In the world of phenomenal curvy fashion, Carla Hardesty shows up like a spark. From the moment she stepped into entrepreneurship, Carla moved with a sense of purpose and clarity that has shaped her journey as the owner of Phenomenal Fashions, a brand built on intention, inclusivity, and style that refuses to apologize for taking up space.
Carla’s path into fashion wasn’t born from happenstance. It ignited from purpose and a deep passion for fashion, two forces she credits as her compass. She saw a void in the market, particularly for women who wanted clothing that celebrated their shape instead of hiding it, and she felt called to do something about it. As she puts it, her journey is grounded in “being the change that you want in the industry,” a mantra that has quietly guided her every move.
A typical day for Carla is less about routine and more about presence. She believes in showing up with intention, whether she is selecting new pieces for her boutique, engaging with customers, or mapping out her next big move. That sense of groundedness becomes her version of confidence. She doesn’t chase perfection, but she is committed to putting her best self forward and showing up for her brand every single day. It is this steady energy that customers feel when they encounter Phenomenal Fashions. It’s confidence through action, not performance.
Phenomenal Fashions Is Owning Space in the Curvy Fashion Landscape
Carla’s experience in the industry hasn’t been without challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles has been navigating vendors who were not always aligned with her vision. Whether it was limited sizing options or outdated perceptions of what plus size customers want, she learned quickly that advocating for her community required persistence. She pushed for better options, better quality, and better representation. And when the market didn’t feel ready, she created her own lane anyway.
Representation is the heart of Carla’s work. She knows firsthand what it feels like to walk into an industry that wasn’t designed with you in mind. Instead of accepting it, she chose to be the shift. For her, representation means visibility, opportunity, and intentional inclusion, especially for people who have long been pushed to the margins. Through Phenomenal Fashions, she gives “everyone regardless of size a chance to shine,” a commitment that shows up in the models she works with, the customers she prioritizes, and the community she cultivates.
Style is also a powerful tool in Carla’s hands. When asked for her plus size professional style hacks, she doubles down on the transformative impact of bold colors and prints. For her, fashion is a statement, not a shield. It’s meant to highlight, not minimize, and she encourages others to embrace statement-making pieces that match the energy they want to bring into the world.
Looking ahead, Carla is energized by what’s next. She has fashion shows on the horizon and is continuing to expand the presence of Phenomenal Fashions both online and through in-person experiences. Each move fits seamlessly into her larger mission of elevating phenomenal curvy fashion and carving out space for women seeking style with substance.
Still, while she works hard, Carla knows how to celebrate the wins. Big or small, she loves to mark her successes by traveling, something that allows her to step outside of her day-to-day role and soak in inspiration from the world around her.
Those who know Carla would describe her in three words: phenomenal, quirky, and stylish. And honestly, it is the perfect trio. There is a lightness to the way she approaches her work, matched with the sharpness of someone who knows their purpose. If she could sit down to dinner with any three people, she would choose Beyoncé, Virgil Abloh, and Pinky Cole, a lineup that mirrors her balance of creativity, innovation, and powerhouse ambition.
When aspiring entrepreneurs ask for advice, Carla keeps it real and simple: “Go for it.” She knows that waiting for the perfect moment has kept too many people stuck, especially women with big ideas and quiet doubts. Her story is proof that stepping boldly into your purpose can transform not only your career but the lives of those you serve.
In a marketplace that often underestimates the needs and influence of plus size shoppers, Carla Hardesty stands firm as a disruptor, a visionary, and a champion for phenomenal curvy fashion. And if her journey tells us anything, it’s that she is just getting started.
To learn more about Phenomenal Fashions, visit phenomenalfashions.com
