Heavy on Fashion Talks to Brittany Kay
.jpg)
Brittany Kay is an award-winning, international plus size model, designer, beauty queen, motivational speaker, host, and author located in Greenville, South Carolina.
She’s modeled in and co-hosted various high-profile shows, including multiple New York Fashion Week shows, and has appeared in global magazines such as Fashion Republic, Supermodels Unlimited, StyleCruz, and others. She has modeled for brands such as Jus10, Betsey Johnson, The Couture Room, Lady Code Cosmetics, Angel Cosmetics, Victoria Henley’s Magnifique, and Dimitra Designs.
Brittany has also taken the pageant world by storm as Ms. Palmetto Pride Plus America 2023 and she currently reigns as 2025 Ms. Supermodel. Brittany has been writing since she was a young child. Her non fiction, short stories, and free verse poetry have appeared in various publications throughout the years, most recently in South Carolina Bards.
A sexual assault survivor, Brittany has become an experienced victim advocate, speaking at numerous events, including the 2024 I-DIAS Global Conference in Paris, to help other victims not only survive, but to thrive as she has. Her work in combating sexual violence has earned her various awards including the 2024 Woman of Influence from Supermodels Unlimited Magazine.
Personal Journey and Career:
MB: What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling, and how did you get started?
I fell into modeling by accident. I’d just competed at the Miss South Carolina Plus America Pageant and won the people’s choice title – Ms. Palmetto Pride Plus America 2023. A fellow pageant queen encouraged me to go on a model call as additional practice for our upcoming national competition.
MB: Can you walk us through your journey to becoming a professional plus-size model?
I’ve struggled with self-esteem and body dysmorphia for most of my life. Oddly enough, I won a boudoir photoshoot. That photoshoot made me see myself in a different light. I started taking selfies to force myself to look at myself and say nice things about myself instead of tearing myself to shreds.
After I won at SCMPA, I went on a few model calls for practice. After nationals in July of 2023, I had offers to model at New York Fashion Week. I began doing local shows like Spartanburg Fashion Week. Eventually I began building my portfolio with photoshoots and shows. It’s only been 2 years since I’ve been modeling but I’ve had amazing opportunities!
MB: Were there any significant challenges you faced when starting out in the fashion industry, and how did you overcome them?
I had a local agency respond to my email with “Holy Moly that’s a lot of model.” When I replied asking whether or not they had work, they told me not for people like you. Ironically, they have contacted me a few times when they’ve needed a plus model. I’ve had a few designers that were rude and mocked me for my size. Some shows wanted to be inclusive but had limited items that were first come first serve. And of course, social media bullies happen.
But for every no you hear, even if it hurts, it’s been a blessing in disguise. Some of the designers that were rude had major behavior issues come to light. I met a few people from various agencies that had horrible experiences after being signed. I won a contract with one agency, and they honored it, but would never use me. I found out later that they did this to all plus models. But, at the time, I remember being really hurt that I wasn’t good enough. Fast forward to a year later and I’ve had way more success without them.
MB: How has the perception of plus-size models evolved during your career, and where do you think it’s headed?
I think there’s been a lot of diversity, and not just plus-size models. Over the past year, I’ve been in shows with models that had disabilities like Cerebral Palsy and are in wheelchairs. My mom was born with Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair, so I was really excited to see that.
As far as plus, I find there’s a lot of support in the audience. I have audience members come up to me after, ladies who are curvy or midsize, and they love that they’re being seen. We live in a society that is more accepting, but a lot of times, plus size people are treated like the crazy aunt at a family gathering by society. We’re seen and tolerated, but not always welcome. I recently saw a few videos on social media of curvy ladies at Coachella and the negative experiences and hate they were getting because of their size. As plus models become more seen and known, it takes a bit of the “stigma” away from being plus size.
Representation and Advocacy - Plus Size:
MB: You’ve been an advocate for body positivity. What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more inclusive for all body types?
Fast fashion gets a bad rep but brands like Shein and Fashion Nova have been awesome for curvy ladies! Not only do you have a ton of selection that’s trendy but it's affordable. I still love brands like Torrid, but I miss the old Torrid before it was all cold shoulder tops and ill-fitting shirts. Not to mention it's like $60 for a T-shirt. I feel like some big brands take advantage of the need for plus clothing, especially if it's trendy, and overprice it. It makes sense, supply and demand. But that does need to change. I’m also over plus sizes being taken out of stores. We’re plus sized. Not lepers.
MB: How do you use your platform to promote self-love and body acceptance?
With social media, I post pictures from photo shoots, red carpet interviews, and selfies. Partly for brand awareness but also to show others that you can do activities and that it’s ok to be seen. I’m also very transparent about mental health. There are times I still struggle with self-esteem and body image and anxiety. I’m honest about that. Every person I know has days like that and it's important for everyone to know that it’s ok.
MB: In your opinion, what can brands and designers do to ensure better representation of plus-size models in mainstream fashion?
If it’s a brick-and-mortar chain, have a plus size department in the store. Use models of all sizes; not just a size 2 for all the styles or even a size 12. One thing that Torrid does well is use a variety of curvy models of all sizes. Plus sized people want to see what something will look like on them. Also, if there’s something specific you want that really calls to you and you can’t find it, think about creating it or creating a store that sources those items. I love goth/grunge styles and vintage styles. Sometimes it’s frustrating to find a place that has those things in plus sizes.
Personal Motivation and Advocacy- Sexual assault awareness:
MB: What motivated you to become an advocate for sexual assault awareness?
At Clemson, I dated a guy that brutally raped me and almost killed me. The system failed me in every way possible. I became really angry because I had to leave school, quit flying lessons, and then lose most of my friends because they didn’t understand I had to physically and mentally heal. The local rape crisis center was training advocates and so I joined with a few other people for community service. And that’s when I realized all of the things that failed me and the way I was treated by the people meant to save me was not normal or needed. I wanted to help prevent others from going through it.
MB: How do you navigate the emotional toll of this work while staying effective in your advocacy?
Compartmentalization and dark humor. I’m partially joking because I do use that. I’m trained in disaster response and as someone that struggled with PTSD, I can compartmentalize. That doesn’t mean it goes away. Normally it doesn’t bother me to talk about it because I’ve done a lot of healing. However, recently, there was a situation where I had to make a decision, and I told someone I don’t have a great track record of making the right choice considering I chose someone that tried to kill me. Even though logically I know that’s not my fault.
When things get to me regarding trauma, I take a step back. I do isolate myself to recharge but I do things that bring me joy. I listen to music, read, and play video games. If I’m feeling social, I may go out or to a concert. I use positive affirmations and talk to others. I fill my cup up again.
When things get to me regarding trauma, I take a step back. I do isolate myself to recharge but I do things that bring me joy. I listen to music, read, and play video games. If I’m feeling social, I may go out or to a concert. I use positive affirmations and talk to others. I fill my cup up again.
Letting others know they aren’t alone. Some people have healed. A lot haven’t. Many have been afraid to talk about it due to stigma. But they hear me talk about it and there’s a moment that resonates with them and it's like I understand. You get it.
MB: Is there anything you would like people to know about sexual assault that you feel is often overlooked or misunderstood?
It can happen to anyone and 9 times out of 10 it's someone that you know. Yes, date rape drugging is real, as is a stranger breaking in. But most often it’s a friend, a boyfriend, even a date. It's about power, not sex. Even if you’re married and you say no, that’s still rape. And you can have very real trauma reactions. Survivors are more likely to attempt suicide, be revictimized, turn to hard drugs or drinking to escape, or deal with PTSD and mental health issues. I want to show you don’t have to stay in those negative places. You can still succeed in life and thrive. It's hard to heal, but you absolutely can. You may still struggle from time to time, but we all do.
Supporting Survivors:
MB: What do you believe is the most important thing a survivor of sexual assault needs to hear or know in the aftermath of an attack?
Some victims blame themselves for not fighting back. Your brain has a basic instinct of "flight or fight". A lot of victims dissociate. Keep in mind, your brain is instinctually assessing what to do. There are victims that I met that have told me later that, if they had tried to fight back, they would have been killed. So don’t feel guilty. And it's NOT your fault! It’s the same concept as someone breaking into your house or a serial killer randomly targeting you. This was something that was done TO you. Even if you are dating the person, consent is a thing.
Please don’t say if you’d listened to me about X person, or anything with it being God’s plan. Imagine if someone murdered your mom and someone came up to you and said oh it's God’s plan. When someone has been victimized, those phrases will seem like victim blaming and accusatory, even if they’re well meaning. Friends may be thinking they could have prevented it if they spoke up more about not liking the rapist. But a victim isn’t in the state of mind to see it that way. Remind the victim that they’re safe and that it wasn’t their fault. RAINN (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; https://rainn.org/) has really good resources for family and friends. Local rape crisis centers also have anonymous lines where victims or loved ones can call and talk for support.
MB: What role do you believe therapy or counseling plays in the healing process for survivors, and how can advocates connect survivors with these resources?
RAINN is a huge resource and can be found online. Local rape crisis centers also offer therapy and resources. Therapy and counseling can absolutely help. You don’t have to go through it alone. Sexual assault is traumatic. If you’d responded to a disaster, or been through an EF-5 tornado, you’d seek counseling. This is no different. At the very least, it can give you coping techniques for PTSD. It doesn’t mean that you’re broken or crazy. You would go to a doctor for migraines or a broken leg. It’s the same thing.
Prevention and Education:
MB: What are some effective prevention strategies that schools, universities, and workplaces can implement to help reduce the occurrence of sexual assault?
Victim blaming is a thing that can happen in workplaces; you have to be able to prove your case for sexual harassment. That said, most places that I’ve worked have had great policies and took any behavior seriously. Schools are another matter entirely. In the South, schools here teach abstinence as sex ed. They have domestic violence videos and videos of date rape. But remember, most victims know their offenders. I think if this was taught to teens, they would be better prepared should something happen. Knowledge is power.
MB: How do you work with law enforcement and legal systems to improve response times, investigation processes, and survivor support?
Unfortunately I haven’t worked with law enforcement and legal systems. I do know that, with advocacy and having a rape kit, survivors are more empowered. They aren’t pressured into pressing charges that moment if that’s something they’re scared of. The evidence will be on hand.
In my case, the cop knew my rapist and the good ole’ boy system was alive and well. He never even spoke to me. He high fived the guy and said alright, kinky. That said, most police are not like that. One of the things the Julie Valentine Center (https://www.julievalentinecenter.org/ ) in Greenville has done well is have a positive relationship with law enforcement for sexual assault and human trafficking. Officers are trained on sensitivity. There’s awareness. Unfortunately, when my assault occurred, I wasn’t in Greenville.
The legal system is another matter. You can contact your representatives about stricter laws. There are several groups like JVC that advocate for better laws. Unfortunately another issue is that the lab which processes the kits in South Carolina is insanely backed up and delayed. Unless another lab opens, there’s not much that can be done.
MB: What do you think is the key to changing attitudes about consent and promoting healthier relationships among young people?
Destigmatizing sexual assault by talking about it helps bring awareness. Everyone on the Internet knows what consent is. However, my experience, especially on dating sites, is kind of negative. And I’m not alone. It's so common to say no, I’m not interested and have someone continue to pressure you and, in some cases, verbally abuse you. I think women especially are conditioned to be nice and polite because we don’t want to provoke anyone. But normalize being "mean". You don’t have to explain why your answer is no. Be direct and say no. And for those being told no, take the loss and move on.
MB: How can people who are not directly involved in advocacy still make a positive impact on this issue?
If they have stories, they can share them. They can volunteer at a local rape crisis center. They can write to their representatives about law changes. And if they feel called, they can donate financially to local centers or organizations like RAINN.
Final Thoughts:
MB: How can the readers of Heavy on Fashion support your work and cause?
If you’ve been assaulted, please know that you can live a full life and thrive. It's not something that has to define you. You can heal. It may take time, but you can.
I got into pageantry to help repair my confidence and self-esteem; I’d promised my dad I’d work on it before he died. I’ve always struggled with both issues, but especially after a brutal assault, it was almost non-existent. I’m living proof you CAN heal.
I definitely want to continue to support body positivity and plus size fashion. VIP by Brittany is something I’m working on. It will consist of accessories, goth/glam curvy clothing, and makeup. Things will be live this fall! If you want to follow my journey, you can follow me on social media:
Thank you so much to Brittany Kay for the interview and Emma of Medeiros Fashion Public Relations. Check out more of
Brittany's work at:
Brittany Kay Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/
Brittany Kay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Brittany Kay on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@
Brittany Kay 2024 Ms. Supermodel Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ms.
Brittany Kay Modeling Facebook Page:
Comments
Post a Comment
Do not post spam. Engage and have fun! Thanks again for leaving a comment on Heavy on Fashion.