Happy Bold Boss Wednesday! Sometimes a fresh voice can make a big impact! Kassandra Parades has recently been getting more and more involved with the body positive and fat acceptance movements. From her podcast, Lady Instincts (you can find the link below), to her plus size fashion videos, Paredes has become an advocate for plus-size folks, discussions on sexuality, Mexican Americans in business, and extended size fashionistas.

About Kassandra Paredes:

Kassandra is the host of Lady Instincts Podcast, a Body Positive Advocate, Makeup Artist and a Plus Size Fashion Enthusiast.

Bold Magazine: How did you get started as an influencer? What kind of content do you create, and what’s your main channel? 

Kassandra Paredes: When I first joined Instagram is when my journey for self-love began. I discovered the amazing body positivity community and became inspired. I love to post about plus size fashion, makeup, and promote women empowerment.

Bold Magazine: Describe your personal style. What are some of your signature colors, styles, and accessories? 

Kassandra Paredes: My style has evolved over the years as my confidence grew. I love to describe it as a relaxed,  modern pin-up style. My signature for sure is my red lipstick! I am a crop top fanatic and love to be able to show that bigger girls can and should rock them.

Bold Magazine: What are some tips you’d like to share with aspiring influencers or models? 

Kassandra Paredes: To not be afraid to be yourself and to remember that there is nothing more beautiful than uniqueness and honesty. 

Bold Magazine: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a young person, what would you tell her? 

Kassandra Paredes: To stop trying to be who everyone else wanted you to be or what you think others want you to be. To accept and love yourself and that you have the power to be happy.

Bold Magazine: What’s your family and personal life like? Who are your best supporters?

Kassandra Paredes: I come from a traditional Mexican family who I adore. I love my culture and try to demonstrate it as much as possible.  My family went through some tough times when I was younger, but because of it we are stronger and closer than ever. 

Bold Magazine: What is your “day job” if you have one other than influencing and modeling?

Kassandra Paredes: I am a Small Business Banker and a freelance Makeup Artist. 

Bold Magazine: What does being an influencer or model mean to you? What do you hope it means to others?

Kassandra Paredes: Just the other day I received a message from a girl that follows me on tik tok and told me that because of my videos and my encouragement she was able to start loving herself and even started posting videos herself! That is why I do it, for the girl that I was once who didn’t like herself,  or didn’t realize what a beautiful human she really is. 

Bold Magazine: What are your goals and dreams as an influencer or model? What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Kassandra Paredes: My goals are to grow and reach more amazing people. This year I started a podcast, Lady Instincts, where we are advocating body positivity, female sexuality,  and women empowerment.  And I have a goal of it growing and be able to meet and interact with other amazing women in the community.  I am very proud of the person I am today,  both emotionally and personally.   I am proud of the fact that I am doing what I love and that in the process I am aiding others to be able to get to that point. 

Bold Magazine: How have you seen the fashion, retail, or modeling industry change in the past decade – specifically with regards to diversity and inclusivity? What work still needs to be done? 

Kassandra Paredes: I am so incredibly happy to see how much the fashion and retail industry has grown. We are finally starting to see so many different types people being represented.  I would have never dreamed of seeing a girl my size on a cover of a magazine and it’s being done now! We still have a way to go and misconceptions to clear as well as limits to break but I believe we are headed in the right direction.

Bold Magazine: What are some things you’ve noticed in the world that you’d like to advocate to change? 

Kassandra Paredes: I advocate for black lives matter, women’s rights, and gun control.  I was blessed to be from a city that is incredibly diverse and it pains me to see how much the black community is still being mistreated,  as well as other minorities and poc.

Bold Magazine: What does beauty mean to you? 

Kassandra Paredes: To me, beauty means loving and treating yourself and others as deserved.  To embrace your originality and be empowered by it.

Bold Magazine: What does fat acceptance mean to you? Body positivity? 

Kassandra Paredes: To me it means that all bodies are equal. Not one is “better” than the other. Fat acceptance means that just because I am a fat woman, it doesn’t make me less than an average sized woman.  Body positivity means we are all worthy of respect and loving ourselves no matter what.

Bold Magazine: How has your body image and self-esteem changed over the years?

Kassandra Paredes: It has changed dramatically in a positive way.  I used to be the girl that would wear a cardigan in the summer because she hated her arms. The girl who always wore oversized t-shirts and sweats because she was ashamed of her body. The girl who always made sure to be the funniest or to have the best personality to “make up” for the fact that she wasn’t the desired type. But I was able to discover not only my physical beauty,  but also internal beauty.  I was able to let go of all the insecurities I had and became happy for the first time.

Bold Magazine: Who are some humans who inspire you?

Kassandra Paredes: Tess Holliday was and still is a huge inspiration for me. When I first discovered her, we were the same size and similar body shape and I couldn’t believe how beautiful and confidence she looked. Which is what made me ask myself, why do I see her beauty but can’t see my own. Other amazing humans that inspire me are Lucille Ball, J.K. Rowling,  and Melissa McCarthy to name a few.

Bold Magazine: What are some unique hobbies you have?

Kassandra Paredes: I love poetry and creative writing. I have been doing it almost all my life. Drawing/ sketching as well is a hobbie of mine. And lastly, photography and graphic design.

Bold Magazine: What can readers expect next – do you have anything exciting you would like to share with us? 

Kassandra Paredes: I am very excited in the direction my podcast show, Lady Instincts, is heading and can’t wait to see where it goes.

Bold Magazine: Do you have a message you want to leave with our readers? 

Kassandra Paredes: Loving yourself doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes years to build up all our walls and insecurities.  Be patient with yourself and take it one step at a time.

More from Kassandra

Facebook: Kassandra Paredes

Instagram: @kasstheblast @ladyinstinctspodcast

Tik Tok: @kasstheblast

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ladyinstinctspod