I’m a Silver haired curve model represented by Bridge Models in London.
I’m a body confidence activist, influencer and host of the Out of the Bubble podcast with a growing reach across social media platforms of over 18k followers.
Four years ago, I began a new career as a model and imposter syndrome was real, as a grey haired, curvy sized 14-16 older model stepping into unknown territory. I’m loving my new career path and have really learnt to embrace my body and have become passionate about encouraging women, particularly over 40 to regain some body confidence back.
I would never have thought about modelling in my earlier years, I was very self-conscious and lacked confidence in my twenties and thirties. It wasn’t until I hit 40 that my attitude towards my body started to change.
I’m passionate about showing other women, particularly those in midlife, that they are not invisible in the fashion industry and now find myself loving modelling lingerie and swimwear for leading brands at 50.
In 2018 I started the Out of the Bubble podcast after connecting with so many women over 40 that were reinventing themselves and overcoming huge life obstacles, so I wanted to create a space to share their stories and champion women in midlife to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone. I have interviewed 58 women so far, all from different walks of life and all with a story to tell.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Not at all. I actually went to University and gained a 2.1 Education Studies degree aged 41 so I had planned to further my career as an early year’s teacher, but life took me in a completely different direction. I could never have imagined that I would be modelling at this age, but I love it. Interviewing all these amazing women on the podcast has been my biggest surprise because I enjoy it so much and feel completely relaxed interviewing, it’s something I want to see grow over the next year.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
Yes definitely. I struggled with imposter syndrome when I started modelling and it’s taken me several years to overcome this. There’s not as much work out there for older models so you are constantly hustling and putting yourself out there and facing lots of rejection. I would never have managed this in my younger days, I think it’s a lot easier now not take it personally, you just know you won’t be the right fit for every job.
Starting the podcast without any experience in this arena was quite a challenge and I have learnt so many new skills over the last two years and see how much I’ve improved. I thrive on learning and challenging myself and I know I grow the most whenever I take myself out of my comfort zone.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
The highlight of my modelling career so far was working for the American swimwear brand Swimsuitsforall, shooting in the Bahamas alongside Ashley Graham and Lizzo.
The podcast has brought so many opportunities to connect with women all over the world but interviewing Meg Matthews about the menopause was an absolute pleasure and such an honest conversation.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
I’ve surprised myself by my own determination to keep pushing forward and I think my positive attitude in all that I’m doing has helped me.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
I think it’s really important as adults that we find mentors. When you’re trying to build a business or purse new ventures you need a circle around you that advise, listen and encourage you. I am always happy to share my experience and give advice when asked as I think it’s important to help one another on the way up. I’ve recently found several women that have become important mentors to me, and it’s made a big difference.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
I’d say you are enough just as you are so stop worrying about everything and get out there.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
I’m looking forward to the modelling work picking back up after this turbulent year.
My challenge now is to make sure Out of the Bubble grows and reaches the top of the personal journal podcast charts next year. I am looking forward to being able to create live Out of the Bubble events as life starts to get back to normal and share these fabulous women’s stories even further.
I’ve also started working on book, sharing some inspiring women’s stories of reinvention and overcoming hurdles, I am challenging myself to each of their subjects to illustrate how we can all try something new as a complete novice, from running a half marathon to learning to paint, so watch this space!
WeAreTheCity has a back catalogue of thousands of Inspirational Woman interviews, including Cherie Blair, Paula Radcliffe MBE, Caprice Bourret, Anna Williamson and many more. You can read about all our amazing women here.
