Caroline Adegun Is Building a Network Where Extended Plus-Size Talent Is Seen, Valued, and Booked
For far too long, plus-size representation has come with limits. The fashion and entertainment industries have made progress, but too often that progress stops before it reaches visibly plus, extended-size, and larger-bodied people. Caroline Adegun, CEO of The Extended Plus Network, is working to change that.
Through her work as a founder, creative, photographer, advocate, and community builder, Caroline has created a platform rooted in visibility, opportunity, and authentic representation. What began as a space for plus-size creators to connect and support one another has evolved into a talent network, marketing resource, and creative home for extended plus-size voices and bodies that are too often left out of mainstream campaigns and media.
In this conversation with PMM Today, Caroline opens up about the personal journey that led her to create The Extended Plus Network, the meaning behind “extended plus,” the importance of fit and wear testing, and why brands must move beyond surface-level inclusion. She also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, stepping away to heal, returning with greater clarity, and building a business that is deeply connected to purpose.
At its heart, this interview is about more than fashion or marketing. It is about community, resilience, and the power of creating your own space when the industry has not made enough room for you.
PMMToday: Caroline, for readers who are just being introduced to you, can you tell us a little about who you are and what inspired you to create The Extended Plus Network?
Caroline: Hi! It’s great to chat with you. My name is Caroline.
“Who am I?” is such a great question, and honestly, it’s one I haven’t been able to answer easily lately. I’m currently in what I call a cocoon season, a period where I am no longer who I was, but I am still becoming who I am meant to be.
However, I can proudly say that I am the CEO of The Extended Plus Network, an agency committed to increasing the presence of visibly plus-size talent in marketing and entertainment.
I am also the Founder of COA Marketing, my media correspondence company, and I Am Loved Ministry, a nonprofit dedicated to reminding people that they are loved while supporting depression and suicide prevention efforts.
In 2016, I moved to Hollywood to pursue my dream of becoming a talk show host. Shortly after arriving, I met so many talented entertainers experiencing homelessness. People from all over the world move to Hollywood to chase their dreams, only to be met with the harsh reality of the cost of living. After meeting Tiffany Haddish, who was living in her car at the time, I discovered a passion for helping low-income talent pursue their goals. That passion led me to become known as the Hollywood Wingwoman.
That same year, on June 11, 2016, I attended Essie’s Golden Pool Party, an experience that completely changed my life. Seeing so many plus-size women confidently wearing bikinis and swimsuits gave me the courage to roll up the long-sleeve shirt I had worn over my swimsuit and show my stomach in public for the very first time. That moment marked the beginning of my body-positivity journey.
Fast forward to 2020, when I became one of the first creators selected for Eloquii’s Black Creator Program. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: you do not need a massive following or impressive vanity metrics to make an impact on social media. There was space and opportunity for plus-size creators, and I became passionate about helping others discover that for themselves.
That passion led to the creation of The Extended Plus Network.
In its earliest days, the network was open to all plus size creators with a focus on extended plus creators. While I eventually realized that model was not sustainable, it created a powerful and supportive community of plus-size creators who showed up for one another and celebrated each other’s success.
With a Master’s degree in Training and Development, I focused heavily on helping plus-size creators build confidence, both in front of the camera and in their professional relationships with brands. That commitment inspired me to launch Groupshoots.
As a photographer, I wanted to use my skills to help plus-size creators feel seen, confident, and empowered. I traveled across the United States hosting Groupshoots in beautiful production spaces, creating experiences where creators could receive high-quality photography while growing their confidence alongside other creators. These events became much more than photoshoots; they became spaces for community, empowerment, and transformation.
The first era of The Extended Plus Network taught me many lessons, some incredible and some painful. Eventually, I realized I needed to step away and prioritize my own healing and growth as a business owner so that I could return stronger and with greater clarity.
At the end of last year, I relaunched The Extended Plus Network alongside eight of our original members who had remained by my side throughout the entire journey. While we continue to welcome all plus-size creators into our community, we are currently testing a more focused talent network model with nine creators as we work directly with brands to demonstrate the power, influence, and value of visibly plus-size talent.
This chapter feels different. It feels intentional. It feels aligned. And while I am still evolving, one thing I know for certain is that my purpose is rooted in helping people feel seen, valued, empowered, and loved.
PMMToday: The name “Extended Plus Network” feels intentional. What does “extended plus” mean to you, and what did you want the name to communicate?
Caroline: To me, “Extended Plus” refers to the segment of the plus-size community that is often the most overlooked in marketing, entertainment, and talent representation , typically sizes 2X and beyond.
While plus-size consumers represent one of the fastest-growing markets in both population and purchasing power, visibility has not kept pace. The reality is that there are only a handful of agencies in the United States that actively represent talent over a 2X , and even fewer that represent bodies that don’t fit traditional beauty standards. As someone who wears an extended plus size myself, I’ve experienced firsthand what it feels like to be excluded from opportunities simply because there is little infrastructure dedicated to representing bodies like mine.
The lack of visibility extends far beyond fashion campaigns. We rarely see extended plus-size people featured in mainstream entertainment, cast in meaningful television roles, or included in reality dating shows and other spaces where representation matters.
When I chose the name Extended Plus Network, I wanted it to communicate exactly who we exist to serve. We are focused on creating opportunities and increasing visibility for the people who are most often left out of the conversation.
What’s interesting is that when I first started the organization, I didn’t realize how significant the word “network” would eventually become. Originally, it represented a network of creators supporting one another and creating opportunities together. Today, as our work expands further into entertainment and media, the word has taken on an entirely new meaning.
We recently launched the first episode of my talk show on our YouTube channel, and our vision continues to grow beyond talent representation into original content, storytelling, and entertainment. In many ways, we’re becoming a true network, one dedicated to amplifying extended plus-size voices, stories, and talent both in front of and behind the camera.
PMMToday: A lot of brands talk about representation… let’s talk about this. In your opinion, where is the industry making progress, and where is it still falling short?
Caroline: It’s exciting to see more brands expanding their size ranges. However, true inclusion goes beyond simply offering larger sizes, it requires ensuring that those sizes actually fit the bodies they’re designed for.
Finding clothing as a plus-size shopper can already be challenging. Many of us have limited in-store options, which means we’re often forced to shop online. When size charts differ dramatically from one brand to another, it creates an even more frustrating experience for plus consumers trying to find clothing that fits.
That’s why one of the services we offer through The Extended Plus Network is fit and wear testing. Our creators provide valuable feedback to brands throughout the product development process, helping ensure garments fit real bodies across a range of sizes. For example, members of our community volunteered their time to help with Fabletics to wear test YITTY before its launch, contributing to broader efforts aimed at creating a genuinely inclusive customer experience.
While expanding sizing is an important first step, another area where brands often fall short is representation. If a brand offers clothing up to a size 4X, 5X, or beyond, those sizes should be reflected in its marketing. Consumers deserve to see people who represent the full size range being sold.
That’s where we come in. We help brands bridge that gap by connecting them with talented extended plus-size creators and models, ensuring that people on the larger end of the size spectrum are not just included as an afterthought, but are authentically represented and truly seen.
PMMToday: Let’s speak about the EPN creators. Who are they, how did they become part of EPN?
Caroline: The members of the EPN Talent Network are my friends first.
Honestly, writing this makes me emotional.
The last ten years have not been easy for me, and when I made the difficult decision to step away from The Extended Plus Network a few years ago to prioritize my mental health, these were the people who stood beside me. They checked on my well-being, supported me, and loved me for who I was, not for what I could do for them through the EPN.
That experience changed how I viewed this organization.
I knew that if I was going to relaunch The Extended Plus Network, it had to be different. We are not just another talent agency. We are a community of friends and creatives who genuinely want to see one another succeed. We are working together to create the change we want to see in marketing and entertainment.
I have watched each of these creators pour their hearts, time, and energy into building their creative careers. I’ve seen the sacrifices they’ve made, the risks they’ve taken, and the work they’ve put in behind the scenes. My goal now is to help connect them with the opportunities they deserve so they can build meaningful, sustainable creative careers.
While my primary focus is supporting our core Talent Network and the brands we partner with, we will always remain committed to the broader plus-size creator community. We will continue to share opportunities, advocate for open casting calls, and encourage our brand partners to discover new talent.
I firmly believe that creators should not have to be signed to an agency to access opportunities.
I also want to recognize the dozens of creators who helped launch the EPN in 2020. There are far too many to name individually, but they built the foundation of this network. Their support, participation, and belief in the vision helped create what the EPN is today, and I am incredibly grateful for each of them.
Our network extends beyond creators. We are fortunate to have had industry mentors who generously invested their time, knowledge, and experience into helping our talent grow, including Lynely Eilers and Erica Lauren.
We are also supported by talented photographers who have donated their time and skills to help creators build professional portfolios and gain confidence in front of the camera. Special thanks to Sabrina (@theprincessfusion), Jude (@divinebrujeria), and Robin (@curvyphotographer) for continually pouring into our community.
The Extended Plus Network has always been about people. The opportunities matter, but the relationships are what make this community special. That’s the foundation we were built on, and it’s the foundation we’ll continue to grow from.
PMMToday: As we were speaking about this feature, you were explaining to me the many ways in which brands work with EPN. Can you share one of the examples and the many ways in which brands can work with EPN?
Caroline:
- Full Cycle Plus Centric Content Campaigns – The Extended Plus Network is a full service marketing and talent agency elevating plus size and curve talent across influencer marketing, entertainment and media . We partner with brands to create inclusive, high impact campaigns rooted in authentic representation. From concept to execution, we provide full cycle content production including creative direction, casting, production, and post, delivering storytelling that ensures every body is seen, valued, and celebrated.
- Weartesting & Fit Testing– We partner with brands expanding their sizing to conduct real-world wear testing for extended plus-size collections before launch. By working directly with extended plus-size creators and consumers, we help ensure pieces are truly sizeinclusive, properly fitted, and designed with comfort, functionality, and authentic body representation in mind , creating products that better serve the communities brands aim to reach.
- E-Comm Content Production via Groupshoots – We host brand-sponsored group shoots that provide high-quality e-commerce and marketing photography featuring plus-size talent. Our shoots are designed to help brands create more authentic, inclusive visual campaigns while giving diverse creators and models greater visibility within the fashion industry.
- Open Casting Calls – Oftentimes, brands partner with agencies that do not fully represent the complete size range of their clothing offerings, leaving extended plus-size consumers underrepresented in campaigns and product marketing. We’ve built a network of over 6,000 plussize unsigned creators who are ready to work with brands seeking authentic representation across a broader range of sizes, body types, and audiences
- Social Media Management For Small Inclusive Brands -Social media management services designed to help brands strengthen their online communities, increase engagement, and maximize the impact of their creator partnerships.
Our services include content planning, community management, influencer gifting and outreach, campaign coordination, social media strategy, and ongoing support to help brands tell their story authentically.
PMMToday: We often see plus-size representation stop at a certain size. How important is it to include visibly plus, extended-size, and larger-bodied models in campaigns and media?
Caroline: It is incredibly important because representation should reflect the full range of bodies a brand serves, not just the most socially acceptable version of plus size. Too often, plus-size representation stops at a size that is still considered palatable to mainstream audiences, leaving visibly plus, extended-size, and larger-bodied people unseen despite being loyal consumers. If a brand offers clothing up to a 4X, 5X, or beyond, those customers deserve to see themselves represented in marketing campaigns, on social media, and in entertainment. Representation is about more than selling products, it’s about visibility, belonging, and affirming that all bodies are worthy of being seen. When larger-bodied people are excluded, it sends the message that they are welcome to spend money but not welcome to be part of the story. At The Extended Plus Network, we believe authentic inclusion means showcasing the full spectrum of plus-size bodies, ensuring that the people most often overlooked are not only included, but celebrated.
PMMToday: What has been the most rewarding part of building The Extended Plus Network?
Caroline: Being surrounded by a group of like minding creating all working towards a goal of being the desperate change fashion, marketing and entertainment needs.
Creating opportunities and opening doors for plus creators to work with their dream brands.
The most rewarding part of building The Extended Plus Network has been being surrounded by a community of like-minded creatives who are all committed to creating the change that fashion, marketing, and entertainment desperately need. There is something incredibly powerful about bringing together people who have historically been overlooked and watching them support one another, grow in confidence, and pursue their dreams.
Equally rewarding has been creating opportunities and opening doors for plus-size creators to work with brands they once only dreamed of partnering with. Seeing a creator land their first campaign, step onto a professional set, or realize that their voice and presence have value is what makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Those moments remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
PMMToday: As a founder, how have you had to grow personally and professionally while building this brand?
Caroline: Wow, that’s a great question.
Honestly, I had huge imposter syndrome about being on the cover of PMM. I found myself asking, “What will people think? Am I deserving of this?” And I’m glad you helped me get over that.
Professionally, one of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is to stop running back to the comfort and security of a traditional 9-to-5 when I know my purpose is here. Building The Extended Plus Network has required me to trust myself, trust the vision, and trust the process even during seasons when things felt uncertain. In fact, I was recently reminded of this lesson in a very real and painful way. Yet the timing of this interview, alongside everything happening in my life right now, feels like another confirmation that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
I often think about the image of the person digging for diamonds who gives up just one shovel away from a breakthrough. For years, that was me. Whenever things got difficult, I would question myself or look for an exit. Today, I can confidently say that I am done running from my calling. I’ve learned that you will never find lasting peace in places you were never meant to stay.
Personally, I’ve had to become comfortable with the reality that I am not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay.
When you’re confident, outspoken, passionate, and willing to challenge the status quo, not everyone is going to understand you. Not everyone is going to like you, support you, or believe in your vision. Early on, that was difficult for me. Now, I’ve learned that the people who are meant for you will find you.
The same is true in business. Not every brand is going to understand the importance of authentic plus-size representation or the work we’re doing through The Extended Plus Network, and we can’t force them to. Instead, I’ve learned to focus on the brands, partners, and people who do understand the mission. When those partnerships come together, the impact is powerful, meaningful, and worth the wait.
More than anything, building this brand has taught me resilience. It’s taught me to trust my purpose, stay focused on the vision, and keep moving forward even when the path isn’t easy.
PMMToday: The plus-size community has always been powerful, but it has also had to create its own spaces. Why do you think independent platforms and networks like yours are still so necessary?
Caroline: I would not be who I am today if not for the plus community. I would not love myself as fully as I do and embrace my body if not for those who were brave enough to do so before me. Maddy, Tess, Essie, Erica, the list goes on. The platforms they created are why I am here today.
The plus-size community has always been powerful, but it has also had to create its own spaces because mainstream platforms have historically overlooked, excluded, or misunderstood us. While we’ve seen progress, there is still a real need for independent platforms and networks like The Extended Plus Network. These spaces allow us to tell our own stories, celebrate the full diversity of our community, and create opportunities that aren’t dependent on outside validation.
They give plus-size creators, professionals, brands, and consumers a place where they are centered not treated as an afterthought.Independent platforms also help preserve authenticity. When you’re building something specifically for the community, the mission remains rooted in serving the people who need it most. That’s why networks like ours are still so necessary. We aren’t just creating visibility; we’re creating connection, representation, resources, and pathways for future generations to see what’s possible.
PMMToday: What would you like to see happen next in plus-size fashion, modeling, media, and creator culture?
Caroline: I would love to see fashion, media , marketing take advantage of businesses like ours to ensure true inclusivity across the board in their projects and initiatives.
I would love to see us get back to being the loving, supportive community we once were. At its core, this community started as something incredibly beautiful, full of encouragement, connection, and genuine love for one another. I still believe in that version of us. I would also love to see us continue supporting each other even as our bodies shift and change, because real body positivity is about loving yourself through every stage and phase of life.
I recently highlighted one of our members, Fatima, who joined us as a 2X. She has since embarked on a weight loss journey, but what remains consistent is her message: she has always loved herself at every size. That is the heart of what I want to continue amplifying. You can also watch her full interview on our YouTube channel.
Thank you to our cover model Caroline Adegun, who is fearless in her mission for true inclusivity in the plus size industry. Learn more about The Extended Plus Network.
Follow The EPN on Instagram, Threads
Photo credit: All photos by Caroline Adegun unless otherwise stated
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