We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tawana Blassingame a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tawana, 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?
I discovered my purpose through a journey of self-reflection and life experiences. Over time, I realized that what truly brings me fulfillment and joy is being able to positively impact someone else’s life. Whether it’s through lending a helping hand, offering support, providing opportunities, or simply being there for others, I find immense satisfaction in making a difference in people’s lives. This realization has guided me towards aligning my actions and decisions with this purpose, and it continues to inspire me every day.
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 am Tawana Blassingame, the CEO & Editor in Chief of Queen Size Magazine. It’s been an incredible journey overseeing this publication, which has been around for 13 years now. What began as a lifestyle magazine for plus-size women has transformed into a dynamic fashion and lifestyle platform, embracing diversity and style.
Over the years, Queen Size Magazine has evolved significantly. We now showcase the latest fashion trends while also offering engaging lifestyle content that resonates with our diverse readership. In 2020, we expanded our focus to include the big and tall industry, making our magazine co-ed and even more inclusive.
In addition to my work with Queen Size Magazine, I’m also the Executive Producer of The Full Figured Industry Awards (The FFIAs, which is a nonprofit organization), an event I launched in 2019 to honor outstanding talent in the full-figured industry. This annual award show, held on the 1st Saturday in November, brings together leading figures and innovators from fashion and beyond. We’ve had the privilege of celebrating some of the biggest names in our industry.
This year, join me on November 2, 2024, in Jamaica Queens, NY, for another exciting FFIAs event. Explore more about Queen Size Magazine at www.queensizemagazine.com and discover the FFIAs at www.theffias.com. Let’s celebrate style, diversity, and creativity together!
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?
In my journey as the CEO & Editor in Chief of Queen Size Magazine and the founder of the Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs), several qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have been incredibly impactful. Firstly, my strong vision and innovation have guided the evolution of Queen Size Magazine from its origins as a lifestyle publication for plus-size women to a co-ed fashion and lifestyle platform embracing diversity and inclusivity, including the incorporation of the big and tall industry. Secondly, my adept networking and relationship-building skills have been instrumental in fostering connections within the full-figured industry and beyond. These relationships have facilitated collaborations, attracted talent, and garnered support for initiatives like the FFIAs. Lastly, my passion for advocacy and empowerment drives my work, fueling a commitment to promoting body positivity and celebrating talent within the industry through initiatives like the FFIAs. These qualities and skills have not only shaped my journey but also left a positive impact on individuals and the fashion landscape as a whole.
One piece of advice for individuals early in their journey who aim to develop or improve qualities like vision, networking, and passion for advocacy is to actively seek out diverse experiences and connections. Engage in continuous learning by exploring different industries, attending events, and consuming various forms of media to broaden your perspective and inspire innovation. Additionally, invest time in building genuine relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts but nurturing meaningful connections that can lead to collaborations and opportunities. Finally, identify and pursue causes that resonate deeply with you, aligning your passion with your professional endeavors to drive purposeful impact and sustained motivation in your journey.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I start feeling overwhelmed, my first step is to step away from whatever is causing that feeling. I find it helpful to take a break and engage in activities that help me relax and take my mind off the situation. This could be resting, binge-watching television shows, or working out—anything that allows me to unwind and reset.
Once I feel more composed and clear-headed, I return to tackle the situation. This break helps me approach the problem with a fresh perspective and a clearer mind, enabling me to deal with it more effectively. By temporarily stepping away and then coming back to it, I find that I am better equipped to manage challenges and make decisions calmly and confidently.
This is the best advice that I can offer someone else. Find something that helps you relax and take your mind off the thing that is overwhelming you for a while.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theffias.com and www.queensizemagazine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullfiguredindustryawards/ and https://www.instagram.com/queensizemagazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tawana.blassingame
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawana-blassingame-07758b31/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefullfiguredindustryawar9858
Image Credits
Photographer: Philip Drew of Photos By PDrew
