We had the good fortune of connecting with Big Bae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Big, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always knew that i was different. I always knew i was meant to live and work on my own terms. I can’t be put into a box so because of that I’ve always been uncomfortable at any job I’ve ever worked at! I wanted something of my own! I wanted something to call mine ! I wanted to take my passion and put drive behind it. I’ve worked for other people finding theirs dreams for years. It was time to put myself first!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I can honestly say that I did not think that growing up I would become a social media influencer, it just kind of happened! I began to take my comfort zone and blow it up to where it didn’t exist anymore. I loved the way that it made me feel so I wanted to radiate that on to other women! So i begun to do women empowering photo shoots along with making videos with me in my voice talking My “Ish” and they just began to do numbers and create me a platform which I am still currently growing! I am currently sitting at 140,000+ on TikTok and close to 40,000 on Instagram my reach on Facebook alone fluctuates between 3 million and 5.6 million! I just genuinely Be me and that alone has made me a social media influencer. Now i throw my own Sold out Plussize events , Host other events, Do a plethora of photoshoots and i run my own business among other things ! I can say the hardest thing is the negative comments because some people don’t understand why a plussize woman feels she can wear what she wants and do what she wants . But I’ve learned that once you get past the negative comments and realize that some people are just angry and miserable it gets easier to ignore them! I would want the world to know that I am just genuinely me, I genuinely stay true to who I am and it is working for me so if I could leave one impression on the world it would be to know who you are And don’t let anyone ever try to change that!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. Cincinnati is one of those places where there are so many hidden Gems! I have a few favorite places that I frequent in Cincinnati! One of my favorite breakfast spots is 6 ‘N The Mornin’, which is located in Kenwood and is owned by one of my close friends Trey Graham ! I’m a very chill and laid-back person so I’m more so enjoy lunch and dinner dates I’m not really the bar or the club type. It may be surprising to know that I am a very reserved person because I enjoy my solitude which is crazy because I’m considered a public figure! One thing for sure 2 things for certain we’re  doing a photo shoot so we absolutely have to make sure we get our hair done by Shannon McCoy “GetBlownAway or Angel the Stylist! We’d get our nails done by Aujanae “NailsbyBlanco” and our faces beat by Zhane “DollFaceMoney” or Jasmine JDesiree the Mua. For lunch Or dinner Gyu-Kaku would be the move because it’s one of my favorite restaurants! Movie theatre’s and Bowling at Main Event are also high on my list of favorite things to do! Bengals and reds games are also a ABSOLUTE must! 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to first acknowledge God because i walk this path with him ! I would next like to acknowledge my Fiancé Visuals By Al for always speaking life into me and pushing me to be Great! Thank you for never letting me quit on myself and sticking by my side through it all! Also shout out to my closest people Shannon McCoy , Angel The Stylist , Jasmine Desiree, Zhan’e, Dinah, Blanco , BigMuva ,Tia , Brianna and Sweeten for rocking with me and accepting me for who i am! Thank you for allowing me to grow and flourish freely ! Thank you for genuinely being a listening ear, my therapists and more! A major shout out to my customers and supporters because Without you guys there is no me! I love you all deeply! There are so important people who have supported me along my journey ! Yolanda the snatcher , Victoria Foster , Ask Ashlee , Nykky Burgin and Bridgette Williamson thank you for never gatekeeping! For answering questions,  offering advice and making sure i know who i am! I genuinely appreciate you all so much! So many others including siblings , friends and family members You know who you are! Lastly , The people who try to tear me down. Thank you , because your hate fuels my fire bookies. 

Website: Www.Thetmariecollection.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_bigbae?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_.bigbae?_t=8duVwzwvybC&_r=1

Image Credits
Visuals By Al Phoyography Victor Fox Photography Mr. 12Am Media Chevy Smith Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.