ShimmySista Expansion Project

Help ShimmySista open a Brick & Mortar location!

2015 marks the 7th year for ShimmySista, and what started as one person’s desire to provide dancewear to plus size women has become so much more.  Learn how it started, why I do it, and how you can help change women's lives for the better.

The ShimmySista Story

My name is Iona. Several years ago I was invited to a belly dance class by a co-worker and like many plus size women,  I’d bought into the stereotype of what a big girl should and shouldn’t do.  “Big girls don’t belly dance,” I said, and waved her off.   Thankfully, she insisted and that’s when the love affair began—the love affair with me.  I experienced the transformative nature of the dance and because of it, I started accepting my body and appreciating all it could do.  My confidence soared.  Yes, belly dance did that. 


In spite of all the love, I nearly quit several times. Why? Because I didn’t feel like I belonged. All the other ladies had cute gypsy tops, funky pants and jingly belts. Week after week, I stood in my “jamming in Jamaica” t-shirt and sweat pants— feeling unattractive, frumpy and excluded.   I wanted what they had, and  when someone suggested I "tie two hip scarves together," I was mortified.

As we all know, if a woman doesn’t feel good about how she looks…she might not participate (who among us hasn't opted out of an event for that very reason?). The wheels were set in motion, and a year after my first recital (where I danced in fear of a wardrobe malfunction because of my makeshift “costume”), ShimmySista was born. I didn’t want another woman to discover the joy of belly dance and movement, and decide not to participate because she couldn’t find something to wear.

I went in search of manufacturers willing to make items in plus sizes, launched a website and started vending at belly dance events. I felt the love immediately. Online customers came from as far as Australia, Alaska and even the Caribbean and some made a visit to the ShimmySista booth an annual event. I’ve had women cry and hug me like a long lost friend, then  thank me for considering their needs.  The emails came pouring in from women who felt accepted for (in some cases) the very first time.

Some say it doesn’t matter…that it’s a simple thing, you can wear whatever…who cares? Just put something on, for goodness sake!   But, as this email from a customer shows, it does matter:

"Dear ShimmySista,
In 2008 you made a gift to a struggling newly single mom of a child with autism.  I just wanted to say I truly appreciated that gift.  Taking belly dancing classes helped give me the confidence to see myself as worthwhile instead of a castoff.  I have since married an amazing man and after two years I can honestly say that without your help, I may not have had this happiness.  Thank you a thousand times for helping me feel that a plus size woman could be active,  attractive, and worth being around." --J.D.

I still tear up every time I read it.  So many of us know what it feels like to be  excluded.  Whenever I feel discouraged, I read that email and it reminds me why I started and why I keep going.

After a few years I set up a little boutique in my home to accommodate customers between shows but had to limit access due to safety concerns and unfriendly (nosey) neighbors. 

Use of Funds
With your help I can open a permanant location and continue to play a part in helping women learn to love themselves and feel like they belong.  There's just something about being able to try clothes on that makes a big difference.  Funds will be used for renovations and to purchase racks , fixtures, a point of sale system, security camera, flooring, paint, spackle, lighting and everything else that goes into opening a retail location! 

I'll  also expand the selection of plus size clothing for other forms of fitness, from yoga to zumba and pilates to ballroom!  In 2013 I created a small collection under the ShimmySista label and I'm planning to produce another collection in 2016.

And don't worry, while the main focus will always be plus size clothing, I do carry selections for Shimmy's "little" sisters!

A very special "thank you" to the customers who have supported me over the years and made a point of letting me know that ShimmySista is making a difference!

Hugs and Shimmies!  and remember:  if you want to start loving your body, teach it to move in ways you never thought it could...