The journey to body confidence and loving yourself is often long and a journey of emotions. Here to share her body positivity journey is the amazing Laurel Melsom (@lifewithlaurel_ on Insta!).
Originally starting off as a beauty blogger back in 2014, Laurel has since began posting fashion and travel content, which meant taking bikini pictures!
"At first, I was a bit wary about posting photos in my bikini on the internet, however I was fed up of seeing size 8 reality stars constantly on my feed. I wanted to show that it's normal to look like me. This year, I just thought 'fuck it, this is me, you either like it or you don't' I think it mostly comes from being comfortable within myself and knowing that I'm using my platform to show other girls that it's normal to have curves or acne etc."
"The majority of my life was spent dancing, as I studied Choreography and Dance at university. I was around girls (and boys) who were a lot skinnier than I was. I always felt that I was overlooked in auditions because of my size and height. This affected my mood and passion towards something I loved.
"I tried various 'diets' and quick fixes to achieve that perfect body. However, after an injury that forced me to quit dancing and a few months of therapy due to depression from this, I learned that I needed to love my body for what it is and what it can do, not what it can't!
"I realised that just because society classes me as a bigger girl, doesn't mean that I'm any less beautiful than what society claims as beautiful. I began following other girls on Instagram that I saw to look similar to me; as well as unfollowing accounts that made me think my body isn't beautiful. I really believe Instagram is a great place to start your body posi journey, remove those accounts that make you doubt yourself or wish you could change various things about you. Follow the accounts that show you it's normal to have rolls around your tummy when you sit down, cellulite is something you all get and diet pills are the devil!"
As well as being an advocate for body positivity and self love on her own Instagram, Laurel has set up a second account (@lifewithmidstyle) where she shares midsize creators and influencers, so that they have their own community.
"I saw there was a few repost accounts on Instagram for the Midsize community, that had started and then fizzled out. I thought this would be a good chance to set up a community and share midsized/body positivity accounts no matter what size following they have. The page is predominantly for sharing great content and getting the message out that all body shapes/sizes are normal. However during the last month, I've slowed down with the account, BUT I would love to turn this into a bigger community, so if anyone out there wants to help - let me know!!"
We asked Laurel for some top tips for someone who is trying to become more confident with their body:
1. Invest in a good matching set of underwear. I find that if I have a nice matching set of undies on, I wanna go and conquer the world. Even if no one ever sees it, you will when you put it on so why wouldn't you want to make yourself look good for yourself.
2. Write down once or twice a week 3 things that you love about your body or mind that day. Some days I think my legs look great, others I think they look like stubby tree trunks. Learning that it's normal to think these things makes you realise that there are things you can love about your body.
3. Follow accounts on social media that look like you. There's no point following accounts that make you feel like shit about yourself; look for accounts that make you feel empowered about yourself and realise that you body is great no matter what size.
As Laurel creates content for both YouTube and Instagram, we wanted to know which one she preferred.
"I switch between the two all the time. I love Instagram because of how instant it can be in regards to people seeing your content. I also enjoy chatting rubbish on my YouTube channel. I enjoy the editing process of videos etc; but as I work full time I find it difficult to find the time to film the high quality videos I want to create as well as posting regularly. During the last 2 months though, I definitely prefer Instagram; I've been enjoying being more active on my stories as well as finally getting into a groove with shooting home content."
"Since lockdown, my full time job has slowed down massively, so I've had more time to put into my social media platforms. I work for an Foreign Government Agency, so time difference plays a part; meaning usually by about 1/2pm my emails are very quiet. Knowing this has meant I've had more time to shoot content, that usually I would have to squeeze in around the weekend. Although I'm now feeling more of a pressure to create content outside; which is more difficult as all my home content I've been able to shoot myself on self timer."
While balancing two Instagram accounts, a YouTube channel AND a full time job, Laurel somehow still finds time to be a fan girl. We HAD to find out about her date with Lewis Capaldi, and her obsession with Harry Styles (I mean, who doesn't love a bit of 1D!?)
"I have been a huge 1D/Harry Styles fan since 2010. I have been lucky enough to see One Direction 3 times in concert, but I have always been a Harry girl at heart. I just agree with everything he stands for, in regards to his "Treat People With Kindness" slogan as well as his involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement and ending gun violence in America.
"I was lucky enough to attend his secret show in London in December to celebrate the release of this new album. Thanks to a girl on Twitter who reached out to offer me a spare ticket as I didn't manage to snap one when they went on sale. I didn't actually know anyone going to the show, but ended up making friends with girls in the queue and now one of the girls is a super close friend! I was meant to see Harry twice this year, as well as Louis and Niall. However these have all been rescheduled (or cancelled in Niall's case); but I'm now debating to go and see Harry a third time in Vegas next September with a few friends to mix in a holiday as well. I'll shut up now cause I could write a dissertation length essay about Harry Styles and I don't think anyone needs that!" (I for one definitely do need that Laurel!!)
"Unfortunately, the date with Lewis Capaldi never happened! The whole process of filming with Capital FM was great fun and Lewis seemed really nice and friendly. It started as a dare and then spiralled all the way into this."
There is a whole video about the experience on Laurel's YouTube channel, that you can watch here.
Finally, we wanted Laurel to share some of her favourite body posi content creators:
"YouTube wise I really enjoy Carrie Dayton, Helen Anderson and Lucy Wood. I really need to find myself some smaller UK YouTubers to watch as I mostly watch bigger American beauty YouTubers and after yesterday's blow up, think might need to step back from that!"
Instagram; ooo I've got such a long list but will go with my top 4:
@Charlotteemilyprice - AMAZING BODY POSI CONTENT QUEEN! I've followed Charlotte for years and it's amazing to have seen both her Instagram and YouTube channel grow whilst tackling a degree. Her posts are real and honest, as well as her clothes being fit!
@gingergirlsays - I've known Charl for a few years and we were actually finally meant to meet this year but Corona shat all over that. Charl creates amazing imagery as well as being sassy and wise in her captions. Also if you ever go to to Venice hit her up for suggestions because she introduced me to the best meatballs I've ever eaten.
@bethanyfrancesca_ - Beth keeps it real in her stories which I love as well as sharing great trainer finds and snacks. Also her Disney content is *chef kiss*
@_charlottesweb - Another Char!! Char is a fellow 1D/Harry fan so that's how I actually came across her instagram; however Char creates amazing imagery also that just has that whimsical feel to it. She also talks frankly about her chronic illness on her stories which I think is very important to show others that just because you look well on the outside doesn't mean you actually are.
Thank you so much to Laurel for being so open and honest with these answers. Please be sure to check out her socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlaurel_/
Second Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithmidstyle/
And of course, if you want to be involved in The Influencer, please DM us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelnfluencer/
Lots of love,
Beth & Liz Xx
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