The Curvy Coach

A plus-size business is any business that specifically provides services and/or products for the plus-size community.

A plus-size friendly business is any business that supports and recognizes the value of having plus-size consumers.

Image by AriMoore

It really is a fine line between these two types of businesses. The latter is probably where most existing companies will find themselves or at least attempt to be in the very near future. It doesn’t matter what size you are as an entrepreneur, you can own and operate a legitimate plus-size business. For example, I’ve interviewed a short and skinny owner of a big and tall clothing company. The key to your business is knowing who your market is, and quite frankly if over 60% of the population is considered plus-sized then and you’re not selling size 2 fashion, then you should be a plus-size friendly business.

There’s also a flip side to the coin where you can be a not-so-friendly plus-size company. We’ve seen it time and time again with airlines, clothing companies, spas, and the list goes on and on. There are countless stories of consumers being denied services due to their size; it’s discrimination at its best.  Clearly, this is not where you want to be. So even if your offerings are not specifically designed for the plus community, there are some ways that you can at least show your support and open your wallet to receiving our money.

For example, ff you pay close attention, you may have across more and more images of regular sized women in tv commercials, magazines, and restaurant advertising. While there is still quite a long ways to go, this is a great step to demonstrating that you are a curvy-friendly business. If you do not feature plus-size woman in your marketing messages, you are leaving money on the table. Don’t get me wrong, many plus-size businesses are making the exact same mistakes! Have you ever browsed through a plus-size magazine and saw a size 7 model rocking a dress that you don’t think you’re size 22 frame won’t look great in? When you’re on twitter or facebook, what exactly are you telling your prospective clients about your weight? Does it line up with your size acceptance brand?

The important think to note about your business is to have clarity about what you do and who you serve particularly for those of us in the plus-size industry. Think of ways that you can tap into the plus-size market; you may not cater exclusively to the plus-size community, but if you open your door to us, you may find us there eagerly waiting with our wallets open.