Culture
Aqila Benjamin. Photo courtesy of subject.
5 Body-Positive Influencers to Know in the District
September 30, 2023 @ 12:00pm
The impact influencer culture has on society is unquestionable. And, depending on who you have in your feed, they can weigh you down or lift you up.
The traditional look has definitely changed, thanks to the rising popularity of body-positive content creators. I remember discovering plus-size fashion bloggers on Blogger.com and being blown away. For the first time, I saw people with bodies that looked like mine portrayed confident and fashionable. This was my gateway to learning to love my body just as it was. It’s accessible, yet fun and aspirational: truly the best of both worlds.
Check out some of D.C.’s most noteworthy body-positive influencers and learn about the highs and lows that come with the gig — and what makes D.C. so unique for their content.
Aqila Benjamin
How + why you became an influencer
I got started as an influencer while working with Fashion to Figure, a plus-size clothing store at Prince George’s Plaza Mall. I started as a keyholder and became a traveling trainer. I helped develop their stores around the East Coast and was a stylist, as well. It made me passionate about fashion. I was also so infatuated with the body-positive community coming together and celebrating who we are authentically.
Your day job
I am a brand strategist full-time. I currently work for myself through my brand Because You Can: Creative Consulting & Coaching. I work in social media marketing for WangaWoman, which is co-founded by Caroline Wanga, Essence CEO. I am also the creator of The Strong Friend Meetup, a safe space expo promoting mental health and Black holistic wellness.
Your style + aesthetic
I don’t have one set aesthetic; I like to push the envelope. I believe you can wear whatever you want. So, when it comes to just me, I make sure whatever I wear aligns with who I am. It’s not like I try not to mimic other people. If I get style inspiration, then I get style inspiration. Outside of that, my style is who I am.
Why D.C. is such an interesting place to call home
D.C. is where I grew up. I was here before D.C. was gentrified and I know it looks different. Whether it’s the “rough” part of D.C. or the new built-up version, D.C. is interesting because it has so much culture — the art, music, people and vibes. It has original roots. D.C. has always been lit, no matter the era.
Best + worst thing about being a body-positive influencer
For me, being a body-positive influencer and a plus-size fashion influencer are two different things. [For a while], I went back and forth because I felt I needed to choose one or the other. I decided to strike a balance, so sometimes my posts are just about my body and some posts are strictly fashion. Sometimes I don’t want to mention I’m plus-size because you can physically see I am. We don’t necessarily have to mention we’re plus-size or make it about our bodies if we want to post our fly ass ’fit. The downside with influencing is I’ve received a lot of hate comments. There’s been plenty of times when it choked me up or hurt my feelings, but this is the life I chose.
Your favorite place in D.C.
The museums. My favorite is the American History Museum. I cried like a baby when they had Michelle Obama’s dress there with “The First Ladies” exhibit.
Follow Benjamin on Instagram @rootsoffatima and @thefullersideofthings. Check out The Strong Friend Meetup on Instagram @thestrongfriendmeetup.
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Frank Grimsley
How + why you became an influencer
I don’t like to label myself as an influencer. I’m a content creator who has influence because my goal is to impact people’s lives, not necessarily sell a product. I want to show brands I can bring creative visuals to life and create content that inspires people to strive for greatness. I started authentically sharing my journey on Instagram in 2016 and people loved how I curated fashion moments. Then I began to tell stories in my captions to help people heal through vulnerability or humor. The rest is history.
Your day job
I recently quit my “day job” to pursue this lifestyle as a full-time creative entrepreneur. I’m giving myself a year to make this a full-on lifestyle that is not only profitable, but fulfilling.
Your style + aesthetic
My style is forever changing. Right now, I would call it “elevated basics:” simple pieces of clothing with subtle pops through shoes or accessories. As a fat man, the options are limited, but I pride myself on finding ways to make it work. I often have to source women’s clothing due to lack of representation of plus-size men in fashion. I pride myself in one day bridginh the gap between men’s and women’s fashion.
Why D.C. is such an interesting place to call home
I love living in the DMV because you get a little bit of everything. There’s only a select number of places one can go to get that “thing” and I’m glad to experience that life every day.
Best + worst thing about being a body-positive influencer
I’m excited people look at me and see confidence. I don’t always feel that way. Every day isn’t a good day. Big, small, short or tall, nobody wakes up every single day and feels confident. I love that I’ve curated an authentic audience of people cheering for me, whether I feel confident in my body or not.
Your favorite place in D.C.
I’m a creature of habit, but I’ve dedicated this year to exploring more. My favorite place for aesthetics and drinks is Yours Truly Hotel. Also, I’m a hookah lover (as my followers on social media know) and I love going around to various hookah bars in the city. Right now, I’m loving Focus Social Club.
Follow Grimsley @franknthecity on all platforms. You can also catch him on season four of “The Circle” on Netflix.
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Kelly-Lynne Russell Guy
How + why you became an influencer
In 2013, when Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” came out, friends sent me the video and said, “This reminds me of you and your thrifting!” It was the golden days of blogging and thrifting, so I figured it made sense to pour all my know-how from thrifting into a style blog. The next year I won The Baltimore Sun’s award for Best Fashion Blog. From there, I kept posting every once in a while, but only started taking it seriously once I connected with the plus-size fashion community here in D.C.
Your day job
I work as a social media manager for a healthcare association. Our members are infection preventionists which means they prevent infections in places like long-term care centers, hospitals and schools — even on movie and TV sets. I love I get to share ways for people to keep themselves safe.
Your style + aesthetic
I know this is the age of “aesthetics” and “-cores,” but I don’t fit squarely within one. I’d describe what I generally gravitate toward as “macaron grandma Barbiecore.” A sprinkle of French romantic, a bit “Little House on the Prairie,” a little princess-y and colorful. If it’s pink or floral, I’m on board.
Why D.C. is such an interesting place to call home
My husband and I bought a home in Arlington in October 2020. I love how tight-knit my community is in North Arlington. We have access to beautiful trails and parks, farmers’ markets, restaurants, coffee shops and so much more. I also know [most of] my neighbors’ names and chat with them often. D.C. is a beautiful city; there is absolutely nothing like driving along the Potomac over the monuments at sunset and watching the city turn golden pink. Absolute magic.
Best + worst thing about being a body-positive influencer
The difference it makes in people’s lives. I have people write to me saying, “I never would have worn this, but you inspired me to try it!” I think that’s so special. Larger people can’t always draw a lot of style inspiration from the community; they certainly don’t have a variety of styles to inspire them. It’s amazing to be part of helping people find their own personal styles. For many of us, our body dictates what we wear and even how we portray ourselves. There have always been unwritten rules about what we can and cannot wear, what makes us worthy or unworthy, what is flattering or unflattering. But life is too short to not enjoy. Some people go through life fearing being fat more than anything else. That’s the world and society we live in. There is a certain freedom in knowing your body, accepting your fat, living without style rules and wearing what makes you feel like yourself.
Your favorite place in D.C.
The National Gallery of Art has been my happy place for many years. It may seem cliche to choose a museum in the city of museums, but what an amazing resource we have here. The West building courtyards are so peaceful and serene. I’m a lifelong artist and admirer of art; being around fine art really grounds me. Plus, there has never been a time I haven’t felt my body is more beautiful than seeing so many bodies as art.
Follow Guy on all platforms @thelowlowstyle. Read her blog “The Low Low Style” at thelowlowstyle.com.
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Joy Moreland
How + why you became an influencer
I got into influencing because of fashion. I love how prints, patterns and colors make me look. I love to express my outer personality as whimsical, fun, strong and lively, from what I wear to when I am speaking. Becoming an influencer has been a great journey. I [love being] an inspiration for so many just being my authentic self.
Your day job
I am an influencer, talk show host and elementary educator full-time.
Your style + aesthetic
My style is fun and open. I love colors that bring an openness of laughter, positivity and fun. I am not one to shy away from the crayon box of fashion.
Why D.C. is such an interesting place to call home
It is a world in and of itself. The world operates out of this little yet huge place and calling D.C. home is a dream. I am glad to call it home because I can explore with little to no money. It is my canvas for photography and no other place has yet to duplicate it. I have met many transplant friends. Also, the great brunches.
Best + worst thing about being a body-positive influencer
I am my authentic self. I am the true definition of loving yourself and do not care what others think. I wear what I want to show no matter what the “nay-sayers” say, they will never influence how I live. The downside is words can affect you, but you have to maintain a positive attitude to stay strong. Many people just do not like plus-size individuals, i.e. the clothing and beauty industries. Clothes are made for plus-size people, but not with plus people in mind. But I choose to stay positive and continue to pray.
Your favorite place in D.C.
My favorite place in D.C. is Busboys and Poets. The food is so delicious and they cater to everyone’s needs. It is a great place to go because I have a mixture of friends who are vegan and pescatarian.
Follow Moreland on Instagram @enJOYCurves and @CoffeewithJOY_.
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Danielle Sauter
How + why you became an influencer
I started Blonde in the District in 2014 after leaving a job that put me in a bad place creatively and emotionally. One of the ways I built my confidence back up was by leaning into style and wearing things that made me feel good. As I was searching for a new job, I took the extra time to create BITD and get my groove back creatively. I wanted to inspire others to look at style as a way to fuel confidence and esteem. There is no better feeling than wearing something that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Your day job
I’m an IT government contractor, in addition to creating content for Blonde in the District (BITD). During all other hours, it’s all BITD.
Your style + aesthetic
My style is whimsical and fun, yet glamorous and chic. I think the two can exist together. There is a balance between my two style sides depending on my mood or what I’m currently inspired by (I’m also a Gemini so that may explain a lot). I’m drawn to color (pink is my signature) and I adore wearing accessories to really show off and express my character. I’d rather stand out than fit in and I think my style reflects that.
Why D.C. is such an interesting place to call home
I think D.C. has two sides. There is the “Washington, D.C.” side which is the politics and monuments — everything outsiders or tourists interpret as D.C. And then there is the “D.C.” side which is full of culture, community, artists, local businesses and shops, and more. I love changing people’s minds who think D.C. is only for politicians and monuments. We are so much more than that.
Best + worst thing about being a body-positive influencer
Inspiring others to think differently — whether that’s accepting yourself completely as you are, or becoming more accepting of others as they are. There is a downside that comes with body positivity and being so outspoken on social media. It can, unfortunately, come with a lot of bias or judgment. But, at the end of the day, I remind myself why I started: To inspire others to feel good about themselves and embrace their personal style. Style and beauty truly have no size. Everyone is worthy of beauty and confidence no matter age, size, shape or gender.
Your favorite place in D.C.
The National Gallery of Art (NGA). As a creator, I am deeply inspired by art and conversations around art. No matter how many times I’ve been to NGA, there is always something I didn’t notice or see before — or maybe I’ll interpret something familiar in a new way. It’s a place that makes me feel peaceful and calm, yet energized creatively.
Follow Sauter on Instagram @blonde_inthedistrict and check out her website blondeinthedistrict.com.
