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Welcome to our first in a new series where we interview influential and inspirational curvy bloggers, podcasters and media figures.
Our first interview is with Latina blogger, influencer and fashionista, Sheila Lopez. Sheila began blogging in 2014 and hasn’t looked back. She’s been featured in USA Today, Cosmopolitan and Hip Latina.
Sheila is currently blogging on her site CurvyTrend and is active on:
So let’s dive right in and get to know Sheila and her work:
So Sheila, what are your favorite subjects to blog about?
Some of my favorite subjects are plus-size fashion, dating and relationships, body positivity, Latinx brands, and my heritage. I started writing about fashion and that quickly expanded into other more personal topics like my Mexican heritage. I wanted to ensure that the space I created was also inclusive of that identity as well. I am a fashionista at heart, but that’s only one aspect of me.
When did you start your blog and what or who inspired you to begin blogging?
I started blogging in 2014 after my first professional photo shoot. I wanted to share my experience as a plus-size woman who was on a self-love journey and diving into the world of plus-size modeling.
I followed other bloggers like Jes Baker and Gabi Fresh. Reading their blogs and seeing their posts gave me the push to start doing things I denied myself so long like taking fashion risks.
What inspires you to write?
I am inspired by other women all the time: bloggers, writers, advocates, models, politicians.
One of my latest posts was inspired by Mexican American author Sandra Cisneros who talks about the terms we use to describe our identity. Other plus-size Latina models inspire me like Rosie Mercado, Denise Bidot,Alex La Rosa, Jessica Milagros, Faith Costa, and the list goes on. I follow them on social media and it makes me very proud to see that representation.
Latina brand owners are some of the fiercest women I have had the opportunity to work with. In doing so, they support me, encourage me, and inspire me to live authentically.
Is it a full-time gig, or if not, would you like it to be?
Blogging and modeling is my side hustle. However, it is something that I am working on transitioning into a full-time gig. It’s a process and I’m getting there.
Who are some of your favorite bloggers?
- Jes Baker – The Militant Baker – http://www.themilitantbaker.com/
- Gabrielle Gregg – Gabi Fresh – http://gabifresh.com/
- Chastity Garner – Garner Style – http://www.garnerstyle.com/
- Cece Olisa – https://ceceolisa.com/
- Brianne Huntsman – The Huntswoman http://thehuntswoman.com/
- Anali Martinez Gonzalez – The Nueva Latina – http://www.thenuevalatina.com
- Nicole Natalie- The Maximista – https://www.themaximista.com/
- Dāsha Guyton – Windy City Wardrobe – https://windycitywardrobe.com/
- Maya LaBoo – Pink Caboodle – https://www.pinkcaboodle.com/
Where do you see your blog in five years?
I see my blog and website expanding to include guest writers. I may want to transition it into an online lifestyle publication. My hope is that it turns into a full-time career.
Who/What are your favorite clothing designers & brands?
- Modcloth
- Ashley Stewart
- Lane Bryant
- Zelie for She
- Christian Siriano
- Swimsuits For All
- Eleven60
- Hija de tu Madre
- Jen Zeano Designs
- Rebdolls
- Soncy
- Luvmemore
- Fashion to Figure
Is there anything you’d like to see in the fashion industry?
I’d like to be able to shop in stores again. I live in Austin, TX and the only options I have are: Lane Bryant, Torrid, Forever 21, and Target.
However, the in-store options are less than the online options. It is frustrating because I would shop more in person if more styles were carried in store. Also, I’d love to see more designers like Christian Siriano who expanded his line to plus-size. He did a collection with Lane Bryant and it did well! They sell out!
Jason Wu recently did a collection with Eloquii. Also, I’d love to see the same designs available in plus-size and “straight” size, for lack of a better term. Savage X Fenty recently got a lot of heat over their new Valentine’s lingerie collection because some designs were not available in plus-size, which is really irritating.
What are some of the projects you are working on / things you want to promote?
I have a podcast with two other co-hosts launching in February and we’re very excited! We’re not releasing the name or other details just yet, but I encourage people to follow me for updates on this.
What I can reveal is that it will surround topics related to plus-size dating, relationships, fashion, body image, and lifestyle! Two women and one male host, so it will be interesting!
And tips/advice for fellow & new bloggers?
Start writing. I was so scared to post my first blog for fear that it was not perfect. It’s not going to be perfect. You’re not writing a novel. Rewriting and editing is important, but don’t let that get in the way of getting your voice out there.
We’d like to thank Sheila for her time and sharing her thoughts with us and you. If you’d like to follow Sheila and read more of her blog start here:
Some of Sheila Lopez’s Blog Articles
- 10 Latina-Owned Brands Holiday Gift Guide
- Dumped On New Year’s Eve For Being Fat, I Clapped Back With A Photo Shoot
- I Dressed Like Selena for A Week and This Is What Happened