At The Curvy Fashionista, Curvy Boss Spotlight exists to center what the industry still struggles to do consistently: plus-size professionals whose work deserves recognition, from stylists and educators to executives, founders, and the creators shaping their fields. This series celebrates the flavor, creativity, leadership, and influence that thrives across the plus-size community without comparison, hierarchy, or apology.
Following last week’s Curvy Boss Spotlight, which reminded us how powerful it is to see plus-size professionals fully owning their expertise and influence, we’re back with stories that expand on what artistry, confidence, and cultural disruption look like.
Duchess Ravenwoves appears.
Known behind the scenes as Karen Irene Serna Jansson, Duchess of Ravens An entertainer, writer, and Piipaash (Maricopa) Indigenous woman from the Gila River Indian Community, her work lies at the intersection of music, bodily liberation, sexuality, and political truth-telling. Her artistry is bold. Her presence is confrontational in a good way. And her refusal to shrink, both creatively and physically, is exactly why she deserves this spotlight.
From reservation to reinvention: The making of Duchess Ravenwoves
Music has always been a part of Karen-Irene’s life. She grew up singing and studied music early on, before turning to political science and earning degrees in Native American Studies and Public Policy Management. Her path took her from Arizona to Washington, D.C., and ultimately to Gävle, Sweden.
But it was her body that ultimately redirected her purpose.
After taking time off from work, Karen-Eileen developed a debilitating lower back condition that required two spinal fusion surgeries. The life-changing experience forced her to slow down, face herself, and rethink what it means to survive.
“After taking time off from work, I developed a debilitating lower back condition and had to undergo two spinal fusion surgeries. I turned to music to help me recover.”
What followed was not just a creative expression, but a spiritual awakening.
“All my life I had a dream of making music, but I didn’t have the ability, the means, or the connections to make it happen. In a strange turn of events, I think something spiritual happened to me that opened a window into my soul and gave me the talent to compose music.”
The window looked like this Duchess of Ravens;an alter ego powerful enough to hold everything Karen-Irene was told not to have.
Creation without rules, genres or permission
Ask Duchess Ravenwoves about her creative process and she’ll tell you there’s no such thing, at least not a rigorous one.
“When it comes to music, you never know when lightning will strike. You hear a beat and suddenly you start composing free-singing melodies and freestyle lyrics.”
Her catalog moves fluidly between rap, R&B, metal, synthwave, and electronic music. Nothing is off limits. There is no pre-approval required.
“I’ve never intentionally pre-selected the subject matter of my songs. It’s a mystery where my mind goes.”
In just three years, Duchess Ravenwoves has built a library as eclectic and fearless as her fashion sense.
Visibility, white space, and the choice to be seen anyway
Being an independent artist is tough. Being an Indigenous, plus-size, independent artist adds layers that most people never have to consider.
“I come from two deeply marginalized communities: Indigenous people and plus size. Our presence, plight, and art are often underrepresented in the entertainment industry.”
Operating through her husband Gustav Jansson’s independent label, resources are limited. The public relations budget is also small. Everything is earned through persistence and intention.
“This is a labor of love. I strive to stay true to my main purpose: to inspire, inspire, entertain and represent new areas of rap and trap music.”
In that niche there is a name: indigenous goth trap queen.
And the Duchess of Ravenwoves wears that crown without any hesitation.
“I’m fat, sexy, smart, and confident.”
Sex, fantasy, desire, power, and body positivity are central themes, not side themes, of Duchess of Ravenwoves’ music.
“As plus-size women, I feel like we are often ignored as sexual, confident powerhouses.”
Her lyrics don’t seek acceptance. They demand respect.
“Taking ownership of the word ‘fat’ is how I stand up to body shamers. I’m fat, sexy, smart and confident, so I don’t have time to worry about negativity.”
Her track “The Baddest Fat Girl” is more than just a song. It’s a plus-size anthem rooted in pioneering and rebellion.
“Mainstream society often associates beauty with size, so my music seeks to shatter those norms with in-your-face badass bitch anthems.”
This doesn’t make body positivity tasty. This is a tooth release.
Confidence as peace of mind, not performance
For Duchess Ravenwoves, confidence is not performative, but internal.
“Confidence is peace of mind. Confidence is learning to silence the negative voices inside you and accept everything about yourself.”
Growing up “weird, chubby, and goth” on the reservation wasn’t easy. Mental health awareness and treatment has become an essential tool.
“Through therapy, I gained the tools to take control of my emotions and regain space in my heart and mind to focus on loving myself.”
Her belief in setting boundaries is clear.
“Don’t you like the way I look? Then don’t look at me.”
Style, shapewear, and ultra-femininity
When it comes to style, Duchess Ravenwoves intentionally embraces structure and softness.
“I truly believe in the magic that shapewear can bring to any outfit. Good underwear elevates an outfit.”
She prefers dresses and rarely wears pants, completely emphasizing her femininity.
“I encourage the plus size community to embrace showing skin and being bold in what they want to wear.”
For her, fashion is about honoring, not hiding.
What’s next for Duchess Ravenwoves?
The next chapter is bold, political, and deeply rooted in Indigenous truths.
Third EP: Vee Estrellas (November 2025)
“This is a highly political EP that highlights my perspective and the history of America’s tribes. It’s brutally honest, but essential.”
Memoir: Desert Moon
A blend of personal stories, tribal history, and folklore.
“My dream is to send a book to Oprah.”
Dreams stay big here.
Her advice? Have your nerve.
When asked what she would say to someone who dares to step into passion, the Duchess of Ravenwoves politely did not answer.
“It takes nerve. Have the courage to do what you want. The world is cruel. Focus on the people who love you, not the people you hate.”
to be honest? That might be the answer for the curvaceous boss of all.
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Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
