Emma Arletta

Emma Arletta is a Los Angeles-based plus-size model, content creator, entrepreneur, and certified Pilates instructor who has built a major platform centered on inclusive fashion, body confidence, and authentic lifestyle content. She began her professional life as a pediatric speech therapist after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and her master’s from the University of Oklahoma. A 2020 viral TikTok posted while she was still in graduate school—changed everything. Overnight, she gained tens of thousands of followers by highlighting the lack of stylish, well-fitting plus-size clothing. She soon left clinical work to pursue content creation and modeling full time. Today she is signed with Wilhelmina Models in Los Angeles and Natural Models in New York. Her campaigns include Jean Paul Gaultier, Abercrombie & Fitch (she and her husband fronted the brand’s 2025 Holiday campaign), Savage X Fenty (she served as the face of the 2026 Valentine’s collection), Peloton, Revolve, Dolce Vita, and others. These partnerships have positioned her as a sought-after face in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. Beyond traditional modeling, Emma has moved into design and product development. She launched her own merchandise line inspired by her “Big Girls” community, co-designed a plus-size bridal event-wear collection with GiaIRL (debuted with a runway presentation in Los Angeles), and created an extended-size swimwear collaboration with Goldie Swimwear that brought the brand’s bestselling styles into sizes up to 4X. As a certified mat Pilates and Xformer instructor, she hosts monthly community wellness classes in Los Angeles focused on confidence and movement. She is also an avid runner who has trained for events including the Malibu Half Marathon. Alongside her sister, she co-hosts the popular podcast Hefty Gehls, which blends pop culture, body positivity, and personal storytelling. With more than 1 million TikTok followers and a rapidly growing multi-platform audience, Emma has become a leading voice for size-inclusive representation. Her work consistently demonstrates that confidence, style, and commercial success do not require conforming to narrow beauty standards proving instead that visibility and advocacy can reshape the industry itself.