This weekend concludes the nationwide search for the 2018 Miss Ashley Stewart (a woman that exudes the values of confidence, compassion, resilience) Brooklyn, NY. We were excited to grab a minute with the current Miss Ashley Stewart, Theresa Larsen Royals, who is a native of St. Thomas.  Read below to learn more about both Theresa, how being the 2017 Miss Ashley Stewart has changed her life, and more before her reign is up.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Theresa, Theresa? Â
Theresa: In short, my “swagher†is composed of being a woman of intelligence, style, elegance, resilience, grace, humility and beauty – inside and out. I just happen to be packaged in a curvaceous body with a Caribbean accent.
Fancy: Can you recall how you felt the moment you were announced as last year’s Finding Ashley Stewart winner?
Theresa: I kept thinking “Boris Kodjoe said MY name! OMG Boris said MY name! Wait – Boris said MY name???â€Â The moments were filled with excitement and overwhelming gratitude. To grace the stage with five other beautiful curvy divas was magical in its own accord. I stood among these women who were daring enough to walk a runway – some for the very first time. Each of them brought their own style and rocked it out. But then to win? I was speechless and humbled knowing that the judges saw something in me that was more than just “a pretty face.†They saw what Ashley Stewart truly symbolized – confidence, courage, resilience, modesty, empowerment and of course – a flair fashion.
Fancy: What type of activities have you engaged in as the 2017 Ashley Stewart winner?
Theresa: The day after being crowned as the 2017 Ashley Stewart winner, I was right in action assisting with a supply drive for the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I did not think of myself as Miss Ashley Stewart as I packed the boxes of goods – I was just a person from the Caribbean helping those who once supported my journey to the competition in New York. Being there that day uplifted the spirits of so many. They needed that little bit of hope, and it was refreshing. I have also been fortunate to fulfill numerous speaking engagements and to share my journey with curvy fashion forward bloggers. It is fulfilling when I chat with fellow curvy divas about being confident in their physique, that their self-worth is not tied to a number on the scale or on their clothing and that when they walk into the room THEY command the attention of everyone in there because they exude confidence.
Fancy: How has your life changed, if any, since receiving this honor?
Theresa: Since receiving this honor, I have definitely seen and lived the life of a model and influencer. Between model calls, intensive training sessions, photo shoots, interviews, traveling, attending red carpet events and speaking engagements, it has surely been a roller coaster ride that provided nothing but fun and learning experiences. I’m no longer “just a model†– I’m now a public image.
Fancy: What are your thoughts on the current state of the curvy movement?Â
Theresa: Many top fashion designers still do not embrace the stylish curvy diva. Unfortunately, they have pigeon-holed us into designs that do not flatter our dimensions. My part of the curvy movement not only entails empowering women to embrace their self-worth and their curvaceous stature, but also to continue to demand more from fashion designers because we will not be silenced. We will rock out with our thick thighs and hips!  It is great that Ashley Stewart is a leading retailer in the curvy movement that has provided great pieces that accentuate and flatter our bodies!
Fancy: What do you plan to do after your reign is up?
Theresa: Being the 2017 Ashley Stewart winner has opened so many doors for me, and this is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to continuing the curvy movement and to speaking with women of all ages about being confident in their curves. I’m also serving as a mentor to those who will reign as the next Ashley Stewart winners. It is an honor to be the first in this upcoming sisterhood. The universe is the limit!
Connect with Theresa at @iamtheresalarsen.
About Finding Miss Ashley Stewart Event:
The 2018 Miss Ashley Stewart finale will be hosted by Loni Love and featuring performances by SWV, MC Lyte, DJ Kid Capri, and Denise “Saucy Wow†Belfon, Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio, Naughty By Nature, judges, special guests, including Soledad O’Brien, Lala Anthony and others, along with scholarship giveaways and more.Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. (They’re almost sold out) Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to read our interview with Tamara Ivey, Ashley Stewart’s Marketing Specialist and Style Expert, and learn more about what to expect of the event.
