BIG SISTER COVER STORY

Kathleen Blade is an actress, host and plus size model.  She has been involved with numerous projects ranging from independent films to network television and fashion shows.  Kathleen launched her own internet radio show titled: The Phat Girl Show that seeks to educate, inspire, and uplift women of all shapes and sizes. We are glad to have her on our current edition of Big Sister Magazine,  and we hope her story inspires you. 

Enjoy Excepts:

 
Photographer: MontyModelManagement.
Dress:BlairChicBoutique:Jessica Blair.
Hair/Make-up: Jasmine Celestin
We start by congratulating you on your 45^th birthday. What’s the secret for staying sexy and fabulous?

First, I like to thank God for allowing me to be on the Earth for 45 years. I thank him for my health & strength. My dad jokes that the Blade family is blessed with great genes. I love life and try to keep a positive attitude.

Let’s get to know you more?

 Born January 20, 1969 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Fredrick & Harriet Blade. 1 brother, Fred Jr. Had a very active childhood. My parents kept my brother & I very active in school & church activities. I have three college degrees: B.A.-Political Science/Psychology.M.S.- Family & Consumer Science/Child Development-Family Studies: Indiana State University & M.A. Social Service Administration- University of Chicago.
I moved to Chicago in 1999 to attend the University of Chicago.Upon graduating from the University of Chicago in 2001, I became a School Social Worker. I found it to be a very rewarding experience to touch the lives of children. Children in our society today endure so many hardships & sometimes all they need is a few words of encouragement. I was featured in the Chicago Suntimes newspaper in April 2011 for my work as a School Social Worker.
After almost 10 years as a Social Worker, I decided to enter the world of entertainment. It was one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life. Leaving a very well paying job to pursue a career as an actress. My acting mentor, Chicago actor, Harold Dennis, introduced me to the world of acting. I love acting and I have a strong passion to continue on in my career. I believe with God & the love my children, the sky is the limit.
I am a divorced mother of three beautiful children: Sheridan, 19. Mariah 17 & Devon 10.

  
            Kathleen on a movie set

Tell us about the Phat Girls Show. 

The Phat Girl was birthed from my desire to uplift and inspire all women to embrace & love themselves. I particularly wanted to present more positive images of curvy women in entertainment.
  
Who have you hosted?
 I have interviewed plus size comedian Erica Watson. Plus size Nigerian model, ChiChi Jennifer.Ms.Elsie-Coco Utong,editor of Big Sister Magazine. and Ms Winnie Voke ceo Big Bold Modeling Agency and Femi Adu, an ex-plus size beauty queen. This is just to name a few. The 2 most explosive shows I had centered on the plus size community. The first show we explored the whether true sisterhood exist in the curvy community. I received tremendous feedback on that show. It has been requested that I do a follow up episode. The second show dealt with comedian Monique's recent weight loss. That show was very charged & emotions were high!!! 

Who are you looking forward to hosting?

  I would LOVE to interview Michelle Obama, Oprah, Monique, Gabby Sidibe & Denzel Washington.

You recently visited Africa, Nigeria to be precise, why Nigeria?

I have always wanted to visit Nigeria. In college, I had several Nigerian friends & that sparked a desire in me to visit. I also wanted to tape the Phat Girls Show in Africa. I wanted to gain insight on how the plus size woman was viewed in Africa.

As an African American how did you feel touching the soil of your ancestors? What was your impression about Africa before your visit?
When I got off the plane, I wanted to cry. As an African American, it was a dream come true to be in Africa. I was in the motherland.

My impression of Africa prior to visiting was very positive. In college, I had many Nigerian friends who shared with me stories about Africa. I read a lot about Africa. I also took college courses on African politics.

Tell us about your whole experience in Nigeria?

I had the most AWESOME experience in Africa. I did not want to return home. The people were so friendly. It was very refreshing to walk down the street and have people great you with a warm smile. I enjoyed attending church and making new friends. I loved being around my people. The children were so respectful and obedient. I told many of my friends, that we need to ship our kids to Africa to learn respect. I would love to purchase a home in Nigeria. I have encouraged all of my African American friends to visit Africa.

 Which was your fav food?
 I fell in love with the Chicken Stew. My friend's mother made it for me several times.

How can you access African entertainment (music and movies)?

During my visit, I was able to meet people in the entertainment industry. Since my return, I have remained in contact with them. I am very interested in being in a Nollywood movie.

Do you have a favorite African celeb?

I am a huge Jim Iyke fan. He sizzles!

How do you see the evolution of the size industry in Africa:

I learned a lot about the plus size community in Africa during my interview with Big Sister Magazine. I was enlightened & educated on the challenges that plus size African women face. In America, there are many stereotypes that exist regarding African views of the plus size woman. For example, it is believed that African men only prefer plus size women. I discovered that this not totally true. I applaud BSM for giving plus size African women a voice & platform to be heard. I see the African plus size community doing great things. Furthermore, I believe the connection with the International Fuller Woman Network will provide increased exposure for plus size Africa women.

What do you think of Big Sister Magazine?

 I would like to begin by thanking Big Sister Magazine for selecting me as their February cover. I am not only honored, but humbled. I believe that Big Sister is an AWESOME magazine that uplifts all women. I particularly love the focus that is given to health & fitness for curvy women. Furthermore, I view BSM as a trailblazer in the plus size community. It has provided a platform for the African Plus size community. I see BSM opening more doors for plus size African women!

Have you ever had any issues with your body?
Yes, growing up I was always the tallest in my class. I wanted to be short. As a plus size woman, I struggled with accepting myself. I truly believed that I was unattractive & was plagued with low self esteem. However, as I entered my 40's, I begin to confront my body issues. First, I realized that I did need to lose weight due to health issues. Secondly, I realized that I would never be a size 2, so I begin to embrace who I was. Furthermore, God created me in his image, so I MUST be beautiful!  

 How did you deal with it?

I use to weigh almost 400 pounds. I suffered from diabetes. All of this by age 25. I realized that I was not going to see my children grow up. It was not until I turned 35, I decided to get healthy. I begin to educate myself on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I begin to surround myself with others that strives to be healthy. I joined a gym and became addicted to Spin class. I no longer have to take medication for diabetes. It is now controlled by diet & exercise.

 

Kathleen before weight loss

What do you have to say to people are still not comfortable with their body image?

First, we are created in the image of God and that already makes a person beautiful. Secondly, one must dig deep down and find self love. No one can do that for you. There are days that I don't feel beautiful, so I look in the mirror and tell myself that I am AWESOME. This is why BSM is so important. It allows plus size women to see how beautiful they are.

Valentine is in the air, does valentine mean anything to you?
I really don't celebrate Valentines Day. I believe if your are with the one you love, everyday should be Valentines Day.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL VALENTINE'S DAY:

I make the cutest gift bags for my children & we have a special dinner.

What is your definition of love?
 I believe that you only discover true love when you have endured various situations with a person. It grows over time. Love is patient & kind.

Can you recall how it felt the first time you feel in love with the opposite sex?
 I was 39 when I first fell in love. He was my perfect match. He loved me unconditionally. I truly believed that he was sent from God.

People are hurt by the ones they truly hurt, should love hurt?
 Love should never hurt. I believe one must have the love of God to truly embrace the concept of love.

Any special val message to someone you love?

 I would love to send a message to that special guy who has been my best friend for nearly 5 years. He is my biggest supporter. He prays with me and stands by my side. 

 UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
 

Full Names: Kathleen Blade AKA Kat Blade Height: 5'9

Weight: 229lbs

Favorite food: Tacos

 
 Favorite drink: crystal light raspberry tea.

 
Favorite love song: Would you Bleed for Love by Jennifer Hudson . It was the theme song for the movie Winnie Mandela. Jennifer Hudson played Winnie.

Favorite romantic movie: Winnie Mandela. I just watched the movie last month & since then, I have watched it six times! Winnie & Nelson truly loved each other. They were so connected.

 
 Two countries I would like to visit: Dubai & Japan.
  
                                   Dubai

 
                                         Japan
 What do I feel comfortable wearing: maxi dresses. I love the way my body looks in them.
Describe yourself in one sentence: I am the kindest person you will ever meet.

Connect with Kathleen @:
KathleenBlade@twitter.com
KatBlade-ThePhatGirlsShow-FB
and www.intellectualradio.com