I have also written several articles as a reporter.
And there are some things that stick in my mind a little.
The closure of Plus Bus is one of them.
Because to many people in Los Angeles, and let’s be honest, to people far beyond Los Angeles, Plus Buses was more than just a boutique. It was the place you went to feel yourself again. Or maybe it’s your first time.
And at the center of that space was co-founder Marcy Guevara. past 10 yearswe’ve built something that blends fashion, community, and affirmation in a way that still feels rare.
It was more than just a store, it was a community.
When Marcy talks about The Plus Bus, she doesn’t lead with sales or scale. She talks about people.
friendship. Connection. The moment happened between the racks.
“I am most proud of the relationships and community we have built,” she says. “Thanks to Plus Bus, people have met and made true friendships. I know that my life’s legacy will include stories about Plus Bus.”
The word legacy is not used lightly here.

Because before The Plus Bus, in-person plus size shopping in LA was… limited. And not just in options, but in experience.
What Marcy created was intentional.
“We created events and spaces where people felt centered,” she explains. “Many people have told us how Plus Bus has changed their lives and how much it has enriched their shopping experience.”
And if you’ve ever been to a space that cares for your body rather than housing it, you’ll know exactly what that means.
So…why is the Plus Bus being discontinued?
That’s the question underlying all of this.
Why would something so impactful and necessary end?
The answer is not dramatic. It’s not scandalous. it’s more familiar and Much more difficult:
sustainability.
“It wasn’t a rushed decision,” Marcy says. “After three years of hard work, we finally made it happen.”

Like many independent businesses, especially in niche marketspassion didn’t always translate to profit.
“Things just didn’t stack up to the point where I could make a good profit on my small paycheck,” she says. “I personally cannot invest any more in the business.”
And what is the reality? This is something we’re seeing reverberating across plus size retail right now.
The reality of building plus size fashion
Running a boutique is already complicated. Operating a plus-size boutique with limited resources, evolving demands, and continued education of your customer base is a whole other layer.
Mercy spoke candidly about what was going on behind the scenes.
“Running a niche business is very difficult…you have to have a high degree of financial literacy and really understand what you’re getting into,” she explains.
Without major financial support, much of her business depended on her own efforts and name recognition.
“Marketing the business was very difficult and relied heavily on word of mouth and my own efforts,” she says.
And like many founders, she was the driving force behind it all.

“If your entire business depends on you, you’ve just created a job for yourself.”
The emotional weight of leadership in this area
Beyond logistics, there are other things Marcy mentions that aren’t always acknowledged.
Emotional weight.
“It’s incredibly difficult to get someone to take your business seriously,” she says.
From pricing backlash to increasing visibility as a plus-size founder, the challenges weren’t just operational, they were cultural.
And within the community itself, she points out the complexities of providing leadership in such intersecting spaces.
“Plus-size spaces can be…intense,” she says. “I would like to see it evolve into a truly inclusive community with a little more grace.”
There is consideration in that statement. And sincerity.
A bittersweet farewell and a necessary farewell
Even at the end, there is both sadness and clarity in Marcy’s voice.

“I’m shocked that this resource is being removed from Los Angeles,” she admits. “But I’m optimistic that the next generation will emerge.”
And at the same time, very personal changes are taking place.
“I’m ready to be my most authentic self…This decision is part of an identity shift.”
After years of balancing multiple roles, including work in broadcasting, this moment marks a time of readjustment.
“Success to me is choosing your own health and happiness,” she says.
Before the door closes: your last chance to appear
Plus As bus closures begin, Mercy brings the community back once again.
A huge sale will be held this weekend as boutiques begin liquidation.
This is more than just a sale, it’s an opportunity to support a business that has supported so many people over the years.
And if there’s one message she wants people to take away, it’s this:
“We have to support the brands we love…We don’t have to wait until they go out of business to support them.”

What’s next for Marcy Guevara?
The chapter ends, but Mercy doesn’t disappear.
In many ways, she’s returning to where it all started: with content, storytelling, and being on camera.
“I’ve always wanted to be a host in front of the camera,” she says. “Maybe HSN, QVC… A girl can dream!!!”
If you’ve followed her journey, you already know that that dream is within reach.
Thank you for the end
Mercy is rooted in gratitude.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported Plus Bus…I will never forget the memories I made,” she says.
And perhaps the last and most important note:
“I’ve tried my best to hold onto the dream…I’m choosing myself, and it feels good.”

Plus Bus is closed, but the impact is not over
The rack may be empty. The door may close.
But what? plus bus What’s created: community, confidence, connection…that doesn’t just go away.
It leaves a lasting impression on everyone who walks through that door, even if only for a moment.
I saw it.
How to continue supporting plus size fashion in Los Angeles
If there’s one thing Marcy Guevara has made clear, it’s this: Supporting plus-size fashion has to be intentional. and Ongoing.
So, as the end of The Plus Bus marks the end of this chapter, consider this a reminder (and invitation) to continue engaging with brands and spaces that are still active.
Whether that looks like shopping in-store, sharing your favorite bargains, or investing full price when you can, it all matters.
This community needs options, visibility, and support, so we’ll be sharing an exclusive guide to plus-size shopping in LA next.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
