An Afternoon with Leslie Medlik of BIG SEXY

Leslie Medlik, Style at Every Size

It’s not a secret anymore, that we LOVE TLC’s new show, BIG SEXY. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had a chance to sit down with some of the cast members to discuss what makes them Bold! Today, we chat with Leslie Medlik, stylist, personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. You’ve, no doubt, noticed Leslie organizing events like the plus sized fashion show or plus sized dating night on the Big Sexy show.

We had such a blast chatting with Leslie. Her personal shopping business helps women embrace their bodies instead of hide them. And, when we speak with her, we know why women would have an easy time taking her advice. Medlick is the perfect combination of collected intelligence and sass. “I like to show women who come to me that they don’t need to hide their bodies,” she says. “Wear that crop top if you want!”

Medlik is a big advocate for size acceptance. Her company, Style at Every Size, is all about women being themselves and looking good doing it! Be sure to check her out and the rest of the Big Sexy Five tonight at 10PM Eastern on TLC’s season finale of the BIG SEXY mini-series. In the meantime, see below for the details on our afternoon with Leslie Medlik:

Bold Magazine: So, tell us about life before Big Sexy. What made you a candidate for the show? You are a personal shopper, right?

Leslie Medlik: Like a true New Yorker, I work more than one job. Aside from my job at ReDress, I run my own business. I am a personal shopper, stylist, and wardrobe consultant. I am very outspoken and verbal about the plus size industry so this is the perfect way for me to help.

BM: Was it always a goal of yours to be on a reality show or to be in the limelight?

LM: No, not necessarily a reality show. But, I’ve always been outspoken about women’s sizes and when this opportunity, literally, fell into my lap, I had to take it.

BM: Oh, tell us about that. How did you land on Big Sexy?

LM: One of the scouts for the show actually came into ReDress. They were scouting it as a location for the show, because their has been a buzz about it. And, we began talking so they asked me to audition!

BM: Leslie, we noticed that you have played a big role in organizing some of the events on the show. In the first episode, for example, you were one of the big players in putting together the fashion show. Have you always been a “doer” and organizer?

LM: I’ve always been that way. When someone says ‘Let’s do something’ I say ‘OK, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it, right.’ I enjoy taking the reigns. But, we all did so much. You saw Heather organized with me, Tiffany, Audrey, and Nikki modeled. It was a group effort.

BM:  Sometimes reality shows edit in funny ways. Was there anything we missed?

LM: Nope, what you see is what you get with us. That’s really how it happened!

BM: So you ladies get together to watch the show?

LM:Yup, we get together to watch them every week!

Leslie Medlick, Big Sexy

BM: That’s too funny. By the way, how was Lane Bryant, last night?

LM: So much fun! There were a lot of happy women, there!

BM: Have you been recognized more because of the show? Have people been coming into the store, more? How about your business? Has it seen an increase?

LM: Yes, yes, and yes! ReDress has gotten a lot more calls. And, on the business side, I’ve received a lot more requests to consult. The first time someone recognized me on the street, she stood there and screamed. And it took me a second to realize why. I thought “Oh my God, is she OK?” It was a very strange feeling, for me, to be recognized because of a reality show.

BM: So, what’s next? Are you going to focus more on your business? Take a break?

LM: Let’s be clear. I’m definitely not taking  a break from anything! I think the next step is to focus on my business, grow, and continue to be verbal about this industry!

BM: What can we expect in the final episode?

LM: It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re definitely going to tear up Miami, Big Sexy style!

BM: OK, Leslie, this is the most important question we ask. Show us your BOLD!

LM: What makes me bold is that I am a fat woman and I’m ok with being a fat woman. I will verbalize it and stand up for it. And, if you are, too, I will stand with you!