For decades, society has created the standard that women have to be a certain size to be considered cute, dateable and even healthy, but in actuality that’s not the case. Ebbi Nicole, a proud curvy woman, embraces her “fluff” and empowers women by walking in her truth, being transparent, hosting events and workshops and even a Curves N’ Waves Pool Party. Check out Ebbi’s interview below as she talks about her Fluffy GRL Movement.
Ebbi Nicole: I created Fluffy GRL Movement because I was tired of hearing women speak hatefully about themselves. I wanted to create a platform that would celebrate, elevate and empower the plus and curvy communities to tell their stories their way and to walk in their truths unapologetically.
We produce innovative events and workshops, conduct interviews featuring plus women who are the face of their brand and help women polish their personal style with consulting services. The ROOT of Fluffy GRL has always been about rewriting the narrative to include our truths, and defy those imposed by the media and societal norms.
Danii Gold: I love how you substitute a negative word for a positive word, Fluffy. Growing up a Fluffy Girl, did you face barriers?
Ebbi Nicole: I was teased ALOT as a child. Unfortunately, I was bullied by the kids at school and picked on by family at home. I was a target because I was ALWAYS one of the bigger kids in class and I started wearing glasses in Kindergarten. As a result I developed super low self esteem and I questioned everything about myself. It got so bad at one point that I started begging the teacher to let me eat lunch with her during recess because I was afraid of getting beat up on the playground.
Danii Gold: Besides empowering women, you are also a stylist for Fluffy GRLS and women in general. What made you add that service to your brand or title behind your name?
Ebbi Nicole: I decided to start styling for plus and curvy women simply because my audience asked me to. I wish it was more to it but it isn’t. I always receive so many compliments behind how I rock what I wear. Then I started receiving messages about styling services. At first, I was totally against it. I am not a fashion enthusiast NOR am I the edgiest person in the industry so I was skeptical if I was the IDEAL stylist. Through working with clients I learned that all labels and fashion houses aside, I really enjoyed helping women polish their personal brand and identify their personal style. It brings me joy to see women feel and look good in her clothes. It radiates as confident and self aware, both of which are super sexy!
Danii Gold: I’ve been following your brand for a while and I heard you say a while back that when you were younger, guys wouldn’t show you attention in public, but they they would flirt with you in private. How do you or would you handle a situation like that now?
Ebbi Nicole: Great question! I’m at the “YO LOSS” point in my life. I do a really great job at letting people know that they’re missing out and standing in the fact that I am not a Night Creep Chick…unless the ish is on MY terms and I want it. Simply put! If you can’t check for me in the sunlight, then you damn sure can’t check for me at midnight. Okurrr
Danii Gold: AGREED!! So, what are some things you do on the regular basis to empower women who are Fluffy?
Ebbi Nicole: I walk in my truth…unsure, very sure, complicated, simple, easily and hard as hell. As muddy as the journey is and as tough of a reality it is to face sometimes, I work to empower women by being transparent about my challenges and triumphs. Sometimes, the most work is done when you are just…YOU.
Danii Gold: That’s dope! So, do you have any Fluffy or Curvy women inspirations?
Ebbi Nicole: Of course! I’m a 90s babies so when we talk about inspirations, I have to reach back to who paved the way around that time. My faves include Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, The Lady of Rage, Mia X, and even Raven Symone. I remember seeing each of these women and they all exuded power and self awareness. None of them tried to HIDE their bigness, in fact their confidence is what made their careers so successful. They did things on their terms. In a thin positive industry, they exuded what it meant to be a Fluffy GRL. PRESENT. VISIBLE. RAW. VOCAL. UNAPOLOGETIC.
Danii Gold: How do you feel about women like Lizzo being her authentic self, showcasing her body positivity, despite how society tries box plus size women in? (For instance, the stereotype that thicker women can’t wear certain clothes)
Ebbi Nicole: I. STAN. LIZZO. I know that there is the Rihanna Navy and the Bey Hive but HONEY, I am forever a LIZBIAN. She is stomping on those boxes. Her presence in the music industry couldn’t have come at a better time. She offers something rarely seen from plus women in the main stream media…SEX. SPICE. AND NO FUCKS GIVEN. I love that she is NOT ONLY visible but she is also VERY VOCAL about her position on fatness in today’s society. The women I named earlier lit the torch and Lizzo is taking things up a notch! She is making some folks very uncomfortable and I AM LOVING IT!
Danii Gold: Agreed! I love me some Lizzo. So, you have your annual Curves N’ Waves Pool Party coming up. What made you come up with the theme?
Danii Gold: That’s super catchy! What else do you want to come out of the Fluffy GRL Movement besides body positivity?
Ebbi Nicole: Besides messages of self acceptance and an avenue for body diversity, I want people to help dismantle myths about the fluffy community. Contrary to popular belief many of us are active, working our asses off in various industries, have loving partners and families, can dance longer than 15 seconds, aren’t always the comedic relief and we are all capable of telling our stories without the help of those who don’t know anything about them.
Danii Gold: That’s deep and inspirational AF! My last question for you is, what message would you like to send with your brand?
Danii Gold 