. During this time, I achieved several notable milestones, including being a cast member on a hit BET show and modeling for the national retailer Torrid. I also graced the cover of VICE Magazine UK’s 10th-anniversary issue, a prestigious mainstream publication distributed worldwide, and appeared as an expert commentator on Dr. Phil. These accomplishments, among many others, marked my journey as a plus-size woman breaking barriers in an industry that often adheres to narrow standards, well before the rise of social media.
To further support my community, I created the first podcast for the plus-size industry in 2008, The Chenese Lewis Show. Through this platform, I have conducted interviews with national brands, influencers, and celebrities. My work earned me recognition in FORBES, where I was dubbed “One of the Original Plus-Size Influencers.” In 2023, I received the Icon Award from the Full Figured Industry Awards, cementing my influence in the industry.
I relocated back to my hometown of Baton Rouge, where I have transitioned into nonprofit work. I currently serve as the President of Friends of the Capitol Park Museum and as Director of Public Relations for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Metropolitan Baton Rouge Chapter. Additionally, I serve nationally on the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.’s technology committee.
My brand of empowerment has now expanded to encompass community engagement, reflecting my ongoing commitment to advocacy and representation.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that were essential to my journey were stepping out in faith, being a great networker, and demonstrating resilience. Stepping out in faith meant taking risks and believing in my vision even when the path was unclear. Being a great networker involved actively building relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals in my field, which provided invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities. Lastly, resilience—the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks—was crucial. This quality allowed me to navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and maintain progress despite obstacles.
For those early in their journey, I would offer the following advice:
Network Actively: Build relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals in your field. Networking can provide guidance, support, and opportunities.
Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them. Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a break, though it’s often easier said than done. To protect my mental health, I might put a project on hold or take a hiatus. While we can’t control everything, we do have power over many aspects of our lives. Communicating how you feel can lead to adjustments that ease your load. I choose to avoid activities that deplete and drain me.
My advice to others feeling overwhelmed is to identify the source of the stress and either pause or eliminate it if possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CheneseLewis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheneselewis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheneselewis
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cheneselewis
Image Credits
Photographer: Meka Matthews
Makeup & Hair: D’Shayne Washington
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