Mqoco’s plus-sized passion
MQOCO: POSTING PHOTOS OF HERSELF IN OUTFITS BECAME A PAYING JOB
Now models clothes for the larger ladies.
Digital entrepreneur and plus-size model Yoliswa Mqoco’s understanding of what is trending in the fashion industry would make anyone look at plus-size fashion differently.
Mqoco, whose mother was a fashionista and whose two sisters equally love dressing up, points out that her passion for clothes prevented her from being bullied as a kid.
“I grew up fat, and you know how mean kids can be when you are big, so dressing and looking great helped me to feel good about myself and that helped,” she says.
The former stylist and personal shopper branched into the fashion industry through taking pictures and posting them on social media, which she never expected would lead to making money. “I would post pictures of myself in different outfits for fun.
“Taking pictures in Joburg while attending different parties was exciting for me and my friends.
“We are from Pretoria and felt that Joburg was more fashion vibrant.
“We got noticed by the Street Style Photography guys and then my Instagram page started becoming popular,” she says, adding that that was when a birdie told her she could make money out of it.
“Social media has helped me grow immensely. There is no way I would have accomplished what I have without it.
“It has changed my life. I literally run my business from it,” she says.
“I get to be honest and be me. Social media afforded me that chance.” Before she became a plus-size model and digital entrepreneur, she used to be a personal shopper for housewives. “It’s fun and you can get a lot of money from it with no one breathing down your neck.” Mqoco says although she has experienced a few instances of online bullying on Twitter, people are generally very accepting and warm. “People are really nice to me. Even when I think of quitting, I get humbled by how warm and supportive people are of what I do.” She points out that while the modelling industry is im- proving and brands are trying to accommodate plus-size women, a lot still needs to be done to level the playing field.
“There is only one type of representation of plus-size women, those that are in proportion and generic,” she says.
Mqoco said despite South African celebrities being “horribly styled”, she predicts for winter this year colour will come back.
“Layers in bright colours are coming back. A couple of years ago colour-blocking was in. This year there will be a lot of texture.”
I get humbled by how warm and supportive people are of what I do.