Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi, My name is Solange Morris. I am a Trinidad born girlie living in Brooklyn. My pronouns are she/her. I work in Healthcare, as a Pharm Tech and I just love taking care of people. I feel as if I have always been an advocate for others and myself at a young age. I just didn't really know that is what I was doing at the time.
What messages did you absorb about bodies + fashion growing up?
Growing up back in the Caribbean if you're not considered a mixed race or class, or look a particular way according to "world view beauty standards," - which was not what I looked like - you weren't considered "pretty". I even got ridiculed in my family of plus sizers that contributed to my low self esteem.
My mother was actually the one who dressed in any style, and her level of confidence couldn't be shaken because she knew she was a baddie. So she encouraged me to love myself and not compare my body type to anyone else or allow anyone to make me feel less than.
Of course that was easier said than done. Especially when you're bullied in school and called the "fat gyal". So I tended to wear clothes that hid my figure, starved myself to lose weight, which didn't help as I developed health issues, and I didn't know who I was. Honestly, I struggled with my weight for years. It would always fluctuate.
How has the representation of plus-size bodies impacted your life?
Fast forward, I slowly built my confidence over the years with my mother being my first role model and seeing other women like Jill Scott, Monique and other beautiful plus size women that broke barriers to be to seen.
I was a part of a plus size dance community back home years ago, but even that was Taboo and it was a fight as well to be accepted.
I have been on a health and fitness journey, and I say journey because I was doing it for all the wrong reasons and now I am doing it for me while honoring my curves and my imperfectly perfect body. I broke out of my comfort zone of being "seen" by attending the [Viva Voce] casting call.
You joined us at Viva Voce’s New York Pop-Up for our Grand Opening, Fashion Show Casting, and were in our Fashion Show! What was that experience like for you?
Viva Voce honestly pushed me straight out that gate of comfort. I have never done anything like this, to the extent of actually making it to be a part of a Fashion Show! I am still in the clouds about that.
From the day of the Casting call, I felt at home. It was like we weren't in competition with each other, but more of, 'I am here to support you represent a style and brand that is a part of who you are.'
I did once audition for Ashley Stewart, but got as far as submitting my application and that was it. Viva Voce told me come as who Solange is, and that made all the difference. I wish more industries had that sort of ballsy attitude to invite us to show up as who we are. Our authentic selves. This community has changed the game and I want to be involved in it as much as I can.
Has your relationship with style changed over time? How does fashion impact how you show up in the world?
I don't have one style, it has changed over the years and I think based on my mood, too. I am 35 years old. I dress sexy, but not early 20s sexy, if that makes sense. Still give me a black oversized hoodie and sweat pants or black leggings anyday. I know how to switch it up when I can, but I am not a girlie girl, no "Bridgerton" here for me.
I am open to new opportunities and encouraging others that look like me that hear the loud "fat is not healthy" Bull! I am fat and don't have the "chronic diseases" they love to label us with when we have extra meat on our bones.
I love food and am always down to try new foods. I love adventures where I challenge myself beyond my weight "limitation". Shout out Power Plus Fitness with their Aerial Yoga, Pilates and dance classes. Yes, I do Pilates, attended HITT classes and Hike!
If you had a megaphone and the whole world was listening, what’s one message you’d share?
I have been holding on to the Mantra of "Show up as you, your authentic self."
If people want to connect with you, what’s the best way?
My Instagram handles are @sosony_32 and @camij30
