Kendra Nicole Collins, soon to be Williams on July 29th
  
The Cultural Weekly had the opportunity to interview Kendra Nicole Collins, a graduate of Texas Southern University, a budding fashionista and entrepreneur. Read all about what it takes to make it in the industry of fashion, the KNC weight loss revolution, and staying fit and healthy for life--from this diva's perspective! 
     
How did you get started in the industry of fashion? 
- I've always been a plus size woman, and would dread seeing others so down & out about the clothes they, thought, they had to be subjected to. I would often get approached about my fashion sense and so many would light up to know that I was the same size as them, but had confidence to wear such daring things. I learned that there were so many facing the issue of finding stylish plus size clothes, so I set out in 2011 to ensure ladies that theit are clothes out there, and I would do everything in my power to provide those items to them… So I started a resale shop online to provid great items at a reasonable price, and it took off from there. I started to grow outside of my home, so I soon opened a boutique… God has blessed me beyond words!

As a plus-size woman what keeps you motivated to losing weight and loving your curves? 
- I was teased as a teenager, by family and associates. I prayed that I would gain the confidence to overcome the negative feedback, and during my freshman year in college, my prayers were answered. I understood my true beauty. Not only externally, but internally. I realized I was beautiful despite what others thought. The only opinon that mattered was mine. And I still feel that way today. I'm beautiful, and there is nothing anyone can do about it to change that. I'm motivated to lose weight because of the 2,500 plus fans I have on facebook. I motivate them, which in turn motivates me! Not only to be aware of how I take care of my body, but to also embrace my curves while doing so.

How do you motivate other women to love their curves? 
I motivate them by ensuring that they are beautiful, despite their flaws. I explain to them, that if there is one lady that doesn't have a flaw, then she can't be human. I encourage them to keep negative people out of their lives and just to live for them. Be happy, stay humble and try and help others when possible. I show them different styles that us curvy women can rock, and allow them to see that I do this with confidence. I constantly preach, " You wear the clothes, the clothes don't wear you", which is so true because when you lack confidence, it shows. Always hold your head high, even on your bad days. My motto is: "When you truly love yourself, absoullty nothing else matters. You're beautiful…"

What prompted you to start a boutique in Houston? 
There are no vintage-chic, plus size resale shops, that I know of. There are a few that have plus size clothes, but they are merely for the age range of 45 and up. I wanted to incorporate uniqueness that's rarely seen in Houston. I want women to buy from KBC Boutique knowing they will not see the same outfit on another, they will be different, chic and trendy!

What are your projected goals for the boutique? 
I will start doing charity work for underprivileged teenagers very soon. I will also give various the opportunity to showcase their work at my boutique. I want to give everyone the chance to follow their dreams. If God says the same, I plan to expand my boutique to a shopping center. I goal is to open at least 2 boutiques in Houston...

What are some colors that will be in this season for African American women? 
Neon colors! The brighter the better! It's funny how we always bring back past times. Neon colors, along with leopard are trendy this year, but I ever never back in the 90's when it was popular to. Always keep and take care of your clothes because all trends come back.

 What are a few styling points that you would give women of any size?- wear your size! 
When I was a size 18/20 I would squeeze into a 16 and I later realized it made me look bigger. I started to wear my size and I looked more put together.

What are a few techniques that all women can use when shopping? 
Shop in stores you usually walk past by.... Start thrifting at Goodwill, Salvation Army or even Sand Dollar to find brand-new, unique items! Don't be afraid to thrift shop!

When did you start your Youtube page and why? 
I started June 2011. I wanted to become more active with my followers and be more of a presence than just a picture on a computer. I wanted them to hear and see how sincere I was about helping them with different issues woman face daily.

What makes you beautiful when you look in the mirror? 
My smile... It's genuine, bright and it let's me know that I should not take life so seriously! There will always be one person who wishes they had the energy to smile to help cope with the situations they encounter. So I stay humble, grateful & positive at all times.

Your style is... 
Unique, edgy, daring, confident & spontaneous!

Fashion quote? 
 "You wear the clothes, the clothes don't wear you!"
   
        Visit: Kendra's Beauty Corner  
        Location of Business- 
        7070 W.43rd, Suite 111 #13, Houston, Texas  77092, located in Northwest Houston

       Article by, Atlas Brown
       Editor, The Cultural Weekly 
       theculturalweekly@yahoo.com