We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Blaze Jefferson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathy Blaze, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Prior to starting my business Blazing Curves I was a plus-size model and actress here in the Arizona Market. I signed with an agency and wasn’t getting much work as a plus-size model or actress. I started to get gigs outside of Arizona and traveled for work, but as a mother of a young child, it was tiresome at times because I couldn’t find work in my own market. I often remembered what my grandmother instilled in me; she stated if something wasn’t available for you then you create it . I started working with photographers, designers, created my own content and got my name known as the go to person in the Arizona Plus-size industry. I Co-produced a Comedy Fashion show which was a success for our first major show, we were able to donate funds to a local charitable organization for homeless kids. After that show I got the bug and realized that I could do this. My thought process behind starting my business initially was for selfish reasons because I wanted to work here in my market, but later found that it was bigger than myself.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my production company Blazing Curves which produced Fashion Shows for plus size models because I wanted to model and be an actress. During the process of creating who I was, other plus-size women were seeing and wanted to do what I was doing. I began to receive messages from husbands asking where I got my clothes from and if I would help their wives with styling and parents who contact me to chat about their children who were bullied in school because of their size and wanted me to speak with them, at this point it showed me that God had a bigger plan, it wasn’t just about Kathy Blaze. Blazing Curves was bigger than fashion. It was about building women up to love themselves no matter their size, to build confidence & Self-steem, Image and community. After Blazing Curves I started Blaze Image Consulting for our entrepreneurs to assist with their public image, Blaze Health & Wellness Expo, I didn’t want anyone to ever think that we were promoting obesity, we were promoting living a healthy lifestyle but loving yourself through your process. I currently host a talkshow called DesertwoodDaze with KathyBlaze which gives entertainers a platform to promote who they are and their talents here in the Arizona market.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, thats a hard one for me because if I’m not working I’m a homebody netflixing it. But Arizona has some beautiful sites and lots to do. I would most definitely take them out to one of my favorite places First Watch for breakfast or brunch. I would love to give them a feel of what I do and invite them on set of the DesertwoodDaZe Talk show. Additionally, I would love to share First Friday or other Film or Music events happening here in the valley.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to first Thank God for giving me the strength and patience to continue this journey, My mother who has always been there to assist me with my daughters. My daughter Alexis who always helped me with packing my bags when I had to travel or get prepared for a show. In the fashion world I have to give a shout out to Mr. Ron DuWayne, Founder of Noral Apparel for being one of the first designers that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to represent his brand here in Arizona and in California. Secondly I would like to thank Jessica founder of Treasure Eutopia for trusting me to represent her brand. Last but not least in fashion I would like to thank my Blazing Curves models for supporting myself and Blazing Curves while representing the brand professionally and respectfully,
In the film industry I would like to thank Mr. George Cole O’Barts for believing in me, being a friend and allowing me to be apart of his film productions and now trusting me to be the host of his new Talk show, DesertwoodDaZe. We are now going into our third season and I’m excited to say that I am also a producer of the show and we look forward to more seasons of sharing Arizona’s Talent with you!!
Website: blazingcurves.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyblaze/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-blaze-jefferson-774a3416/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kathyblaze1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063371521024
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DREAMNetworkChannel
Other: www.kathyblaze.com www.raisingbritt.org