A Bay Area Community for your Curves: Chocolate Siztas

Nestled in Sacramento, there are two ladies who are on a mission to provide the full-figured community with activities and venues designed for them and their admirers. Chocolate Siztas formed the idea of simply wanting to unite full-figured Sacramentans and provide them with a quarterly venue to meet one another, removing the usual societal pressures and judgments.

The founders, Genoa Barrow and Tandrea Madison, both “intelligent, creative, ambitious, full-figured, divalicious, beautiful and chocolate,” came together through the recognition and discussions of size acceptance in the Sacramento community- and its lack of. Pulling resources together, Chocolate Siztas was born.

“Chocolate Siztas intends to show society that size has nothing to do with beauty, style, grace or heart.”

I had the pleasure of asking Miss Genoa, a co-founder, some questions about Chocolate Siztas! Please read on…

I know that you recognized the lack of community in Sacramento for the plus size woman, where did the concept of Chocolate Siztas come from?
The idea for Chocolate Siztas was born in 2007, out of a desire to provide full-figured folks with a comfortable environment to shine in.

Although you are in Sacramento, any plans to branch out?
We’ve been primarily in Sacramento, but we have events planned for the SF Bay Area later this year.

So what kind of events do you host?
We host mixers, bigger parties, we do an annual gospel brunch in May, a Halloween party, etc. We’ll be doing a model search soon for our upcoming calendar, that should be fun.

I noticed that you are about empowering plus size women, and even the younger ladies. Is this what Chocoate Chips is?
Chocolate CHIPS is the youth arm of Chocolate Siztas, it stands for Changing How I’m Perceived By Society. A lot of young girls are full-figured. We want to be mentors and promote the concept of being healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Amazing! And inspirational! What other outlets do you channel inspiration?
The Full Story is the official newsletter of Chocolate Siztas. We publish bi-monthly, bringing our readers information from the full-figured world. It is our desire to highlight the many ways that full-figured people are contributing, not only so that others can see that we’re making an impact, but so that WE can see it, embrace it and be proud of ourselves as we are.

With what you have and already accomplished, what are your future goals for Chocolate Siztas?
We really do want to change the way the world views plus-sized individuals. It’s a lofty goal, but we’re cocky enough to think we can do it. Our theme for the year is “Go Big or Go Home.” We could use all the support we can get.

So, if we want to know more, where can we find more about you?
Check us out online at Chocolate Siztas or please come to one of our events, if you really want to see how we do things.

What words of encouragement and advice can you share with women and their plus size frame?
Just love who you are as you are. For some that takes time, but it’s well worth the journey when you let the “weight” of being unhappy off your shoulders.
Anytime I get the chance to meet other women who encourage and motivate the plus size woman, I am honored to share!

To read May’s issue of The Full Story, click here!

If you are a full-figured youth ages 12-18 and are interested in Chocolate C.H.I.P.S. click here!

To learn more and be involved, click here!

Coming up in May, Chocolate Siztas have two events in the Bay Area!

May 9, 2009- Been Blessed Gospel Luncheon
CS will be holding it’s 2nd Gospel Event on May 9, 2009, from noon to 3:00 p.m.. The “Been Blessed” Gospel Luncheon will feature live entertainment, a wide array of vendors, poetry, and of course…food! The event will be held at the Oak Park Community Center at 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Sacramento, Ca.

May 30, 2009- Chocolate Siztas Model Search
CS is holding a full-figured model search on May 30, 2009. There will be two locations, one in Sacramento and one in the Bay Area. They are looking for men and women of all shapes and sizes. There is a $10 Entry fee. The only two requirements for participation are: 1) You are plus-sized AND 2) You are 18 at the time of application. For more details click here.

Chocolate Siztas are Keeping it Curvy!

Feed your fashion appetite with more: