The pics are back!! I've been championing #BodyPositivity for a while now so I was very excited to take part in Natalie from Style Me Sunday's recent Warrior Woman Project in conjunction with Dove. A big group of women, in all shapes and sizes from all walks of life came together at The Clapton Laundry last month to take part in a day of inspiring talks, live art, comedy and of course brave photoshoots! We all wanted to share our body issues, trying to leave any insecurities at the door (easier said than done) to embrace, enjoy and celebrate our female bodies. We were FIERCE women!
Natalie says: 'It's all about breaking down those insecurities, being brave and not letting anything hold you back from being the best version of you. It doesn't matter whether you're a side 6 or a size 26 we all have our own issues and vulnerabilities and it's about trying to free yourself from the shackles and not hiding away anymore.'
Women across social media have been sharing their images and I have loved the response that women have been messaging about after being encouraged by all our images - be it from taking the courage to wearing a bikini on holiday to just wearing a skirt or showing your arms.
I'm still learning to love my changing body shape now I've had two kids and honestly when I look at these photos all my insecurities are laid bare, stripped back and fill me with fear but EVERYONE has some kind of body image insecurity. We all kind of knew we wouldn't like these pictures ourselves but I hope that they show a normal person with lumps and bumps and may ignite something in you to celebrate what you look like and what body you have been given. SO here they are in all their glory, my pics from the day! I was high on adrenaline and felt super awkward in how to pose because lets be honest, I'm no model material. Just a real mum in her pants....! No photoshop here.
Dove are doing a brilliant project helping young people all around the world with their mission to ensure the next generation grows up enjoying a positive relationship with the way they look – helping young people to raise their self-esteem and realize their full potential. I've always loved their use of real women championing real beauty and hope that this use of real women starts to spread more widely across the media. I know that I enjoy seeing clothes on women who are a truer representative of the average female form and I do shop from seeing women on social media.
Please spread the Warrior Woman message and share your pictures with the hashtags #warriorwomanproject #fierce #realbeauty.
Top two photos by Ocean Taylor Photography, bottom 2 photos by Angela Dennis
Star headband by Sparkle Child and by underwear by Marks & Spencer