Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Kimberly Beasley Of Curvitude Boutique Is Helping To Change Our World
Don’t be afraid to collaborate in business. Partnering does not mean you cant, it just helps sometimes to have someone carry the load with you .
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kimberly Beasley.
Curvitude Boutique is a fashion boutique that provides designer fashion and accessories for the modern woman, offering a variety of style options for different occasions and body types. Curvitude caters specifically to full-figured, curvy women, with sizes ranging from 12 to 32. The boutique features a trendy mix of premium fashion from well-known and established designers from cities like New York and San Francisco, as well as fresh designs from emerging designers based in Atlanta and Miami.
After serving her country for 20 years in the Army in the communications field, with tours in Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq, Kimberly Beasley decided it was time to retire and pursue her business aspirations. Following careful research and planning, Curvitude Boutique opened its doors in the heart of downtown Augusta on the first Friday of June 2011. Kimberly saw the area’s potential for growth and believed Curvitude’s unique offerings would fill a niche in the market.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Mrs. Beasley is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother. She is active in her community, volunteering with several organizations, including the Downtown Augusta Alliance (Board Director, 2011–2012), the Links, Inc., and the Go Red for Women Fashion Show, a benefit for heart disease (2011–2014). She has also contributed to the Amerigroup Community Baby Shower (2013) and served as a wardrobe assistant for various plays in the Augusta community under Raisin AJ Productions. Additionally, she founded the Columbia County Health, Fitness, and Wellness Expo, Inc. Mrs. Beasley graduated from Strayer University with a bachelor’s degree in business, specializing in retail management (2017).
When the pandemic struck, Mrs. Beasley made the difficult decision to close her boutique and shift her focus to e-commerce. She launched a size-inclusive athletic and swimwear line called Curvitude Athletics, which debuted at New York Fashion Week 2023, Miami Swim Week 2023, and again at NYFW 2024. Despite challenging times, Curvitude has maintained its reputation as “The One to Look At!”
Curvitude’s steadfastness has led to the launch of “Thick Thighs Matter” in response to society’s lack of diversity in fashion. After receiving 1.1 million views on her Thick Thighs Matter reels, Mrs. Beasley recognized that this line represents more than just fashion — it’s a movement. She plans to launch “THICCON,” a plus-size fashion conference, in 2025, continuing to push the culture toward inclusivity. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mrs. Beasley uses her life lessons, experiences, successes, and setbacks to propel herself and Curvitude to new heights.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that
My second year in business, I tried to forecast and purchase items for the winter, in Georgia. I had tweed skirts and turtlenecks…it end up being the hottest winter ever LOL.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
My social impact comes through health and wellness, my athletic wear encourages ladies to want to get out and exercise. My Thick Thighs Matter campaign also encourages body positivity
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause
My mother, though she passed before I was able to get the business off the ground. She always told me to keep God first. Do your best and let God do the rest.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Community- can be more involved in what our children view on social media, We should not allow our kids to view certain things that can skew their views on beauty
Society: get back to watching out for each other
Politicians: be an example for our children to admire.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is the active influence one person has to get an individual or group of people to get things done.
As a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army it was my job the lead over 150 troops on a daily basis in training.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Its ok to find a manufacturer in the states….it may cost more but you have better communication with the vendors
- Don’t be afraid to collaborate in business. Partnering does not mean you cant, it just helps sometimes to have someone carry the load with you .
- Stay true to your brand. Don’t chase fads
- No one makes it to the top alone…make sure you network and keep your name out there.
- Never give up. Like Beyonnce says “ im gonna keep running because I winner never quits on themselves”
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Body positive. If we can love what we see in the mirror on a daily basis, that would stop a lot of things…such as peer pressure, anxiety, suicide, cyberbullying…etc
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama…she is a true force and I love her energy.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.facebook.com/kimberly beasley
Youtube: Thick Thighs Matter
Instagram: Curvitude Boutique
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Kimberly Beasley Of Curvitude Boutique Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.