We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stacee Lilly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stacee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I always wanted to model when I was younger that was even the persecptive growing up to be “young & beautiful”. However, the ideal model was not plussize and because of that me becoming a model at a young age did not happen for me. My insecurities and fears really got the best of me and hindered me from at least trying. My weight has always been an issue, since the age of 4 I had asthma and most medications I took had steroids in them. I was always a heavy girl even when I participated in sports, band or JROTC, me being plus-sized I had to get use to.

So I officially started modeling in February of 2020 and honestly it feels longer then that. But I think about me modeling now compared to If I would have tried back then. Now Im confident and know what to expect out of the industry. For me Top Model was big growing up and all I did was study. I mimic everything the ladies were doing and started walking before I became a model. I guess you can say that I was preparing myself to be a model before I started modeling. I knew this was my passion even if I was discouraged.

I learned so much now and am way stronger then I ever could imagine. To go back and do things differently I wouldn’t. I’m in a new era where women who is over the age of 30 is modeling just like me. Where size or age dont matter and I’m proud to be apart of that. The industry is evolving, “young and beautiful” is now the “bold and beautiful”. Im glad the sterotype of women being a certain age to fulfill their dreams is changing. Because at the age of 31 Im living my best life and not finished yet.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Growing up I always loved to dress up. I remember a picture that was taken of me with my sister and my childhood friends. I was seen wearing a sheet as a dress. Yes, a sheet! As silly as It may sound, looking at that picture reminded me how much I wanted to be in the spotlight. For me to be shy I also loved to put on a show.

I took inspiration from movies (Disney mostly) and was big on the pop culture around me. I have big sisters who influenced me as well. Born in the 90s, but the 80s was my go to for style. I love the care-free aspect of being you when it came to dress. The colors, the print and the drama behind each look. My mom made sure I was well put together, I thank her for that. Especially now that I model she taught me the basics, the dos & don’ts when it came to dressing up. What some women call today a waist belt I grew up on “girdles”.

If that was not inspiring enough I took my personal style and transformed it. I became sexy, preppy, nerdy, simple in my own way inregards to fashion. Then over the years I became a fashionista which led to the creation of CHIK. I let my brand speak through my modeling. Since it’s focused on body positivity, what better way to show people then through me.

It never fails, people are curious to know “What is CHIK?” and with a smile I’m happy to say it stands for Curvy Hips Is Kooler and all about Body Positivity Awareness (B.P.A.). I went from creating a shirt just for my brand to creating other items just for fun. Currently now I am working with one of my sister’s to get merchandise to those who want to support. At first I didn’t see the purpose of selling merchandise, but there are people out there who will support you and sees your vision just like you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing out of my journey is someone who can see your vision and support it. There is always women who is doing the exact same thing I’m doing but I have to remind myself they are not me. I’m just honored to be able to tell my story and there are people who listen. My modeling has expended my brand so much and definitely is bringing CHIK to life. Over the months I have been recognized for some accolades within the urban model community, I can only imagine where my brand goes in the future. This all started based on how I felt about my body and me changing that perspective.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I dont want to be known not only in my community for my brand but I want to be known in other states, other countries regarding body positivity. There are women & men who still struggle with the way they look, social media plays a big part in that. I love the care-free side of me that shows living in your skin can be idealized. Not only that but I can have a scar or flaw and still feel beautiful. I grew up thinking being a model you need to be perfect but I want to show the world that’s not true. Right now I’m shifting and working on merchandise for my brand to really get CHIK on the map. Who knows I may open my own agency for those trying to model. Or becoming a company who work with adolescence struggling with their image. Its so much I can do and will stay open to all possibilities along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stacee.shardae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StaceeSLilly
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacee-l-343a4b59

Image Credits
Curtis Wesley Omar Gonzz Carolena Guy Kauwuane Burton