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| "Primarily, I was grateful to God that He gave me this... opportunity to become somebody... I WANT TO CHANGE." - Khriselda Guarin, Erzullie Icon, on how being one changed her |
"To tell you the truth, Khriselda (Guarin) was actually a sure win for the Erzullie Icon search at that time. She loves the brand naturally and knows the brand by heart. I also saw in her, above all, that she applied because she believed in what the brand is doing, sincerely. I knew that picking her would be the best move the brand's cause because she embodies it. She is a woman that finally loved herself. She was the story of self-love." --- Aries De Guzman, Owner and Designer for Erzullie, on why she picked Khriselda Guarin as Erzulie Icon for Holiday 2011
Here is the Erzullie Icon interview of Khriselda Guarin. Get to know her from the basics to the deep personal story of how she finally came into terms of loving herself as is.
1. Name, Age and Erzullie Size
Khriselda Mari D. Guarin; 24 years old; 2L-3L
2. Current Occupation:
Investment Specialist
3. Favorite Erzullie Icon and why:
That would be Ms. Berna! I remember you (Aries) told me that you talked her into doing a shoot for Erzullie, that if she would not do it, who else will. When I scanned through her photographs, I did not fail to epitomize fierce and confidence. I feel her, I admit I was very timid at first during the shoot but then when I recalled her story, I realized that I will be representing Erzullie, I have to look confident in order to empower other plus size ladies that they can do what I and Ms. Berna and the other icons can do. :)
4. What's your journey as a plus size woman? How did you come into terms with your body?
My journey in a nutshell: dreadfully bullied and dumped. The bullying I can take, but the latter was something that stabbed me to the core. I was told by this ‘boy’ that he likes me; however we cannot be together because he is embarrassed to introduce me to his family. I was so depressed that I lost 50 lbs. My eye-opener to self acceptance was when I found out that because of my Yo-Yo dieting, I am now living with Sinus Arrhythmia. I gained back the pounds when I stopped the pills.
It’s just lately that I have embraced my excess adipose tissue. I felt recognized when some bloggers began featuring me, some boys liking me, and of course Erzullie choosing me to represent them. I realized that anyone who thinks I’m not worthy is not worth it. Right now, my priority is to become happy and healthy.
Ps. to the ‘boy’ who dumped me, I wish him happiness, love, and acceptance
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| ERZULLIE ICON KHRISELDA GUARIN ---RAW |
5. Why did you apply as an Erzullie Icon? What happened? (Tell us briefly, the story form application to acceptance)
I applied as an Icon because first of all, I love their clothes! They fit me well and I want to personally show them off to the plus size hotties. Next is that I believe in their advocacy to empower the oversize ladies. Their garments practically shout confidence. And finally, like most girls, I want to be photographed professionally, it makes me feel pretty and accepted.
One uneventful morning, I was ‘googling’ for plus size models Philippines, Erzullie’s ad popped up in the first page. The following week I was emailed by Aries, inviting me for an interview. I felt like I was in a pageant during the meet-up. I thought Aries would be intimidating but she’s so not. Her good sense of humour put my nervousness aside. When I finally received an email that I’m one of the chosen three, aah, nirvana
6. When you were selected, what were your thoughts?
Primarily, I was grateful to God that He gave me this once in a lifetime opportunity to become somebody. Then it boomed me, I want to change my lifestyle. It pushed me to quit smoking, drink more water, and sleep at least 8 hours a day. I want to glow, I want to look good because I want the plus size girls to see that I am happy with who I am and with what I wear J
7. You were also working with another Icon, Jhaki David, how is it working with her? Why do you think she deserve to be an Erzullie Icon?
Working with her is a breath of fresh air; I do not have much plus size friends and knowing her, her thoughts, and her fashion style gave me a new perspective. Jhaki deserves to be an icon because we both share the same goal: fatshion empowerment. And also, I bet she jived with Aries during the interview because they both have a very good sense of humour.
8. You have also worked with Marian Beltran, Erzullie Icon Resort 2011, How was it working with her?
Prior to the shoot, I read Marian’s interview and it moved me. She is contented and happy, and I want that. Working with Marian is exciting. She is very supportive of us, rookies. Plus, I love listening to her stories; she is smart and funny too.
9. During the shoot, what were the obstacles that you have faced? How did you overcome them? Did you feel insecure with the other Icons around you?
Honestly, I felt insecure at first because I am the biggest of them all. I don’t even see them as plus size. But eventually, I felt as sexy as them because the icons plus Aries, Berna, and Louise kept telling me that I look great.
During the shoot, my obstacle was projecting the sophisticated type of woman, I tried to post the look but it turned out differently. When they appreciated me in a different angle, I already felt at ease. Also, I felt awkward in a tube/sleeveless, I tried to hide my floppy arms , but I realized, hello I’m modelling for a plus size clothing, it’s not like I am expected to look thin.
10. Any message to all the plus size women out there?
Hey sexy ladies, come out of your closet and explore the FATSHION world of Erzullie! The key to a happier life is acceptance. With acceptance comes confidence. Nothing is sexier than a girl who wears confidence.
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| ERZULLIE ICON KHRISELDA GUARIN HOLIDAY 2011 NO NEED FOR POLISHING, SHE'S A DIAMOND ALREADY... naks! ^^ |
