By Edward Henderson – Contributing Writer
The way you walk speaks volumes about your confidence. Shoulders back, holding your held high and a touch of your own personal swagger are the ingredients to owning the runway of life. Twyla ‘Twynot’ Green is showcasing the importance of building self-esteem through your walk and appearance in her 4th annual Twynot Fashion Show, Saturday, August 6th at the MLK Community Center.
On Saturday, March 2nd Green hosted tryouts for the show at Malcolm X Library. The event had an ‘America’s Next Top Model’ feel as participants of all ages and sizes walked for a panel of judges who offered constructive feedback as they selected 45 models for the show. Local fashion designers were also in attendance and took notes on models they wanted to work with.
“We invite everybody to come in, all sizes and all races. It doesn’t matter how you look, how tall you are, how big you are. We know that God made everyone beautiful, but you have to have the spice and the swag,” Green said.
The ‘spice and swag’ was in full display as models posed and displayed their unique attitude to music and eager eyes. Participants with less experience had visible moments of nerves, but Green was vocal in encouraging them to step outside of their shells and own the moment. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for 17 years and gained her passion for community and empowering others by overcoming her own image issues growing up in Southeast.
“I lived with my grandmother and my mom who was addicted to narcotics. I had to raise six kids on my own when she passed away, when I was 15 years old. She implemented in us the importance of community programs,” said Green. “I was battling with low self-esteem as a plus size female. I did my first pageant and won it as the only plus size female there. That really boosted my self-esteem so that experience birthed the Twynot Fashion Show.”
According to Green, the name Twynot originated from questioning God about why she had received her purpose and calling. In prayer, she received the answer ‘Twynot’. The name has stuck with her ever since. The show benefits Eleanor’s Place for Women and the Twynot Teen Program at Millennium Technical Middle School, an after school program that builds self-esteem in young girls.
