We recently connected with Christabell Nunez and have shared our conversation below.

Christabell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I took a big risk to be a vulnerable Latina in the public eye. I have been working for years as an advocate for body positivity and mental health, particularly for women with curvy bodies. I also support small owned businesses and a am proud philanthropist in the Austin community. But there was something missing. I wanted to step out of the shadows and use my voice to make a real difference.
So, I decided to take a big risk and participate in the Miss Plus America Pageant. I knew it would be a huge challenge, but I was determined to make it happen.

I share my own struggles with body image and mental health, and how I had overcome them through therapy and creating a tool kit for myself; as I encourage everyone to find what could work best for them. I speak about the importance of supporting small businesses and giving back to our communities.

I continue to use my voice and platform to advocate for the causes that mattered most to me. I became a voice for women with curvy bodies, a supporter of mental health, and a champion of small owned businesses and philanthropy in my community. And I know that by taking this big risk, I am can help amplify not only my voice but the voices that join me. When I win, we all win, as a community.

While as of today 3/10/23 not have went through the State Title competition, regardless of win or lose I will not stop the work I am doing for women like myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a proud Latina who is making waves in the Austin community through my various endeavors. I hold the title of Mrs. Austin Plus America and use my platform to advocate for body positivity and inclusivity, particularly for plus-size individuals. In addition, I am also the host of a podcast called “What the Bell”, where I discuss various topics related to the Latina experience.

As a small business owner, I am the proud founder of Sis Stop Shop, a size-inclusive boutique that provides fashion-forward clothing for women of all shapes and sizes. Through this business, I am able to help women feel confident and empowered in their own skin.

But my passion for helping others doesn’t stop there. I am also the founder of Sis Grow, a community organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for small businesses. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand the challenges that come with starting and growing a business, and I want to use my platform and resources to help others succeed.

I am proud of the work that I am doing in the Austin community and beyond, but I am always striving to do more. I am constantly seeking out problems and coming up with solutions, and I am always looking for ways to help others. At the end of the day, I am just a humble individual who wants to make a positive impact in the world.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There was a time in my life when I thought that success was only achievable through competition. I believed that the world was cutthroat and that I had to fight tooth and nail to get to the top. I thought that other women were my competition, and that I had to outdo them to be successful. But I soon realized that this mentality was not only detrimental to my own growth, but also to the growth of other women around me.

It wasn’t until my own personal journey of self discover and when I started my own business that I began to understand the true meaning of the motto “community over competition.” As a small business owner, I quickly learned that collaborating with other women and supporting each other was far more beneficial than trying to tear each other down. By working together, we were able to lift each other up, share resources, and make a greater impact in our community.

Today, I firmly believe that it is important for other women to support each other through various ways, as there is enough room for all of us to succeed. Whether it’s through networking, mentorship, or simply showing up to support each other’s endeavors, we have the power to make a positive impact on each other’s lives. By standing together and supporting each other’s growth, we can break down the barriers of competition and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have always been a resilient person, but my journey with a pituitary tumor tested my strength and perseverance like never before. When I was diagnosed with a benign pituitary tumor, also known as a prolactinoma, I was terrified. The tumor was affecting my hormone levels and causing a range of health issues, including weight gain, irregular periods, and even vision loss.

But I refused to let this diagnosis define me. Instead, I took charge of my health and worked with my doctors to develop a treatment plan that would help me manage my symptoms and get back to feeling like myself again. It wasn’t easy – I had to undergo surgery to remove the tumor, and I had to make significant lifestyle changes to support my recovery – but I was determined to come out on the other side stronger than ever before.

Today, I am proud to say that I have overcome my health challenges with resilience and positivity. I am grateful for every day that I am able to wake up feeling healthy and strong, and I am inspired to use my experience to help others who may be facing similar struggles. Through my journey with a pituitary tumor, I have learned the power of taking charge of your own health, the importance of staying positive in the face of adversity, and the resilience that comes from overcoming challenges with grace and determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christabellnunez.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Mrsaustinplus2023
• Facebook: Facebook.com/mrsaustinplus2023
• Other: Instagram.com/yosoybella TikTok.com/yosoybelle

Image Credits
Mesh Bhakta