Heavy on Fashion talks to Kimberly Beasley of Curvitude Boutique

Kimberly Beasley is the owner of Curvitude Boutique, a store dedicated to providing stylish clothing for curvy women. With a strong passion for fashion, she believes in empowering women by promoting body positivity and diversity.In addition to Curvitude Boutique (https://curvitude.com/), Kimberly also designs Curvitude Swimwear and Curvitude Athletics. After her Thick Thighs Matter collection went viral, garnering 1.1 million views, she realized that this is more than just a fashion line; it’s a movement. To reach more women, Kimberly transformed this idea into a podcast called the Thick Thighs Matter Podcast. 

Here is Heavy on Fashion Talks to Heavy on Fashion talks to Kimberly Beasley of Curvitude Boutique. 

Kimberly Beasley of Curvitude Boutique and Thick Thighs Matter Podcast

Could you share a bit about your journey to becoming a boutique owner? What inspired you to pursue this path?

Kimberly: About a year before I retired from the Army, I was trying to figure out what I was gonna do next. We were in the Augusta Mall and I noticed there were a lot of stores but not many catering to plus-size women, so I decided to open the first plus-size boutique in Augusta GA.

From 20 years in the Army as a Sergeant First Class to owning a fashion boutique and soon-to-be podcaster, how has your military service helped you with starting your businesses?

Kimberly: In the course of 20 years in the Army, you work a lot of positions. The one that has been instrumental for me is when I was assigned as a Task Non-Commissioned Officer for my battalion in Germany and here at Fort Eisenhower.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them? 

Kimberly: Transitioning from a Soldier to a Civilian!!! Those first couple of years were rough. I felt bad for my employees at the time, the only way to overcome this was to understand how civilian life works, and thank God I had some friends who helped me get through it.

Can you discuss a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your professional trajectory? 

Kimberly: Sure, this year I was scheduled for NYFW, unfortunately my father passed a week before the event. I had to decide if I was still going to go to NYC and plan my father's memorial as well. With a lot of prayers and consulting with my family, I decided to still do the show and have the memorial afterward. It was the hardest thing I had to do BUT pushing forward worked in my favor….one of my models worked my Thick Thighs Matter t-shirt and it was a hit!

What do you consider to be the most critical skills or qualities for success in fashion industry?

Kimberly:  Listening!!! Listening to our customers and the market. I was moving in a different direction before NYFW24….but when my model hit 1.2 million views on FB alone I knew I had to change directions.

How has the industry evolved over the years, and what trends do you see emerging in the future? 

Kimberly: More options for the plus size women, we don’t have a section in Target we have almost one side of the room!! More options other than maxi dress and stretch material…plus size women like linen too!

What advice would you give aspiring professionals looking to break into inclusive-size fashion? 

Kimberly: Be true to your brand. Keep your head up and attack your goals

The Thick Thighs Matter Podcast

 Let's Talk about Thick Thighs Matter Podcast. What made you want to venture into the podcast world? 

Kimberly: After NYFW24, I realized I had something with Thick Thighs Matter so I decided to go for it!

What topics will you focus on? 

Kimberly: All topics! Whatever I want to discuss, curvy women are everyday topics just like everyone else

Will you have any special guests on the Podcast? 

Kimberly: I will, I just interviewed The Curvy Fashionista.

What have you learned from the podcast world? 

Kimberly: It's not as easy as it seems. But I love it personally, professionally, & Philosophically. 

How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what strategies do you recommend for others? 

Kimberly: I work from home, so what is hard for me is when I see something that needs to be done in the house but I’m supposed to be working on my brand. So I don’t worry about the house until 5 pm and I don’t worry about work until 9 am. 

What inspires and motivates you to continue to grow and learn in your career? 

Kimberly: My family pushes me to put my all in what I'm doing. My kids are very critical of what I do…my son (22 years old) takes pleasure in criticizing my projects lol. But he has great ideas, I just won't tell him.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to relax and recharge? 

Kimberly: Traveling and spending time with my husband and our youngest daughter Brooklyn (8 yrs old) she just started the third grade and she is a woot

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? 

Kimberly: She is historical to me, my mom!!! I need one more hug. The world is cold without your mom.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? 

Kimberly: Calm the heck down little girl….everything is going to be fine.

I would like to thank Kimberly Beasley for the Interview! Check out Thick Thighs Matters Podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@Thickthighsmatter  and the Curvitude Boutique at https://curvitude.com/