Saturday proved to be a great day, filled with laughter, Lady Power and all around good times with some great people! The First Annual Curves & Cocktails (C&C) was the “ultimate Girls Night Out for women with Curves.” Ms. Aja B. Stubbs was successful in hosting such a great event. She is the the force behind Belle Noir Communications, which includes Belle-Noir Magazine, Belle-Noir Radio, and events such as C&C , Phat Poetry, and the Big Beautiful You Tour. I had the pleasure of meeting Aja, and without a doubt, she is a strong Independent Woman, in my Diva Spotlight!
Mia Amber Davis, Plus Size Model & Madeline Figueroa-Jones Editor-in-Chief Plus Model Magazine
Renee Jennings, owner of R. Media Group responsible for P.R. for C&C ,
Christina Mendez, Plus-Size Model & Aja B. Stubbs, Host & Creator of C&C
Belle-Noir has managed to fill a void where women with curves had no voice. C&C, brought together a variety of quality vendors, some of which cater specifically to the plus-size woman, provided goodie bags, delectable food & tasty cocktails, giveaways and the best music! So, often in the fashion industry these type of events are geared toward one type of woman, forgetting the multitude and variety of women that exists.
The aspect of the day that most touched me was the camaraderie amongst the women throughout the day. This was especially present during the Award ceremony which honored four Independent Women. The recipients of the Independent Woman Award was: Denise A. Best, Founder & CEO of Blissful Elegance Events, Mia Amber Davis, Plus Size Model, Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, and Christina Mendez, Plus Model, Actress and Activist.
The aspect of the day that most touched me was the camaraderie amongst the women throughout the day. This was especially present during the Award ceremony which honored four Independent Women. The recipients of the Independent Woman Award was: Denise A. Best, Founder & CEO of Blissful Elegance Events, Mia Amber Davis, Plus Size Model, Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, and Christina Mendez, Plus Model, Actress and Activist.
Aja & Madeline Figueroa-Jones Recipient of Independent Woman Award
Mia Amber Davis Recipient of Independent Woman Award
The Independent Woman’s Award “began as a column in Belle-Noir Magazine that turned into a official award, Renee Jennings being the first to receive this award” stated by Aja. The Independent Woman Award is given to the women that are blazing trails in the Plus Size Community. The four women that received this Award are certainly doing just that with their movements in this industry. 
Qristyl Frazier, Fashion Designer & Christina Mendez Recipient of Independent Woman Award
The resounding sentiment in the women’s acceptance speech was “to do what you love” don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Step out on faith and let your voice be heard! I can certainly dig that statement! So often we are told that our lives must be lived in a defined way and that you can’t follow your hearts desire. You of course have to be realistic, but you should certainly not limit yourself or your goals in what you can achieve and how you can help others along the way. This is what these women have been doing and they continue to make great strides in their careers in an industry that excluded them, but no more! Keep doing your thing Divas!
C&C benefited One In Three Women, a great campaign that is focused on ending the violence against women in their homes and throughout communities. The name of the organization embodies the very reason why we should stop violence to the women around the world. The 2003 UNIFEM report “Not A Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women” states that One in Three Women around the world will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. That statistic is daunting, but with the help of such organizations and events like C&C to bring awareness and assistance to others, we are well on our way to making that statistic non-existent!
Congrats to all the lovely ladies that took part in C&C and made it a great success. Stay STRONG, INDEPENDENT & CURVY!
Take a look at the events throughout the day, as well as the Ladies that attended and the Vendors that made the event get off to a great start! Hope to see you at the next C&C!
Official Sponsors Freya, Fantasie, Goddess Bra Line
Curves & Cocktails Logo
Curves & Cocktails Logo
Below Left: Bravin Publishing LLC, Check out this book “A Man in Transition” by K.L. Belvin.
From Left to Right Below: DJ Stealth kept the soiree moving with his great musical selection; Severe, Designer of Sevy Handbags, very chic , with Stacy Armand her P.R.
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Above Right: Mary-Jean Eraci for B’s Purses, Design Your Own Bag!
Left: Charmaine from CharPower Blog & Tina Gaddy. They came from Philly to show their support for Aja! Char stated “She did a good job, this takes a lot of work to pull together.”
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Left: Collective Elements by Danielle L. Green, beautiful greeting cards geared toward the Curvy Woman! Very Nice!
Left: Collective Elements by Danielle L. Green, beautiful greeting cards geared toward the Curvy Woman! Very Nice! Above Right: Qristyl Frazier for Qristyl Frazier Designs with some very interested Fashionistas!
Left: Yania Izquierdo for Yania Creations, Unique Handcrafted Jewelry, loved the leaf pendants!
Below: The beautiful bras for full-figured women. The bra fittings were great, I took part as well!
Below Right : Sherisa Vassel owner of L’elephant Rose, very cool jewelry and head pieces!
Below Left: Myself & D, Editor & Chief of a hot entertainment blog, Cool Cruel World, check it out!
Left Below: Diane Duncan & Eileen Leone for Booty Parlor, ooooo child they had sexy items! Check it out in the pic below!
Above: The tables were getting stocked with Riunite’s Lambrusco and soon Ovington Prophete’s Toma Vodka, shout out to the Curyitini! Tasty!
Some scenes from Curves & Cocktails! BTW the food was great, thanks to For Real Catering, based in Brooklyn! BK stand up 🙂
DANALEE FRANCESCA 