On the glamorous evening of November 4th, the spotlight was on the talented individuals who redefine standards and celebrate inclusivity in the fashion and entertainment industry. The Jamaica Performing Arts Center played host to The Full Figured Industry Awards, where the crème de la crème of the full-figured community gathered to honor and celebrate excellence.

Actors are celebrated at the Oscars. Musicians are celebrated at the GRAMMYs. But what about the celebrities and brands leading the $20 billion plus-size industry? Unfortunately, this industry is widely overlooked even though nearly 70 percent of women fit into this category. Tawana Blassingame, CEO and editor in chief of Queen Size Magazine, has made it her mission to change that by creating New York City’s prestigious Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs). “At last, it’s time to mark the tremendous strides made by the plus-size community as a whole by ensuring the celebrities in our industry are recognized for their hard work and sacrifices,” Blassingame said.

This industry is widely overlooked even though nearly 70 percent of women fit into this category. Tawana Blassingame, CEO and editor in chief of Queen Size Magazine (QSM), has made it her mission to change that by creating New York City's prestigious Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs).

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tawana Blassingame. So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. In 2011 I started Queen Size Magazine not really knowing where I wanted to take it. I just knew that I really wanted to write for a publication. But when the opportunity did not present itself to do that, I created my own opportunity. But owning and running a publication was all new to me. I had a lot of learning that I needed to do if I was going to succeed. I had no idea when I started that I would be as far along as I am now. I had no idea that we would be an award-winning publication.

The Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIA) Shine a Spotlight on Empowerment, Body Positivity, and Excellence in the Industry of Fashion. On November 2nd at 8pm we were able to be apart of history. Tawana Blassingame held a virtual media day that was built around the road to FFIA.

And the winner is… plus size fashion! Who doesn’t love a red carpet event? And, of course, awards shows are the ultimate red carpet events, where the question is not only “Who are you wearing?” but also who the Oscars will go to!

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Oscar’s, Tony’s, and the Grammy’s, but you may not have heard of the #TheFFIAS, the Full Figured Industry Awards, until now!!!! It’s been a couple of weeks already since the inaugural event, but I’m still on cloud 9 about the night!! This wasn’t at all your typical awards show oh no, this was something special created by us, for us, and because of us!!! #TheFFIAS was created and spearheaded by none other than the amazing duo behind the successful Queen Size Magazine empire, Tawana Blassingame, Philip Drew, and their amazing team. If you were not present, you missed a real treat, so I got you on the recap.

On this night, as the honorees and award recipients delivered their acceptance speeches, I no longer felt alone. I felt heard, validated, and felt like in some strange way — I found a community I could silently share my struggles with. I believe that some things don’t have to be said to be understood. Many of us looked at each other and a simple head nod, smile or gesture let the other person know their story was received without uttering a single word.

The 3rd annual Full Figured Industry Awards took place in New York on November 5th, and Heavy Conversation won the 2022 Podcast of the Year award! The FFIAs spotlight people and brands in the plus size and big & tall industries who are making waves and doing great work as models, designers, retailers, and more.

The Full Figured Industry Awards came on the scene in November 2019 and celebrated industry professionals in a prestigious ceremony. This year PLUS Model Magazine is excited to announce we are officially partnering with The FFIAS as media sponsors and will be covering the event virtually.

Fearless Curves Magazine and FC Photography had the pleasure and opportunity to attend and cover this epic event with the assistance of Moments by Ms. JayeCole Photography at the Full-Figured Industry Awards. Hosted by Reggie-Reg May and the Amazing Madeline Jones and when we tell you it was Fearless, it was FEARLESS.

Tawana Blassingame is a pioneer for body positivity. As the creator of Queen Size Magazine, she helped pave the way for the underrepresented full-figured community. Tawana also highlights talent across various platforms at the Full Figured Industry Awards, where she is the creator and host. After just celebrating her third annual ceremony this November, Tawana hopes to continue helping people find love for themselves and encourage a more inclusive fashion industry.

The Chenese Lewis Show is an official media sponsor of The 2021 Virtual Full Figured Industry Awards (FFIAs), which will be held on November 6, 2021.