We were lucky to catch up with Janeskha Solis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Janeskha, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I think growing up in Mexican household, really shaped me into the confident person I am today. I don’t think my tias or family members really meant to hurt my feelings by low key telling me I was getting “Gordita” every chance they got. I believe they were just a product of what they raised in back in their day. Growing up, I did see a lot of self esteem issues around me. I remember feeling sad and hurt that they would speak to themselves or their bodies that way. I then found myself doing and saying the same horrible things to myself in the mirror. Constantly wearing corsets to make me look skinnier, editing my photos to make me look thinner to fit societies standards. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized all of that needed to stop. I made it my goal to love myself, be kind to myself and to be the person I needed for my babygirl. I would often think how can I love a partner or my love anyone if I don’t love myself wholeheartedly. I needed have a hard look in the mirror and remind myself that I was beautiful. My body was capable of holding a human,nurturing my baby & giving my baby everything she needed to grow healthy inside my womb. My body is incredible. I made my goal to teach her self love & confidence. 9 years and counting, I’ve been teaching her to be all these things. She embodies all of it and I’m so proud to be her mom.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a plus size pageant queen, plus size model, content creator, lover of all things fashion & a single mother. I bet you’re reading thinking to yourself, “how awesome, what a life she has..” or maybe you’re not. However, I think it’s important for you all to know my “climb”. My sister & I were raised by a single mom most of our lives. Things weren’t always the easiest but my mom did the best that she could with what she had. I grew up, graduated high school and found myself pregnant at 19. And soon after I also became a single mother at age 22, my daughter only 2 years old at the time. I struggled so much to get on my feet. It eventually got to the point where we became homeless. We would sleep in my car, sometimes couch surf where we could. But I always made sure that my daughter was fed, showered and loved. And yes before you question, I did have my family. But like all family, we had our issues at the time so I couldn’t rely on them at the time.
My hardship didn’t last long, I landed at job at Allstate and that’s when everything changed for my daughter and I. My life blossom into something I only dreamt of.
I started posting more on social media about my love for fashion, modeling and also my everyday life of being a single mom. I soon grabbed the attention of a local boutique that asked me walk in my first runway show. From there, I met so many amazing people and made a ton of connections. I did more and more modeling gigs which then led me to pageantry. Easily one of the best things I’ve ever stumbled upon. My very first pageant I competed in, I won the title Ms. Bexar County 2020, from there it went on into Miss.Texas Plus America 2021 & then Miss. Heart of Texas Plus America 2022. I ended up competing nationally at The Miss. Plus America, a plus size pageant, twice. I made the top 5 finalists & got 3rd runner up both times. I didn’t come home with the crown, however I came feeling like a changed woman. I was helping my community more, I was empowering women, I was an inspiration to some and most importantly an example for my daughter.
I had decided to put a pause on pageantry to focus on life & family.
BUT! God had different plans for me.
On September 5th, 2023, I was given to opportunity to be part of the Inaugural Royal court for the all new Plus USA pageant as your Miss. Plus USA 2023-2024. Just so incredibly grateful for this opportunity & I’m so very excited for my year of reign and can’t wait to see all the things we can do this year.
I’ve also launched a new project called, “The Fashion Glow Up Project”. A project catered to helping woman & men find their confidence again by giving them a “Glow Up”. For some it may just a revamp in their wardrobe or needing some spunk, a change for the better or maybe someone just needs help styling, I’m your girl. I’m literally the stylish bestie you never knew you needed! This project is already opening door for me and I’m so excited to see where else it may go!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Humility, Grace & Sincerity. My advice…
Be true to yourself and your purpose.
Identify your “why”
Remember where you came from and who has supported you through your journey.
Remember, you are beautiful and help other see their beauty.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’d definitely love to get more plus size to give plus size pageant a thought. Pageantry goes beyond a crown and sash. It’s being involved in your community, service, empowering others, being an inspiration to others, and sooo much more. Find out more info about the Plus USA pageant, visit www.plususapageant.com
Also looking for anyone that feels like they may need a confidence boost, need fashion advice, or just needing a fresh look for a special event.
Any businesses that would like to sponsor a look for some potential clients, just contact me.
[email protected]
Follow @thefashionglowupproject and let’s chat!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @janeskha.s @thefashionglowupproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeskha.s
