Today we’d like to introduce you to Damaris Rivera.
Damaris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Okay, well, I went through a rough 2017, not sure where I was going in life personally. I had a great job that I loved, tremendous support from my family and friends, yet I felt somewhat empty. On New Years Eve of that year, I decided I wasn’t going to go into the new year feeling this way. So, I stayed in that NYE, which was rare for me, and started my bullet journal with goals I wanted to accomplish, wrote down things that made me happy, and planned the coming month on what I wanted to do. For years, I’ve wanted to start blogging but I never felt the confidence. Throughout my life, no matter the size I’ve been, people has always told me I dressed my body well. And I thought, why not show girls like me ways to wear certain clothes and trends that look flattering and classy. I set a goal for myself to start on Instagram, post an outfit or beauty look a day, just to see if anyone would be interested. Never would I have imagined the love and support I received. I didn’t think people would take notice so quickly. And brands that I love and support commenting, liking, reposting my pictures. And to think, I take my own pictures with just me and my tripod. It’s wild to think how far I’ve come and even more exciting to see what’s to come. So many opportunities have come from this and feel so humbled and grateful. Goal for 2019: Get the Curves and Curls blog site up and running. And I hope everyone will continue to follow along on this crazy but exciting ride.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say getting to know your audience and what they like but still posting what makes you happy has been difficult. Some pictures get more likes than others and sometimes the pictures you like most won’t get that many likes. But I think staying authentic to who you are is important and people will see that come through. Also, the fluctuation of your follower count. I don’t want to blame it on Instagram’s new algorithm, but it can be frustrating to see it go up and down so much. You just have to keep going, stay consistent, and most importantly love what you post and what you’re doing. The rest will follow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Curves and Curls – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m still learning this whole blogging thing and I almost find it weird to call myself that, but I guess that’s sort of what I am… blogger/influencer. I love fashion and I love makeup. So, I show you how to dress a not so size 6 body aka plus-size body in a mix of trendy and classic clothing. And in between those, I play a lot with makeup and skincare so I share looks that inspire me as well as products that I’ve tried and live and some that maybe didn’t work out for me.
I’m most proud to show that you can look beautiful and feel beautiful no matter what size you are. I’ve fluctuated with my weight my entire life and I’ve been a size 8 to a size 20. And thankfully the fashion industry caters a lot more to the curvy girls now than they did years ago.
I’m still trying to figure out what sets me apart. I’ve just remained true to myself the whole way through. I don’t support a brand if I’m not 100% behind them and what they stand for.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mom is definitely a huge inspiration, til this day. I don’t know how she gives so much of herself and expects nothing in return. She lives for her family and is so selfless in everything she does. I always joke that I want to be my parents when I grow up. I say it jokingly but all jokes aside, it’s true.
My sister is another person that is selfless and lives for her two girls. She faces obstacles and is exhausted at times, but still finds the strength and energy to keep going. She says how I’m the young one and she looks up to me, but I still look up to her. She’s my best friend.
Contact Info:
- Email: driven0129@gmail.com
- Instagram: curves_andcurls
- Twitter: Damaris_R129
Image Credit:
Damaris Rivera, Curves and Curls
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