Up Close and Personal with SKORCH Co-Founder- Jessica Kane

September has been a busy month for the life of the plus size fashionista. Carrying on the momentum from this summer’s events (Drop Dead Diva, More to Love, Full Figured Fashion Week, and so much more), September is chock full of jewels from news, events and fashion for the plus size woman.

With the relaunch of Daily Venus Divas, the introduction of Plus Size Industry Professionals (PSIP) by Plus Model Magazine, new boutique launches, new designer lines, and not to be left out, the re- Launch of SKORCH Magazine, this month is sure to be a fruitful and positive one for plus size and fashion.

Splashing back onto the scene, SKORCH Magazine has catapulted itself onto the national scene with its National SKORCH Plus Size Model Search. Riding the wave of plus size news and awareness, SKORCH Magazine re-emerged from its hiatus to bring us fashion, health, news, trends, interviews, music and beauty, all in a package that speaks to you, the plus size fashionista.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Miss Jessica Kane, co-founder for SKORCH Magazine. Please read on to gain an insight of the woman behind it all.

Who are you wearing today?
LOL – have to admit, I laughed at this one, since right now i look RIDICULOUS- As a new mommy, it’s all about being comfy! I wear dresses around the house, and when going out – my staple is lane bryant right fit jeans in dark denim, cami of some sort and 3/4 sleeve blazer (super important since I have larger arms) with no more than 2 buttons…yes! this is important! Add some bling, oversized sunglasses, patent flats and I’m good to go!

What is your fondest fashion memory?

Growing up in a small town, I didn’t have the access to fashion, the best I could do was Walmart or Fred Meyer, didn’t even have a Target or anything! So, I think that’s where I learned to find the ‘gems’ of fashion anywhere, and not worry about a label. So, my fondest fashion memory comes from the first time I saw a Torrid Store. I honestly think my heart stopped and I imagined the entire world as my palace to dress insane cute and be a goddess! LOL Who knew?!

How did this evolve into SKORCH?
I get asked all the time, what are you wearing? Where did you find that? How do you find pieces to fit your body? and such…. As a people person devoted to customer service, I love to share and inspire. SKORCH was started to do just that, to share plus size fashion finds and inspire ladies to feel like I did when I stepped into Torrid for the first time.

SKORCH was on hiatus for a little bit, can you share why and what were you doing during this time?
I had a baby and, my business partner at the time, had numerous tragic family deaths that significantly affected our work progress. We just had to take time for our families and set SKORCH aside until the timing was right again.

Coming back, was it easy? Did you feel like you missed anything?
Actually, was surprisingly easy! From the word GO, the entire team came back on to help, and so many new wonderful team mates joined, and it was really like a happy homecoming! LOL – that sounds goofy, but I do feel women NEED to feel inspired and beautiful, and now more than ever we need it more. I’m so truly moved that so many women believe and love SKORCH. We get hundreds of emails from supporters saying how much they wished SKORCH was around when they were younger and that they are so glad they found it now.

As the owner of SKORCH Magazine, what was the impetus of such a fabulous concept?
My gut! LOL I think I am the end consumer, so…what do I like and want? It comes back to when I first found Torrid, it’s a gut feeling. We are emotional creatures and fashion is a 100 percent emotional transaction. So, I want SKORCH to make you FEEL amazing and hopeful and inspired. I want you to go….”ahhhhh”, so I trust my gut

Why SKORCH? With so many plus size colloquialisms, where did the name come from?
When me and the other co-founder of SKORCH were brainstorming, we just wanted a name that was HOT – we wanted Sexy and edgy – so we wanted SKORCH!! Trust me, we went round and round with whether to add an “n” to the end or spell it the traditional way, or oh goodness – so many choices! But, having a background in branding, knew it was the best bet to make it visually memorable as well – thus the odd spelling SKORCH.

SKORCH is published under Jessica Kane Publishing. Asides from SKORCH, what else does your publishing company have under its umbrella, or planned?
JKP specializes in digital publishing, and I am working on a platform where JKP will start accepting clients in Spring 2010 to publish digital content utilizing all SEO options and platforms. I know the future of publishing is digital, and I look forward to taking SKORCH to the ultimate digital download level with access on your iPhone and other PDAs, and so much more.

What are your thoughts of plus size fashion then to plus size fashion now?
I am excited! Thankfully, there are more lines being developed and international retailers are vying for US traffic, and it’s honestly exciting. I believe the root problem of plus size fashion, and the lack thereof, starts at the base – the designer. We need more designers to have the proper training and tools necessary to contribute more fashion to the majority of the population! SKORCH is dedicated to working with fashion institutes to raise awareness and funds to promote the designing of plus size fashion.

What is your definition of Curvy.Confident.Chic.?
Marie Denee!! : ) Honestly, I feel every woman has that “woman” inside of her, she just needs to believe and that’s the sole purpose of SKORCH.

Where can we find out more about you, SKORCH Magazine, and Jessica Kane Publishing?
SKORCH Magazine
SKORCH Blog
JKP Publishing (under construction)

Chatting with Miss Jessica, having the chance to participate in all of its fabulous activities is exciting. Are you familiar with SKORCH? Have you read their debut issue? Check it out and share your thoughts!
Don’t forget to follow them on Twitter!

Keeping you Curvy.Confident.Chic.