Orlena Sanders-Epps was the winner of the July Curvaceous Diva competition held at Club Studio Hitz.
Name: Orlena Sanders-Epps
Stage name: “Big Red” is the nickname given to me by family and friends because of my thickness and complexion.
High school: LaSalle Senior High School, New York
Where do you get your hair done? Rodney and Carol Barbershop, Jennings
Favorite place to shop? Torrid and Ashley Stewart
Are you single or looking? NEITHER
Home church: Mt. Erie Baptist Church, New York; visiting member of Compton Hill Baptist Church
Comfort food: Chocolate and ice cream
Comfort music: Neo soul, old-school R&B and gospel
Things you like to do: I love to spend time with my family, traveling the globe, reading, shopping and decorating.
Things you like to do in the Lou: I love to attend different concerts and events offered around St. Louis throughout the year. I had a great time at Studio Hitz Size Sexy Party.
Why did you enter the contest? I entered this contest because people tell me that I could be a plus-size model, so it was my birthday week and I attended the Big Sexy Curvaceous Diva Party with my family and they persuaded me to enter. Thanks to “Big Sexy,” plus-size women in St. Louis finally have a chance to shine.
What’s next for me? It is my hopes that as a Curvaceous Diva I can go on to win the Curvaceous Diva Spokeswoman of 2009 and become a plus-size model and local icon like Maxine “Ms. Big Sexy” Ebert, the woman who has inspired me to keep my head up, reach for the stars and always look my best, no matter what.
