Meet Takiyah Denise | Curve Model & Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Takiyah Denise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Takiyah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because fashion has always been a dream career since I was a little kid. I knew that I wanted to change the fashion industry and bring curvy style into the mix. Watching America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway always seeing skinny models. It made me think why didn’t we have more representation of different body types? I knew, I wanted to be different and help women gain confidence in the process. I wanted to be that change.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a curve model and influencer. What sets me apart is that I am always speaking on loving yourself and gaining confidence within yourself and within your closet. To not care about what anyone thinks and wear that dress that hugs your curves. Wear that crop top that shows your stomach, stretch marks, and scars. Show it all off! I am so proud of how much I’ve accomplished within myself and my business. Proud of the brand collaborations and the audience who backs me up and loves what I say and do. I am proud of being able to inspire and change women’s lives.

I’ve worked so hard in my business to get it where it is today. I’ve worked all morning and all night, even while working a 9-5 and going to college. It’s hard work! It was hard work then and it still is hard work. But, I’ve gained so much knowledge in my business that the answers and steps become a lot easier to do. Overcoming the challenges is always hard, but staying focused and motivated is how you get through that. Having positivity around you and encouraging you to keep going is how you overcome those challenges. Thinking of your why is what helps you overcome them.

I’ve learned many lessons, the main lesson is never let anyone tell you; you can’t do something. I’ve made many decisions on my own, and the main is ignoring the negative. Many people talked down on me and laughed at my goals. Saying that my goals aren’t reachable. But ANYTHING is reachable if you put your mind to it. Manifest your goals and success. Ignore the haters.

I want the world to know how positive me and my brand is. That no matter what stage you are in life, you can do anything. I started my brand to help women who don’t have the confidence to make a change or feel comfortable about themselves. This brand was made for that reason because of my story. At a young age I was bullied from my own family and felt unloved by them and by myself. I felt like an eye sore, useless, and didn’t know why I was even on this earth. Those thoughts took me to a very ugly stage of depression and almost had the courage to kill myself over it. But, I overcame that and became a woman I know my younger self would be proud of. Be that courageous woman or man! Be proud of yourself and love yourself through it all. Appreciate yourself and your body. Be confident, be beautiful, and be you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say let’s go shopping first because where I live have the BEST shopping centers around. Check out some amazing restaurants like Bone Fish Grill, Red Stone, and Texas Roadhouse. Even try out fun gaming places like Round 4 and Dave and Busters. So many excited places to visit honestly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate this to my gorgeous plus size model friend Sydney Bell. She is absolutely amazing and have been doing her thing with Lizzo and manifesting her dreams! She is an inspiration.

Instagram: Instagram.com/takiyahdenise