And we’re back with our monthly Model of the Month series! This week we are featuring Linni – who has modeled for us in our #ImFlattered campaign and our Spring 2016 Look Book and Runway Show!
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?
I’m a makeup artist (trained originally in theatre), a beauty blogger and occasionally speak at events on body positivity!
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2. How did you get involved with the brand?
I met Mallorie through the Body Positive Habitat on Facebook. I wrote a post that I was searching for a dress after experiencing several online orders that failed to fit me properly. At the very last minute, SmartGlamour pulled through and customized a beautiful dress for me. I was thrilled to have a garment that not only fit so well and looked incredible, but felt like I was in pajamas all night! After that, I knew I wanted to involve myself within the brand.
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?Aside from the comfortable and chic clothes, SmartGlamour shoots make me feel confident. I leave feeling like I’m on top of the world. There’s a vibrant energy at the photo shoots and runways that the models feed off of. They just beam and glow. SmartGlamour truly appreciates the authenticity of each individual. It’s inspiring.
4. What does body positivity mean to you?
Body positivity has a lot of definitions. For me, it’s the practice of self-love. That can be difficult, as women we are persistently reminded by society that we will never be good enough. Body positivity challenges that by teaching individuals to accept their body instead of fighting against it. Â It’s challenged the way I treated my body, and given me a platform to publicly speak on the politics of owning our body. Not everyone is ready for self love! But there is a big difference between people expressing their preferences in body types and body shaming. It’s those people who are simply shocked that a girl who weighs 300 lbs. can love herself and be a model. It’s rooted in insecurity, as they have constructed a life long belief as to why they aren’t good enough. But believe me- you are! We are all enough.
5. If there is a message you could put across to other women through your modeling photos – what would that be?
You and your body are your own. It sounds so simple, but I wish that someone had told me when I was young – that it was okay to live my life through my terms and not from what society deemed as ideal. It was not an overnight process, I owed myself an apology for years of self doubt and hate. I was so angry at my body for not looking or working properly that I forgot how incredible it is. It’s my home, I have to thank it by loving it. Amazing things happen when you appreciate your body.
6. What is your advice to other women who would like to give modeling a try?
Don’t hold back! If you want to model- you absolutely can. There isn’t a mold or color or shape you have to fill to be a model. SmartGlamour is showing the world that fashion is inclusive to any individual who wishes to wear it.
