So many opinions here have resonated. I'm glad this was posted. I'm a BBW and have worked in Chicago and then DC (both considered "hotspots" for providers) and it can be discouraging to say the least.
Your location matters. Sometimes the local averages matter.
However in my 3 years in this business, I've realized that branding is more important. Especially as a niche provider. Investing in pictures, updating them several times a year, a strong social media presence, and a quality website are key to this. I realize this is an investment not everyone can afford to make (I'm in the process of a major re-branding now and it's going to run me several thousand dollars) but it is definitely worth it and will pay off in the long run, no matter your size.
Also, I wanted to remind folks, hobbyists pay for access to people and bodies that they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to meet, for a plethora of reasons. Let's be honest, with the social and racial disparities in this country, how likely is it that I, a 20 something, black, grad student from the Southside of Chicago would be in the same place as a 40+ white, engineer from Vermont if it weren't for the hobby? For that reason alone there is room for women of all backgrounds and types here. So many of my clients have only dated spinners and petite women publicly, while suppressing their desire for BBWs.