Today we’d like to introduce you to Christabell Nunez
Hi Christabell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey officially began in 2023 when I stepped onto the pageant stage as Mrs. Austin and later as Mrs. Texas in a plus-size competition. Throughout this experience, I met countless women and young girls who were amazed to see a plus-size Latina wearing a crown. While some might have taken their surprise the wrong way, I knew immediately that it came from a place of excitement—seeing someone who looked like them, their mothers, their friends, and their family members being represented in a space where they hadn’t always felt seen.
People often complimented my appearance, but the question that followed stuck with me: “Where do you get your confidence?” The truth is, confidence has been a lifelong journey—one that I’m still on today. As I participated in events, appeared in TV interviews, and did my best to represent plus-size bodies in media, I realized that my mission couldn’t stop there.
In early 2024, I founded I Slay – A Plus Size Community Organization, which has since become a nonprofit dedicated to creating a judgment-free, inclusive space for plus-size individuals. My inspiration came while attending plus-size events across Texas and wondering, Why don’t we have something like this in Austin? If no one else was building it, I knew I had to.
One day, while my sister, Claudia Zapata, and I were sorting through the clothes we constantly borrowed (or stole!) from each other, I told her, There have to be other big girls like us who love fashion and would appreciate something like this. That conversation sparked an idea, and in February 2024, we hosted our first free plus-size-only clothing swap in my backyard in South Austin. To our surprise, 20 people showed up. That moment confirmed what I had suspected—our community needed this.
Over the next six months, I traveled up and down I-35, hosting swaps in different community members’ homes. To foster deeper connections, I created a private Facebook group where plus-size individuals could freely discuss everything from fashion to personal experiences without fear of online trolls. What started as a small gathering has since blossomed—our Facebook community alone has grown to 457 members in just a year! We’ve hosted various events, including plus-size Pilates and dance classes led by plus-size instructors, and we’ve built an incredible partnership with Outwellness to establish a permanent home for the swap.
By the end of 2024, I knew I Slay was ready for a bigger impact. On February 21, 2025, I Slay officially became a nonprofit in Texas, committed to celebrating the beauty, strength, and individuality of every plus-size body. Beyond fashion, we now address the social and medical factors affecting our community’s health by providing resources, services, and safe spaces for connection and empowerment.
With a team of seven passionate and dedicated board members, we are ready to create real change. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how far we can go in reshaping the narrative around plus-size bodies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has been anything but easy, mainly because it’s about changing the way society views plus-size bodies. Too often, people assume that being plus-size automatically means being unhealthy, but that’s simply not true. In fact, the average American woman wears a size 16-18, proving that larger bodies are more common than people think.
One of the biggest struggles has been pushing back against harmful stereotypes, especially in healthcare. Many plus-size individuals are dismissed by doctors who blame every issue on their weight instead of looking deeper. Studies show that over 50% of women feel their weight has been a barrier to receiving proper medical care. This bias leads to misdiagnoses and prevents people from getting the treatment they actually need.
That’s why I Slay focuses on health from a different perspective—one that isn’t about weight loss but about feeling good in your own body. Our movement classes are designed to encourage people to move for joy, confidence, and overall well-being, not because they need to shrink themselves to be accepted.
At the end of the day, the hardest part is educating people and shifting deeply ingrained mindsets. But every challenge we face only reinforces why this work is so important. Plus-size individuals deserve to be seen, respected, and valued—just as they are.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about I Slay?
I Slay is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to empowering and celebrating the plus-size community. We believe that every body belongs and aim to address the social and medical factors affecting health by providing resources, services, and a supportive community.
Our Mission and Services
At the core of I Slay is our commitment to embracing the beauty, strength, and individuality of every plus-size body. We offer a variety of programs and events tailored to the needs of our community:
Healthcare Our Way: Recognizing the discrimination plus-size individuals often face in traditional healthcare settings, we provide free or low-cost services such as STD/HIV testing and plus-size Pilates classes.
Community Resources: Understanding that health extends beyond medical care, we host free monthly plus-size clothing swaps, ensuring access to clothing in a dignified environment.
Community Building: We strive to change the narrative surrounding plus-size bodies by creating spaces where every individual is welcomed, celebrated, and valued.
What Sets Us Apart
Our organization is unique in that our leadership reflects the community we serve. Our seven passionate and hardworking board members bring diverse perspectives and talents to the table:
Christabell Nunez, President & Founder
Claudia Zapata, Vice President & Co-founder
Karla Rodriguez, Secretary
Alyssa Van Waarde, Treasurer
Dr. Syd Young
Violet Ward
Amy Pownall
This representation ensures that our initiatives are genuinely aligned with the experiences and needs of plus-size individuals.
Our Community and Impact
We cater to women, nonbinary, and trans folks in plus-size bodies, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and supported. One of our proudest achievements is the positive feedback from our community members, who express excitement about having spaces, events, and leaders who resonate with their experiences. Knowing that I Slay provides a sense of belonging and empowerment makes every effort worthwhile.
Supporting Plus-Size Entrepreneurs
Beyond our community services, we actively support and uplift plus-size entrepreneurs, brands, businesses, instructors, and more. By collaborating with those who are plus-size or advocate for plus-size bodies, we aim to create a broader network of support and visibility.
Join Us
We invite readers to connect with us, participate in our events, and support our mission. Together, we can create a world where every plus-size individual feels empowered, respected, and celebrated.
For more information, visit our website at www.islaylife.org or follow us on Instagram at @islay_youslay.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people have played a role in inspiring and supporting me on this journey, and I truly wouldn’t be here without them.
One of my biggest inspirations is Mallory Richardson, owner of Crusade of Curves. The impact she’s had on me and the plus-size community is undeniable. Her work, dedication, and advocacy continue to push me forward, reminding me why this movement is so important. Similarly, Kimberly Williams, founder of CURVchella, has been a force for change, curating an incredible shopping expo that celebrates plus and curvy women. Seeing the impact they’ve made within the plus-size community—especially in Houston—fuels my own vision for I Slay. My goal is to bring that same level of empowerment, representation, and opportunity not just to Austin, but throughout Texas and beyond.
And, of course, I can’t forget the inspiration behind the name I Slay—the icon herself, Beyoncé. The confidence she exudes, the way she uplifts her community, and the impact she has had on Black women is something I deeply admire. That same energy, empowerment, and fearlessness are what I strive to bring to the plus-size community—creating spaces where we can show up unapologetically, take up space, and thrive.
This journey wouldn’t be possible without the people who came before me, the ones creating change right now, and the incredible community that continues to support and believe in I Slay. Together, we are building something bigger than ourselves, and that’s what keeps me going every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islaylife.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islay_youslay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islayyouslay
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@islayyouslay
