• About
  • Advertise
  • FAQs
  • Contact
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Subscribe
The Curvy Fashionista
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
  • Style
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Curvy CEO
  • Shop TCF
  • Events Calendar
  • The Plus Directory
No Result
View All Result
The Curvy Fashionista
No Result
View All Result

Priscilla Katerena Shines Light on Polynesian Plus Size Models

Marie Denee by Marie Denee
11 years ago
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Priscilla Katerena Shines Light on Polynesian Plus Size Models
418
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If you do not know, I have a strong Asian influence on my life. Growing up in Oahu, Hawaii and then in Okinawa, Japan, I have had the pleasure of being exposed to the beauty and the cultures of both the Asian and Polynesian cultures. I can say hello in a few languages, and I still speak conversational Japanese. Certain words in Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, and a few other cultures I still remember. So when I met Priscilla and she shared a project she was working on, Shining light on Polynesian Plus Size Models, immediately I wanted to support and share!

Polynesian Exchange- Polynesian Plus Size Models ย ย ย ย 

Through the Polynesian Exchange, consisting of Veronica Pomeโ€™e, a plus size Tongan beauty and owner of Changing In Love, a youthยญcentered nonยญprofit organization, Samoan Tracy Feagiai McNeal, a distinguished beauty queen who is the 2013 National Miss Plus America Cover Girl, the first crowned Miss Plus USA, and the 1st Runner Up for Mrs. Washington Plus Americaอพ as well as Priscilla Katerena, a Samoan and Black Curvy personality and owner of MKPR Branding Agency, based in Los Angeles CA, this project highlights varied levels of beauty- especially in plus size fashion.

RelatedPosts

Lights, Camera, Confidence: Monique Cartwright Empowers Plus Size Models

5 Sports Illustrated Plus Size Models Who Are Breaking Big Girl Barriers in a Big Way

Empowering Beauty: Celebrating the Influence of African Plus Size Models

I had the pleasure of asking Priscilla a few questions about the project, her goals, and life as a biracial Polynesian and black woman! Take a read!

What prompted you to fashion this shoot?

Once I connected with Veronica during Haute Curves LAFW 2013 who then connected me to Tracy, I had a vision of us all coming together to capture the beauty that is Polynesian Women. I recall posting on my Google + and Facebook account in the month of November about my vision of this photo shoot. It touches me deeply because it embraces my Polynesian side which I hold near and dear to my heart because I was raised in American Samoa; Samoan was my first languageโ€ฆ it still touches me to speak about it. I took two things that I loved dearly, fashion and culture and combined them to create the vision of the Polynesian Exchange.

As a Polynesian Biracial woman, what does this shoot and project mean to you?

Polynesian Exchange- Polynesian Plus Size Models

It meansย everything to me because I amย able to share with the world the richness of my two cultures: Samoan and Black. Both are filled with rich history and tradition. Even now, I always reminisce about my years growing up on an island not being able to speak a lick of english except for yes and no. Those where some of the best years of my life.

As a child, who were your role models?

My Samoan grandmother was my main role model because she raised me. Outside of her, I had my mother and aunties. There was no one in the public eye that Iโ€™d label as a role model because I didnโ€™t see myself in any of the women due to my strong identity as a Samoan. All I saw on the limited television we watched were white and black women on Days of Our Lives and as a child, I hadnโ€™t yet identified with my black side.

How has this affected the way you identify yourself?

Polynesian Exchange- Polynesian Plus Size Models

It hasnโ€™t affected the way I identify myself at all. I was privileged to have grown up with both sides of my family. However, the dilemma now often arises because I do not speak the Samoan language any more nor am I around many Samoans so I often feel a piece of me missing. So with this photo shoot it was a way for me to tap back into my roots and get back in touch with my Samoan side. The struggles of being biracialโ€ฆ lol.

As a woman of color, what would you like to see more out of the industry?

I would like to see more representation of all ethnicities not just black or white or as labeled exotic. It was difficult for me when I started modeling to identify with certain models because I knew they didnโ€™t represent me culturally though they may have looked like me. I feel like every little girl, whatever her ethnic background needs to see various role models they can look up to or identify with.

Polynesian Exchange- Polynesian Plus Size Models How do you think this makes a difference?

If nothing else, now people can say that yes, Polynesian Women can hold their own like their male counterparts in breaking into the entertainment industry. We obviously have a long way to go however, this is a first step into opening the doors of opportunity for the next generation of Polynesian/Polynesian Biracial girls. I strongly feel like this photo shoot is more than just images, itโ€™s an enlightenment of sorts.

What message do you want women to take away from your shoot?

I want women to embrace their differences and love their culture. In my opinion, when you do that, it shapes who you truly are and it helps you evolve into your true authentic self. Once you do that, then you are no longer concerned with who society says you should be.

Polynesian Exchange- Polynesian Plus Size Models ANY last words?

First and foremost, Iโ€™d like to thank God for entrusting me with this vision for the Polynesian Exchange. Iโ€™d also like to thank everyone involved in this project. Without any hesitation when I asked them to come on board for this first ever type of photo shoot capturing an underrepresented culture in the fashion industry everyone said yes.

A special thank you goes to the beautiful models involved Veronica Pomeโ€™e and Tracy Feagiai McNeal. I am grateful that you both trusted the vision I had for the photo shoot. And thank you to Arion Deville, Erika Munoz, & Shalon Dozier makeup artists from Aida Cosmetics for the beat faces, Cherie Fletcher and Rayven Lacey of Hair Confidence by Bliss for the gorgeous hair dos, Designer Nancy Thompson of Lucyโ€™s Island Fashion & Trend for your beautiful designs, Stylist Tearra King for coming on board last minute, Photographer Kem West for capturing such beautiful images, Ryan Bennett for documenting the entire shoot, Reese Charleswell for being a great host for the video shoot, and last but not least The Curvy Fashionista for your willingness to publish this story that is near and dear to my heart. It means the WORLD to me.

How cool is this project? Being able to share stories of those who are trying to bring light to various issues within the community make me happy!

What Say You?

Tags: plus size modelsPolynesian Plus Size
Share164Tweet103
Marie Denee

Marie Denee

Marie Denee is a digital marketing strategist, media aficionado, and plus size fashion pioneer. Known as the โ€œwalking wiki of plus-size fashion,โ€ Marie has spent over two decades empowering women to celebrate their curves while reshaping the paradigm of fashion norms. In 2008, she launched The Curvy Fashionista, a leading plus-size digital media platform, in response to systemic issues within plus-size fashion, including poor merchandising, back-of-store placement, and a lack of size-inclusive design expertise. As Editor-in-Chief, Marie and her team curate plus size wardrobe and style options from top fashion brands, deliver inclusive news content, and host community-centered events virtually and in person.

Related Posts

international plus size fashion influencer
Style News

Global Chic: 11 International Plus Size Fashion Influencers To Follow On Instagram!

by Audrey
April 16, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
Rebecca Minkoff for KISS Nails
Beauty

Spring Mani SOS? Weโ€™ve Got 10 Seriously Cute Nail Ideas to Rescue Your Look!

by Katie Bradshaw
April 16, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
woman holding a pile of clothes stock photo
Style

Go Green (and Gorgeous!): Your Guide to a Sustainable Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

by Lauryn Bass
April 15, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
plus size raincoats
Plus Size Trends

Level Up Your Rain Gear! 5 Plus Size Raincoats That Are Actually Fashion

by Pepper Martin
April 15, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
spring azazie collection
Shopping

Spring Has Sprungโ€”and So Has Azazieโ€™s Curve-Friendly Fashion Game

by Karajuicyjohnson
April 15, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
plus size business casual
Plus Size Designers

Tailored to Thrive: 10 New Plus Size Business Casual Pieces That Fit Like They Believe in You

by Lauryn Bass
April 14, 2025 - Updated on May 19, 2025
Next Post
Plus Size Designer Anna Scholz Spring 2014 White Label Collection on The Curvy Fashionista

First Look: Plus Size Designer Anna Scholz Spring 2014 White Label Collection

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What are you looking for?

No Result
View All Result

What's Popular Now

  • What plus-size people actually wore to NYFW

    What Plus Size People Actually Wore To New York Fashion Week

    1552 shares
    Share 617 Tweet 386
  • The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies

    2781 shares
    Share 1091 Tweet 682
  • Who Is Sara Milliken? Learn All About the 2024 National American Miss Alabama!

    457 shares
    Share 179 Tweet 112
  • Plus Size Little White Dress: Your Spring Style? We Just Upgraded It

    422 shares
    Share 163 Tweet 102
  • On Styling a Stomach: To Tuck Or Not To Tuck

    2603 shares
    Share 357 Tweet 223

The Curvy Fashionista is THE plus size fashion media platform dedicated to celebrating plus size folks with curves, confidence, style, and smarts; covering the latest in plus size fashion news.

Company

  • About
  • Team TCF
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Contact

Info

  • Plus Size FAQs
  • Plus Size Resources
  • Privacyย 
  • Sitemap
No Result
View All Result
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Curvy CEO
  • Editorโ€™s Desk
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop TCF
  • Contact
  • About The Curvy Fashionista

ยฉ 2008- 2025 ยท by TCFStyle Media ยท All Rights Reserved ยท

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.