COVER STORY
A lot of women in the world struggle with
issues of identity and beauty – women are dying to be thin and going to
extremes in an attempt to achieve the impossible standards of beauty that exist
globally – not Ms. Ouma Tema. This passionate and dynamic business woman has
taken it upon herself to help redefine ideas of beauty by making a BOLD
statement.
Inspired by the story of iconic South African
women such as Saartjie Baartman, who were always shunned and even ostracized
because their physical stature did not conform with the “norm”, Ouma Tema is
taking the fashion industry by storm targeting woman who are plus sized and are
not really given options to fit their lifestyle where fashion is concerned. .
PLUSFAB makes clothes that plus sized women
would love to wear. Most importantly, we create a range of clothing that
embraces our body. The type of woman who buys Plus-Fab is a professional plus
size woman who is comfortable in her skin, want to embrace her curves and show
off her best assets in style and elegance.
From the ever growing client base since its
inception, it is clear that PLUS-FAB bring out the fashionista in every plus
size woman by offering clothes that accentuate as opposed to cover up. - http://plus-fab.com/about-us/
BIG SISTER: For the
benefit of non South Africans who do not know you, who is Ouma Tema?
Ouma Tema is a humble young woman, from a small town called
Phalaborwa, Limpopo township in South Africa. I am God’s favorite daughter,
Mama’s baby, a sister and a friend.
BIG SISTER: Tell us about your family and educational background?
I am from a family of four, being myself, my mother, my elder
brother and my younger sister. I am the middle kid and so you can imagine the attention.
I moved to Pretoria where I completed my Diploma in Public
Management at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2002.
BIG SISTER: Relationship Status;
Single
BIG SISTER: Happy second anniversary
and congrats over the launch of your new winter collections 2013 season!
Thank you so much. Plus fab turned two recently, peace and love to
Big Sister Magazine for all the love and support you have for us ever since we
met. I feel your heart beat live in South Africa. Big hugs and, much love for
you.
BIG SISTER: What inspired you into
going into plus size clothing line?
I was struggling to get clothes that
spoke to a chic, sophisticated and fabulous plus size woman. Clothes I found
were in the right size but never spoke to the fashionable me. I then decided to
have my clothes made to my specifications every time I had to attend events
parties, weddings etc. This resulted in more fuller figured women in my social
cycle asking for my outfits (some willing to pay double the prize value).
BIG SISTER: Why did you choose the
name Plus Fab?
I am plus and I believe I am fabulous. I wanted a name that would
speak to me and other full figured women across the globe, a name that you
would relate and you would own up to it and, how you would want to be
identified with so Plus Fab was just perfect!
BIG SISTER: Challenges so far running
PLUS FAB?
The challenges running Plus Fab are running so many things at once;
you are your HR/marketing, sales and financial director. In the same breath you
have to deal with your clients, distributors, and still maintain your
creativity in the business. These are the basic challenges we go through.
BIG SISTER: Tell us about the recent
Plus Fab Winter ready to wear collection 2013 and why the big sisters should go
for it?
The winter collection is more about Vintage meeting modern fashion.
The plus size sisters in these collections are given the chance to show off
best features of the body (curves and legs) and fabulously hide parts our body
(big belly) we don’t want to show off. We want them to be warm and fabulous at
the same time.
BIG SISTER: What are the basic collections of Plus FAB since inception?
We create a range of sophisticated ready to wear collection and
custom made outfits for special occasions (weddings, Durban July, The Met, Polo
events, Awards shows, Graduations, cocktail, birthday parties and more).
BIG SISTER: Are you prices affordable?
Is Plus Fab reachable for the big sisters. in all works of life? Are you
limited to age?
We target professional women from all walks of life who appreciate
elegant accessible yet exclusive fashion.
BIG SISTER: What are silly mistakes
plus size women do when it comes to dressing/fashion?
They don’t invest on the proper under-garments -such as body shapers
- to enhance their shape.
BIG SISTER: Have you ever battled
issues with your body size?
Oh yes, and I think every woman have body issues. I just found
peace……no one is perfect, why should I stress? When we went shopping ….my mom
will get into the store and ask any sales person she come across that she is
looking for the biggest size for me. It was never about looking good but
getting something that fit. My shopping days were not so fun and I guess it always
registered in my mind that I was Pretty Hot and Thick/Tempting (PHAT).
BIG SISTER: How do you feel becoming a role model for the curvy women?
You don’t’ choose certain roles for yourself, being a role model for
big women is one role I did not choose for myself. Be that as it may, I want to
be known as a child of God who lived her life to the fullest with grace
regardless. I have been blessed in this
journey of restoring confidence among plus sized women, I see more roles in the
same field. I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me.
BIG SISTER: What kind of advice do you have for big sisters with a low
self esteem?
We need to teach our big sisters the importance of self love.
Nothing will be fulfilling if you don’t love yourself from inside out.
BIG SISTER: Are there plans to take Plus Fab to other African countries?
Already, Plus Fab has been receiving orders from countries such as
Ghana and Nigeria and even some orders from the US. We happy to announce that
Big Sisters can now order from anywhere in the world at www.plus-fab.com
BIG SISTER: One last word to your fans and advice
to sisters who look up to you as a role model?
Stay beautiful and fabulous! Thank you all for following me on
twitter and liking our page on facebook. God bless you all, you make what I do
so much worth it.
Big hugs and kisses.
TEAM PLUS FAB
Contact Details:
+27 82 669 7469
