I have been involved in plus sized modelling and the body confidence movement for around 8 years now. I got involved in a rather interesting way. Plus sized modelling saved me. I had just come out of a poor relationship; I had been left feeling totally worthless. I was as low as one could be. I was medically depressed and on the verge of giving up. What I saw in the mirror was an utter vile mess. I believed that i nor anyone on this planet would ever see me as attractive ever again.

I found myself soon after Googling sites to find other women like me. I came across a social site, quite like Facebook, which was for plus size people. My eyes were wide in wonderment, I was totally shocked at what I saw- women with bodies like mine, who had professional pictures done of themselves, and they looked incredible! I felt like I had been opened up to a whole new way of life. I put my own picture up, and was encouraged by so many ladies! And the men too, I was amazed, all of a sudden I was popular. This took some digesting. But soon I booked my first photo shoot and I loved how free and liberating it felt. I was a new woman; I had confidence for the first time.

This new found confidence gave me back my lust for life; I then decided to go back to education. I had always wanted to go to university. And now? I am writing this in my dorm room, in my final year of university, studying criminology and sociology. I am specialising my dissertation on body confidence in plus size females. This community needs a voice; I hope to support them in finding one. If it wasn’t for the plus size community treating me so well I do not think I would be who I am today

I have been part of many photo shoots, a plus size pageant, many interviews in magazines, newspapers and also live on TV. I was followed as part of a BBC documentary on plus size women, during my filming I spoke out about how my time as a plus size women had affected my mental health, this was hard to reveal to the people in the room, let alone the country who would later view it!

 My true passion revealed itself; I was being approached by men, women, and teenagers from all over the world. “please help me- my wife needs support with her confidence”  “my teenager hates her body, I’m so worried” “how can I  be more like you””thank you for speaking about mental health, I was too embarrassed before, you inspired me to get help”. I was floored, it made me cry to read the letters and emails I was sent. I had done some real good for some people who really needed it. I was able to use what I had learnt at my lowest point to support all these people who reach out to me.  I hope to pursue this within my career. I would like to support victims of human trafficking and/or domestic abuse victims. I would like to support people to rebuild their lives.

We meet everyone on out journeys for a reason I do believe. Last year I met Anita, she invited me to audition to be part of this exhibition. It dawned on me that my self confidence was again, at an all time low. I felt very unattractive, I was in a loving relationship, however I had somehow fallen out of love with myself once again. I was chosen to be part of Plus Confidences exhibition Definition of size; I came to the photo shoot and soon felt like the old me. Being around so many strong, confident plus size ladies really helps you grow and find your own strength. I thank the team for involving me in this project; it continues to inspire me every day.