With the unprecedented need for guidance and expertise on what is estimated to be a $1 trillion industry in the next decade, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching The Gorgeous Agency to help brands attain growth and profitability in the plus-size market.The name, of course, is a play on my book Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds, which is being made into a movie being produced by and starring This Is Us actress Chrissy Metz. It’s also a reflection of the power of words and actions and the absolute beauty and brilliance in the extended-size market. With more than 65% of Americans in larger bodies, this often-ignored market rewards brands that connect with humanity and authenticity with loyalty, therefore increasing your bottom line and reaching your targets. In addition to lived experience, I bring expertise in PR, journalism, disruptor strategy, influencer marketing, data, and beyond to guide this specialized and delicate customer journey. I will combine that with some of the best body-inclusive marketers, content creators, and data-driven strategists to drive results and fun along the way. How can we help? Opportunity audits, inclusive content strategy with extensions to current advertising programs, influencer platform and matching, authentic PR strategy development, digital segmenting, tactics, data, and most importantly, advisory to keep your team on the pulse of the market and opportunities. You can connect with me by email at kara@thegorgeousagency.com to say hello, of course, or if you, your company, colleagues, or industry are ready to move the needle on this exciting front!

If you're looking to move the needle with the plus-size market, or encourage your school, company or organization to move mountains and overcome obstacles, let's talk. My memoir, Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds is being made into a movie produced by This Is Us actress Chrissy Metz. I'm an influencer for L.L. Bean and a contributor to Backpacker magazine. I've been featured in the New York Times and on The Today Show, Good Morning America and countless other media outlets for my adventures and journey to inclusion and body acceptance. "​In Gorge, Kara Richardson Whitely takes us where few have dared to go before: thrillingly up to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and profoundly down to the darkest depths of food addiction. Kara is fearlessly honest and powerfully intelligent. I was moved and inspired by every page of this beautiful book."—Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail"This detailed account of [Kara Richardson Whitely's] travails will give confidence not only to hesitant would-be mountaineers but to those, like her, whose biggest hurdle is 'to learn to be O.K. with who I was.'"—The New York Times

Spearheaded effort to build compassion and understanding for those living with Binge Eating Disorder, the most common and least talked about eating disorder.

Developed inspiring and engaging content for international clients. Directed video series introducing the team members as well as several client projects. Spearheaded the Girl Scouts of the USA This is What A Girl Can Do campaign launch at Advertising Week with financial expert Jean Chatzky as the moderator.

Spearheaded news coverage in regions including Central New Jersey and Michigan. Deadline-focused work makes me with quick study on many subjects. Humanized complex issues through the power of story.