Happy Monday Bold Babes! We’re ramping up like crazy with all sorts of goodies for you in 2019! We recently did an interview about the woman behind our events, Emily Kay, who is also the co-owner of Curves, our partner in evening events. But, what we neglected to tell you was that she was replacing our incredible Office Manager, Alyssa Roesnch. Roensch is now our Director of Operations. And, just like our Official Bold Babes, we wanted to take some time to introduce her to you. Before we get into her, we’d love to share the beautiful post she shared with the plus community this Summer:

I’ve been keeping a secret.

For years, I’ve become more and more involved in the body positivity movement. I’ve made thousands of friends from all over world; however, I’ve managed to keep my worlds almost completely separate. Besides family. close friends, and other members of the body positive community, very few people know about my involvement. But over the last few months, I’ve wondered where my hesitation comes from.

Typically, I’d reference my religious family, and discuss all the ways combining my worlds might be looked at with disapproval; however, my family has been nothing but supportive. If I’m completely honest, my fears are rooted in the disapproval of those I barely know, which goes against everything I and the Body Positive Movement are trying to influence.

Realizing that I’m not only doing a disservice to myself, but also to my community, my loved ones, and society as a whole, I can no longer stand quiet if I hope to see the change I want to see in the world. I dream of a world where a person’s value isn’t associated with their body, their age, their disability. Where women and men can choose to love themselves as they are, and not have society tell them they are unworthy until they fit its narrow definition of beauty. We have to start somewhere. 

For anyone currently struggling right now, you have value. You are important. You are more than your body and your physical limitations. You are good enough just the way you are. And it’s OK to love yourself as is.

We are creating a world in which people value their unique identities and are liberated from self-hatred so they can optimize their energy and intellect to make positive changes in their own lives, communities, and beyond. When we become proficient—competent—at using these skills, we are able to care for our whole selves from a place of self-love and appreciation, which allows us to act on our purpose and life goals. – The Body Positive

Alyssa Roensch is an incredible advocate in the plus universe. From working with Bold, to partnering on “Large Women from the Internet,” to her involvement with size acceptance events all over the globe, Roensch is a well known name in extended sized plus size women. In between her family time, event attendance, and working for Bold, we caught up with the plus sized mermaid (if that doesn’t make sense, check her Instagram account HERE) and interviewed her for Bold Magazine!

Bold Magazine: Alyssa, what’s your goal in the plus size community?

Alyssa: I dream of a world where a person’s value isnt associated with their body, their age, their disability, their race. Where women and men can choose to love themselves as they are, and not have society tell them they are unworthy until they fit its narrow definition of beauty. We have to start somewhere and I believe Bold will have a huge influence in the plus size community. 

Bold Magazine: Us too! Now, where do you see plus size fashion and media going? How do you plan on staying involved?

Alyssa: I would love for both industries to become more size inclusive. There are hundreds of plus size brand out there that go up to a size 18/20…even a size 26, but that’s where it usually stops. The same is true for plus size women being portrayed in the media. Super plus size women are largely under served. I hope to see dramatic changes to both of these industries in the next few years with the help of the Body Positive movement (including Bold’s involvement in it).  

Bold Magazine: Yes!!!!!!! Well, we’re here with you! What’s next for you?

Alyssa: I’m hoping to stay on the Bold staff long term. I’m so excited to see Bold grow. In a year, I hope to look back and be blown away by all of the women Bold has influenced and inspired to live a life of self love.  

Bold Magazine: You’re not going anywhere. We’re so excited that you’re joining Bold. Tell us about your passion for body positivity.

Alyssa: Being overweight since puberty, I’ve been a plus size woman my entire adult life. I’ve navigated and overcome obstacles that the world has tried to put in my way just because I was an overweight woman. I’ve struggled with poor confidence and self esteem. I’ve tried to change myself for no other reason than to try to fit into society’s perception of beauty. I’ve let men, friends, random strangers treat me poorly because I didn’t realize I deserved better. The world doesnt currently advocate or accept people with body types that differ from society’s norm…whether that be size, shape, color, age, disability. But I’m hopeful that we can change that in the near future. 

Bold Magazine: What an amazing way to contribute to the plus universe. You do a lot! What are your other day jobs?

Alyssa: I’m the office manager at a charming bed, breakfast & spa; I own a pet sitting company called Purrbabies; and I make gourmet desserts! 

Bold Magazine: Wow! What do you plan to bring to Bold Magazine?

Alyssa: What dont I plan to bring?!

Bold Magazine: LOL! So sassy! What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? And the best opportunity you’ve found through this group?

Alyssa: The biggest challenge I have faced involves being a super plus woman, and how even a lot of plus size/body positive stores and organizations still dont widely accept, help or serve super fat bodies. I think it’s extremely important to note that the experiences that super plus women have are much different than those of smaller plus size women. I love working with Bold and being able to advocate for women my size!

Bold Magazine: We hear that. Do you plan on staying active in the plus community now that you’re making an impact? How else have you gotten involved?

Alyssa: Without a doubt! I love to attend size acceptance events around the country! 

Bold Magazine: Heck yeah! Lastly, what makes you BOLD?

Alyssa: I try to live bold every day by being me, loving my body, accepting my disability (I have lymphedema – extreme swelling – in my left leg), advocating for the plus positive/body positive movements, and not letting anyone dictate my fashion choices or influence my self worth.