We had the good fortune of connecting with Dionne Reeves-Grubbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the Founder and creator of Plus Empowerment Organization, Full Figured Fierce. What sets Full Figured Fierce apart from other organizations in the Plus Community is the fact that we strive to help those who follow us heal from some of their traumas due to weight and appearance. Even though our organization is geared toward the Plus Community, I am most proud of the fact that women and men of all sizes are understanding the mission we are on and join us in creating a space that safe for people to speak about their fears, etc. I must say that getting to this point was not easy at all. I had to personally overcome situations in my own life to be able to be an advocate for those I wanted to help move passed their own insecurities. We have to get real with ourselves before we can step in front of others to help them get to a point of realness with themselves. What I would like the world to know about Full Figured Fierce is that we are a safe space for them to express themselves and love their bodies no matter what society tells them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting, I have a few places we would HAVE to go. For Nightlife, I would definitely want to take them to Robyn’s Garden. Robyn’s Garden is owned by my friend Roland Carter. It was named after his beautiful daughter who he lost at a very young age to Cancer. He created his own DELICIOUS wines that the city loves. He went on to open an amazing spot that features live music, his own wine and charcuterie boards. The atmosphere is one of the best in the city. I would, of course, also take them to our outdoor mall with accents of Venice. It has an array of restaurants and store to shop. The scenery is amazing and you literally can spend all day there. Next, I would take them on a short drive to enjoy the country side to a restaurant just outside the city, in Scottsboro. Miylah Jai’s Restaurant has THE best wings in the STATE. My friend Megan Robinson gives you that down home Southern love in the atmosphere and through her cooking. It’s a MUST when you come down. One more spot that I absolutely ADORE is The Body Pantry of Knottingham owned by 3 amazing women who provide a total self care experience that you will never forget. Inside the BPK, you will find a small store of home made, beautifully scented Bath oils, scrubs and lotions that you can purchase on demand. But the real deal is in what they offer. We will soak in our private rooms which have a claw foot tub where you will soak, enjoy your favorite music and a charcuterie board. The scene is straight out of your favorite romantic movie. You will then transfer to the massage table where you will have a gentle yet relaxing massage and facial. It’s literally Heaven on Earth. Once done, we can grab some delicious desserts from Sweet Thangz or Wonderfull Creations and sit downtown in the Park and people watch or explore the new shops in our downtown square. And lastly, we could hit up Shenanigans’ Comedy spot to get in a few laughs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people that have contributed to this organization’s foundation and longevity. My daughters are my absolute motivation to inspire people to love who they are and what they are. Mrs. Bo Talley- Williams for bringing me into the model world and seeing who and what I could be. Linda Scott of 1426 Fashion Week for being my mentor and coach. She pushed me to not follow the crowd but my dream. Mr. J. Bolin for an amazing pep talk , which changed my total outlook on my plus size body,just before walking for him years ago in my hometown. And my husband, Jerry, for never letting me give up on me, may he rest in peace.

Website: www.fullfiguredfierce.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fullfiguredfierce

Facebook: www.facebook,com/fullfiguredfierce

Youtube: www.youtube.com/fullfiguredfiercetv

Image Credits
Photographers include: Charles Beason and Camell Page

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