Welcome to the Curvy Boss Spotlight, our twice-monthly celebration of plus size professionals who are changing the game behind the scenes. This series was created to highlight curvy creatives, leaders, strategists, and entrepreneurs who aren’t always in front of the camera, but are absolutely making power moves, like Miss AK Brown.
Because let’s be honest, you cannot be what you cannot see.
We know the industry tends to spotlight the influencers and designers, but there’s a whole world of curvy professionals innovating in marketing, media, education, production, and beyond. We’re here to shine a light on those voices too.
Last time, we featured Jillian Pfennig, our vibrant West Coast contributor and creative photographer capturing the confidence of plus size women through her bold, conceptual shoots.
And this week? We’re heading to St. Louis to spotlight a multi-hyphenate powerhouse who’s built her own media empire from the ground up.
Let’s talk about AK Brown, the fashion educator, editor, and entrepreneur rewriting what Black fashion leadership looks like… on her terms.
From Blogger to Media Maven: Meet AK Brown
AK Brown didn’t follow the traditional fashion path… she flipped it, twisted it, and made it her own. What started as a simple blog over a decade ago has evolved into a multidimensional career where she wears many hats, and wears them well.
“I started as a fashion blogger, just wanting to share my love of style and connect with people who looked like me,” AK shares. “That passion opened the door to styling, education, public relations, and eventually launching my own publication.”
Today, AK runs Advisor. Magazine, a digital publication dedicated to highlighting overlooked voices in fashion. She also leads A.Studio, a creative agency offering styling, PR, and production services. And as a fashion educator, she’s teaching the next generation how to make noise in an industry that doesn’t always make room.
What a Curvy Boss Day Looks Like
AK Brown’s days are never predictable… and that’s exactly how she likes it.
One day she’s lecturing in a classroom, the next she’s on set styling a shoot, and the next she’s coordinating a new issue of Advisor. She thrives in the chaos because she shows up with intention every time.
“I own my space by leading with confidence, using my expertise, and making sure my impact is felt wherever I am.”
When the Industry Said No, She Said Watch Me
Being a Black woman building a fashion career outside of New York or LA hasn’t been easy. In fact, AK Brown says her biggest challenge was being underestimated.
“I was often dismissed before I even had the chance to prove myself,” she says.
Instead of waiting for someone to open a door, she built her own building. That’s how Advisor. Magazine and A.Studio were born. She stopped asking for permission and started creating the kind of visibility the industry was lacking.
Representation Is the Root of Her Work
From her first blog post to her latest magazine cover, AK’s journey has been fueled by a lack of representation. That absence drove her to become the very image she wished she had growing up in fashion.
“To me, representation means visibility, access, and proof that we belong in every room where fashion decisions are made,” she says.
Every class she teaches, every client she takes on, every issue she publishes carries that mission forward.
Confidence in Layers
Confidence, for AK, is an inside job… and it’s not always loud.
“Confidence looks like showing up even when I’m nervous,” she says. “I build it by taking small risks, proving to myself I can handle them, and letting that stack over time.”
Her advice to anyone watching her journey: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Start where you are. Learn as you go. Keep building.
Leading With Transparency and Truth
AK’s platform is rooted in realness. She’s not afraid to talk about the wins or the struggles.
“I share the highs and the lows so people know they’re not alone,” she says. “I want people who feel overlooked to see me and realize that carving out your own lane is possible, even if the industry doesn’t hand you one.”
That honesty builds trust. That transparency builds community. And that is what makes her leadership resonate.
Style Tips from a Curvy Fashion Pro
AK keeps it real when it comes to curvy style. Her advice?
“Understand your body type, even as a plus size woman, so you can dress with more confidence. But also, try things you think you can’t wear. You might surprise yourself.”
She’s a fan of experimentation, pushing limits, and trusting your instincts in front of the mirror.
What’s Next for AK Brown?
She’s got some major things in motion. AK is currently growing Advisor. Magazine into a flagship platform for Black fashion. At the same time, she’s scaling A.Studio into a creative powerhouse and expanding her brand partnerships, including a new collab with Hilton and the Angad Arts Hotel that brings fashion styling to the hospitality space.
A little styling with your stay? Yes, please.
Celebrating Wins, One Macaron at a Time
Big or small, AK celebrates wins the sweet way, with her favorite coffee drink or a box of macarons. Simple. Chic. Effective.
Dinner With Her Style Icons
If she could sit down for dinner with any three people? No hesitation:
- André Leon Talley, for his unapologetic style and legendary voice
- Iris Apfel, the queen of maximalist fashion
- Tracee Ellis Ross, whose fashion, humor, and presence are forever goals
Honestly? We want a seat at that table too.
Know a Curvy Boss Who Should Be Next?
Every other week, we’re featuring plus size professionals who are owning their space across industries. These aren’t just influencers or designers. They’re educators, consultants, creatives, strategists, and changemakers shifting the culture in real time.
If you know a Curvy Boss (or you are one), we want to hear from you.
Apply or nominate someone here:
Because the spotlight is big enough for all of us. And the world needs to see what real leadership looks like.
