Founder's Message

ONE HUNDRED AND NINE DAYS (109) UNTIL PLUS-SIZE WOMEN TAKE OVER THE WASHINGTON, DC METROPOLITAN AREA!!

Well, ladies (and gentlemen), I hope this newsletter letter finds you in the best of health and happiness as you celebrate the 4th of July and the Summer. We are approximately 109 days from our Empowerment Weekend and to date we have received hundreds of calls and several women have already registered for this
"phenomenal" event. We have extended the deadline to July 20, 2000 for women who are interested know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and VWC has decided to donate partial proceeds from the Empowerment Weekend to the Breast Cancer Foundation. This disease has probably affected you directly or indirectly and PREVENTION or EARLY DETECTION is the best cure. Therefore, we (VWC) feel that it is important for us to contribute to finding a cure and educating women about their
options..

Last month, VWC attended the 2nd Annual Full-Figured and Fabulous Modeling Competition in New York and it was even more fabulous than last year. This year's winner was Yvette Bennett, a wife, mother and veteran Corrections Officer. And
who said "we are NOT every woman"? The surprise of the evening was for the Voluptuous Woman Company. DeVoe Signature Events, producer of the modeling competition, presented VWC with the "Pioneer Award" which reads " In appreciation of your commitment to increasing the positive visibility of plus-size women all over the world." As usual I cried because I was extremely surprised and felt honored that
another company recognized the efforts of VWC. I would personally like to thank Gwen DeVoe (Diva) for not only being a fellow entrepreneur but a wonderful business associate and friend.

In this issue of the newsletter we have included information about how you can participate in the Plus-Size Awareness Campaign. This ongoing campaign is extremely important, because if we don't stand up for ourselves, who else will
stand up for us? VWC is always interested in hearing the how men perceive women of size, so we have included our first interview with an admirer of plus-size women. We also wanted to share with you a great letter that we received from one of our newsletter subscribers in Barbados.

We are finalizing the speakers for the Empowerment Weekend, and so far we have invited, *Venise Berry (Author of All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale), Chyna McGarity Arnold
(professional model-Chynaplus), Pam Young (owner of Models Plus International and the Young Agency), DeLores Pressley (Producer of Ms. PlusUSA Pageant), Barbara Harris Williams (CEO of Creating the Fabulous You: Mind, Body and Soul), Nancy Schaefer (CEO of Phenomenalwomen.com), Cynthia Johnson and Marie Gant
(Owners of HIPPS Fashion Galleria in Atlanta, GA),Dina Tate (CEO of Sisters4Sisters) and Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe.* We are also working on a couple of other surprise guests/speakers.
*subject to change

As a special treat we will have Monique, owner of Fresh Start Day Spa onsite providing services such as mini-facials body massages, and waxing (by appointment).

If your company is interested in sponsorship opportunities, please call 301-890-2972 and a representative will mail a sponsorship package to them. We have included advertising rates for the Empowerment Weekend in this issue of the newsletter
in response to the many requests that we have received.

I hope all of you have a safe and blessed Summer, and as always we leave you with the inspirational message for the month.

Inspirational Message:

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul" Psalm 138:3 KJV

Peace and Blessings,

Jennene Biggins-Grimsley
Founder and CEO

We continue to receive some wonderful feedback from our readers and we will begin to include those letters in future editions of the newsletter. This letter was sent to us by a newsletter subscriber in Barbados:

Dear Jennene,

This is a short note from over in the Caribbean from the Island of Barbados. I wonder if you realize that through the miracles of technology your messages and spirit travels
all over the world. And it has definately touched me. To me voluptuous woman represents empowerment to be anything that you put your mind to and not to allow society to treat you as a minority, but believe in yourself be it in love, Christ, work, the gym or whatever.

My story is one of a young woman who once thought she was big and whom people laughed at. Family and friends who thought they were helping truly were not, and
they made matters worst. For five years I watched myself ballon from 150 pounds to 215lbs at the age of 21. With your support I found myself a man, who says "big
woman can find love". I started to feel better about myself so I joined a gym. And for the bands that would not hire me because I was fat and thought singers should be slim, missed their out because I started my own jazz and blues band.

My next step is to spread the word that women of size are beautiful with alot to offer. I am also starting my modeling career on the side any helpful tips would be appreciated. I would like to be the Naomi Campbell of full figured models only prettier.

Thank you again.
Melissa from Barbados

VWC appreciates receiving your wonderful feedback and we hope to continue to provide useful information and words of encouragement.

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.

July 14-16, 2000
BABs Social Group is sponsoring the BBW EAST COAST SUMMER JAM at the Marriott
Hotel,Somerset, NJ. For more information visit their website at http://members.aol.com/bbwwomen. VWC will be exhibiting on Saturday, July 15th 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.

July 30, 2000
Ms. MetroPlus Pageant at the Queen Anne Auditorium in Largo, MD. For more information call 202-452-7445 or visit http://www.glynnjackson.com/events.html

July 31, 2000
If you are interested in becoming a contestant for the 15th National Ms Plus USA Pageant, send in your application by July 31, 2000 for consideration. For more information visit their website at http://www.plususa.com/enter.htm

August 1-6, 2000
NAAFA 2000 Convention in San Diego, CA. For more information cal l916-558-6880 or visit their website at http://www.naafa.org/events/convention00

August 27, 2000
VWC will present 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

September 27-30, 2000
5th Annual All American Woman Plus Pageant at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Orlando, Florida. For more informationsend an email to aaaw@ecqual.net or visit their website at http://www.ecqual.net/allamericanplus

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

October 28, 2000
DeVoe Signature Events presents "Glamazon"; A Fashion Show for Women of Size. For more information call 917-356-5569 or send an email to applediva@aol.com

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

Cookouts, Block parties, fireworks, boat rides and parades.
These are the sights and sounds of summer. With the weather blazing and the music pumping, who really feels like going to the gym to workout? Despite what people think the summer can be the best time to change your lifestyle. Why? Because in addition to your present routine you can supplement your workout with fun activities that help burn calories and help you become active. Here are some great summer time activities that can get you moving and make you fell better!

**Running or walking is the granddaddy of all outdoor activities is great for all fitness levels. If you are a beginner you can start with a walk/jog program and gradually pick up the pace. The calorie burn per hour of this fast-paced exercise ranges from
730 to 892 calories for an 8-minute mile.

**Volleyball is a great total body workout that helps to burn up to 420 calories per hour. Spikes and volleys target your upper body while reaching for low balls build your glutes (butt). Beach volleyball provides more resistance because of the sand while increasing your calorie burn and toning your lower body.

**Another great total body workout is swimming. Swimming utilizes all the major muscle groups and great for those for people who are prone to injuries and joint problems. Swimming is great for a relaxing full body workout.

TIPS FOR EXERCISING OUTDOORS:
* To prevent heat exhaustion, wear loose clothing leaving as much skin surface exposed as possible to promote heat loss through the evaporation of sweat.

*Avoid outdoor activity when two or more factors are present:
- When the temperature is above 82 degrees
- There is minimal cloud cover and/or the humidity is over 70 percent

* Drink water 30 minutes before exercise and then every 15 minutes during exercise to avoid dehydration. Take another drink after you have finished working out.

* High intensity training should be avoided in conditions above 100 degrees and obviously outdoor activity should be avoided when the weather tops 150 degrees.

Changing your lifestyle sometimes can be trying, but try to make it fun by doing activities you enjoy and see yourself doing for a long period of time. Also, make it even more enjoyable with the help of your Sisterfriend.

##Dina Tate is the CEO of Sisters 4 Sisters, a support group for women who want to change their eating habits, and/or want to lose weight. You can visit her website at http://www.sister4sisters.com or email her at dctate@mindspring.com

OnlyReal.com
A lifestyle website that is "all about style and not about size". Onlyreal empowers you with fashion and style that go beyond size. Visit their website at http://www.onlyreal.com

Phenomenalwomen.com
A great website that offers an enormous amount of information and empowerment for ALL women and even men. Visit their website at http://www.phenomenalwomen.com

Self-Worth.com
Throughout life, all of us may get misguided at some point. Self-worth.com is just what the doctor ordered. It is a wonderful site that offers inspiration and motivation. Do
you need a pick me up today? Then visit their website at http://www.self-worth.com

iprazhm.com
A faith based search engine that will provide prayer, motivational information, church events, and will provide a platform for business to business transactions within a faith-based community. For more information visit the website at http://www.iprazhm.com

Fit and Fat, Inc.
At this site you will find health facts concerning weight and activity, nutritional support, "easy movement" exercise ideas, motivation and goal setting. All areas addressed, are geared to moving you in the direction of a healthy, happy lifestyle. Visit their website at http:// www.fatandfitinc.com

Women's Wire
A woman's community that has information on money, work, style, men and numerous other topics. Visit their website at http://www.womenswire.com

Santa Barbara Exclusives
Online speciality store that features lingerie, menswear, accessories and more. Visit their website at http://www.sbexclusives.com

**If you know of any plus-size websites that you would like to share with our newsletter subscribers, please send an email to newsletter@volupwoman.com**

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
*I am mostly a laid back individual. I am a huge movie buff and enjoy cooking home-cooked meals, seafood mostly. I am a sucker for Cajun. I am at the point in my life where I would rather spend a really cool evening at home. Going out is cool, but lately I have been at the house. Especially since I redecorated, I am digging my place. Over all I like being in the company of solid people who bring something to the table.

WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO PLUS-SIZE WOMEN?
*I would not say that I am attracted only to plus- size women, but there is no question that I like plus-size women. To tell you the truth, I don't know what the answer is, I have examined it time and time again and have not come up with an answer. At least
not one that makes sense. At this point, I try not to think about it, I know what I like and I go with that. I realized that there does not have to be an answer. I really like this way of thinking because it takes the pressure off and you can just go with the flow.

HAVE YOU DATED PLUS-SIZE AND "NORMAL" SIZE WOMEN?
*Yes I have, but maybe more plus-size than "normal."

IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THESE TWO KINDS OF WOMEN?
*I have not experienced one particular difference other than individual personalities. As far as one thing that either group has in common, I have not found one.

DO THE MAJORITY OF YOUR MALE FRIENDS HAVE PLUS-SIZE GIRLFRIENDS OR WIVES?
*I do not have many friends that are married, but the ones who are dating, I guess they can best be described as thick (body shape).

WHAT IS THEIR VIEW ON THE PLUS-SIZE WOMAN?
*It is kind of tricky because some of them consider different sizes to be plus size. Again, it goes back to being relative. There are some who view it as unhealthy and others who think it is the greatest thing in the world. Out here in Atlanta they are
celebrated. To be honest, I have heard too many views to tell you about for an interview, but I will say they range from very good to very bad.

DO YOU THINK MEN WHO LIKE PLUS-SIZE WOMEN ARE EMBARRASSED TO EXPRESS THEIR TRUE PREFERENCE WHEN THEY ARE WITH THE "BOYS"?
*That is an issue for many men who go that way. I know this to be fact.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WOMAN?
*I am really into the career woman. I have always had a thing for really intelligent women. It has always been a turn on to be in the company of a very smart lady. I guess I feel like I am a smart guy, so I would want to be around the same thing as myself. Of course, I like really attractive women. I have struggled with that for a while,(not to be shallow) but I just like being in the presence of an attractive woman. You can say it goes back to the intelligence thing. If I am attractive myself then I would like to be around the same thing.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A ROMANTIC EVENING?
*Before I moved from LA I had the perfect answer. I say that because LA had a waterfront and was geared more toward that type of activity. Not that you can't
have a romantic evening in Atlanta, it is just that your options are wider in LA. So for Atlanta it is usually dinner and a movie. If it is at my place I cook a nice meal and put something really cool on the CD player. I am feeling kind of bad, because I wish I
could come up with a better answer. Something a little more original, but for now that is the deal. Hopefully it will change in the future.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE THE VOLUPTUOUS WOMAN NEWSLETTER READERS TO KNOW?
* I hope you enjoyed the interview and that it was cool being able to open up to you ladies. Thank you for taking time out of your day for me.

**If you know of any men who would like to be interviewed for future editions of the newsletter, please send an email to newsletter@volupwoman.com

**Share your real life experience - or Share your Love experience!
If you have met your soul mate, significant other or someone very special dating on line,. we want hear from you. Send us a short story of your success to ljohnson@volupwoman.com

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