Clover Ewing was finishing up in her office for the day. She'd been considerably occupied these last few weeks. The Mid-Season fashion show was in a fortnight. They're sharing the show with a well-known plus-size line labeled "Allure." Clover didn't condemn people who were overweight. After the passion patties incident when she'd been a spy, she honestly couldn't hold anything against different body types.
Before that mission, she'd outrageously body-checked people, talking down to anyone who wasn't skinny mini. It filled her with shame, her narrow-mindedness, or that she ridiculed people to feel better about herself.
That's why she'd personally requested Allure join them for the Mid-Season. In addition, she'd requested some plus-size models of her own to showcase some innovative designs she'd come up with. Finally, someone knocked, and Clover told them to come in. In walked her assistant, Lucy. "Good afternoon, Lucy. What up?"
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Ms. Ewing. However, I felt I needed to bring this particular issue to your attention."
"What issue? Is the tailoring department not able to handle its current budget? At last week's conference, they ensured they still could deliver quality work. Even if we'd to decrease the monetary fund due to that worker's strike last month."
"It's not the tailoring division having difficulties. Rather, it's one of your supervisors, Ms. Riley, who oversees the models."
"What's the matter? I received an email yesterday that every model passed their physical. Furthermore has no health problems whatsoever. So, therefore, what's the dilemma?"
Taking a deep breath, Lucy revealed. "I'm afraid Ms. Riley refuses to dispense respect to the plus-size models who were employed for the Mid-Season. I've received various accusations from the new girls regarding Ms. Riley's unethical conduct.
She's quite disrespectful moreover verbally abusive to several of the girls, undeniably body shaming them. I firmly believe we need to terminate her then employ a different modeling executive."
"Ms. Riley worked for us for years. She's regularly been professional before. I'd like her in my office within the hour. I'll personally deal with her."
"Understood, Ms. Ewing. I'll send for her now."
Clover sighed wearily while glancing at the clock. Not only was Ms. Riley demolishing the business reputation, but she also was making her late picking up her daughter Aleena from practice. Nevertheless, this problem had to be nipped in the bud quickly. Consequently, she promptly called her daughter to let her know she'd be late picking her up from figure skating practice.
Aleena immediately inquired if it was okay to have a friend's mom take her home instead. Clover accepted as long as she called her when she got picked up and when she got home. Aleena agreed with her mom's requirements. Promising to be home as soon as possible, Clover hung up. By the end of her phone call. Ms. Riley showed up.
Ms. Joan Riley herself was quite skinny, recently had undergone cosmetic surgery to enhance her own looks. Clover eyed the woman, not particularly liking that Joan had gotten those surgeries a month before the new models came.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Ewing. Why have you summoned me to your office?" she inquired respectfully.
Clover made sure her posture was impeccable, moreover speaking slowly. She needed to enunciate clearly and calmly what the problem was. "Joan, how long have you been working for Lady Luck?" the name of her fashion line.
"I've been with this corporation since its conception."
"Would you say you've shown respect and professionalism? That you work well with your co-workers?"
"Of course, I demonstrate respect. I'm quite efficient in my assignment, and you know my performance reviews have always been exemplary. Why are you asking these questions?"
"It's been brought to my attention how you've been grossly disrespectful towards the new models we hired for the Mid-Season shows with Allure. I've already reviewed the incredibly consistent grievances. Nevertheless, I'm extremely offended by your grossly inappropriate treatment of the girls. Care to explain why you've been verbally abusive and cutting down my models?"
Joan looked uncomfortable, " They must be exaggerating. I've done no such thing."
"Please do not lie, Joan. It isn't helping your case. Now answer me truthfully. Do you possess a stigma against those who aren't skinny? I find it a funny coincidence you decided to get cosmetic surgery just before we obtained plus-size models."
"What does having surgery to enhance one's appearance have to do with anything?"
"You are dancing around my question. So either answer it, or I'll fire you without a reference."
Finally, Joan screamed. "Fat isn't sexy! It will hinder profits, moreover ruin our reputation! Lady Luck is about making women feel glamorous and sensual! However, fat people take away from both profits. Plus would smear our reputation if you permit those types of people in your line!"
"Would it surprise you to know there was a time I was one of these people you find undesirable? And no, I'm not referring to baby weight. For a short time, I was tremendously overweight. However, I learned beauty comes from within from experience. Also, I'm seeking to produce garments everyone can feel attractive in.
I will not have employees who can't show respect to people. I made it clear I would fire anyone who showed any bullying and disrespect. Therefore, Joan, you're terminated as of this moment. I expect you to clean out your office by the end of the day. You'll get your final paycheck in the mail.
Also, I'll give you a reference, but I'll be honest regarding your unpardonable conduct. Now, I've to get home to my daughter. I'll have security make sure you follow my demands. Have a good day." as she picked up her briefcase before heading to her limo. Joan was in shock but had no choice but to do as her ex-employer commanded.
Let this be a lesson to all. We're all beautiful in our own way. There is no one correct version of sexy. Therefore don't shame others to feel better about yourself.
Begin with you
The courage that it takes to love other people genuinely comes from first loving yourself.