Tanisha Thomas with Plush label brand ambassadors. Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon
Brooklyn cranked out the curves, y’all! Over the weekend, fierce plus-sized women flooded Club Freeze, a trendy New York lounge, to support one thing…
Plush.
The brand spankin’ new “dare to wear clubwear” line was created especially for curvy girls by Bad Girls Club godmother Tanisha Thomas and her good friend Bella, founder of PrimBeauty.
And let me tell you, the journey to success for the Bad Girls Club, Celebrity Fit Club, Love Games, Tanisha Gets Married — breathes — and Marriage Boot Camp star was no piece of cake! But giving up wasn’t an option. “When life throws you lemons, throw it back and demand chocolate!” Thomas said.
After some blood, sweat, and tears, edgy cut-out dresses and body cons weren’t the only fruits of their labor. Born out of a clothing line was an inspiring campaign that encourages women to embrace their luscious, ample figures.
“It turned into a big movement on social media — it’s huge!,” Thomas told MadameNoire. So huge, Bella says, that even Plush’s curvaceous model ambassadors are getting recognized by random passersby. The message behind the movement? “Be bold, be you!” Thomas said.
The reality TV star spoke with us to give us the scoop on Plush, a possible, might-be-happening, not-so-sure-yet Orange Is the New Black role, and her upcoming projects.
MadameNoire: What’s your ultimate goal for Plush?
Tanisha Thomas: Originally we were supposed to be a clothing line. Full-on, custom clothing for the curvy, fabulous fashionista. But then it turned into a huge movement on social networks. We want to continue to build that platform. [We want] women to embrace who they are, love who they are, and just let your light shine!
MN: What was the inspiration behind Plush?
TT: There was a lack of variety for plus-sized women and I think that we will fulfill that. We plan on partnering with local designers and giving them the opportunity to showcase their work. I’m all about giving to the community; I want to give the people a chance, just like I was given a chance. People second-guess me and say, “Oh please, she’s not going to help me because [another celebrity] told me that they were going to help me, but they never did.” Yes I am going to help you! I want to help you! I am your fan — you’re my sister and you’re my brother. The plan is that we all make it. Not just me. Let’s all get money, it’s all out there!
MN: You mentioned that you were often rejected by others when it came to your career trajectory. How did you find the strength and determination to keep going and stay on track?
TT: I quit all the time! I quit every day. I think I quit every hour — I think I quit today! But I always get back on track. My thing is, “What is the bigger picture and how can I get there?” I set these goals for myself and no matter how upset I get, no matter how stressful it gets, I am determined to make sure I follow through. Even if I fall flat on my face, it’s important for me to say, “You know what — at least I tried!”
MN: What’s the plus-sized industry like?
TT: The plus-sized world is very catty; they don’t want to support. We’ve reached out to so many people — especially me being who I am, I thought that would be leverage… and it’s hard. It will stress you out, people will tell you, “You’re not gonna do it, you’re not going to make it.” What you need to do is believe and trust your brand, you know what I mean?
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon
MN: Did you see yourself catapulting to such success from ‘Bad Girls Club’?
TT: Yes. This is not me being cocky, but whatever I want, whatever my vision is, I get it. I don’t stop! It is like a drug to me. [Bella and I] were talking about the event [at Club Freeze] and I’m like, “I’m never doing this again.’ I told her that we need to implement a solid team so that we’re not stressed. We’re only two people, we’re the CEOs of the company, so a lot of things fall on us — everything falls on us. But we make it look easy!”
MN: What would be your advice to anybody who wishes to start a business?
TT: Just keep going. Keep going and research, research, research! And learn from your mistakes. Don’t get upset and don’t get discouraged. Learn from it and just fix it the second time around.
MN: So tell me about your new project, Girlfriend Intervention, on Lifetime (Premiering Aug. 27)?
TT: It’s an amazing show where we make-over a woman from the inside out. I have a wonderful life coach on the show. I help women get their confidence back, inspire their inner glow, and it’s awesome to watch them transform before our eyes. It was a life changing project and I was really blessed to be apart of it.
MN: Did you cry? You cried didn’t you!
TT: I did! And I don’t cry! You’re going to laugh with us and you’re going to cry with us, but most of all, it’s feel-good TV. It’s a great way to tie-in with Plush because there’s so much fashion and so much make-over on the outside to match the inside.
MN: Any upcoming projects we don’t know about?
TT: I have another show with David Tutera coming up — Celebrations. I won’t tell you what it’s about though yet — you’ll just have to watch. It was awesome. I have a few other projects in the works, but I cannot talk to you guys about it.
MN: Rumor has it that you will be doing Orange Is the New Black.
TT: That has not been confirmed yet, but you never know what can happen! There were a lot of conflicting stories about that and what I would say to people is this: You never know who anybody knows. TMZ tried to make it seem like, “Oh, you know, [me being on the show] is not the case, we spoke to Netflix…” First of all, you don’t know my management and you don’t know who they know. Everything is in the works. I’m a huge fan of Orange is the New Black. Love the show!
MN: Lastly, for the “Bad Girls Club” fans out there, how was the season 12 reunion taping? Did you enjoy this season?
TT: The reunion was crazy! It got really intense. I did enjoy this season — it wasn’t as crazy, but when I got to the reunion, I was just like… I was expecting something different from this set of girls. But you know what, it is what it is. I love hosting and I have a connection with lots of people that I love.
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