Hi! I’m Kara Richardson Whitely.

I’m an adventurer, CEO of The GORGEous Agency, helping brands attain growth and profitability in the plus-size market, and author of the memoir Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds, which is soon to be a movie produced by and starring ‘This Is Us’ actress, Chrissy Metz. 

I’ve partnered with brands like L.L. Bean, Columbia, KEEN and Discover Puerto Rico to showcase diversity, inclusion and belonging because I know what it’s like to not fit in in a world I love. As an advisor, I help brands connect with the plus-size market, an often untapped audience (67 percent of US women) prime for authentic growth.

My mission to influence people of all sizes and abilities to get outside and live in the now led me to become a Come Alive Outside Board of Directors Member. I also serve on HIKI’s Influencer Advisory Board. I have inspired teams and individuals to overcome obstacles and bet on their own success at companies such as Pfizer, Google and Uber.

I am a contributor to Backpacker Magazine and have been featured in:

Let’s move mountains together!

Strategy Advisor

I work with the world’s greatest wellness and adventure brands to build connection, movement and understanding for the 67 percent of U.S. women larger than size 12. I use my understanding of disruptor strategy to make positive change for internal and external corporate campaigns. With monumental potential for growth in the wellness, adventure travel and outdoors sectors, the time is now to create positive sentiment for your brand amongst the plus-sized community.

Workshops & Events

After climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro three times weighing as much as 300 pounds — a story now being made into a movie produced by and starring ‘This Is Us’ actress Chrissy Metz — I teach teams of all sizes to harness the strength and resilience of this past year for the path forward. I have inspired teams and individuals to overcome obstacles and bet on their own success at companies such as Pfizer, Google and Uber.

Social Media Influencer

I have partnered with brands like L.L. Bean, Columbia, KEEN and Discover Puerto Rico to showcase diversity and inclusion and build positive brand sentiment in the plus-sized community. My unique message of resilience and tenacity paired with refreshing vulnerability about my experience as a plus-sized adventurer in an average-sized world is well received by my highly engaged following. My followers look to me for advice on travel, gear, clothing and more.

Learn how The GORGEous Agency can help your brand succeed in the body-inclusive economy