We recently connected with Mickey Armstrong and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mickey, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
For as long as I can remember, I have been driven by a deep desire to help others. Service has always been at the heart of who I am. Even as a child, I found joy in giving, in uplifting others, and in making people happy. This instinct to serve has followed me through every stage of my life, shaping my path in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Throughout my formative years, I was consistently placed in leadership positions—not because I sought them out, but because I naturally gravitated toward helping, guiding, and supporting those around me. And every time I stepped into those roles, I used them to lift others up. Whether it was lending a hand, offering encouragement, or creating opportunities, I found the most fulfillment in seeing others thrive.
As I look back on every business venture I’ve been a part of, every idea I’ve pursued, and every project I’ve brought to life, there’s been one common thread: service to others. My passion for photography, fashion, and advocacy is rooted in this same purpose—creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Whether it’s through District of Curves, The Curves Ahead Project, Ms. Full Figured NCR, or my photography, my mission has remained the same: to give, to uplift, and to serve. That’s when I’ve been the happiest. That’s when I’ve felt the most aligned with my purpose. And that’s what will continue to drive everything I do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I sort of live in two worlds.
By day, I’m a cybersecurity professional. But the moment I step away from my desk, I dive headfirst into my true passion—helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
From a young age, I knew that my purpose in life was to serve others. Whether it was lending a helping hand, lifting others up, or creating opportunities, I found the most joy in seeing people thrive. That theme has been a constant throughout my life, shaping every business venture, creative project, and passion I’ve pursued.
But above all else, my true passion and love is being a creative. Creativity fuels everything I do, whether it’s through photography, fashion, storytelling, or bringing new ideas to life. It’s the heartbeat of my work and the thing that drives me to keep pushing boundaries and elevating others.
One of my biggest passions is photography, and it’s so much more than just taking pictures. I use my camera to tell stories—real, raw, and unfiltered stories—especially for those who don’t always get the spotlight. That’s what led me to create The Curves Ahead Project, a photography-based initiative dedicated to celebrating plus-size individuals through powerful imagery. The newest installment, “The Body Issue,” focuses on artistic nude and implied nude photography for plussize men and women, helping people embrace self-love and body confidence in ways they never have before. Seeing someone walk into my studio with hesitation and leave with a newfound sense of pride in their body is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.
But my passion for representation doesn’t stop with photography. Years ago, I founded District of Curves, a plus-size fashion showcase designed to put plus-size models, designers, and brands center stage. Fashion has long had a problem with inclusivity, and I wanted to create a space where curvy individuals could own the runway, unapologetically. Over the years, it has grown into a movement, proving that fashion is for everybody and every body.
More recently, I have been assisting my friend and partner, Gabriella Symone Parker, with launching Ms. Full Figured USA National Capital Region, a pageant specifically for plus-size women in the DC area. Gabriella is the director, and for the past two years, she has been my partner with District of Curves. In year one, she was a co-host and production assistant, and by year two, the work she put in earned her the title of co-producer. In return for her dedication and contributions, I agreed to help her bring this pageant to life. While my role is much smaller than hers, I am proud to support her vision and assist in creating an empowering space for plus-size women to celebrate their confidence, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
And because I never stop dreaming, we are relaunching our interview-based show, The Plus Report, an extension of the District of Curves platform that will be featured on our website and Instagram page. District of Curves is evolving into a blog, magazine, and media platform—a space where the plus-size and body-positive communities can grow and thrive. Our goal is to expand this platform to include business opportunities, advertising, storytelling, and brand promotion, creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. The Plus Report will serve as a hub for interviews with entrepreneurs in the plus-size space, coverage of current events, business classes, and other valuable resources to help the community grow and succeed.
Right now, I’m:
Growing and expanding The Plus Report, featuring more voices, bigger conversations, and deeper insights into the plus-size community, entrepreneurship, and current events.
Growing District of Curves and exploring new ways to elevate plus-size fashion on an even bigger scale.
At the core of everything I do is service—helping people feel seen, building confidence, and creating spaces where people can show up as their full, authentic selves. That’s what fuels me, and that’s what will always guide my journey.
And when I’m not doing all of this? You can probably find me re-watching Harry Potter, spending time with my family, or dreaming up my next big idea.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have had the most impact on my journey: creativity, leadership, and perseverance. Each of these has shaped not only my career but also the way I navigate challenges and opportunities.
1. Creativity – Thinking Outside the Box
Advice: Hone your creativity by staying curious and always learning. Expose yourself to different perspectives, industries, and art forms. If you’re in a rut, step away and find inspiration in unexpected places.
2. Leadership – Lifting Others as You Climb
Advice: If you want to grow as a leader, start by being of service to others. Lead with integrity, listen more than you speak, and create opportunities for others to succeed. The impact you make will come back to you in ways you never imagined.
3. Perseverance – Keep Pushing Forward
Advice: For those early in their journey, don’t let roadblocks stop you. Learn from every challenge, pivot when necessary, and keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and don’t be afraid to fail—just don’t quit.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel stressed and overwhelmed, I like to listen to music. If I’m extremely stressed and overwhelmed, I’ll put on some classical music or movie and TV soundtracks—something without words so I can just take in the sounds. Listening to classical or instrumental music allows you to feel the music without being influenced by lyrics. It lets your mind paint whatever picture you want based on how you feel and how the music moves you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.districtofcurves.com
- Instagram: @MickeyLeon1906 @districtofcurves @plusmodelphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/districtofcurves
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@districtofcurves
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
