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en a friend asked her two years ago to model some clothes for a photo shoot, little did Kera Holley know that she would have a future as a plus-size model.

Since then, the 5-foot-11-inch Annapolis resident has booked shows and shoots throughout the Mid-Atlantic. She was chosen last fall to participate in Lane Bryant's "#PlusIsEqual" campaign in New York City's Times Square.

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"There are so many different doors that are opening with plus-size modeling that weren't there before," said Holley. "You just have to put forth the effort."

Holley is among 700 attending the fifth annual Curves Rock Fashion Weekend in Baltimore, which begins Thursday. Geared toward plus-size women, the event combines fashion, fitness and nutrition with self-empowerment.

Holley, who is a size 14, has come along at a time when the plus-size fashion industry and the body-positive movement have gained momentum. But Curves Rock was ahead of the pack when it launched five years ago.

"There were no plus-size fashion events in the area. There were no events that catered to empowering plus-size women. I wanted to combine those two things," said founder and CEO Chanell Jones.

Jones, who has modeled in local fashion shows for the past 10 years, decided to launch Curves Rock because she knew there was a dearth of opportunity for plus-size models (who generally wear a size larger than 12).

"Being a plus-size model myself, there were never any clothes for me," Jones said. "I always wore the matronly clothes. There needed to be a show that represented people like me."

Since its first sold-out year, the weekend grew to more than 500 attendees last year. This year, organizers expect more than 700 people to participate in the events offered at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.

Holley, who is a size 14, has come along at a time when the plus-size fashion industry and the body-positive movement have gained momentum. But Curves Rock was ahead of the pack when it launched five years ago.

"There were no plus-size fashion events in the area. There were no events that catered to empowering plus-size women. I wanted to combine those two things," said founder and CEO Chanell Jones.

Jones, who has modeled in local fashion shows for the past 10 years, decided to launch Curves Rock because she knew there was a dearth of opportunity for plus-size models (who generally wear a size larger than 12).

"Being a plus-size model myself, there were never any clothes for me," Jones said. "I always wore the matronly clothes. There needed to be a show that represented people like me."

Since its first sold-out year, the weekend grew to more than 500 attendees last year. This year, organizers expect more than 700 people to participate in the events offered at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.

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