An Empowering Plus Size Club Refuses to Ghost Body Positivity.
Jessica Heflin, Candace Atkinson, Lisa Winterowd and Amanda Tafoya stand tall for body positivity in the annual Halloween photoshoot. Photos by Franklyn Douglas.
For many of us Halloween is our favorite time of year to be someone else. Who wouldn’t want to get dressed up, scarf down some candy and binge watch scary movies? Across, the nation many of us may Monster Mash, (maybe not) at a party and make TikToks adorning our favorite costume. Nevetheless, behind every great photo there is even a greater story. Jessica Heflin of Next Level Plus shares with Shapely her inspiration behind the annual Halloween photoshoot that features plus size women being their authentic and bewitching selves! Learn more in this interview with Jessica.
What was the inspiration for the genesis of your annual Halloween photoshoot campaign?
We wanted to do something different to represent all bodies, shapes, sizes and different season’s of life. This campaign was completely organic and was transforming before our eyes as we got more comfortable with the imagery that we want to portray successfully. It is identical to the path we often see when watching people navigate their own experiences in the plus size community. Often, people enter the community a bit shy and timid but become comfortable as they continue to move forward and learn to love themselves. I believe that it is through these that the models and the viewers gain self-love and acceptance.
How does the campaign positively impact the plus size community?
Our passion project helps women and men from all over gain self-confidence. Through creating new opportunities to do something they have always wanted to do but may not have the safe space and right support. It’s inspiring to have the ability and initiative to fulfill those fun moments we all see normalized on social media and also make it available for the plus size community.
Do you think it’s important for plus size men and women to be represented in media for holidays like Halloween? Why is that important?
Absolutely, all shapes and sizes are people first! At the forefront of everyone’s mind nowadays is mental health awareness. Now more than ever, we need to make sure people with similar physical appearances can relate to one another and bring representation whenever and wherever possible. The first step in identifying a commonality is relating and this allows people to breakdown barriers. Which is a starting point to having healthy conversations and building communities where people no longer have to believe that they are alone in this world and they too can have these experiences. All of this is needed and I believe is often the beginning steps towards self-acceptance.
What did you hope to achieve with this year’s campaign?
It’s a simple answer — growth. This shoot is the driving force behind all of our events. Allowing both our patrons and team to grow as individuals, a community, and in relationships. As always, our main focus is to provide a space that is safe and judgement-free.
Shapely is grateful that Jessica shared the story behind Next Level Plus’ annual Halloween photoshoot. If you’re also inspired, please share in the comments how you plan to grow in self-acceptance? Maybe you will attend your first plus size event or join a community like Next Level Plus.
Visit Next Level Plus to learn more about their club. Book your Bash Pass today for the highly-anticipated Wicked Halloween Bash from Thursday, October 27 to Sunday, October 30.
Psst, don’t forget to join Shapely’s mailing list for the latest plus size news and events — your social life will thank us.
This interview was edited for continuity and to improve the overall reader’s experience. For questions, please contact info@shapelyevents.com.
