Hi, 

 

My name Is Sian Yapp. I’m 25 years old, living in London and working as a free-lance office manager. I am also a Plus size model in my spare time. 

 

Up until 18 months ago I wasn’t the most confident person in the world. Worrying about what people thought of me on a daily basis, worrying about my appearance, would I ever be accepted? Then something clicked, I don’t know what it was, but I’d had enough of beating myself up, bending over backwards and staying out of people’s way as to not offend them by my appearance. 

 

I have always been big since I can’t remember. (I am now 5’11 and a size 22 who lives in 4’ heels so I guess it’s fair to say I’m very hard to not notice.) When I was younger, I was the tallest in my class including all the boys which made growing up slightly more difficult for a young female. Luckily the support network I have around me is Incredibly Loving and Special to me.                                                

 

My family are of many shapes and sizes, Heights and looks and all Beautiful! They raised myself, my brother and our cousins in an environment where what you look like isn’t an issue, But your attitude is! 

 

So when dealing with bullies at school I never really understood what their issue was until I was older and starting to notice changes. I began to become increasingly aware of my body, its changes and the fact I was noticeably different from the other females. I became very shy and began to listen to those hurtful words and then began to think it was normal. A normal occurrence that happened daily for me, until one day a teacher noticed what happened, my family were informed. I still remember having a conversation with my mum and Auntie. From then, I never allowed anyone’s words to penetrate that deep again. 

 

There are some days when the odd comment can sneak up on you and burn a little but, the way I see it. Anyone who feels the need to put you down is the insecure one. They are hurting and unhappy with themselves and need to find fault in others to make them feel good, and the easiest way to do so is with someone’s appearance. 

 

 

When I heard about Plus Confidence and met Anita I was instantly drawn to her. Her goals and the Organisations view on Confidence not only within the Plus size community but in people of all shapes is refreshing! It is so important that there is somewhere for people to go to get advice or just to chat too, and that person is Anita.  

 

The Art exhibition is something close to my heart as its being showing the Beauty in all shapes and sizes. Having the opportunity to be one of the models was an Honour! Being surrounded by supportive and likeminded people made the day go far too quickly. I left feeling on top of the world and my confidence soaring. For that I can’t thank Anita enough!