We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Chica Ferreira recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I have always lived in a larger body, and with that came the weight of others’ opinions—dictating what I should eat and how I should dress. The bullying was relentless, from family, society, and even from myself. But when I started writing about my body, something shifted—a process of unlearning began. My fat body moved to the center of my creative work.

In 2018, I collaborated with Peggy Robles-Alvarado (Director), Karina G. Lopez, and Rebeca Lois Lucret (Writers) to create *Live Big Girl*. This poetic play explored the lives of three women navigating a world that seldom celebrates their bodies. Through their unique yet shared experiences, they delved deep into self-awareness, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-love. Through poetry, movement, and stillness, *Live Big Girl* became a prescription for healing—a reclamation of their bodies from the mouths of critics. As their truths were spoken with courage, the power of their voices became a catalyst for liberation and transformation.

In 2024, another play emerged: *Live Big Girl – A Chair That Fits*. This new work was born because there is still so much more to say. Through this play, we continued to push boundaries and confront fatphobia by simply living unapologetically and demanding space. Yes, to chairs without arms!

Fat bodies remain a highly charged topic, challenging beauty standards, shaping social media narratives, influencing healthcare, and affecting the daily lives of many. The more we engage in this conversation, the more seeds of change we plant—fostering a more informed and compassionate society that embraces all differences. This body of work exists to shift the narrative, creating a broader and more inclusive understanding. This is the work that moves me.

Vanessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey with writing began when I first read “The Diary of Anne Frank” as a young girl. I was deeply moved by Anne’s resilience and ability to remain hopeful despite her hardships. Inspired by her, I started keeping a diary, beginning each entry with “Dear Diary.” Writing became an outlet for me—a place to release frustrations, share joys, and, ultimately, a friend. Over time, I developed a love for poetry. As an introvert, I spent years attending poetry events as a listener, but eventually, I found the courage to step up to the mic. Since then, I’ve been featured at various venues, had my work published, facilitated writing workshops, co-written and performed in two plays, and I look forward to more!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the sense of community. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many talented individuals who inspired me deeply. I’ve spent countless hours listening to poetry, as poets bared their thoughts, secrets, struggles, and triumphs. Their vulnerability and artistry left me in awe, and it was through this collective courage that I found my voice. The support and strength of the creative community gave me the confidence to share my story.

This community not only nurtured my growth but also reinforced the belief that art is meant to be shared, to connect, and to heal. It’s a space where we uplift one another, embracing our imperfections and celebrating our truths. My work is a reflection of that spirit—an invitation to be seen, heard, and understood. For me, the greatest honor is contributing to this cycle of inspiration and empowerment, giving back to the community that has given me so much.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, the mission that drives my creative journey is rooted in the unlearning of others’ opinions about my body. It’s about shedding the weight of societal expectations and reclaiming my narrative. Through my work, I aim to speak not only for myself but also for those who haven’t yet found their voice. Every poem, every play, every creative expression is an act of defiance against the narrow definitions of beauty and worth imposed on us.

My mission is to continue creating art that amplifies marginalized voices, especially those of fat bodies, and to challenge the harmful norms that silence or diminish them. I believe in the power of storytelling as a means to heal, to empower, and to spark change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://VanessaChica.com
• Instagram: VanessaChicaWrites

Image Credits

Image “Pretty For A Big Girl” Taken By Elena Marrero