Meet Colette Hanna of Cocos Curvy Closet in North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Hanna.

Colette, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Three years ago. Going through a horrible heartbreak. Enter Colette, or Coco onto the Instagram paradigm. I was looking for a distraction, a healthy distraction. One other than shopping, eating, spending money uselessly! I was out with a good friend of mine, Carol, and I was approached numberous times throughout the night by women who looked like me — plus size, curvy, big, fat, whatever you want to call us. These women had the same question every time, where did I get my outfit from and how was I so confident?

Later that evening on our way home – my friend told me the answer was right in front of my face tonight, I found my creative outlet, my healthy distraction, sharing my daily finds, outfits, regimens, mantras with other women who look like me and feel underrepresented in media, campaigns, marketing, film/tv, etc. From representation comes empowerment — I’ve learned that, and am blessed to share that with others.

Three years later, here we are, with a beautiful community of 242k+! Spreading positive outlook, humor, empowerment, confidence, and inclusive representation for plus size women.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was smooth for a while! But with more followers, came more hate and trolls. People feel entitled to let you know what they don’t like about your physical appearance on social media. It’s a lot easier than in person and secondly, they are insecure at the root and this makes them feel better about themselves. For me, bullying is bullying and it’s not tolerated within my platform. I started this journey to spread self-love, body confidence, and female empowerment – these trolls will not be the ones to derail that.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cocos Curvy Closet – what should we know?
My platform, Cocos Curvy Closet (Instagram + Facebook) is my business venture. I prioritize working with brands in promoting their plus size fashion options, beauty finds, or promoting local restaurants. I am proud that I am able to stay true with my community and only collaborate with brands that I believe in and believe to be inclusive.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely, my good friend Carol – who championed the creation of this page from the beginning! Without her encouragement, I may have never embarked on this journey!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/COCOSCURVYCLOSET
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocoscurvycloset/

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