Founder's Message

I don't get it!

I was heading out of town to attend a business conference last week, and I went into one of the plus-size retail stores to look for a swimsuit, new brassiere and a dressy black skirt. I didn't think I was looking for anything "out of the norm", but to my surprise and frustration it was a challenge that I was not in the mood to tackle. I went in the store and the first thing that I see is halter tops on "normal size" mannequins with
svelte figures. My first reaction was "Am I in the right store?" As I checked the sign on the outside of the store I realized I WAS in the right place. But many of the outfits were wrong. As I continued on my shopping expedition, I first tried to find a supportive swimsuit for my size 22 figure. You know something that will help tuck the stomach in and lift up the bosom. Well, to my surprise this particular store did not have any swimsuits. I sought out the help of the salesperson and she informed me that all of their stores did not carry swimsuits, just a chosen few…OK strike one! Next, I try to
find a bra. Needless to say, there were many beautiful colors, BUT the catch was that NONE of them were supportive. Again, I ask myself am I in a plus size clothing store? Strike two! Well, I begin to approach my third strike when I try desperately to find a semi-dressy black skirt, and unfortunately jersey knit is not my idea of "dressy".

As we approach the half way mark for new Millennium, the plus-size woman is becoming a positive figure in mainstream society, BUT some retailers are getting so caught up in providing us with "fashionable" clothing, that they are forgetting about the basic "support" needs. In this issue of the newsletter, we have describe the purpose of the Plus-Size Awareness Campaign which will kick off July 4, 2000.

We were blessed to be featured in the Summer 2000 issue of Belle Magazine. We are extremely proud of the two-page article because it focuses on our upcoming Empowerment Weekend in October. We have received many calls for information about the event, so I believe the event will definitely sell-out. In this issue of the newsletter we have included registration information and rates for the conference. So gather your girlfriends and come to the " A Diamond in the Rough: Empowerment Weekend", because it will be an event that you will not want to miss. In addition, if your company is interested in sponsorship opportunities, please call 301-890-2972 and a representative will mail a sponsorship package to them.

Paget's Disease is a form of breast cancer that many women are not familiar with. This information was forwarded to me and I thought it was something that all women should be made aware of. And for your reading pleasure we have included a book review of "All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale" by Venise Berry. If you haven't read this book, it is a must read for all women - especially plus-size women.

The purpose of the Voluptuous Woman newsletter is to provide up-to-date information on issues that are of interest to today;s plus-size women, therefore starting in June, the Voluptuous Woman newsletter will be distributed monthly instead of bi-monthly.

Inspirational Message:

"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil,
quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19)

Peace and Blessings,

Jennene Biggins-Grimsley
Founder and CEO

Well, July 4th is here and our mission begins. In last months newsletter we briefly discussed the Plus-Size Awareness Campaign and now it is time to put our plan into action. I thought I would share with you some information that I found concerning the plus-size apparel market. According toThe NPD Group, Inc. (the leading marketing information provider), overall sales for apparel sales in 1999 was $184 billion dollars.
However, women's apparel sales was $96,006 (in millions) and plus-size apparel sales reached $26,000 (in millions), which accounts for 27% of all dollars spent on women's apparel. Not to mention the products that we buy that are not segmented
by sizes. The NPD Group, Inc. also reported that the sales of large sizes grew 10% for the year!

So you ask - What does this mean to me? It means that THE PLUS-SIZE WOMAN HAS SERIOUS BUYING POWER!! As I am sure you have heard, the percentage
of women size 14 and up can range anywhere from 57% to 68%, depending on the reporting source, but either number strongly indicates that women of size comprise
more than 50% of the female population. So if we ARE the MAJORITY, why are we treated as the MINORITY? And the answer to this question is because we (women of size) let them. But starting today - JULY 4, 2000 we are going to start the RE-EDUCATION of the PLUS-SIZE WOMAN and the WORLD!

The Voluptuous Woman Company is joining together with women around the world to launch a GLOBAL Plus-Size Awareness Campaign. And the first assignment is to
"BECOME AWARE". For the month of July start really taking inventory of retailers in your area, whether they be department stores, specialty stores or mail order catalogs. If you have more than one mall in your area take a trip to each and think about this:

1. Does the retailer have a "plus-size" women's clothing department?
2. Is the "women's" department located on the same floor as other apparel? OR do you have to go into the basement to find your size?
3. Take a look at your mail. Do the catalogs that advertise plus-sizes use full-figured models? Or, are the prices drastically different from the "regular" sizes?

Now, if you find that your answers to questions 2 and 3 are "NO", then I want you to TAKE ACTION! Find out from the customer service department who to direct complaints to. Besure to get a name and address of the local person, as well as, the corporate representative of the department store. When you write your letter simply ask why the women's department is isolated from other apparel. Keep a copy of your letter and let us know IF and WHEN they reply.

If you are receiving mail order catalogs that sell plus-size clothing but use size 8 models, call customer service and find out who you can register a complaint with. Follow-up your call with a letter and be sure to keep a copy.

Ladies, until we start voicing our opinions and needs, manufacturers will still make "unflattering" plus-size apparel. Aspiring plus-size models will not have a chance to
reach their dreams. And we will continue to be treated as the minority instead of the MAJORITY.

VWC needs your support. Our purpose is to create awareness, by motivating plus-size women to exude confidence and DEMAND acceptance. Get together with
friends in your area to make a change. If you need help or direction, please do not hesitate to call us.

Support us in our mission to market the Plus-Size Awareness Campaign message throughout the World. If you believe in our cause and want to support our effort, please send a minimum donation of $5.00 to our cause. And to show our thanks we will send you a $5.00 gift certificate to be used towards any Voluptuous Woman Company product or event. I want to thank the women who have mailed us donations to show their support. We want our voices to be heard. Your donation will assist us with advertising this Plus-Size Awareness Campaign and will allow us to continue to promote a positive image of plus-size women to the world.

All Donations can be mailed to:
VWC, Attn: Donations,
P.O. Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
or you can charge your donation to Visa or MasterCard.

The Voluptuous Woman Company thanks you in advance for your support. In the August issue of the newsletter, we will begin to post some of the results from our Plus-Size Awareness Campaign.

May 26-28, 2000 - The 3rd Annual Abundance of Beauty Pageant, Sea World
Adventure Park in San Diego, California. Visit their website at http://www.beob.org
or email beob@aol.com for more information.

May 27-29, 2000 - Memorial Day Bash in Connecticut. For more information
call 203-876-1659 or visit their website http://members.aol.com/bigconnections

May 28, 2000 - Divad Image Consulting Agency's,"Beauty In A
Plus-size Figure Seminar" in Jonesboro, Georgia on May 28, 2000 - 2:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m. To register please forward your name, email address, and/or
telephone number to Keshia Taylor at dicakt@aol.com or call 770-281-4583

June 9-11, 2000 - June BBW Bash in Singer Island in Florida. Visit their
website at http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/garden/7944/bash/main.html

June 10, 2000 - Full-Figured and Fabulous - The Millennium Woman; A
Plus-Size Runway Model competition in New York. For more information
call 917-356-5569 or send an email to applediva@aol.com. VWC will be
exhibiting at the competition so stop by and meet the staff.

July 21-23, 2000 - Philly Bash 2000 - http://phillybash.com. VWC will be
exhibiting on Saturday, July 22, 2000, so stop by and meet the staff.

August 27, 2000 - VWC will presenting a workshop at the African American
Women on Tour Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information on
AAWOT visit their website at http://www.aawot.com

October 20-22, 2000 - A Diamond in the Rough: Empowerment Weekend
for Plus-Size Women and the 3rd Annual Fashion Show/Networking Reception
will be sponsored by the Voluptuous Woman Company. Visit the website
at http://www.volupwoman.com/conf-pg1.htm

November 2-4, 2000 - Ms. All American Woman Plus Pageant. Visit their
website at http://www.ecqual.net/allamericanplus

November 10-12, 2000 - The 15th Annual Ms. Plus USA Pageant. Visit
their website at http://www.plususa.com or call 330-649-9809

Paget's disease is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureola. It appears as a rash which later becomes a lesion with a crusty outer edge.

What are the symptoms? It starts out as a single red pimple on the aureola. One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infections leading to unfortunate delays,undetection and care.

The symptoms include:
1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn.

2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal.

3. Usually only one nipple is affected.

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam, and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts done immediately. Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast.

What can be done to help prevent this from recurring? Monthly checks for any lumps, sores, or oozing from your breasts.Report any breast changes to your doctor immediately.

For more information please consult your doctor and visit the American Cancer Society's website at http://www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345

EARLY DETECTION IS THE BEST CURE!!

Alight.com - http://www.alight.com - The ultimate shopping experience for plus and junior plus sizes. From casual to eveningwear, discover an extraordinary fashion selection to create the perfect wardrobe.

Women Today Magazine - Intelligent info about relationships, health, beauty, fitness, money, business, careers, cooking and parenting, to enrich the body, mind and spirit of today's busy woman. Personal online counseling available. Free monthly email newsletter. http://www.womentodaymagazine.com

iprazhm.com - A faith based search engine that will provide live prayer requests, business to business transactions within a faith-based community, and community related efforts for revitalization of poor and neglected neighborhoods. This website will premier May 22,2000. For more information send an email to iprazhm@aol.com or visit the website at http://www.iprazhm.com

Lonnie Cisco is a wonderful designer who was recently featured in the Summer issue of Belle Magazine. Cisco designs fabulous clothing for the plus-size woman. Visit his website at http://lcmfashions.homestead.com or call (201) 435-9345. Cisco is based out of Jersey City, NJ.

HABILLEZ-MOI is the French large sized women's paradise for a long time. The ready-to-wear clothes shop for plus-size women has website, reserved for them. It's a welcoming place where women will find at last the clothes they like. Visit their website at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/habillez.moi/uk_index.html

Beautiful Plus - Beautiful Plus Boutique is a group of professionals committed to providing low cost, high quality fashions to women. Visit their website at http://www.beautifulplus.com

Shore-Fit Sunwear Women's Swimwear Boutique - A swimwear shop with an extensive collection of swimsuits and sun fashions for women sizes 8 to 28. Visit their website at http://www.obxsunwear.com

Swim Suits Just for Us - http://www.swimsuitsjustforus.com - Try on your new swimsuits in the comfort of your own home and see what a difference just one great shopping experience can make. Whether you're looking for a swimsuit for your summer vacation or your swim class, you'll find flattering styles and comfortable fits.

By Ro! Designs - If you want to celebrate the plus-size women in your life or simply pamper yourself, why not buy a gorgeous nightgown or a fun tankini. Visit the website at http://www.plusshop.com or send an email to Sales@plusshop.com

I have to say that when I picked up this "Voluptuous Tale" I couldn't put it down. The book "All of Me" by Venise Berry is the most inspiring, humorous, entertaining book of the millennium. Finally, a heroine in the shape of a true full-figured woman. Like many of us (full-figured women) the main character Serpentine Williamson has tried in more ways than one to sub-come to what society deems as acceptable. For all of her life she has tried to battle the weight war. Like many of us she has tried high fat, low fat, Richard Simmons and the list of diets goes on. A few pounds lost here and there, but nothing ever permanent. And when the pounds return, they return two times as much until Serpentine reaches a voluptuous size 22/24.

Serpentine's journalist career is put at a stand still because her new boss, and TV viewers feel that "she has a pretty face and is a good reporter", however "her weight stands in the way of obtaining the much deserved anchor's spot. Then there is Carlin, the man who she has loved in the past. The man that laughed at the jokes told by playmates at Serpentine's expense. The man, now some odd years later, confesses
he loves Serpentine at the size she is, however he has a constant eye on the skinny-mini songstress who is "just a friend". And while Serpentine's career and love life are falling apart, her family still isn't as supportive as they should be.

Feeling like the weight of the world is on her shoulders, Serpentine snaps. She doesn't want to deal with job problems, the Carlin problems, the family problems. She wants to take what she feels is the only way out of this madness we call life. But with the grace of God and the help of Dr. Greeley, Serpentine comes back, a little weak at first, but with determination and confidence, she develops self esteem, wisdom, self respect and most of all love for herself.

Venise Berry has captured the true essence of the full-figured woman with this novel and this novel should be an inspiration to us all. To quote Ms. Berry, she dedicated her book to "the Rubenesque women of the world, especially my African-American sisters, who have wondered if they're beautiful. YOU ARE! " We salute Venise Berry
for telling such a powerful and inspirational story, thanks for being the voice of so many full-figured woman.

"All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale" by Venise Berry can be found in all major bookstores. You can visit her website at http://www.veniseberry.com

CLASSIFIED RATES FOR WEBSITE*:

$$$$ If you would like to advertise your event or company in the next issue
of our newsletter or on our website the rates are as follows: (includes a link to your website or email address)

Two Months $60.00
Three Months $80.00
Six Months $120.00

NEWSLETTER CLASSIFIED RATES: $10.00 for 2 issues.

The closing date for newsletter advertisement rates is the 21st of the month
prior to the publication month.

Hilton Alexandria Old Town Hotel
1767 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone 703-837-0440/ Fax 703-837-0454

The hotel is located 15 minutes outside of Washington, DC and is convenient to National Airport, major highways, Union Station (Amtrak) and within walking distance of the Metrorail (Washington, DC's mass transit system).

The weekend will include:
*Welcome Packets with "goodies"
*Continental Breakfast
*Workshops
*Luncheon
*Networking Reception and Fashion Show
*Sunday Brunch

Featured Speakers*:
Chyna McGarity Arnold - Professional Plus-Size Model
Venise Berry - Author, All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe
Barbara Harris - Creating the Fabulous You:Mind Body, & Soul
DeLores Pressley - Ms. Plus USA Pageant
Nancy Imelda Schafer - PhenomenalWomen.com
Dina Tate - Sisters 4 Sisters.com
Pam Young - Models Plus International
Cynthia Johnson and Marie Gant, HIPPS Fashion Galleria
*subject to change

TOTAL EVENT PRICE - $139.00 (does not include hotel)

The early registration conference rate is $139.00 (non-members) and $97.00 (members). After September 22, 2000 the conference rate is $169.00 (non-members) and $118.00 (members) and will be based on availability. The conference space is limited, so be sure to register early. Full conference packages including room and conference rates are available.

ONE NIGHT CONFERENCE PACKAGE*
*Single occupancy - $298.00
*Double occupancy - $219.00
*Triple occupancy - $192.00
*Quad occupancy - $179.00

TWO NIGHT CONFERENCE PACKAGE*
*Single occupancy - $457.00
*Double occupancy - $298.00
*Triple occupancy - $245.00
*Quad occupancy - $219.00
*excludes taxes

Full conference packages receive a copy of our Full-Figured Woman's Resource Guide.

VWC
Attn: Diamond
P.O. Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172

INDIVIDUAL EVENT PRICES

*Conference Only (no hotel accommodations) $139.00 (savings $31.00)
*Workshops Only (no luncheon, brunch or Fashion Show/Reception $85.00
*Saturday Luncheon $30.00
*Fashion Show and Networking Reception $30.00 Adv ($35 at door)
*Sunday Brunch $25.00

If you would like an order form, please send an email to conf2000@volupwoman.com and a form will be emailed to you automatically. Or you can call 301-890-8301 ext. 2

AIRLINE DISCOUNTS

United Airlines and US Airways have been designated as the official carriers for the attendees of "A Diamond in the Rough:Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women". Service is available into Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) Airports. However, Reagan National Airport is located 15 minutes from the hotel. Discounts of 5% to 10% off the lowest applicable fare are valid for travel between October 18-25, 2000.

US Airways - Call US Airways Group and Meeting Reservations Office toll-free at (877) 874-7687 8:00am-9:30pm (EST) Refer to Gold File
No. 62661613 (Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women)

United Airlines - Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID Number 527ZO

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Do you have 10 or more friends who may want to come to the Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women? Why not receive 15% off of the registration fee* just for getting a group of 10 or more together for a "weekend getaway"
(*not applicable to VWC members).

Groups of 10 or more receive a reserved table at the Luncheon and Brunch, as well as, special seating at the Fashion Show and Networking Reception. In addition, groups will receive a special welcome announcement in the Souvenir Program.

Group Requirements:
1. All individual registration forms must be received with Group Name on it and member list attached.
2. Individuals already registered cannot be added to a group.
3. Minimum group size of 10 must be met.
4. All refund/transfer policies and deadlines apply.
5. To qualify for a reserved table, group must be fully registered and paid by September 22, 2000.
6. Entire group MUST register at one time. Payments can be made individualy or in a lump sum.

For more information regarding groups, please send an email to rpowell@volupwoman.com or call 301-890-8301 ext. 4

ROOMMATE INFORMATION

We have received some inquiries regarding roommate matching for women who want to come to the Empowerment Weekend but don't want a single room.

If you are in need of a roommate, please send your name and phone number to register@volupwoman.com or call 301-890-8301 ext. 2. VWC will forward your name/email to potential roommates and the arrangements MUST be made at
the discretion of the individuals. VWC does not take responsibility for any indiscretions concerning arrangements between you and your roommate.

ALTERNATE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

VWC has a limited amount of rooms designated at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town Hotel. And due to the responses from potential Empowerment Weekend attendees we will sell out our room block. However, we still have rooms available at this time.
Nonetheless, we have included a list of additional hotels in the Old Town Alexandria Virginia area for your convenience.

Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town - 703-684-5900
Alexandria Suites Hotel - 703-370-1000
Best Western Old Colony Inn - 703-739-2222
Comfort Inn Alexandria - 703-922-9200
Comfort Inn Landmark - 703-642-3422
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria - 703-329-2323
Holiday Inn Alexandria - Telegraph Rd - 703-960-3400
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites - 703-548-6300
Holiday Inn Select Old Town - 703-549-6080
Radisson National Airport (N Fairfax St) 703-683-6000

If you want to stay at the host hotel (the Hilton Alexandria Old Town) you need to get your registrations in as soon as possible.

ADVERTISING RATES

Want to reach hundreds of women at our event? Want to get additional customers for your products, services or social functions?

Well, don't miss an opportunity to advertise in our souvenir program that will be distributed to all Empowerment Weekend attendees and guests of our 3rd Annual Networking Reception and Fashion Show. Not only will you reach the attendees at the event, but women are known for passing along information to their friends or family
which will extend your advertising dollars beyond the attendees of the Empowerment Weekend.

SECURE YOUR SPACE NOW!!

*****RATES*****
The souvenir journal size is 8'x11"

All display advertisements must be camera ready (Black and White).

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IS SEPTEMBER 22, 2000.
Space is limited so place your reservations early.

Send an email to advertising@volupwoman.com for an advertising order form or call 301-890-8301 ext. 4 Listed below is a copy of our advertising rates:

*Full Page (inside cover) $200.00 (incl. website listing until 12/1/00 on the VWC website)
*Full Page (display ad) $120.00 (incl.website listing until 12/1/00 on the VWC website)
*Half Page (display ad) $75.00
*Quarter Page (display ad) $50.00
*Basic Listing (business card) $35.00
*Website listing (includes company name,website/email and 15 word description) $25.00

***VWC reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that we feel is not suitable for our patrons. No diet or weight loss advertisements will be accepted.***

Our mailing address is:
VWC
PO Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
Phone: 301-890-8301
Fax: 240-465-0529
Website: http://www.volupwoman.com

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VWC is also offering a distributor program for people who are interested in selling the Guide to earn extra money. The retail price for the book is $18.95 and we will pay you a $5.00 commission for each book that you sell. VWC will handle all of the billing
and shipping and send you a commission check monthly.

If you are interested in becoming a distributor please send an email to distributor@volupwoman.com

Yes, I would like to order ____ copies of the Full Figured Woman's Resource
Guide at the introductory rate of $18.95 plus $3.00 S/H each.

Enclosed is a check/money order for $______________ OR
Please charge $______________ to my Visa/Mastercard (circle one)
Credit Card Number__________________________________________
Exp. Date:___________
Authorized Signature:_________________________________________

Name:________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________
City, State, ZIP_________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________
Fax ___________________________________
Email__________________________________

**Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery**

Send order form to:

Voluptuous Woman Company
Attn: FFWRG
P.O. Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
or fax credit card orders to:
240-465-0529

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An official VWC T-shirt
A copy of the Full Figured Woman's Resource Guide
VIP Seating at VWC Events
30% off Conference Registration (Fall 2000)
30% off Advertising rates for brochures and event programs
50% off VWC Sponsored Events

Send $45.00 for a Two-Year membership via check or money order to:
VWC
P.O. Box 1172,
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
or to pay by Visa/MasterCard by calling 301-890-8301 ext. 4 or visit our website at http://www.volupwoman.com/club.html. VWC wants to hear your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at:

Voluptuous Woman Company
P.O. 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
Phone - 301-890-8301
Fax - 240-465-0529
Toll-Free - 888-558-7845
Email: jbiggins@volupwoman.com
Visit our website at: http://www.volupwoman.com