Welcome to Curvy Boss Spotlight, The Curvy Fashionista’s newest editorial series in our fresh category, Curvy CEO. Here, we’re shining a light on the exceptional plus size women who are redefining what leadership looks like across industries. These aren’t just executives; they’re trendsetters, change agents, and community builders who lead with purpose, style, and an unapologetic presence. Whether they’re spearheading a brand, igniting a movement, or ascending the corporate ladder, we’re featuring the women who embody confidence, excellence, and flair, showcasing true plus size leadership.
For our inaugural Curvy Boss Spotlight, we’re thrilled to introduce Emma Medeiros, President and Publicist at Medeiros Fashion Public Relations. Emma is a trailblazer who recognized a significant gap in the industry and boldly created a solution, embodying the very essence of powerful plus size leadership. Her work ensures that plus size fashion, which serves the majority of women in this country, receives the attention and respect it deserves in the mainstream media.
Emma’s professional journey began in 2015 with a clear vision.
“I started Medeiros Fashion PR in 2015 after realizing that, out of the thousands of fashion public relations firms in the US, not ONE of them specialized in the exploding plus size fashion industry. We can’t have that!” she asserted.

For Emma, fashion is inherently inclusive: “To me, fashion is simply FASHION. Why should plus size fashion be just an afterthought when the majority of women in this country fall into that category? We want to be sexy, feminine, and fashionable, and designers, retailers, etc, are finally waking up to that fact!” This powerful perspective drives her dedication to ensuring plus size leadership and brands gain the visibility they merit.
A typical day for Emma is dynamic, adapting to the needs of her diverse clientele. Yet, one constant remains: her commitment to community. She consistently “show[s] up to several Facebook groups where publicists connect with journalists, event producers, and other publicists.”
This dedication to collaboration highlights her belief in collective success, emphasizing the “environment of teamwork and the effort to build each other up!” in her professional sphere.
Redefining Representation: Emma Medeiros on Plus Size Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
Emma’s journey has not been without its unique challenges, particularly when it comes to advocating for plus size visibility. She often faces accusations of “promoting obesity,” a misconception she directly addresses.
“I don’t think anyone can argue, from from a purely medical standpoint, that it’s a good thing to have too much (or too little) weight on your body,” she explains. “What I do promote is that, no matter what size you are, you should have equal access to fashionable, affordable clothes that fit properly and make you feel great!” This clarity underscores her mission: it’s about access and empowerment, not health judgments.
Despite significant progress, the struggle for authentic representation persists in mainstream media, “10 years in, and it’s still a struggle to get plus size fashion covered by mainstream media outlets,” Emma notes.
She also points out the rarity of plus size cover models like Tess Holliday on Cosmopolitan, holding out hope for more enlightened leadership in top fashion publications. For Emma, representation means a world where plus size bodies are routinely celebrated and featured, not as exceptions but as integral parts of the fashion narrative, a key component of effective plus size leadership in media.
Confidence, in Emma’s view, is beautifully straightforward: it “looks like wearing whatever makes you FEEL fabulous.” She recalls buying “a red coat for less than $20, but which brought me compliments everywhere I went because it was the perfect color and fit for me.” This anecdote powerfully illustrates that confidence isn’t tied to a price tag but to how an item makes you feel.
Emma actively uses her position to inspire and uplift others, particularly small business owners who often operate on tighter budgets. She tailors her services, offering “several different packages to accommodate their lower budgets,” ensuring that her expertise is accessible.
Her advice for anyone looking to step boldly into their career or passion is both practical and profound: “A person ALWAYS has options.” She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “take advantage of all of the free money available in this country,” pointing to the myriad grants and loans, especially for minority owners. “Start with simply Googling ‘Grants for small business owners’ in your area, and go from there.”
For plus size professional style, Emma shares a foundational tip: “Wear. The. Right. Bra! Whether you’re wearing a $10 tank top or a $20K evening gown, NOTHING will look or feel right if you don’t have the correct bra. Get professionally fitted and you will be amazed at the difference!” This practical hack highlights the importance of foundation in achieving a polished look.
Looking ahead, Emma is manifesting exciting new ventures. While details remain under wraps, she is “working on a project that combines both plus size fashion and mental health awareness that I hope will help many, many people who are struggling.” This initiative further solidifies her commitment to impactful work beyond traditional PR. She defines influence as the ability to “make you think or reconsider if maybe there is a better way to execute something! Not just fashion!”
Emma describes herself in three words: “Class and sass!” A perfect encapsulation of her elegant yet determined approach. She celebrates wins, big or small, by “sharing it on social media and tagging everyone who helped me get there. Success is ALWAYS a team effort!” Her vision extends to historical figures who embody change, wishing to have dinner with Jesus Christ, Margaret Mead, and Susan B. Anthony, thanking them for their monumental contributions to humanity and women’s rights.
Emma Medeiros is not just running a successful PR firm; she is a powerful voice challenging norms and fostering true plus size leadership in the fashion industry. Her dedication to access, authentic representation, and empowering others makes her an undeniable force in the Curvy CEO space.
We love spotlighting bold, stylish voices in the plus size fashion space—and we hope you’re loving it too! If you’re a Curvy Boss making waves with your curves and confidence, we’d love to feature you next. Tap the link to share your story and strut your stuff in our Curvy CEO Spotlight Series!