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Denise Mercedes – An Interview With The Latina Entrepreneur Model + Blogger+ Influencer

erin maxwell

February 5, 2025

Denise Mercedes is spreading the good word that everyone is beautiful. A fashion model, blogger, clothing designer, influencer, and advocate from the great state of New Jersey, Denise is the founder of Because It’s My Body, a size-inclusive, body-positive campaign that celebrates the many different shapes and sizes of real women. In an era where filters and Photoshop have become the norm, Denise spreads the gospel of body positivity and that there is beauty in every body, encouraging women to embrace their figure.

The former psychology student has become a dignitary for the body-positive movement, using the hashtag #stylenotsize to spread a message of self-acceptance, self-assurance, and self-respect. With over 1.5M followers on Instagram and 3.4M on TikTok, Denise is helping a new generation redefine beauty standards while aiding people in their fashion journey by building the self-confidence of millions with her advocacy.

What was your journey from becoming a person who loves the way they look to inspiring others to love the way they look?

It was definitely a long journey. Some days I find myself feeling insecure about certain things but it’s okay to not be in love with your body every day of the year. We as humans will have bad days. I didn’t realize how a post of mine can inspire so many people, which is why I started doing it. We all have different journeys and by sharing the content that I do, I know I am able to make someone feel good about themselves. You don’t have to look like what you see in the media, and being yourself is enough.

What made you flip the switch from studying psychology to being a fashionista extraordinaire?

Before all of this, I wanted to be a therapist or counselor, specifically focusing on anxiety disorders as I myself have dealt with anxiety issues most of my life. I love the idea of mental health and being able to provide help for those in need. Around the time I graduated, my social media platforms started to take off. I actually have been thinking of still pursuing that dream of becoming a mental health professional.

Your body-positive messaging is an inspiring and influential part of your style. Can you please talk a little bit about that process?

Of course! I feel that what makes my content so body positive is that I will wear anything without any restrictions. Growing up, I felt like the bigger you were, the more you should cover up. I do the opposite. I wear what I want and whatever makes me feel confident. That’s what I like to promote in my posts—that you can be stylish and not be a certain body type. Just wear what makes you happy.

Can you speak a little on the #stylenotsize movement and the work you are doing with fellow advocate Maria Castellanos? How did it start and what has the response been?

The idea behind #stylenotsize is in the name. The goal was to showcase how different styles can look good on different body types. It was a great movement and we were able to reach so many people around the world. The response has been nothing but positive and I’m so glad we were able to inspire. Other creators do the style not size videos with their friends and we love to see it!

Can fashion be a form of activism?

One hundred percent! The cool thing about fashion is that your style can be whatever you want it to be. For example, I will post a photo in a bikini and as someone with a bigger body, people will say mean things, but I don’t care because I know that my posts can make someone else feel good.

How do you navigate the traditional “fashion don’ts” that have plagued women for so long, especially those who don’t fit the mold of typical body types that grace most fashion mags?

I don’t listen to the do’s and don’t’s. When I explore fashion, I go based on how I feel when wearing an outfit. If I feel good then that’s the only thing that matters.

What advice would you give people looking to take the first steps in developing personal style?

I would say that style is always changing and it’s all about what makes you feel good and confident. Try not to focus too much on what other people are wearing but look for styles that gravitate to you. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable.