Interview
This month we are featuring a very special interview from an absolute pioneer in the plus size world…Chenese Lewis. Sitting down with her is a very big honor and trying to sum up her career in one interview is next to impossible. Just too briefly touch on her resume, Chenese is a model, motivational speaker, actress, radio show host and commentator. That being said, we were very excited to learn more about Chenese and her future plans.
Chenese Lewis 'What It Takes' Interview
Hi Chenese, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview with Size is Sexy. Let’s start by congratulating you on your 2 year anniversary with Plus Model Radio. What can we expect from you and the new website?
Thank you so much! I’m very excited about celebrating 2 years of PLUS Model Radio. You can expect the same great content with the interviews, but in addition I’m introducing four new contributors to the show Madeline Figueroa- Jones, Sage Salzer, Erica Watson, and Aimee Cheshire. They are all very accomplished women and will contribute regular content to keep PLUS Model Radio even more current on what’s happening in the plus size community. The new website is awesome and I can’t wait for it to be released! On it you will be able to submit for the show, read the latest news about the show, have important information at your finger tips, plus much more. I think the website will bring everything up to the next level! Be sure to tune in at www.plusmodelradio.com
Out of every occupation listed on your resume, what would you say is your favorite thing to do and why?
I love to act and host. If I had to choose only one it would be hosting. I am actually pursing to be a television host here in LA, if you look on my website you will be able to see my hosting reel. Hosting is something that comes naturally to me that I love to do. I would love to have my own talk show on television one day!
Tell us a little about your early years and some of the obstacles you had to overcome to make it to this point.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - a place where the entertainment and fashion industry wasn’t well represented at the time I was living there. There is a film industry growing in the South now, but still nothing comparable to Los Angeles or New York. So the very first obstacle I had pursuing my career was my location. I had to move to were the opportunities were if it was something I was going to be serious about. Luckily I convinced my parents and they helped me relocate to LA, I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own. I am very blessed to have my family’s blessing and support with my career. I never advise anyone to relocate, that’s a decision you have to make on your own, because it’s expensive living in a big city and I’m not handing out checks to help with the move! Rather it’s acting or modeling, it benefits you to be where the opportunities and work is so you can be seen as much as possible.
Was there any one thing in your life that motivated you to become so successful?
My parents, they instilled in me at a young age that if I work hard that I can accomplish anything I want to, if I never give up. Although none of us would have predicted I would be in LA pursuing a career in entertainment, they definitely have high expectations for me and as a result I always push myself to be a success in whatever I do.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?
I would definitely make the industry more diverse and accepting of different, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. I’m so excited to see plus models having more opportunities, getting more exposure and becoming more main stream, however it’s never a wide range of plus size beauty on display. More diversity is not only something I would change if I could, but it’s something I actively work to promote daily, every project I produce I always try to make it as diverse as possible.
This is a question I’ve been dying to ask, how are you so down to earth even with all your success and struggle? I ask because from day one of talking to you and working with you on certain things, you have been so generous and kind.
Thank You! This is actually something I am asked often I think it’s a mixture of being Southern, a secure person, and staying humble. First I say the Southern background because I was raised in a place where you speak to everybody and manners and proper etiquette are very important. Secondly being a secure person makes a big difference, I’m not intimidated by anyone’s accomplishments or success and willing to work with and uplift anyone doing positive things, I believe there is room for us all. I have learned working in the plus industry that just because someone is secure with their body image doesn’t mean that they are a secure and confident person overall. Lastly being humble is important because I don’t think I’ve "made it" or better than anyone else, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
OPRAH!!!!!! I love her and hope I can be as successful and influential as she is one day. I want to be able to inspire women and be a positive voice in the world, as she has.
Favorite vacation spot?
To be honest I don’t really vacation much, usually when I travel it’s for a reason but rarely just because, I really hope I can change that soon! I love the beach as well as the excitement of a big city, wherever I can relax, have fun, and be fabulous!
How do you think Size is Sexy will impact the Plus Size World?
I don’t know, you should be telling me!!! LOL But seriously, I think all projects that promote confidence and self esteem in women are wonderful. From what I hear you have some big things planned and I can’t wait to see everything unfold and wishing you much success! The way Size is Sexy can impact the plus size world has no limit!
What can we expect from Chenese Lewis in the next 5 years?
I have a lot of projects in the works and a lot of things I’m currently working on and new opportunities are presented daily, so who knows what will happen in the next 5 years, I would have never thought I would be in LA pursuing a career in entertainment! But at the end of the day my goal is to be a successful business woman, positive role model, and a good person… so you can expect more of that for sure!
Thank you so much for not only taking the time to interview with us but for also being such a remarkable inspiration to women everywhere. We wish you much success and all the best!
Please check out Chenese’s website at: www.cheneselewis.com
