Filmmaker and PLUS Positive founder Nicki Lynch can tell you it’s not, and neither is finding the courage to walk the red carpet in confidence as a plus-size woman.
Lynch always knew she wanted to go into broadcasting. But in high school, she didn’t think a TV career was available to her because she didn’t fit the mold of a size 2.
If you knew Lynch, you’d never guess that confidence was ever an issue in her life. She’s the ultimate example of a strong, accomplished, plus-size woman who reaches for her dreams. However, like most of us, getting to that point has been a journey.
When Lynch first met her now-husband, he was a writer for film and TV, yet needed help in producing his first project. Working with him reignited her passion, so she switched careers from computer programming to independent film production.
With time and a lot of hard work, many of their movies started winning awards and gaining significant attention. This required her to “strike a pose” and walk the red carpet, which was a big change. After all, she was moving from being behind the scenes to being in front of the camera. It also brought her back to the body image struggles that many plus-size women face.
“I didn’t know how to make myself look the best. I didn’t know how to pose. I was worried about my weight. It just really made me feel self-conscious,” says Lynch, who along with her husband, Moe, owns Righteous Entertainment, a film, TV and live event production company.
As many industry insiders do, she decided to work with a coach to master the presentation of her look and brand. She quickly learned that she felt awkward.
“Trying to learn how to pose for a camera was really weird. You really feel like you’re trying to balance and not fall over. I felt like I was a pretzel. And I was like, ‘All this is just so you can’t tell my stomach is as big as it is?’”
She soon realized that many of the women she encountered were managing to project a false sense of confidence. “They were absolutely beautiful on the outside, with hair, makeup and fabulous fashions, but they were really hurting on the inside. It was really all a mask they were putting on. My heart went out for them, and I wanted to see what I could do to help.”
The more stories she heard, the more she began to understand that her life calling was two-fold. Not only was her true passion being a part of the film industry, it was also helping plus-size people feel empowered. “I wanted to create a safe space for plus-size people to talk and to hold each other up.”
Enter PLUS Positive
These experiences led Lynch to create PLUS Positive, a non-profit organization that helps build body confidence for all — not just plus-size women. It also includes teens and men.
“I’d like to see the same kind of love and attention we’re giving to plus-size women for men. Men have different shapes, too, just as women do. But there’s really no help or support for them.”
PLUS Positive provides multiple outreach programs, including: See Positive (teen self-esteem), Women of Confidence and PLUS Positive Men. These programs include workshops, discussions, educational efforts, mentoring options, and social media outreach.
In addition, PLUS Positive advocates for change in the film industry through the More of Plus-Size Diversity Campaign. This campaign encourages decision-makers in the industry to create more opportunities for plus-size talent and encourages plus-size talent to pursue their dreams.
Lynch runs about one PLUS Positive program a month. “I would like to see it increase once we have more volunteers and more of a team in place.” She’s always seeking volunteers to help organize the events, and whenever possible, seeks to partner with existing groups. “We connect with local businesses and other organizations in hopes of making a bigger impact.”
Filmmaking and PLUS Positive — Two Worlds Combined
Lynch’s work with PLUS Positive definitely crosses into her role as a filmmaker. Though she feels society is making some progress on accepting that people come in many different sizes, she thinks the film industry needs to catch up.
“I feel like fashion is picking up. The fashion world is figuring out that we exist. But in TV and movies, not enough of us are being seen on screen.”
So when she casts films, she lives by the values presented in PLUS Positive and seeks diversity of all kinds, including size diversity. “People who know me in the film industry know that it’s part of my passion to see a variety of body shapes — and not just in comedic roles.”
Surprisingly, one of the biggest challenges she has faced is finding talent. “I know people who want to be models. However, when I am shooting, I’m looking for actors and actresses. I’m looking for diversity. I don’t really need everyone to look like a plus-size model with an hourglass shape or even a ‘big momma.’ Sometimes I just need a regular-looking girl.”
Putting It All Together
At the end of the day, Nicki Lynch is a game-changer. She’s living her true passion both on and off the red carpet, helping make film reflect real life. In addition, she’s opening the doors to confidence and connection for all plus-size people through PLUS Positive. As Madonna once said, “Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it … Vogue.” Nicki Lynch is definitely Vogueing.
Connect: To find out more about PLUS Positive, visit the website here. They’re always looking for volunteers and partnership opportunities.
