Here it is! Part Two of Anna’s modelling story. The first part was so well received and both Anna and I received lots of amazing feedback, making me realise that this hobby actually is kind of worth it in the end, haha.

Anna had lots more to say when I interviewed her and you will find the rest here. I begin this part with asking Anna if she would let her daughter become a model after knowing what it really is like. (Because I sure as sh** struggle sometimes with my sister doing it, let alone my daughter.)

“I think because I only started when I was 23, I couldn’t imagine being younger and doing it. I can remember what I was like when I was 15/16. That was when I was fully into an eating disorder and feeling the other pressures of growing up. I wouldn’t let her do it that young, but if the opportunity came later when she was more established, then maybe. I’m not into the young girls having to go through it.
Society has already gone into a way where it’s so common to have anxiety and depression because of the pressures we have. I couldn’t imagine having to worry about what photographers and everyone think about you at that age as well.”

I do feel like there is more of a curvy representation of females in the spot light as of late, because of the people I choose to follow. I feel like models such as Ashley Graham are so celebrated and she isso confident in her own skin. More clothing stores are showing the outfits on a smaller and bigger girl so it is more accurate for everyone and there are so many YouTubers who cater for “fuller figured” girls. I love seeing different body shapes, skin colours and facial features being celebrated and appreciated. I feel like we are moving into a culture where it’s O.K. to not be the stereotypical ideal of beauty. I love exposing myself to pages that celebrate different styles, because if you follow the ‘trendy’ people, they all seem to look the same! (The Kylie and Kim want-to-be’s.)

I discussed with Anna whether she feels like the minority because of being classed as a ‘Curve Model’ and if she feels like it’s becoming more ‘normal’ to see curvier girls being celebrated as well as other body types.

“I was watching Ashley Graham and she was spot on when saying that it’s the most awkward thing to even mention the word model when you are plus sized. You can never just say,
‘Yes, I’m a model.’ People look at you like, ‘what are you on about?’ You have to say that you’re a curve model.
I used to think bigger didn’t look good on a runway but now after seeing how much Instagram and social media are showing it, it’s becoming more of the norm. It’s nice to have a more normal look to be exposed to in your everyday life. I’m all about making girls feel good in what they wear.

 People will never all be on the same page. That’s going to be forever. You’re going to have that person that will automatically visualise a really slim girl as a fashion model, there are other people that think that curvier girls are stunning and you’ll have ‘athletic’ as other people’s types. That’s fair enough, as with anything. I guess it’s when people get nasty online that can take it too far and that’s not fair.”

I used to think modelling was a bit glamorous you know, Miranda Kerr being perfect and all. Anna was quick to answer my “Is it glamorous?” Question:

“Not at all. The one-second of glitz and glamour is either on a runway when you’re actually on it for that adrenaline rush, or when you see your final image up in a catalogue. That’s the moment when you think ‘that’s wicked.’ Ninety percent of the time it’s a grueling process and I would love for anyone who doesn’t think that modeling is hard work, to try. It’s not about being pretty and standing there. It’s physically and mentally exhausting. It’s full of doubts and all of that.”

So, as our time together was coming to an end, because you know, we only see each other every second day…I had to ask her the age old question of, ‘Why do you do it?’

“Its those moments where you get the rush, or you see a good shot, or something goes well and for a second you think maybe Iam right for this. Recently, I got a message from a girl saying that I inspire her and she thanked me for sharing my journey. She said I helped her with her confidence. That made me realise that what I do has more of an impact. It’s not about having people think that I am impressive or attention seeking for guys, or for validation. I know that there are so many times that I really admire curvier girls that are similar to me online. I’m in love with them and I love seeing them. It changes my mind-set. When I reflect, I’m actually proud of myself that I can even do a job like this. I think an average person would completely crumble and it’s ironic that someone who has anxiety such as myself, can tackle the most nerve wracking industry. It’s empowering.”

Well, enough said. Here’s to Empowerment, Self-Love, Open Minds, Open Hearts and taking care of ourselves. Body, mind and soul. Get that Soul Fitness. 😉

Lots of Love,

Magda xx