EMPRESS MAGAZINE 2 | Page 27

She has also received an NAACP award, a Black Girl Magic Award and a ton of other accolades. She has also taken the fashion industry by storm. She described her experience at New York Fashion Week as huge crowds of people, cameras, lights, and lots of people working to make sure her shows turn out right.

“I prepared for New York Fashion week by dedicating myself to my work before and after school. My mom scheduled all of the engagements and shows and I created and sewed all of the designs.”

She was looking forward to the same experience at Atlantic City Fashion Week at the time of interview. Not bad for a 11-year-old, right? When Ify was asked how she felt about being a plus sized girl she stated “I’ve always been comfortable in my own skin. I have always been told how beautiful I am by my parents. That is why I could bypass bullying so easily because the world doesn’t validate Ify. Ify validates Ify.”

She spoke these words like a true diva in full formation. She went on to give her insight on the plus sized fashion industry.

“The plus sized industry has come such a long way. We have sports illustrated stepping up with plus sized models on the cover and Mattel Toys stepping up making curvy dolls, and pop up magazines standing up for equal validation of plus sized women."

It was surreal to hear a child speak with such wisdom. Ify is definitely an old soul with focus and drive beyond what most grown women have. Her focus and drive came across clearly when she gave me her description of her 5-year plan. She says that Chubbi line is working on several innovative ideas.

“It’s a secret, sorry.” She stated before I could even ask what the ideas were.

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