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Outfit of The Week Changing My Life One Step At A Time

Outfit of The Week Changing My Life One Step At A Time. So as many of you may know I’m on this new journey.  So part of that journey requires me to do things that I don’t normally do which is a workout, and if you know me you know I don't like working. So after chatting with my therapist, I decided that I was going to go on this journey of doing these when I called him three-song workouts. (Running Title XL Trio Workout) which is going to be my introduction to working out because I’m not a fan of pain at all. I don’t understand why people like working out but It's a change I need in my life. The type a change I need to make requires working out and eating better which I’ve already been doing (mainly the eating better part.) So now I’m just adding in the workout portion to that to create more of a dynamic fields of the change I need to make food my medicine so I decided will wanna make it fashionable while I'm in pain. Join in on Instagram as I document this journey to a better me. Outfit of The Week Changing My Life One Step At A Time. PS do y'all see these calves its from all that climbing gates and walking with my grand dad as a kid (cause we ain't had no car) Shirt & Pants : And 1 (Walmart) Shoes: Fila's (DSW)

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Outfit Of The Week Summertime Fine

Outfit Of The Week Summertime Fine coming all down your timeline. I know that many of us have been locked up in the house for about 2 1/2 months and you're ready to get out. Well, we know that many states including mine are starting to open and many of you'll are about to head out and need fresh gear. So I have the folks over at The Winston Box sent me some fresh new gear and you can get your own box too. When I tell you'll its been a journey this pandemic has taken me through at first I was super motived and then after a month, I wasn't anymore. I couldn't have been the only one. Scratch that I know I wasn't the only one I saw so much optimism at the beginning and then the new normal settled in, and if your extrovert like me then your ready to get out on the open road, head the beach in Savanah, Destin, or Hilton Head. Listen The Winston Box is definitely one of the small businesses that we need to make sure make we support during the pandemic. So head over to thewinstonbox.com and sign up. PS you can use my discount KIRK15 to say $15 off your first box. So in short my Outfit Of The Week statement is Summertime Fine. I want you'll to keep your distance, wear your mask and gloves if you see fit but enjoy the Summer the best you can.

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Let's Talk Financial Education

So Let's Talk Financial Education. As many of may know we recently purchased a home and since then I've been on a mission to get my credit score even higher so I can move on to property no 2. In order to get this higher I've been focusing on paying collection accounts and adding new tradelines. Well, let me introduced you to Self. Self is a new way to build your credit have a saving account at the same damn time (future voice).PS as I'm writing this article I'm trading in the stock market via Robinhood. Let me tell you how it works: Via Self. We put a loan in a bank-held CD (Certificate of Deposit) in your name.You make monthly payments. Every on-time monthly payment builds credit history.At the end of your plan, you get your money back, minus interest and fees. So Self even goes on to describe what the account is what how it helps your credit. I was told by this program by three people in 24hrs. I strongly believe in the power of 3. so after I see this as a sponsored post on my favorite budget girl The Budgetnista I knew it was the final sign I needed. What is a credit builder loan? A credit builder loan is an installment loan that exists for the sole purpose of helping build credit.  The main difference between credit builder loans and other types of loans is that you don't get the money until you've finished repaying the loan. By holding onto the loan funds as you make payments, the lender is able to avoid any risk while you prove yourself as a reliable borrower.  Here’s how it works: You apply for and open a credit builder loan at a bank, credit union or through Self. Sometimes they're also called share secured loans.When your application is granted, the financial institution moves the loan proceeds you were approved for into a separate account, usually a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD). The loan amounts tend to be between $300 and $1,000, though some banks offer credit builder loans as high as $2,500. You then begin making your monthly payments for the predetermined amount of time. Loan terms can be as short as six months or as long as six years.The bank, credit union or service provider reports your monthly payment activity to one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, Transunion)Once the loan balance reaches zero, the service provider unlocks the CD or savings account and returns the total money the borrower paid, minus any interest and administrative fees. Read more about the process at Self.inc

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XL's Featured Tribesmen Of The Week Roberto Paul

Listen Our XL's Featured Tribesmen Of The Week Roberto Paul explains to us what he thinks of menswear and some of his 2020 goals. Read below... 1. There are so many fashion brands available now, what do you still think is missing in menswear? I think fashion brands could still do a better job catering to bigger guys.  My girlfriend is a plus-sized woman, and her experience shopping online and in stores is way better than mine. I think the fashion brands that aren't catering to bigger guys are missing out on some serious revenue. The well dressed big man movement is growing and it can't be stopped! 2. What are some of your personal 2020 goals ? One of my main goals of 2020 is expanding my style game. I have always been into male fashion and style, but I never really thought I could pull some of the looks off. Thankfully, social media has opened my eyes thanks to some of the Big & Tall male style influencers out there. So now I have this newfound confidence in how I dress, and I want to share it with the world, and hopefully inspire someone else, as others have done for me. 3. What are some of your favorite brands and why? Right now two of my favorite brands are Asos and boohooMAN because they have exclusive Big & Tall sections in their online stores and they are also affordable. If you are a bigger guy trying to up your style, those two brands will definitely help you get there. 4. How long have you been on the journey of being a Big & Tall man? What’s the biggest misconception you hear about Big & Tall Guys? I've been on this journey all of my life. Really started getting into style and fashion after high school, when I started reading GQ and following male fashion bloggers. Needles to say, I've come a long way since then, but the seeds were planted then. The biggest misconception I think regular people have about Big & Tall guys is that we don't like wearing clothes that fit well. The department store big and tall sections are stuck in this mind frame that if you are bigger you must want your clothes to fit like a drape. 5. If you could swap styles with one celebrity who would it be and why? I've never thought about this, but off the top it would probably be someone like Idris Elba. He has that grown man dapper look down, and I think it would match my style. Follow Our XL's Featured Tribesmen Of The Week Roberto Paul @. Instagram: _bertooh_ Twitter: @LastManFalling

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Meet Me At The Corner Of Black & Gay.

Meet me at the corner of black & gay we have some things to discuss. This post has explicit language. Good morning my name is Kirklan I’m a black gay Jamaican man who lives in America. What did that do to your, soul, when you read that. Did I already lose you? Oh well, I don’t give a fuck. For the people that are still here, I appreciate you taking the time to learn some new shit. Listen before we get into it if y’all start this oh this is not the time to divide and shit you can also get the fuck out of here too. We’ve been divided and will always be until Cis gendered ( a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex) black people start to truly accept that Allll BLACK LIVES MATTER.   Growing up before I was ever called a nigger I was called a faggot. Oh and it wasn’t by white people, it was my own black people... but ohhh not any black people it was my mother and father. So forgive me if I find it difficult to feel safe to march in the street with my fellow black men and women when I’m not sure if there’s gonna be a stone, glass bottle or a gunshot coming from my own people let alone from a racist officer or an angry civilian that feels like “ All Lives Matter” and I shouldn’t be standing up for my people. To the people who read this and agree that all black lives should matter then thank you. To those of you that feel that this is not the time or the place to be talking about the other divisions in the black community then fuck you. If you wanna learn more about the issues facing the Black LGBT experience then keep reading. I’m no longer going to allow the pressure of building a brand and the need to make money stop me from talking about the issues that my community face. Black LGBT rights need to be placed at the forefront of what it is I do here at XLTribe.com. If the CEO can’t talk it about then who can. I want to create a company culture where people feel a safe haven to discuss all Black & Brown Issues, not just the straight ones. So In honor of Pride Month I’ll be doing this series all month long. So pull up a chair and learn some new shit. Now with that being said, I don’t have all the answers and I don’t know everything. I’ll be pulling on the other letters of the LGBT to help create this space.

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Iman Moore Is Meeting Us At The Corner Of Black & Gay

Q:“How are you handling the intersectionality at being a black gay Big & Tall guy?” A: At the beginning going back to my youth it was a struggle. Struggles that stemmed from my own issues of self-esteem (lack their of), trying to find acceptance with the Black LGBTQIA+ community, looking for representation, and hell just trying to find clothes that fit. So needless to say all these things were issues some internal and some very vast and conscious issues not just my own. At 36 now that I KNOW WHO I AM & stand tall in it, the battles are less. In a culture that still subtly practices the old antigen “No Fats No Fems,” it can be easy to be swept up in the mass media production of “beauty”. For me personally, I had to realize while YES I am a size 40/42 waist, XXL in shirts, a size 11 in shoes, and all of this being supported by a 6’1 height and broad body structure I AM NO LESS.  The greatest assignment I learned that helped me was “stop the act of comparison”. Thinking thoughts of “if only I was smaller, had a 6 pack, chest was firmer, had more robust appendages, etc”. then I’d be better.  So you ask me how do I handle this? Simply put I love myself stretch marks and all. And while yes I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight and still going. I still deal with body dysmorphia, but I realize now the only opinion of me that matters is the one I have of my own. I don’t wait for social media, fashion advertisement, the black gay community, or anyone else to validate who I am.  Q: What do you believe would be the outcome if the countless Black men and women that were murdered was apart of the LGBTQIA+ community?  A: Within our community I do believe it would draw us together. I hate that tragedy has to unfold for us to love on one another. As I type this reply I think of all the Trans sisters we’ve lost to murder over the years and how that is often placed on the back burner. Just like in almost every outcry for change our allies would be Cis Black women. White voices just like in the case of George Floyd, Tamar Rice, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, and everyone else killed they would be silent or very calculated.  I don’t believe that we’d have a strong ally ship from Black Cis heterosexual men. They have proven too often that have no interest in walking or working with us to fight for Black equality or and liberation. Within the community we chant “Black Lives Matter”, but in fine print if you identify as: gay, bi, pan, trans, non binary, any other term other than “Straight” they have no place for you at the table. If this was the case where we say black men/women in our gay community being victimized in such a way I believe that wed have another Stonewall on our hands.  Q: If you had the mic and a million people were listening what would you say? A: It’s so many things I’d want to be heard, and so many points I’d want to convey.    Top three points I’d want to convey: God is thee source of it all!! Whatever religious/spiritual practices you have yield to them often. I’d be remised if I typed this and didn’t personally acknowledge that my life is a testament to Gods blessings, orchestrating my life. In times like this where so much is happening, there is an influx of hate, inconsistent economy, etc for me what gets me through is knowing that there is a force bigger than I. And when it all begins to be too much, and I don’t know what I am doing or what to do I can ask for help and signs to assist me. Make your mental health as important as your physical health. Within many communities, but especially the Black community mental health is NOT a priority let alone recognized or mentioned. For many of us we were conditioned to believe that therapy is for “crazy people”, “that’s White people shit”, or my personal favorite “ I don’t need therapy I have God, he’s my therapist”. Its so much to unpack here which I wont be doing but I will highlight sone key points. All the disparities that Black people have had to bare witness to has taken many tolls on our race generational since slavery.

Many of us come from families (myself included) where generational trauma has been passed down and too often showing us in various ways. Because we have this negative mindset concerning therapy we don’t get treated to heal our minds, and hearts we are more subsequent to various health concerns. Stress is a common thread woven into the black community. To sum it up you cant heal what you wont help. Be kind to yourself, you’re doing the best you can!!! Many of who have and whom are doing the work to be better often are VERY critical and hard as hell on ourselves. Learn to make your mistakes, but learn from them and grow from them. Make peace with the fact that you won't always get it right, but love yourself keep on fighting. 

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Joseph Murphy Is Meeting Us At The Corner Of Black & Gay.

Joseph Murphy Is Meeting Us At The Corner Of Black & Gay. I wanted to interview men I knew had diverse backgrounds. 1. How are you handling the intersectionality at being a black gay Big & Tall guy? I never thought about it until now. I mean, I have always been a man of size and when coming to the realization I prefer to be with men. I was placed in a category. Lucky for me I don’t go with labels. 2. What do you believe would be the outcome if the countless black men & women that were murder was part of LGBTQIA+ community? For sure it would have not made as much noise. There are countless members of the LGBTQIA+ community that have been killed and you may hear about it but shortly after it’s on to something else 3. If you had the mic and a million people were listening what would you say? ENOUGH!

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Cordell Meet Us At The Corner Of Black & Gay!

Cordell Meet Us At The Corner Of Black & Gay! So we decided to ask him three question that we feel are important to be talked about this time more than ever. How are you handling the inter-sectionality at being a black gay Big & Tall guy? Honestly, I’m a Black man first and foremost. My sexuality and physicality is second to me. However to the world I’m a big black man, for some that’s automatically intimidating and uncomfortable. I’ve also realized that here in America it’s always my responsibility to make others feel comfortable in a room especially if I’m the only person of color. So, knowing that I accept the responsibility and I’m a proud Black Gay Big & Tall (5ft 9in) guy. What do you believe would be the outcome if the countless black men & women that were murdered was part of LGBTQIA+ community? Sadly, we all know that Trans and gay people have been killed at an alarming rate for years. However, this current out pouring of support has never been shared for our community. If you had the mic and a million people were listening, what would you say? We’re clearly going through a shift in humanity now so allow that shift to start within. Be more patient, understanding and compassionate to others. We may all choose to live our lives differently but it cost us nothing to be KIND to one another.

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Last Minute Fathers Day Gift

Last Minute Fathers Day Gift. These are for those of you that are last last minute folks. I decided to create a list of all the brands that have sales for Last Minute Fathers Day Gift. The climate this year is a lot different so I decided that this year Im recommending a lot of Black Brands to support. Buttah Skin By Dorian Renaud As I get older I notice that you definitely need to take better care of our skin. Listen fellas I know that traditionally we are last on the skin care totem pole however no more of that skin. PS if you use the code "Fathersday" you'll get 20% Off your order. 2. Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration I've had the pleasure of watching this man change lives from afar. Jason's profile was on that Im glad I just happen to stumble on. The book is deep ladies and gentlemen read on "In Cry Like a Man, Wilson explains the dangers men face in our culture’s definition of “masculinity” and gives readers hope that healing is possible." I personally know that Redefining what It means to be a Man was one of the most healing parts of my life. So this Fathers day give the gift of healing. 3. Kodiak Leather I finally decided to treat myself to and get a great leather bag. So give the father in your life great gift that he will cherish for years to come. Kasilof, Alaska.  If you've been there, you know.  Rugged, majestic, and full of life.  There was no name more fitting for our newest product addition to the Kodiak Leather Co. lineup. The Kasilof Messenger bag is clean yet rugged, and it is built to last. This bag is made from premium top-grain leather, and fits up to a 15" laptop.  Complete with a magnetic closure, rear zippered exterior pocket, and padded laptop compartment, this bag screams wild and free, while maintaining the business professional look that will stand out in a crowd. PS Their's 50% off canvas duffles using CODE: CANVAS50 and 20% off sitewide using CODE: FATHER20. 4. LFLS Shoes Bachman- White x Gold I've watched this young man hustler for years and Im excited to help promote my fellow black business. Support the dad in your life with some dope shoes he will cherish and love forever. PS Beyonce just featured them on your website so order now before they sold out. The black Bachman is back and it’s better than ever with the gold toe cap add on! The Bachman is a uniquely designed loafer with tassel details added to the upper as well as a nonfunctional zipper affixed to the heel as a never before seen feature. The sole unit is 100% leather and also included rubber inserts for added traction and resilience.

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Jason Hudgins Is Meeting Us At The Corner of Black & Gay

This week as we rap up Pride month I could leave without chatting with Jason Hudgins Who Is Meeting Us At The Corner of Black & Gay. 1.How are you handling the intersectionality at being a black gay Big & Tall guy? Living at the intersection of all of my identities means that I am constantly on the frontlines of a fight for inclusion, recognition and respect. It was a long journey but I  have learned that it is a privilege to be me; the black, gay, 6’7”, 275lbs me. That realization has a way of forcing you to walk unapologetically. I demand respect and carve out space for myself and those who share my identity no matter what room I step into. When I learned to celebrate myself I found that it gave others the room to do the same. 2. What do you believe would be the outcome if the countless black men & women that were murder was part of LGBTQIA+ community? We can see the outcome with the way that society ignores the deaths of our black trans sisters. Unfortunately the fight for justice still has too many asterisks that qualify who we deem worthy of our support and advocacy. We see a level of outrage when a black straight man is killed that is not always present for black woman, gay men, trans men and women, ect. We have to come to a place where injustice that threatens any member of our community is met with same level of outrage and action. Who is impacted should only be highlighted as we examine what unique strategies are needed to protect that group in the future. 3.If you had the mic and a million people were listening what would you say? There is an African Proverb that says “if you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Every system in this world whether it is racism, homophobia, sexism, classism, ect is rooted in trying to divide people so that they will never realize their collective power. Many people burn out on their journey because they go alone and it forces them to try and be everything to survive in every situation. If we learn to invite people to join us on the journey it allows everyone to use their gifts and we all arrive whole. My greatest hope is that no matter where your journey leads you, that you arrive whole.

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In July We Bringing That Heat

So In July We Bringing That Heat. Let me tell y'all I'm so excited about going into year four. I changing the entire format of the site into a Digital Magazine. So every month expect a new cover like the Oprah & Rachel Ray Magazine... except I won't be on the cover every month... Just now and then. I'm so excited because I get to combine two parts of the brand that I've been wanting to do for a while and I just wasn't sure how to do it. After talking with my mentor Marie and telling here about me wanted to do more Magazine issues she gave me this brilliant idea. She said why don't you just make the site a digital Magazine. It will allow you to have better SEO (site talk for Google traffic) and better content more frequently. I was bet that's a win-win situation. Well to say how happy I feel would be an understatement. So get ready. The way it will work is at the beginning of the month I will release the cover, editors' notes and what articles to expect all month long. It helps me get more consistent as well. As I type this I'm working on securing our first cover guy and getting the first issues articles ideas wrapped up. (Insert A dope gif ) Y'all please share this post with your friends and family XL Tribe is finna be litttttyyyyyyyyyyy asf. So Remember In July We Bringing That Heat. PS We're on all Socials. Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram

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Pay It Forward With Khris Ferguson

Pay It Forward With Khris Ferguson kicks off the inaugural shoot. I can't believe that I get to write the best post ever. I have finally got to carry out a dream that has been in my heart for four years. Many of you may or may not know that when I started XL Shoots I started it because I couldn't find great stock photos of Big & Tall Black Men. So XL Shoots set out to change that. However, God had other plans for me. Shortly after I started XL Shoots I decided to go full-time as an entrepreneur meaning no side hustles just XL Tribe/Shoots. When you decide to go full time that means you have to figure out a way to make money. So in this new life, I'm having to charge for Photography when I wanted to do it for free. It was hard, to say the least. To say that 3 years later that I'm proud, to say the least. That after four years I'm finally getting my dream come true and it feels so good. Let me explain how Pay It Forward with Khris Ferguson works. Every time you purchase a three look package I give away a one look package to a deserving Big & Tall.... and wait for theres more. I also spend up to $30 on small black business.

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Pay It Forward T.H.I.C.K

Pay It Forward T.H.I.C.K. So y’all remember when I told you that the pay it forward program was gonna be the best thing ever. Well, today is that day. While this is my first time doing it on the blog it’s not my first time doing the Pay It Forward program. The black business that I’m supporting this week is the guys over at T.H.I.C.K. T.H.I.C.K stands for (Tempting, Handsome ,Intelligent, Charming, King) it is owned by Domonique which is a really good friend of mine. I just wanted to show you guys that number one collaboration is way better than competition. Sometimes I feel like people want us against each other. Not happening captain. I’m going to support these black businesses anyway I can. I love everything they’re doing over there at T.H.I.C.K and I just want to do my part to help spread the word. There’s not enough of us out here, so for those of us out here who are striving to make a difference, I really want to do something to help amplified Black Voices & Stories. I’m so excited that you guys are sewing so many pay forwards seeds in to me so I can be a blessing to others . Now I have 12 photo shoots to do that means I also have 12 products to buy so far I’ve already bought 4 things from a black business. I need to find some other businesses to purchase from so if you know any GO ahead leave them below and I will get them featured on the site as well. PS The love is mutual He also supported us . ❤️

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Outfit Of The Week Johnny Bigg USA Try-On Haul

Listen y'all. This week's Outfit Of The Week Johnny Bigg USA Try-On Haul is something different. I've always wanted to do a full-on try-on for you'll so you can see the clothes fit and move on a big guy. So here to dreams come true. Since most of us work from home now take a shot with me. Now you got that liquor flowing lets shop. Shirt: Johnny Bigg USA Shorts: Johnny Bigg USA Some weeks I still struggle with creating dope ass content. So I’m a part of this new Community Called Killer Kontent . I asked a question in the group how do I create content that you’ll wanna see and you connect with. Well the Owner Milton Lawrence which we featured as XL Trailblazer Of The Week answered my question. He stated that I need to ask you’ll what you wanna see. Than it hit me I went to Macy’s to show my friend that they have up to 5XL. While there I was playing around and pulled out my phone to do InstaStories and it I saw 400% increased . That’s when it hit me I gonna focus on dressing rooms try-on. So get ready for much more dressing room try-on and at home dressing room showing.View the video below and tell me what you'll think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOeRhVWDqTY&t=1s

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XL Tribesmen Of The Week Jeff Whittingham

So this week's XL Tribesmen Of The Week Jeff Whittingham is fresh off of a Win. Let me introduce you'll to the newest Johnny Bigg Model Jeff. There are so many fashion brands available now, what do you still think is missing in menswear?  One thing that I think is missing in menswear is the originality. Meaning, women can go to a thrift shop and make a beautiful outfit. A lot of men feel the need to wear very expensive brands just to look good. Fashion is an art of beauty and being able to put pieces together shows your creativity! What are some of your personal for the second half of 2020 goals?  Some of my personal goals for the second half of the year is to continue to become a man of God. I would like to continue to build my foundation in the modeling industry. I’m working on my Mentoring brand called GLS. Someday I would love to open a recreation center in the inner cities for the youth. What are some of your favorite brands and why?  Honestly, I really don’t have any favorite brands! Lol Whatever looks good on me and whatever makes me feel good I’ll buy!   On top of what my GF says I look like a meal in. hahahaha How long have you been on the journey of being a Big & Tall man? What’s the biggest misconception you hear about Big & Tall Guys? Well, I’ve always been a big and tall man! But being able to model and represent the big fellas, it’s been a little under a year! S/o to my amazing woman, Amber Connally who is also a model who represents the plus community! She gave me the idea and I pushed it off; but she helped me get out of my shell and boom here we are! So if you’re reading this babe thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Also, thank you to Lov’n My Curves for allowing me to rip the runway in Philadelphia Fashion Week for two seasons! Finally, the biggest misconception about big and tall men is that we can’t be stylish! When you go to the mall or stores, it’s hard to find our sizes. We’ve left the crumbs, unfortunately, but be on the lookout world!! Big and tall is taking over! If you could swap styles with one celebrity who would it be and why? If I could swap styles with one celebrity, it would be with Chris Paul. I love his style on top of it he’s rich. Hahahaha In all seriousness, I like how he can switch it up and mix it up! His outfits are dope! I would definitely love to swap with him one day! CP3 if you see this, ✊🏾 for the fire wardrobes! Follow me on ig @_jeffstruth 

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XL Tribes Magazine Issue 9 With Vonnie

Letter From The Editor OMG, I cannot believe that we are almost 3 years into the creation of this magazine and we are going digital. XL Tribes Magazine Issue 9 With Vonnie is now out. So to celebrate the first digital cover we are celebrating our very own Ceo Vonnie of Big Boys Are Cute which is a brand that I fully support. I’m so excited to be able to marry the two things I love photography and helping black businesses grow. We need to pour into the brands that jump out the window and decide to start a business because it’s not easy and if you thought it was whoever told you that the lied. XL Tribe Magazine August Issue 9-7 So from now on what you should expect is that every month will be launching a digital magazine cover that will be on the site. Inside that article we will discuss all of the topics that you should expect from us for that month. So for example this month you should expect a write up about Vonnie and his business you should also expect from us a blog post of my outfit of the week. We're going to branch out and talk about different topics like sex, mental health, a podcast of the week, and more. So get your keyboard ready to type XLTribe.com every week. Thank you'll so much for all the love and support. So with is out. further of due XL Tribes Magazine Issue 9 With Vonnie is out. What To Expect This Month Our Interview with Vonnie the CEO of Big Boys Are Cute. Tips For Better Sex As A Big Guy Mental Health Check-In Outfit Of The Week Small Black Business Of The Week Podcast of The Week

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Our Featured Story Issue 9: With Vonnie

First I wanna thank Vonnie for being so open to all of my crazy ideas. Our Featured Story Issue 9: With Vonnie is another reason why he's the shit. XLTM: How do you source the new designs, where does your inspiration come from? Vonnie: I literally get design ideas from everything around me. A friend's outfit, what I personally would want to wear & even listening to music has brought me a lot of ideas. I’m at the point now where I have over 100 different unreleased designs. XLTM: What piece of advice can you give to a Big & Tall Fellas who may be struggling with his self-image? Vonnie: Remember to not let your mind bully your body. Don’t let what other people think about your body fuck with your confidence. We’re not born with insecurities! Society’s fucked up beauty standards cause us to compare & you are perfect just how you are. XLTM: So recently you moved what sparked the change? Vonnie: I felt stagnant in Miami. I felt like I was losing my hustling spirits that’s instilled in us down there. I was getting too comfortable & I had to do shake things up a bit & I’m honestly glad I did! XLTM: How have you managed to manage to maintain such a cult like following? Vonnie: Just being myself & showing everyone that fat men can be just as attractive as smaller guys. I think you can see my confidence through my pictures & how I carry myself & I think that resonates people. XLTM: Its been over two years since you went viral what are some of your best business lessons? Vonnie: As cliche as it sounds I think it would be to stay true to yourself & your ideas. No matter what goes on around you, know what’s best for your business & why you started it & remained focused on that.