We’re so excited to introduce you to Heather. 🫶
In this Community Spotlight, Heather shares how her relationship with style has shifted over time, how fashion has become a source of confidence instead of correction, and why visibility matters so deeply in spaces that weren’t designed with her in mind. She talks about leadership, advocacy, and the power of showing up fully as yourself, without choosing just one lane.
Has your relationship with style changed over time? How?
When I was younger, I dressed as much for other people as I did for myself. As I’ve gotten older, that changed. Style stopped feeling like something I had to balance or negotiate. Now it feels like a source of joy and confidence. Getting dressed is about expression, not correction.
What do you do for work, and what are you passionate about?
I’m a personal injury attorney, and advocacy is at the core of my work. I represent people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Outside of law, modeling and content creation allow me to push back on narrow ideas of who gets to be seen as professional or worthy of space. I don’t believe you have to choose one lane in life.
How does fashion impact how you show up in the world or in your work?
Fashion allows me to show up as myself. As a plus size Latina woman in law, visibility matters. Dressing boldly challenges outdated ideas of what leadership and professionalism are supposed to look like.
If you could change how plus size people are portrayed overnight, what would you want to see?
I would want us to be treated as the main character, not an afterthought.
What does community mean to you?
Community means safety, accountability, and belonging, especially in spaces that were not designed with us in mind.
When has community support made you feel seen or fueled you?
Community has shown up for me during moments of celebration and loss. Feeling supported, even quietly, can be incredibly grounding.
How do you hope your work or presence helps others feel seen, heard, or celebrated?
I hope it gives people permission to take up space and to pursue more than one version of themselves. If someone sees me and thinks they can do it too, that means everything.
What was the Viva Voce New York Pop Up and Fashion Show experience like for you?
It felt like what the plus size community truly needs. People sharing stories, supporting one another, and genuinely wanting each other to succeed. Walking that runway was powerful, and every show feels like another reminder that my dreams are still unfolding.
What do you hope people feel when they walk into a Viva Voce space or join the community?
I hope they feel warmth and ease. It is a space where people of different body sizes can shop together, which is rare and really special.
If you had a megaphone and the whole world was listening, what is one message you would share?
You are not too much. The world just has not made enough room yet.
If people want to connect with you, what topics are you open to and what is the best way?
Instagram is the best way to reach me. I am always open to conversations about advocacy, confidence, fashion, and taking up space.
