Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Angela Rivers-Harper.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I would watch Gwen Devoe, the CEO of Full-Figured Fashion Week based out of New York, and admired how she catered to the plus-size man and the plus-size woman. Prior to that, I met MsNickee Mack, a plus-size model from Cincinnati, and she would pour knowledge about the plus-size fashion industry. I sat back one day and told my husband I want to bring a plus-size show to Cincinnati. He pushed me to follow my dreams, so I birthed Cincinnati Full Figured Fashion Weekend. But I didn’t feel that the name was original, so I changed it to Ohio Kurvy Fashion Weekend. Out of this, I decided to launch my own swimwear boutique called Keep it Kurvy Boutique. Swimwear for the full-figured woman and larger-size man. I started inviting models, designers, and vendors from all over the United States. The show continued to grow and gain national attention. It was an honor and privilege for people to acknowledge the plus-size industry and those who paved the way for women who are curvy like myself and for men who can rock a great suit just as well as a thinner man. I love promoting plus-body positivity and will continue to do so as long as God allows me to do it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not. A lot of designers do not cater to plus-size men and women, so we have to do a lot of research to find designers that cater to the curvy population. When COVID hit, we had to take a year off, and that set us back a year. When everything opened back up, people were still scared to attend events, so our attendance was low, and we took a hit financially. But we came back with a vengeance. Our last 2 shows were a hit and standing room only. In 2024 we will be celebrating 10 years right here in Cincinnati! It is going to be a blast!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
During the week, I am the Programs Director for Dress for Success Cincinnati. I love my job, and I love helping Women become successful in the workforce. I own 4 small businesses that cater to fashion, makeup, and accessories. I love to look nice, and I think other individuals do too. I am extremely grateful and proud to be a mother, a wife, and a new grandmother. I recently obtained my 2nd Doctoral degree, and I pray my story inspires other women to not give up. I feel that God gave me a special gift and that is to encourage, enlighten and inspire everyone that I come in contact with during this journey we call life. I pray that my story of determination and positivity touches the hearts of many but even if it touches only one, I have done my job.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I loved going shopping with my grandmother. My grandmother owned every room she walked into. When she would walk into church, everyone would turn around just to see her hat for the day. My grandmother always smelled wonderful. She would wear perfume that was always so soft but you could tell she had been in the room. She could dress from head to toe, and everything matched. You never saw her in the same thing twice. My mother is the same way. My Mom can turn heads in a grocery store. She is the only woman I know who wears lipstick just because she feels like it. I feel I get my sense of style from both of them. I’m known for my collection of glasses, my nails, and wigs. I love fashion and I really like to see a plus-size woman looking her best just because she can!
Pricing:
- $25 for show tickets
- Swimwear starts at $19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keep-it-kurvy-boutique.myshopify.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/okfwbosslady
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrsariversharperphd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-rivers-harper-dba-1a96776b/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/mzget_it_in
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/msohioplus
Image Credits
Chevy Smith
