Hi!

I just wanted to let my friends and family know that my second book "Bigfoot Still Lives in Idaho" is now available for purchase! I am excited to finish this book! It is bigger than the first book and includes brand stories of Bigfoot sightings from all over Idaho.

The best place to get a copy is at www.bigfootlives.info or talk to me personally. While you are at that site you should also check out the very cool T shirts we have available.

Thank you for your love and support throughout the years, this has been an incredible adventure!

About Becky

I was born in Pocatello, Idaho and lived on the Fort Hall Indian reservation the first part of my life where there are many Bigfoot stories. I have been interested in the Bigfoot since I was about ten and started collecting these stories while I was in high school. The book, Bigfoot Lives in Idaho, was written with those stories from all over Idaho and was published November 2012. Since then I have been collecting stories and pictures for the next book which will be out later this year.

I am one of the 100 tallest women in the United States and in the top 200 tallest women in the world, but I still don't compare to the Bigfoot. I have big feet but theirs are definitly bigger.

I love to hear stories about Bigfoot - please share yours!

Visit Becky's website

Here are some of my favourite tall ladies and their respective birth dates. Feel free to wish them "Happy Birthday" by using the comment function on the dedicated page.

This article is somewhat "old" but still makes for a good read:

She might have to duck her head when she walks through a door. But Britain's tallest teenage girl likes towering over her friends.

Jessica Pardoe, 18, who is 6ft 9in in bare feet, said: "I'm really proud to be this tall. I don't mind being a bit different. And it has so many advantages.

"I love going to music festivals and it's great to be able to see over everyone's heads."

Read the full article on the Daily Mirror website

SHE WAS bullied in her school years for towering above her classmates.

Now, Willerby woman Jessica McCubbin has had the last laugh, after shining in the Miss Beauty Curve finals in London. Jessica, 22, finished in the top ten at the pageant for plus-size women. She was also crowned Miss Publicity and Miss Top Model.

Read the full article

A 13-YEAR-OLD girl died from a suspected drug overdose after being bullied because she was 6ft tall, her parents said yesterday (this is from November of 2001)

Police are investigating allegations that Morgan Musson took her own life after being subjected to threats by a gang of seven girls who attended her former school, Ellis Guilford comprehensive in Nottingham.

Her body was discovered when her mother, Debra Savage, 35, tried to rouse her for school at 6am. Morgan had swallowed 40 painkillers.

Mrs Savage said she blamed bullies for "my beautiful daughter's death".

Mrs Savage said: "She was called names and threatened with violence because of her size. Even though she was 6ft tall, she was sensitive and quiet. The bullies knew this and preyed on her."

The family claim that Ellis Guilford refused to suspend the alleged bullies.

But the school did offer to chaperone Morgan, gave her one-to-one tuition and allowed her to leave lessons early to avoid her tormentors.

Mrs Savage said: "We asked and asked teachers to take effective action to deal with the bullying.

"Why in God's name did they not expel those girls? If they had, I might still have my daughter."

Measures for dealing with bullies at Ellis Guilford School have been praised by education inspectors.

Peter Plummer, the headteacher, said: "We have a comprehensive anti-bullying policy which has been commended by Ofsted inspectors.

Any allegations or concerns regarding bullying were followed up according to the procedures set out in this policy."

In June Morgan was taken out of the school and transferred to another where she was said to be getting on well. But the bullying continued because the gang lived near her house.

The day before Morgan's death, on Wednesday last week, she had an argument with her best friend, who apparently did not want to be her "pal" anymore.

Her family claimed that the bullying had left her vulnerable and the loss of her best friend proved the last straw.

Dr Nigel Chapman, the coroner for Nottingham, said: "Police are investigating claims of bullying in relation to Morgan's death."

What is bullying and what can you do about it?

Canada’s Kayla Alexander, who has stepped into the world of fashion, is trying to fill the gap

Being tall is one of the gifts of life for Keila Alexander.

It helped her educate, see the world, play the sport she loves to earn a living, and become an Olympic athlete.

Disadvantage?

Shopping for clothes.

The Canadian national team star is in a majestic 6’4 position, has set multiple career records at Syracuse University, and has eight WNBA seasons, but it’s a hassle to return to school and be empty. I still remember that.

“My mom looks like a low budget,” she recalls with a zoom call from Russia. So she is playing another season in the top leagues in the country. “And I was once very jealous [my sister], Keisha.

“She came back in cute clothes like cheap and fashionable jeans. I couldn’t really find the cute and fashionable clothes that suit me, so I came back with jewelry and a T-shirt. So I never enjoyed all the shopping in the new semester. “

Nicole Murphy is Alexander’s lifelong friend from Barry, Ontario. It was Murphy who saw a new tall girl in sixth grade class, invited her to the basketball team, and inadvertently started Alexander’s career.

Murphy grew to 6 feet and had her own challenges when it came to clothing and fashion.

“I was most dissatisfied with getting ready for the party or doing something with other girlfriends. They all wanted to go shopping and get their outfits. I’m Tag But I couldn’t find anything cute and flashy. I always wore basic clothes like jeans and T-shirts to suit me, “she says. “And I don’t know if I’ll be teased, but my friends will always say,’Oh, Nicole, you’re always very boring.’

“Or you could even share clothes or even shoes before you go out. I could never. I was a little calm while they were all preparing. Looking back, I was frustrated. “

The friendship between Alexander and Murphy and the annoyance of fashion shared with them prompted them to take action. The pair launched TallSize.com with Alexander’s sister Keisha, who topped the table at 5’10. This is a business in the retail industry for those who don’t, hoping to mitigate some of the challenges they and their peers face. Candidates likely to play the center of Canada’s Senior National Women’s Team at the Tokyo Olympics, as Alexander did this summer.

It happened in two stages. In March of this year, they launched a brand directory aimed at solving the shopping and fashion needs of tall women.

“We have found all the tall clothing brands possible around the world. Then we basically put in a filter. If you are in Canada and want to find jeans with an inseam 38 that ships to Canada You can basically filter it. Put all that information inside you and find a store where you can potentially shop to find those jeans you ship to you. You can, “says Alexander.

It was a quick and encouraging response. There seemed to be a need, and visitors to the site were pleased that their scavenger hunt was quickly simplified and more rewarding. Alexander didn’t have to go to test their ideas – she just asked her past and present teammates. The life of elite basketball played around the world has told her that her frustration is widely shared.

Murphy reached beyond Alexander’s basketball world and was even more convinced that they were working on something when she interviewed potential customers.

“that is, [frustrations] We all felt, but I’ve heard a lot that I wasn’t personally affected, “Murphy said. “But there is a lot of emotional weight tied to not being able to find clothes as a tall woman, especially when you are young.

“You are already taller than a boy, that is, it’s just not normal. In addition, you can’t find clothes that make your skin feel comfortable or confident, so the body associated with it. I think there are a lot of image problems … so it’s very reasonable and I’m thinking of it I was only able to point us in the right direction. “

As the brand directory gained momentum, they began to consider other opportunities and settled on an online marketplace that allowed buyers and sellers to meet online in one place.

“The next natural step for us was okay instead of kicking [users] Go shopping from all these different top brands [we identified], How do you create something that everyone can shop for in one place? Murphy, a veteran of multiple e-commerce ventures, quit his last job to commit to TallSize full-time this summer, says. “That’s where the market model partnered with various tall brands comes from. We put all our products in one place so that tall women don’t have to search the internet for hours. Fits.

“We wanted to create a space that women could trust. We could go there and know that it was a kind of scrutiny and become a really shopping item.”

The venture hopes to offer another way for 30-year-old Alexander after her playing career is over-a children’s book she publishes with Keisha, and in her art and public. In addition to talking.

But until then, nasty and frustrating trips to the mall no longer have to be that way, and with her sister and her oldest friend, they are actively doing so. I am happy to know that.

“I always liked the entrepreneurial spirit of trying to understand what I could do,” she says. “My big thing is to do what I’m passionate about. And this is what I’m passionate about. It’s about me and I’m creative. Because it enables me to continue learning [and] … I’m working now, so when it’s time to put on my shoes, I can smoothly move on to the next stage and my Tall Size… will grow. [we] You can continue for years to come. “

Read the original article

Chase says her extreme height - she is 6'5 in flats - made her first pick in sports at school

And while she is busy building a career as a model, she has been turned down by some agencies for being too TALL. The 6’5" beauty’s pins measure a lengthy 51 inches – which is 0.9 inches off the world record.

The 22-year-old, from California, was nicknamed ‘legs’ and ‘giraffe’ in school, but says that her assets have helped her excel in sports. Now Chase has emerged to trump the current US record holder, Holly Burt - whose legs measure an impressive 49.5 inches. Chase said: “I am proud of my legs – I wouldn’t want anything different.

Follow Chase on Instagram

By JACKSON BIKO

In Summary

• A university student with a nice name called Vannet, who is 5’8’, emailed me lamenting how tall women have challenges that average women don’t.
• Tall girls get noticed even when they don’t want to get noticed. They draw too much attention to themselves.
• They intimidate men unknowingly, and it’s even worse when they realise you are smart on top of being beautiful and tall.
• She talks about how finding trousers that reach her ankles and sleeves that reach her wrist are a challenge.
• She also laments that being tall, men assume that she is independent.

There was a girl in my primary school that was taller than us by the time we were in Class Six.

I don’t remember her name, but I remember her knees; they looked like the nodes on an old, knotty tree. I saw her knees during physical education class – PE, as we called it.

She would gather her dress in her hands to play katiand her knees would be in full sight, and I’d stand there by the playing ground thinking, boy, that girl’s knees can make a hole through a wall.

She was conscious of her height, so she slouched, which made her look like a female undertaker. The other kids made fun of her height, so she was always defensive and aggressive, down for a fight with anyone, boy or girl, who crossed her path.

She was pretty though. She had big eyes. She was brown. She had breasts when breasts were not even in fashion. And she had a wonderful laugh. When she laughed you almost forgot that her knees were crude weapons. Almost.

We finished primary school and life scattered all of us like pollen in the wind. Then, in 2012, I ran into her at Sarit Centre. I saw her standing in the line to validate her parking ticket and I instantly knew it was her. It was her height.

SLOUCHED TO HIDE HEIGHT

She towered over everyone in that queue. Her face hadn’t changed one bit either; she was still brown – browner, even. She had those gorgeous big eyes. She was still pretty. And she had full breasts.

She still had that full infectious laugh; it’s amazing how time has nothing on someone’s laughter. Time doesn’t affect the well of laughter.

She was heavy with the weight that motherhood sometimes puts on women, but it was her alright, and I could tell that she never lost that slouch; her shoulders bent forward from the pre-pubescent days of trying to hide her height. She slouched in adulthood as she slouched in childhood.

I waited for her to finish paying, then I stopped her to say hello. She couldn’t remember me instantly. (I was fat in primary school. Fat and silent and dull.) I said, “Jackson Biko. Class eight red?” She looked at me closely and said, “Oooh, gosh, you have a beard now! A man!” (I pumped out my chest slightly, like an ape!)

I was embarrassed to ask her name, and she didn’t offer. She said she read my name in the newspaper and online and she always wondered if it’s the same Biko who she went to school with. I nodded and acted like it wasn’t a big deal the way my four-year-old son does when you tell him he’s looking smart.

We caught up. She has children now, married, professional woman and doing good from how expensive her handbag looked. I wanted to tell her jokingly that I remember her knees from those days, but maybe that would have offended her, so I didn’t.

Anyway, the whole point of this story is about tall women. A university student with a nice name called Vannet, who is 5’8’, emailed me lamenting how tall women have challenges that average women don’t. They get noticed even when they don’t want to get noticed.

CHIN UP GIRLS

They draw too much attention to themselves. They intimidate men unknowingly, and it’s even worse when they realise you are smart on top of being beautiful and tall. “Men take off,” she wrote. You suddenly become a mountain they don’t want to climb.

She talks about how finding trousers that reach her ankles and sleeves that reach her wrist are a challenge. She also laments that being tall, men assume that she is independent. “I rarely get guys to help me out, even to lift stuff up. They assume I don’t need help.”

I suppose that she also has to be sensitive about the kind of shoes she wears before meeting a man who is shorter than her. I told her, “Being a tall woman is a beautiful thing. Hold your head high. If a man runs away because of your height then maybe he’s not the kind of man you need.”

My nine-year old daughter will certainly be tall. Her mother isn’t short, and she has tall relatives from both sides of the family. At nine, my daughter is already as tall as they come. (Her knees look decent, though.)

I’d hate for her to make excuses for her height one day. To slouch. To conform. To feel the need to lower her height to be the same as the masses. Once in a while I tell her, ‘My, Tamms, you have such a beautiful height, I love it.” I hope it gets to her head and she always stands tall.

She will no doubt meet short boys in school who she might fancy, boys who might make her feel that her height is a liability, that it’s a yoke to be borne with stoicism. Unlucky for those boys, her confidence will have been reinforced by my wiring.

I will be praising her height so much that if a short, fat boy (like I was in primary school) makes fun of her height she will say, “Oh, please, you wish you could be as tall as me. I know you would love to brush your teeth without standing on a stool.”

Chin up, you young, tall girls. Chin up. Height can only be worn with grace.

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Frustrated by the lack of stylish options for tall women, pro basketball athlete and designer Diana Delva launched her own direct-to-consumer clothing label.

By Elizabeth Segran - 5 minute Read

When designer Diana Delva was in middle school, she was already more than six feet tall, towering over most of her classmates. On the upside, this meant that she was a shoo-in for the basketball team. But on the downside, it was hard finding cute clothes to wear. Many of the teen brands that other high school girls wore simply did not fit on her large frame.
 
Delva went on to play basketball at the University of Hartford, and later, professionally, as part of the European basketball league. That’s when it struck her that many of her fellow athletes had similar gripes: Fashion labels viewed tall women as an afterthought rather than a valued customer.

In college, while on a full athletic scholarship, Delva interned at DSquared2 to learn about the fashion industry. Then, last year she launched her own brand, Chèlbè, which focuses entirely on the needs of tall women. This means creating trousers with bigger inseams and blouses with longer arms, all in the season’s trends. She showed her fall 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week, where she was named a “designer to watch.” She now sells clothes directly to consumers through her website, where she is focused on ensuring that her garments are at an affordable price point of under $80.

As a black woman setting out into the fashion world, Delva doesn’t have very many role models that look like her. But she does take comfort in the fact that black communities have always been very scrappy when it comes to adapting fashion trends to suit their needs. She looks to someone like Dapper Dan, for instance, who realized back in the ’90s that the luxury European designers weren’t designing for the bodies and styles of black people. So, he went out and plastered the logos of Louis Vuitton and Gucci on expensive leather, turning them into bomber jackets and jumpsuits that were a hit with the hip-hop world.

It’s this sense of resourcefulness that inspires Delva not to accept her position as an underserved customer, but to do something about it, even if it means starting a clothing line of her own.

Fast Company: Tell me about your brand. 

Diana Delva: Chèlbè is a fashionably tall clothing line catering to women 5’9 and up. The name comes from a creole word that means elegant, chic, or luxurious in dress, style, or design. I’ve translated this concept into a versatile, comfortable, and fashion-forward collection.
 
Pieces are made to accentuate and accommodate lengthier features with longer inseam, torso, and arm lengths. Some of our best sellers include the three-way jumpsuit, which is a twist on a classic black jumpsuit with asymmetrical cuts and front zipper that you can adjust to wear three ways. Others include the Illusion Palazzo Pant, high-waist flowing pants that have the illusion of shifting shades as you walk, or the simple T-shirt dress that makes a statement “Fashionably Tall.”

FC: What made you decide to launch it?

DD: I reached 6’1 by the age of 14 and quickly realized the struggle of shopping tall. I found it even more impossible as I grew older and adopted my own sense of fashion and style. Most tall options available were very basic styles that often didn’t fit my budget.

And as a basketball player, I ran into lots of women who had the same issues. It was even harder for us to show our feminine side because we couldn’t find clothing to reflect that. We would often exchange styling tips and share where we could find clothes. While shopping in mainstream stores, we opted for the men’s section, plus-sized clothing, or the cropped look. We would also pull up our sleeves and wear ankle and high boots that gave the illusion of clothing that fit.

I decided to launch Chèlbè out of pure need. I was tired of endless shopping trips trying on everything that didn’t fit. I wanted on-trend styles that regular-height women could find without the added cost.

FC: Do you feel like black consumers are underserved in your product category? If so, then why and how?
 
DD: I like to think that black consumers are at the forefront of style and setting trends since you often see those same styles mimicked in mainstream fashion. One of the bigger examples is of Gucci replicating a design by Dapper Dan, which after backlash led to a collaboration. Or the variations of cornrows you see in today’s fashion. The selection of tall clothing is very limited and, in some sense, limiting to individual style and expression. But it goes to show the resourcefulness of the black consumer. Whatever the product or budget, black consumers find a way to make it a style of their own.

FC: Are black entrepreneurs underrepresented in your industry? Why do you think this is? 

DD: I think black entrepreneurs are underrepresented in most industries, not just in the fashion world. I think that has to do with the social disparities that black entrepreneurs have to overcome. We are not starting on the same playing field. Statistically black people are less privileged when it comes to basic needs like income and education. It’s a lot harder to break into the fashion world without the proper resources and connections that black entrepreneurs often lack.

FC: Have you faced any obstacles as a person of color trying to launch a business? What are they? How did you overcome them?

DD: I haven’t noticed any obvious obstacles as a person of color launching Chèlbè, not to say they don’t exist.

I have had to build relationships with all types of people, going into every situation color-blind, letting my work and work ethic speak for itself. As in any growing business, there will be lots to overcome and there is always a solution for everything.

In sourcing my fabric from Greece and Lebanon, I’ve gone into situations where there was a distinct cultural and language barrier, but when it came down to it we had two things in common–the fabric and the price. Regardless of color or even language, there is always a common ground in business. You just have to find a way to make it work for everyone involved.

FC: Have you deliberately tried to be a visible face of your brand? 

DD: I’ve actually tried the opposite. I want to build Chèlbè itself as a brand having the designs and meaning speak for themselves: chic, elegant, graceful, and luxurious. Chèlbè is a lifestyle and can be translated into everything you do. I just help dress the part.

FC: What is your advice to other black people who are passionate about fashion/apparel and want to make an impact in this industry?

DD: Stay true to your vision. A lot of times we look for outside approval and conform our vision to be more “acceptable.” I always pass my designs by my sister and friends, even from the early stages when it’s just a drawing and fabric. Sometimes they love it and sometimes they don’t. Most of the time, they can’t really judge until there’s a finished product. Constructive criticism is a great tool to aid you along your journey, but sometimes only you can fully see or understand your ideas, and that’s okay.

About the author

Elizabeth Segran, Ph.D., is a staff writer at Fast Company. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
More

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Clothing Sizing Changes Through Decades

Fashion Professor Discusses How Designers Calculate Sizes

Newswise — Any woman who has searched for a well-fitting pair of pants or the perfect little black dress should understand the impetus behind Lynn Boorady’s research.

The associate professor and chair of Buffalo State’s Fashion and Textile Technology Department has studied clothing sizing for more than 20 years, and she’s the first to admit it’s puzzling at best. When it comes to women’s clothing, there is no industry sizing standard, meaning it’s up to each designer to decide the ideal female shape. For many women, finding clothes that consistently fit can pose a challenge.
Historically, ready-made clothing was not meant to fit perfectly. Up until the 1960s, shoppers assumed they had to take their store-bought clothing to a tailor for adjustments, Boorady said. Of course, that is not the expectation today. This is why it’s so important to try everything on and not get caught up in the numbers, she said.

“If a piece of clothing fits, don’t worry about the size,” Boorady emphasized. “Tear the label out if the size bothers you. It’s a comment on the company, not you.” This situation has only improved slightly in recent years following a 2002 national study, Size USA, which conducted body scans on more than 10,000 women and men to adequately reflect modern body types. The last time women had been measured for a major study was in 1939.

To cover the wide range of body types, designers are offering more choices— slim fit, curvy fit, for instance. At the same time, there remains a disconnect. Fifty percent of the female population wears a size 14 or larger, yet the majority of designers make clothes for slender women, she noted.

That is slowly changing as more niche markets emerge with clothing designed for large-busted women, tall women, and plus sizes.

“There are still not great choices, but they are better,” said Boorady who wrote about sizing of apparel for overweight and obese consumers for a chapter in the 2014 book Designing Apparel for Consumers: The Impact of Body Shape and Size. (Serge Carrier, Marie-Eve Faust and Francis Dodds (Eds.). Woodhead Publishing: London)

At the same time, more designers are using vanity sizing — extra-small and triple zeroes — with the larger sizes adjusted accordingly.

“Manufacturers do the same thing to men that they do to women,” she said, “only it’s sizing larger, not smaller to make the consumer feel better.”

About Lynn Boorady Current chair of Buffalo State’s Fashion and Textile Technology Department, Lynn Boorady has taught at the college since 2010. She holds a master’s degree in Textiles and Apparel from Cornell University and a doctorate in textile and apparel management from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Other faculty positions she has held include: the University of Missouri, Iowa State University, Stephens College, Mount Mary College; and the American University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Her major areas of interest are body scanning, sizing, functional design, patternmaking, product development, technical design, apparel manufacturing, and the slow fashion movement.

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Confidence is Queen by Jen Sugermeyer

Jen Sugermeyer is a tall woman (6'1"), who struggled with confidence.

Jen wrote Confidence is Queen to show the way to solve any problem. Confidence is the key to face and tackle everything; your challenges, your fears, your hesitations, and it opens the door to the life you want!  If you’re starting a business, looking for love, ready to ask for that raise, looking for self-love, ready to find happiness, then confidence is your answer!

As cash is to king, confidence is to queen.  But you need to have cash to be king.  You already have confidence within you; we all do. With confidence, you can do, be, get everything you want in life, including cash.  The queen is the most powerful player in the game of chess, she can make all the moves. Learn how to start calling the shots in your life. Confidence is a mindset, and mindset is a choice.

Visit Jen's website

I didn’t have an easy start in life and in hindsight I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

It taught me so much about resilience, perception and ultimately, what I was capable of. From heading up Commercial Development in the entrepreneurial buzz of the Dragons’ Den to CEO of the beautifully creative studios of Anouska Hempel; I relentlessly worked my way up to being a trusted advisor to a high profile client list before I had my first ‘what the heck am I doing with my life?’ moment. In January this year, I was at a crossroads disguised as a dead-end; I mean who does the Advisor turn to for advice? Certainly not her client list!

I’d been so busy working that I’d forgotten the importance of having a solid support system and I already knew all too well that a lack of like-minded people in your life can have a disastrous domino effect so I put my high-profile career on hold and immediately went to work on my latest project: Building my tribe. My first stop was Escape the City where I joined 49 other inspirational individuals with a shared goal of building a startup. We spent 4 months creating, testing and launching our ideas into the public domain, turning to each other to celebrate the highs and picking each other up from the inevitable lows.

I’ve been 6’2 since I turned 14 years old and although I’ve always projected complete confidence in my working life, I was always dealing with social anxiety behind the scenes. I struggled to find clothes, towered over my group of friends and worked in male dominated environment so I didn’t even know any other tall women who really understood where I was coming from. There didn’t seem to be anything which ticked the right boxes for me so I set about creating an online community for tall women in the hope that they would show up… and they didn’t let me down! It’s been just over 6 months since I created a TALL GUIDES twitter account, today the combined TALL GUIDES social media following sits at just under 10k. A (terrible!) holding page has turned into a dynamic online magazine and the private Facebook group has evolved to include offline events in London, Germany & the Netherlands. I’m proud to have created a place where we can connect, create and celebrate our difference. This random journey has had a positive impact not only my life but also on the lives of many other women and from not knowing any other tall women; we now know thousands of them all around the world!

A niche community like this wouldn’t have been possible pre-internet and social media, I would have always been THE tall girl in my own circles and I feel extremely grateful that we’re now living in a super connected world. It’s something we all need in our lives, whether we’re referring to brands, businesses, startups or individuals, communities which make our lives better should exist everywhere – both on and offline. The biggest brands don’t sell to their customers, they don’t broadcast at people, they grow a tribe – engaging people in something interesting, entertaining or useful for them.

We’ve seen a rise in socially connected products, the emergence of platform-based companies and the message we’re sending is clear – connectivity is what we want, community is what we need. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re working, whenever you’re thinking of doing something different; take a moment to look at the support system around you as I believe that the people around us can be the difference between success and failure. If you don’t like what you see or you can’t find what you need, my advice is to create it and they will come.

The best opportunities come via people so proactively seeking out communities and people with similar interests and values to you is a must. The most successful (and enjoyable) way of building authentic relationships is to contribute generously to others. When you do this, you’ll often receive exciting opportunities in return. So what community is it that you’re looking to attract? Whatever you decide, stand for something and then build your tribe around it.

About the author

I’m Sallee Poinsette-Nash, a 6’2 Londoner, Brand Builder and Founder, TALL GUIDES – an inspiring online magazine supported by a global community of tall women. I spent the first half of my career in the fast-paced world of publishing before becoming a brand advisor and business troubleshooter to a high-profile client list. I’ve held Interim CEO and COO positions, consulted on Commercial and Operational Management projects as well as delivering Brand Strategy and Advisory Board roles. It’s the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had along the way that have inspired me to take what I do in the fields of business and brand and turn it into a Launchpad for ambitious women. WE LAUNCH HER is coming soon – a springboard with a support system, designed to create brighter futures by launching women into more meaningful careers and businesses.

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After running tallwomen.org by myself for all these years I'm glad we have finally upgraded to a more than just potent Content Management System. I didn't mind providing most of the content myself but once in a while I wished I could hand some of the "responsibility" over to one or more of my tall lady friends.

Now the time has come to share the responsibilities. The first two contributors are two good friends of mine. 6'4" Amanda from Texas and 6'6" Cala from New England.

If you would like to join Amanda you need to register first. And, you need to get in touch with me, of course. Use the contact form in the "Home" menu or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dating Advice: Seven things to NEVER say to a tall woman

by all4women · November 9th, 2015

For the mental well-being of all the tall women out there, please avoid saying the following seven statements …

I am a tall woman – 183cm tall to be precise. To a limit, tallness in women is considered a desirable trait, but when you are six foot tall, people begin to act like you’re a freak of nature.

This is clearly not desirable. I often look at petite, small women with envy: they are considered cute and feminine, whereas I am considered Amazonian.

As a tall woman, I can also never just melt into the crowd

I am always noticed, always looked at, always in sight. So sometimes, it can be tiring when strangers feel the need to comment on my physical appearance, when I just want to be left alone.

So, for the mental well-being of all the tall women out there, please avoid saying the following seven statements:

Wow! You’re so tall!

Really? Me? Tall? Never! I thought I was short! Come on people, surely you must know that I know I am unusually tall for a woman? How would you feel if I commented on your large beer boep, or your balding head? Perhaps I could comment on the fact that you have brown hair? Or blue eyes? I don’t need to point it out, because (and here’s the crux) you know. Plus, maybe you are a bit self-conscious of your bulbous nose. Maybe pointing it out will embarrass you? I know that being tall is not a negative thing, but it is so tiring to hear it every day. And eventually, I do start feeling like I am a bit of a freak (as if I am the only tall woman to ever have existed).

You must have really big feet? What’s your shoe size?

Again, seriously? Asking about my shoe size is none of your business and again, it hurts my feelings. You’re acting as if I am a circus act, and my feet aren’t that big (only a size 8). My advice is to use the following test: what would you say to a woman with really large breasts? You definitely wouldn’t stare at them and marvel at the size. “My, what big boobies you have!” And you certainly wouldn’t ask her what bra size she wears. It’s just rude and weird.

What’s the weather like up there?

Ha-freaking-ha. The only thing us tall women can do with this is smile weakly and edge away. Jokes about the physical appearance of other people are usually hurtful to the target of the joke. Apply the boob test: would you make a joke about a woman’s breasts being so large they enter a room before she does? I’m thinking you wouldn’t.

Men must be so intimidated by your height!

Well, I am married to a taller man and I have dated shorter men, which was never a problem. Asking me this question implies that you think men don’t find me attractive. In a society where looks count for a lot, that can be hurtful.

Did you play netball at school?

I didn’t, actually. I was terrible at sports. Just because I am tall, doesn’t mean I am sporty. Are you going to ask a black person if he is a good runner because of his skin colour? Unlikely – you’d be considered a racist if you did. So why is it okay to assume things about me because of my physical appearance?

Could you get that down for me?

I honestly don’t mind helping people get things down from shelves, but only when I offer. I do not appreciate people asking me to get beans down from the top shelf while I am having a conversation with my husband about what to cook for dinner. Just because I am tall doesn’t mean I want to help you.

You must be at least six foot three!

This usually comes from men who aren’t six foot, but wish they were. I used to model. I was measured professionally. Trust me when I say I am six foot tall. This means you are definitely less than six foot. Please don’t try to bolter your own self-worth by making it seem I am taller than I already am. Thank you.

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De-Fen Yao

July 15th 1972 - November 13th 2012

who supposedly stood at 7'9" (236,2 cm) at her tallest.

It has been confirmed that De-Fen Yao has died.  According to a programme on the Discovery Channel UK she was supposed to have an operation on the brain tumour which caused her gigantism in January 2007. So far I haven't had any news if the operation had taken place or not.

More on Ms. Yao:

Wikepedia entry

"Gigantism patient receives treatment in Shanghai"

I've been asked several times why I consider Ms. Yao to be the tallest woman in the world:

Well, as you can see in the video-clip it has finally been confirmed that she is the tallest woman in the world. I guess the Guinness Book of Records needs to be updated.

The story: 19 years ago she was diagnosed with Acromegaly – a disease resulting from a tumour on the pituitary gland causing it to pump out excess growth hormone. Thanks to a documentary being made for a British Television programme, two of the leading doctors specialising in Acromegaly have offered to help De-Fen for free. The doctors and the television production team have been raising money for De-Fen’s recovery and future.

Even though the actual appear is now over you can still visit the Yao Defen Appeal Website.

Hi, my name is Jessica. I'm 6'4".

I started kindergarten at a height of almost 5ft tall. I remember my first day of school clearly, mostly because some adult came up to me and thought I was at the wrong school and in the wrong grade. I was always the tallest person in the school. In 8th grade I reached 5 ft 11. And by graduation from high school I was 6 ft 2. High school was hard. Sure I had friends, but trying to get a date being taller than all the guys was impossible. I got made fun of because I could never find pants long enough. Being asked if a flood was coming was a little annoying and hurtful. I also got the "do you play basketball" comment I believe every tall girl gets. I didn't play basketball, not because of the comment but because I have asthma. I ended up playing volleyball for 2 years though.

When I got to college things changed a little. I met taller guys, and even some girls that were tall. I felt more at ease. I started to get dates. But still got the occasional "you are so intimidating." I had boyfriends break up with me because they didn't like the stares we received from people when walking together, since they were shorter then me. Story of my life. I ended up spending most of college weight-lifting with my guy friends and studying. I graduated in 2004 with a BS in Chemistry. I was 6 ft 4.

I finally met a man that adored my height. My husband and I met online, and 3 months later met in person. He loved my height, and even encouraged me to wear heels (which I love to do). He doesn't care about the stares we get at all. For once I felt comfortable being who I am. Doing this raised my self-esteem, my pride, and my respect for myself.

Now you can see me helping shorter people reach things off top shelves, buying clothes I want to wear, buying shoes with heels, and showing off my strength. I don't care what people think anymore. And neither should the rest of you. Be proud of who you are, and what we represent.... Strong, tall, and beautiful women!

Julie's Basics

Name: Julie
Birthday: April 19th, 1966
Height: 6'2"
Location: United States

Hello there. My name is Julie.

I've been married for 18 years. We have three Children: Katherine 16, Maximilian 8, Amelia 6.

I've been in the U.S. Army for 18 years as a Combat Medic. I retired in 2007 and am currently attending college to pursue a career in nursing.

I love your website simply because it focuses on the positive. I am 6"2 and have always stood out and never quite comfortable in my own skin simply because "if you stand out and are not like the norm that people have a hard time accepting you." It also made me socially awkward and difficult pursuing friendships.

It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I am fine and if they have a problem with that, it has nothing to do with me. I have a beautiful, intelligent 16 year old daughter who is already 5"8" and I make it a priority to ensure that she knows what a treasure she is. If she encouters discrimination I like to show her the stories that are on your website so that she can know that she is not alone.

I met my husband when I first joined the military and he was the first person who looked at me as a person and not at my height. We have been married 18 years and have three beautiful children.

We have lived in Texas, Colorado, Germany, Alabama, New York as a family and I have been many places to include my last exciting trip to Afghanistan. Our life has allowed our children to be exposed to many cultures and tolerant and loving to all people no matter where they are from and what their heritage is.

My hope for everyone is that they embrace each others differences and always know that they can learn something from everyone they meet.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
Julie

Loren's Basics

Name: Loren
Birthday: May 8th, 1990
Height: 6'1"
Location: United States

Hello, my name is Loren.

I have always been really comfortable with my height. I am now 19 years old and I am 6'1". As a young girl, I was taller than everyone else in my class, but coming from a tall family, I thought that is how it was supposed to be. My dad is 6'4", my mom is 6'0", and my brother is 6'10". When my family went anywhere together, most people noticed and commented my brother’s height. It was not until my brother went off to college that I gained much attention from other people. Now when I walk into a room, I see many people look my way.

In high school I played volleyball and basketball. Most people associate height with sports, but I was more than just a sports player. I was involved in all the clubs, Student Council historian, BETA club, and one of my favorites, Drama club. In the plays I have participated in, many of them I had to play a male part. Even in my senior year, I was taller than most of the guys that wanted to be in plays. I have been asked by a couple of different people why I don’t become a model, I think it would be fun, but I am not really sure if I am actually model material. I am getting married in the spring to a really great guy who is 6’2”. I normally avoid wearing heels when we go out, but he loves when I wear heels and does not mind that I am two or three inches taller than him when I do. He loves my height and is happy when I show it off.

Most of my friends are a lot shorter than I am, but they accept my height very well. Normally when we all go out together, they let me have the front seat and pick picture poses where my head does not get cut off in the picture. The biggest problem I have is trying to find jeans and shoes that are reasonably priced and trying to fit in tight spaces comfortably. My Mom has always told my brother and me to stand up and be proud of our height. I really thought she was crazy when she first said that to us. It is not really what you are thinking about in first grade. Now I know why she says that and I say the same to all the tall girls out there, “Stand up and be Proud!”

All the best from
Loren

Name: Vilma
Birthday: April 17th, 1968
Height: 6'6 1/4"
Location: Canada

Hello. I am Vilma, originally from Lithuania, now I live in Canada. I am a former basketball player and 6'6 1/4" or 197cm tall :) As I am growing older, I feel more and more comfortably about my height. Growing up I didnt' have a lot of problems with my height because I played basketball all time with my team and went to special school for athletes so we were all tall and especially strong. Of course we always were meeting people, who were looking at tall women, like at miracle, or something from another world.

I still hear somebody telling me news: "You are tall"... I could answer: you are fat, ugly, small,or............ instead but I alway say: "I know, this is nothing new to me." There will always be people who think tall women aren't "normal", but what is normal? So I start loving myself a long time ago. I like the way I am. And when I look in the mirror I smile to myself and see my amazing body and love it.

I know I have only one, tall body and that is where my soul lives. So when I smile a lot of people smile be back, and I often hear compliments. Some of them amazing. I know, more importantly it's what is on the inside, but when I meet someone new the first thing people see is tall me so some are scared and some curious but after they get to know me better most people love me. I don't need to make everybody love me though. I know who I am (and I don't need to prove anything to anybody) and most importantly I LOVE MYSELF.

I live today and in my body. I can't change it and I don't want that. I love it, love it, love it. I just want to make every tall girl smile. If you see a tall woman who thinks something is wrong with her because she is tall give her a hug and give her some of my confidence in order to make her life better. Don't worry... we are all different, and here it's beauty of the nature.

Have good day and keep smiling TALL GIRLS! :)
From Vilma