We started 2019 with a BANG by holding a body positive model search in collaboration with Non Airbrushed Me Management where the winner would receive not only an amazing opportunity to be the star in one of our photoshoots but also be offered a modelling contract with NAM Management!
With hundreds of amazing entries we couldn’t narrow it down to just one winner so we chose THREE gorgeous and inspirational women to star in our summer campaign! We sat down with our winners before the shoot took place and got to know them on a deeper level. Here’s what they had to say -
Wendy - @wellwendyjoy
Meet Wendy a joyful, energetic woman from Shepparton who isn't letting her age hold her back from doing what she wants and loves!
What made you enter the competition?
I entered the competition to find my own voice and continue on my journey of self discovery. For me it was in the hope that I might just inspire someone else to be themselves as well!
What does it mean to you to have won this model search?
It’s made me really happy that I took the chance. I think too often we deny ourselves the opportunities just due to fear and insecurities... for not being out there and being yourself so it just feels good to have done something for myself and something that might be empowering for other women my age!
How are you feeling before the shoot?
Surprisingly I am feeling quite comfortable. There’s so many things in my life where I have felt so anxious but I can tell you that I actually feel really comfortable which for me says I’m really moving somewhere on my journey of self acceptance.
Have you always loved your body? If not, how and when did you start to embrace your body?
I haven’t always loved my body. I had a younger sibling who was much thinner than me and did ballet. I was told I was too fat for ballet, which was just a sign of the times but it was always hard for me. I think we spend too long letting society determine how you should be, how you should look and how you should feel. I’ve given up on that now, once I turned 50 I let that go!
What body part do you love the most?
In all honesty it has to be my boobs. They are the part of my body that I associate myself most with!
Bree - @healthy_bree
Meet Bree, a fun loving mother of two from Colac. Inspiring all mums to let go of their insecurities and just go out and have fun with your kids!
What made you enter the competition?
I entered this competition because as a mother, in the past I have felt self conscious down at the beach and I really just wanted to showcase that if I can get into a swimsuit then anybody can. Every mum out there should be able to run around with their kids on the beach and have fun not worrying about what their body looks like and being judged.
What does it mean to you to have won this model search?
To have won this model search means to me that I can continue on to embrace the body that I have, it's given me a bit of a confidence boost just to know that I don’t have to be ashamed, that I can be a role model for other mums, girls and especially my children!
How are you feeling before the shoot?
I'm feeling really excited for the shoot today, a little bit nervous but overall I think it’s going to be a really fun day.
Have you always loved your body? If not, how and when did you start to embrace your body?
I haven’t always loved my body, I can be really self conscious. It wasn’t until after I had children that I realised the small things didn’t matter anymore. I didn’t have the time to stress anymore, I just wanted to get out there and have fun with my children and most importantly I wanted to be a good role model for my kids as well.
What body part do you love the most?
I would have to say that my favourite body part would be my tummy. I know it’s not perfect and I don’t have a six pack but it’s such a special place as its where I was lucky enough to grow my children!
Tiffany - @size_comfy
Meet Tiffany, a gorgeous and bubbly soul who has an infectious smile! She is saying bye-bye to those old insecurities and embracing the skin she is in!
What made you enter the competition?
I entered the competition because I started following brands on Instagram that I really respected and that reflected how I feel and even how I purchased things online. I always found that I could never enjoy being in clothes that I felt good in because I was always trying to fit into something that wasn’t for me. But I then I found that there are actually companies who are pushing the boundaries and letting you wear things that actually suit any body and that’s what I found when I followed Swimwear Galore and then the competition came up so I thought why not!
What does it mean to you to have won this model search?
To have won this search means to be recognised in terms of body diversity and cultural diversity. I never saw much of that growing up and I think it’s great to put yourself out there and show people that anybody can do it!
How are you feeling before the shoot?
Nervous! I'm feeling nervous about well, the whole shoot I guess but also how things will go in terms of showing off the right things. I just want to be myself and be happy.
Have you always loved your body? If not, how and when did you start to embrace your body?
I haven’t always loved my body in terms of being 100% okay with it. I think in high school we criticise ourselves so much and put all these insecure thoughts into a box. It wasn’t until recently when I opened up that box and thought, Hey no, you’re not so bad!
What body part do you love the most?
My favourite body part is probably my thighs, I rely on them for the strength of everything. But overall my favourite feature would be my smile, I think it really reflects how I am happy and who I really am as a person!
We loved spending the day with these three gorgeous women! Stay up to date with our socials to see all the shots from the day here!