Emem Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dragon Squad Company and the leader of a group of plus size all female gallant bouncers whose criteria for employment into her company includes being female, fat and pretty. She speaks with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE about her inspiration, why she turned being big, which people considered a disadvantage, to a money-making venture, working in a male-dominated environment and women in leadership roles, among other issues.
Why a man’s job?
People have always regarded the security job as a hustle for only men. I don’t believe this; I always believe that women can do any kind of legitimate job if they put their minds to it. This is the reason I decided to change this narrative by creating a group of big ladies who are macho and fit to be bouncers; that is how the Dragon Squad was born.
Why Plus sized women?
There is an unsaid abandonment when it comes to women, especially plus size girls. Most plus size girls are considered lazy, unattractive etc so I choose to ensure that I’m able to create opportunities for them outside the negative narrative. I want them to be seen as beautiful, elegant, hard working and disciplined. This profession brings that description to bear and much more. Our job is to give people joy and protection with that physical presence caused by our size.
So, you have a vision for plus sized women?
Simply put, yes. It is my job to employ big sized women, even those bigger than I, for bouncer jobs. I want them to deploy their size for something positive; I want them to use what has been used to ridicule them as a stepping stone into greatness.
How was the idea received initially?
Like everything new, we had the teething problems. There is no new innovation that won’t face challenges; there had been many criticisms from various quarters. Some people hold this belief that only men can be bouncers and usually show the skepticism that we would not be able to do the job like men will do it. And because of this, many have labeled us and called us derogatory names. Some even tag us as lesbians or homosexuals because of the kind of job we do.
What inspired you?
My passion inspires me. That is my main inspiration.
What’s your take on women and leadership?
Men and women have the same goals when it comes to leadership. Nevertheless, when it comes to women and leadership positions, we bring talents, new views, diversity to the environment or companies they work for, resulting in more successful solutions. In my case, no one would believe that plus size ladies could be bouncers and when people see us, their first reaction is shock; then after a while, they get comfortable and trust is established.
Will you say women are ready to pull their weight in leadership?
I can’t generalize; I won’t say so because it’s an individual thing and it’s a choice. I will say it depends on individuals.
As an all-female team, people believe there will be bickering and dissention. How do you avoid this?
That is not an issue in our squad. When it comes to bickering and dissention, it is avoidable because we are guided by rules and conducts. Also, we are all mature; my women are mature so we talk issues out and take caution.
Do people respect you like male bouncers?
People respect us even more than the men.
What prepared you for this?
Many things and situations; wrong impression, low self-worth and rejection of chubby females all culminated in this. That is what did justice to this.
What are the major challenges?
Well, one major challenge is that some people still think that as we stand at events, we are just there as decoration and for entertainment just because we are women.
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