You're listening to a Mom and me a podcast. Mama MEA acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters that this podcast is recorded on.

You're listening to a Mom and me a podcast. Mama MEA acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters that this podcast is recorded on.

It takes a certain space in someone's life.

It takes a certain space in someone's life.

Surely to be being horrible to someone like it has to be that classic tear them down so that you feel better. It baffles me every time I open comments and it's just people being nasty.

Surely to be being horrible to someone like it has to be that classic tear them down so that you feel better. It baffles me every time I open comments and it's just people being nasty.

Because you can say it off a fake account.

Because you can say it off a fake account.

I don't mind, but can you just if you're someone that leaves hate on people's pages, comment down below your age, your occupation, and like what you like to do, because what where are these people?

I don't mind, but can you just if you're someone that leaves hate on people's pages, comment down below your age, your occupation, and like what you like to do, because what where are these people?

Like most young girls growing up in today's media driven world, there comes a moment when you realize that your body is being compared to others, and often it's you doing the comparison. I remember when it happened to me when I was fourteen and I'd saved up to buy this crocheted bikini from Cama that I really wanted, and then I spent the whole summer wearing a T shirt over it because I was too embarrassed. Was I ashamed? I don't know, too self conscious to actually wear the bikini that I had wanted so badly well for today's guest, Riley Hemson. That comparison moment came at just ten years old, when she first believed that her worth was entirely tied to how her body looked. Ironically, her journey to realizing that wasn't true came through social media, the very thing that often has the opposite effect, leaving us doom scrolling through endless accounts feeling quite frankly unworthy. Riley started out in paramedicine, but unexpectedly she found herself becoming an Instagram influencer. It might seem like an unlikely career shift, but it was through sharing her life online, particularly her realistic running diaries, that she stayed accountable to the version of herself she wanted to be. Instead of retreating inward, she chose to be open, proving that self worth is not defined by size. That message has shaped everything she's done since, from launching her brand Remy by Riley, to becoming an ambassador for Laurels Talk Their Worth campaign, which encourages women to embrace their self worth and share it unapologetically. Her journey has built a beautiful connection with her followers, who have watched her learn to love herself, and in turn, they've learned to do the same. Riley is the epitome of self love and body confidence, showing that true worth has nothing to do with size and everything to do with how we see ourselves. Here's Riley Hempson. Riley Hempson, welcome to No Filter.

Like most young girls growing up in today's media driven world, there comes a moment when you realize that your body is being compared to others, and often it's you doing the comparison. I remember when it happened to me when I was fourteen and I'd saved up to buy this crocheted bikini from Cama that I really wanted, and then I spent the whole summer wearing a T shirt over it because I was too embarrassed. Was I ashamed? I don't know, too self conscious to actually wear the bikini that I had wanted so badly well for today's guest, Riley Hemson. That comparison moment came at just ten years old, when she first believed that her worth was entirely tied to how her body looked. Ironically, her journey to realizing that wasn't true came through social media, the very thing that often has the opposite effect, leaving us doom scrolling through endless accounts feeling quite frankly unworthy. Riley started out in paramedicine, but unexpectedly she found herself becoming an Instagram influencer. It might seem like an unlikely career shift, but it was through sharing her life online, particularly her realistic running diaries, that she stayed accountable to the version of herself she wanted to be. Instead of retreating inward, she chose to be open, proving that self worth is not defined by size. That message has shaped everything she's done since, from launching her brand Remy by Riley, to becoming an ambassador for Laurels Talk Their Worth campaign, which encourages women to embrace their self worth and share it unapologetically. Her journey has built a beautiful connection with her followers, who have watched her learn to love herself, and in turn, they've learned to do the same. Riley is the epitome of self love and body confidence, showing that true worth has nothing to do with size and everything to do with how we see ourselves. Here's Riley Hempson. Riley Hempson, welcome to No Filter.

Thank you. I'm excited to chat.

Thank you. I'm excited to chat.

You know your journey and it is a proper journey. And I know that's an expression that people use and make some people roll their eyes. But take me back to who you were before, people like me knew you as who you are now.

You know your journey and it is a proper journey. And I know that's an expression that people use and make some people roll their eyes. But take me back to who you were before, people like me knew you as who you are now.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So I started Instagram posting on Instagram, I guess my platform which was called healthy Check one oh one all these years ago. I started that in about twenty fifteen, twenty sixteen. So before that, I was always a confident person. Grew up doing speech and drama. It was one of my top sideets in school. I was always an active kid. But I have always been the bigger girl.

So I started Instagram posting on Instagram, I guess my platform which was called healthy Check one oh one all these years ago. I started that in about twenty fifteen, twenty sixteen. So before that, I was always a confident person. Grew up doing speech and drama. It was one of my top sideets in school. I was always an active kid. But I have always been the bigger girl.

I have always been a plus size girl.

I have always been a plus size girl.

I was always the fat funny friend as I like to call it, and my whole life has been in a bigger body. However, it never sort of stopped me from doing the things that I wanted to do. Of course, there were times where I felt like I needed to be smaller, and I don't think I ever growing up, had a point in my life where I didn't think that would make me a better person and more successful. Growing up, that's all I knew that to be successful and to be worthy, you had to be smaller. So that was always going on, thanks to the media, thanks to you know, the school, the kids at school that jump at any opportunity to call me fashion.

I was always the fat funny friend as I like to call it, and my whole life has been in a bigger body. However, it never sort of stopped me from doing the things that I wanted to do. Of course, there were times where I felt like I needed to be smaller, and I don't think I ever growing up, had a point in my life where I didn't think that would make me a better person and more successful. Growing up, that's all I knew that to be successful and to be worthy, you had to be smaller. So that was always going on, thanks to the media, thanks to you know, the school, the kids at school that jump at any opportunity to call me fashion.

But I sort of and I think that's the funny thing.

But I sort of and I think that's the funny thing.

I where sort of go back to, why didn't that make me shy away from everything? Ah?

I where sort of go back to, why didn't that make me shy away from everything? Ah?

Yes, this is the question, isn't it. Because you can see in the world that some people are crushed like a flower by those precious societal or for meilial or or internal, those worst pressures of all, and they never come back from it. And yet somehow you've been like the water lily in the dirty pond, that there's this blooming beauty about you. And do you tell me about your family? What was the structure of your family?

Yes, this is the question, isn't it. Because you can see in the world that some people are crushed like a flower by those precious societal or for meilial or or internal, those worst pressures of all, and they never come back from it. And yet somehow you've been like the water lily in the dirty pond, that there's this blooming beauty about you. And do you tell me about your family? What was the structure of your family?

Yeah, so I'm the second oldest, I have an older brother. Mom and dad still together, grew up with so it was my older brother, me younger sister.

Yeah, so I'm the second oldest, I have an older brother. Mom and dad still together, grew up with so it was my older brother, me younger sister.

She's a couple of.

She's a couple of.

Years younger than me, and then there was about an eight year gap and a surprise little brother.

Years younger than me, and then there was about an eight year gap and a surprise little brother.

Aha, surprise, so surprised.

Aha, surprise, so surprised.

Yeah, we love them. It was definitely a shock to mom.

Yeah, we love them. It was definitely a shock to mom.

But my sister and I were obviously very excited to have a little baby.

But my sister and I were obviously very excited to have a little baby.

You know how girls just obsessed with having you know.

You know how girls just obsessed with having you know.

The little little baby toys, and finally we've got a real one.

The little little baby toys, and finally we've got a real one.

So I grew up sort of. I guess.

So I grew up sort of. I guess.

My mum's one of four girls and her mum, my Grammy, is still alive, and we recently lost my nana, who's my great nana, and so I come from a family of strong women. And don't get me wrong, there was always sort of I mean my mum sort of and her sisters grew up in that generation of weight watchers, sure slim, all of the things. So there was always that talk, and there was always talk about.

My mum's one of four girls and her mum, my Grammy, is still alive, and we recently lost my nana, who's my great nana, and so I come from a family of strong women. And don't get me wrong, there was always sort of I mean my mum sort of and her sisters grew up in that generation of weight watchers, sure slim, all of the things. So there was always that talk, and there was always talk about.

You're looking good, you've lost way, you lost ways.

You're looking good, you've lost way, you lost ways.

That was always there, so I was always aware of it. However, I feel like my successes were celebrated in you know, the grades i'd get in school or how well I did it in my drama production or the way that you can light up a room and.

That was always there, so I was always aware of it. However, I feel like my successes were celebrated in you know, the grades i'd get in school or how well I did it in my drama production or the way that you can light up a room and.

Make people laugh.

Make people laugh.

And when I sort of look back on it, I feel like being built up like that is sort of the only way that I didn't just go Okay, Actually, i am fat, and I'm never going to be successful, and I'm not worthy, and I'm just going to completely shut.

And when I sort of look back on it, I feel like being built up like that is sort of the only way that I didn't just go Okay, Actually, i am fat, and I'm never going to be successful, and I'm not worthy, and I'm just going to completely shut.

Down because there was a period in your life in which you weren't happy.

Down because there was a period in your life in which you weren't happy.

Yes, so.

Yes, so.

My whole life, I'd sort of always been bigger, but I was always really active, and I was always great at sport, and I was always going out with friends, and all of these things went through sort of a bad relationship ended, and I found myself not doing all of the things that used to make me happy. I wasn't exercising anymore. I was using every excuse under the sun to not be looking after myself. And so at the time, because I wasn't doing all of these things and I didn't have, I guess a good balance in life. I had put on a lot of weight in a short period of time. Looking back, it wasn't about the weight at all. It was about the way I was living my life. But at the time, that's the thing that stuck up to me obviously, and that was you know, I'd look in the mirror and go, I don't like the way that I am. I've always been bigger, but you know, I've put on weight in a short period of time. My life doesn't feel good at the moment, I'm going to once and for all make an Instagram page. I'm going to lose the weight and I'm going to become successful and worthy.

My whole life, I'd sort of always been bigger, but I was always really active, and I was always great at sport, and I was always going out with friends, and all of these things went through sort of a bad relationship ended, and I found myself not doing all of the things that used to make me happy. I wasn't exercising anymore. I was using every excuse under the sun to not be looking after myself. And so at the time, because I wasn't doing all of these things and I didn't have, I guess a good balance in life. I had put on a lot of weight in a short period of time. Looking back, it wasn't about the weight at all. It was about the way I was living my life. But at the time, that's the thing that stuck up to me obviously, and that was you know, I'd look in the mirror and go, I don't like the way that I am. I've always been bigger, but you know, I've put on weight in a short period of time. My life doesn't feel good at the moment, I'm going to once and for all make an Instagram page. I'm going to lose the weight and I'm going to become successful and worthy.

Right, And even that is interesting because those periods in your life where everybody has them and they're not always associated with your body image or what you think about your physicality, but often for women, they are. In that moment which was your kind of lower StEB you still went't oh, I'm going to make an Instagram page, and instead of retreating into yourself, went, I'm going to share these with people.

Right, And even that is interesting because those periods in your life where everybody has them and they're not always associated with your body image or what you think about your physicality, but often for women, they are. In that moment which was your kind of lower StEB you still went't oh, I'm going to make an Instagram page, and instead of retreating into yourself, went, I'm going to share these with people.

Yeah, And I guess I've always sort of lint on my friends and family for support and.

Yeah, And I guess I've always sort of lint on my friends and family for support and.

I think also holding myself accountable that.

I think also holding myself accountable that.

Has and looking back, you know, I was always trying to lose weight.

Has and looking back, you know, I was always trying to lose weight.

It was always in the back of my mind.

It was always in the back of my mind.

Yes, I was confident, and no matter what size I was, I still was confident, or people would say that I was confident. I'd sometimes just fake it. Yeah, that's what you have to do sometimes. Yeah, I sort of I think making that Instagram, I thought, once I do that, I sort of can't go back on what I'm doing here. It was a private page, though, so I only let my friends join it.

Yes, I was confident, and no matter what size I was, I still was confident, or people would say that I was confident. I'd sometimes just fake it. Yeah, that's what you have to do sometimes. Yeah, I sort of I think making that Instagram, I thought, once I do that, I sort of can't go back on what I'm doing here. It was a private page, though, so I only let my friends join it.

However, within the.

However, within the.

Space of a couple of months, I already had you know, guys that I knew from school making accounts making.

Space of a couple of months, I already had you know, guys that I knew from school making accounts making.

Fun of me about it, and it still didn't stop me. So I really don't know.

Fun of me about it, and it still didn't stop me. So I really don't know.

Obviously, you could separate shame so you weren't happy with it. You don't have to be happy with your body, but it's shame that makes you retreat and you are obviously like, look, I'm going to do this.

Obviously, you could separate shame so you weren't happy with it. You don't have to be happy with your body, but it's shame that makes you retreat and you are obviously like, look, I'm going to do this.

Yeah, and I think, yeah, touching on shame. I don't think at any size or any point in my.

Yeah, and I think, yeah, touching on shame. I don't think at any size or any point in my.

Life, I sort of ever let that affect what I want to do.

Life, I sort of ever let that affect what I want to do.

Like I never would.

Like I never would.

Go, oh, I hate the way that I look, I'm I'm not going to go to that event, right, or I'm not going to, you know, take a photo with my friends.

Go, oh, I hate the way that I look, I'm I'm not going to go to that event, right, or I'm not going to, you know, take a photo with my friends.

I sort of I think every size.

I sort of I think every size.

That I've been, yes, you know, I can be unhappy with the way that I look, but I just never let it hold me back and never let it stop me from doing things. And I think that's sort of the key when we talk about body image and self image. I don't think I'm ever going to get to a point where I'm one hundred percent.

That I've been, yes, you know, I can be unhappy with the way that I look, but I just never let it hold me back and never let it stop me from doing things. And I think that's sort of the key when we talk about body image and self image. I don't think I'm ever going to get to a point where I'm one hundred percent.

Never going to look, you know, at a photo mysself.

Never going to look, you know, at a photo mysself.

And go, oh, could look better there, or I don't like the way I looked today, or looking back on something, Wow, I look good there, what's happened?

And go, oh, could look better there, or I don't like the way I looked today, or looking back on something, Wow, I look good there, what's happened?

You know? I don't think I'm ever going to get to a point where I never do that.

You know? I don't think I'm ever going to get to a point where I never do that.

But what I decided was, I'm not going to let it stop me from living my life and doing what I want to do, no matter what size I am.

But what I decided was, I'm not going to let it stop me from living my life and doing what I want to do, no matter what size I am.

And were you a paramedic then you were working as a paramedic.

And were you a paramedic then you were working as a paramedic.

Yes, I was studying right, yes, And so I think going from school where you're in a structure, you know, you've got your lunch breaks, you're walking to school, going from that to then getting my license driving to class, walking into class, doing that, and then you know, all of a sudden could just drive wherever I wanted to. And I didn't have the sort of structure. I stopped going to the gym. I actually had an ankle injury, but I played on that for years and news there as an excuse not to be playing.

Yes, I was studying right, yes, And so I think going from school where you're in a structure, you know, you've got your lunch breaks, you're walking to school, going from that to then getting my license driving to class, walking into class, doing that, and then you know, all of a sudden could just drive wherever I wanted to. And I didn't have the sort of structure. I stopped going to the gym. I actually had an ankle injury, but I played on that for years and news there as an excuse not to be playing.

Sport and doing all of the things.

Sport and doing all of the things.

So I got into this really bad routine and then obviously the breakup and it's sort of all just compiled together, and yeah, I just got into a place where I wasn't living a balanced lifestyle. And that's when I decided I'm going to make my Instagram and document my weight loss. And I did lose a lot of weight. I sort of honed in and I was posting all my workouts, posting my meals. There were lots of times there where I would unfortunately. I remember when I on a trip with my friends and I was doing protein shake for breakfast, protein check for lunch, and I'm having dinner.

So I got into this really bad routine and then obviously the breakup and it's sort of all just compiled together, and yeah, I just got into a place where I wasn't living a balanced lifestyle. And that's when I decided I'm going to make my Instagram and document my weight loss. And I did lose a lot of weight. I sort of honed in and I was posting all my workouts, posting my meals. There were lots of times there where I would unfortunately. I remember when I on a trip with my friends and I was doing protein shake for breakfast, protein check for lunch, and I'm having dinner.

Oh so grant, Yeah it got toxic.

Oh so grant, Yeah it got toxic.

Yeah, got toxic.

Yeah, got toxic.

Often. I think people need to explore those areas to know that that that ain't it. Chief as we enjoyed saying three years ago, you know what I mean?

Often. I think people need to explore those areas to know that that that ain't it. Chief as we enjoyed saying three years ago, you know what I mean?

Absolutely, Yeah, And I look back on that now and my friends we talk about it.

Absolutely, Yeah, And I look back on that now and my friends we talk about it.

We're just like, that's just diabolical, Like how what was going on there? But you know, a.

We're just like, that's just diabolical, Like how what was going on there? But you know, a.

Young girl growing up with all of these pressures, and you're constantly seeing all of you know, the this is what I did to do this, and of course I'm going to try any any quick fix.

Young girl growing up with all of these pressures, and you're constantly seeing all of you know, the this is what I did to do this, and of course I'm going to try any any quick fix.

Yes.

Yes.

So, yeah, I sort of lost a lot.

So, yeah, I sort of lost a lot.

Of weight, and on that journey, I realized that I am still the same person. I still had the same values, I still have the same friends. I still that's it's.

Of weight, and on that journey, I realized that I am still the same person. I still had the same values, I still have the same friends. I still that's it's.

Who I am. And I actually, I'm.

Who I am. And I actually, I'm.

Not going to get to a point where I lose twenty five kilos and go, well, I've just got a million times better, right, I'm you know, all of a sudden worthy, That's just not how it works.

Not going to get to a point where I lose twenty five kilos and go, well, I've just got a million times better, right, I'm you know, all of a sudden worthy, That's just not how it works.

But also, you were losing weight, yeah, something about you was resonating with people and you were gaining followers. Yes, so how is that transition happening? And what sort of feedback were you're getting at the time.

But also, you were losing weight, yeah, something about you was resonating with people and you were gaining followers. Yes, so how is that transition happening? And what sort of feedback were you're getting at the time.

Yeah, so lots of my following grew from doing sort of like before and after photos and transformations.

Yeah, so lots of my following grew from doing sort of like before and after photos and transformations.

And when I.

And when I.

Stopped doing that and came to the point where I realize, you know, that weight loss isn't the ball end all of my life and I'm not going to be this completely different person and you know, I no matter what size A, my body's going to change and I'm going to embrace who I am. I did get messages from people saying this, you know, isn't what I followed you for. You know, you're pushing an unhealthy lifestyle now, which to me.

Stopped doing that and came to the point where I realize, you know, that weight loss isn't the ball end all of my life and I'm not going to be this completely different person and you know, I no matter what size A, my body's going to change and I'm going to embrace who I am. I did get messages from people saying this, you know, isn't what I followed you for. You know, you're pushing an unhealthy lifestyle now, which to me.

Was wild because you know, the shake shake dinner can be the healthy part.

Was wild because you know, the shake shake dinner can be the healthy part.

But you know now that I'm telling people that just love yourself and look after yourself and that's what you need to do in this life and just get on with it.

But you know now that I'm telling people that just love yourself and look after yourself and that's what you need to do in this life and just get on with it.

That now, it doesn't resonate.

That now, it doesn't resonate.

So I had a few messages like that, and my response to that was that's fine.

So I had a few messages like that, and my response to that was that's fine.

If you're not there yet, you do you.

If you're not there yet, you do you.

I'm not going to try battle with someone about why they should follow me. Now, that's their life and they can deal with it. But the beautiful thing was so many people came on the journey with me. They followed me for weight loss initially and then sort of came on this whole journey and their own body image and self love journey happened as mine happened. And I still have people following there that followed me from the very beginning, which is crazy because I've been doing it for so many years now that sort of watched me grow up. Yes, so watched me meet Vita, who's my fiance now and my favorite person in the world. And they've just seen, you know, buy a house and get my two little French bulldogs and it's yeah, it's so cool that we can have all of these people that have the same interests and you'll probably never meet them. Some you might, but they just you have a friendship group online.

I'm not going to try battle with someone about why they should follow me. Now, that's their life and they can deal with it. But the beautiful thing was so many people came on the journey with me. They followed me for weight loss initially and then sort of came on this whole journey and their own body image and self love journey happened as mine happened. And I still have people following there that followed me from the very beginning, which is crazy because I've been doing it for so many years now that sort of watched me grow up. Yes, so watched me meet Vita, who's my fiance now and my favorite person in the world. And they've just seen, you know, buy a house and get my two little French bulldogs and it's yeah, it's so cool that we can have all of these people that have the same interests and you'll probably never meet them. Some you might, but they just you have a friendship group online.

Well, because it's the capacities to show your true self. That means that other people can properly connect with you. And I know people talk about connection a lot, and often I think it's actually disconnection. But there's equality in you that is very attractive and it is I think that genuine self love and so people appreciate that in you. But also they want to know what that secret is for themselves. They want to know what that capacity you have that, even at your lowest deb to be confident enough to go, look, I'm going to show myself. Have a look at me, come join me.

Well, because it's the capacities to show your true self. That means that other people can properly connect with you. And I know people talk about connection a lot, and often I think it's actually disconnection. But there's equality in you that is very attractive and it is I think that genuine self love and so people appreciate that in you. But also they want to know what that secret is for themselves. They want to know what that capacity you have that, even at your lowest deb to be confident enough to go, look, I'm going to show myself. Have a look at me, come join me.

Yeah, And.

Yeah, And.

On that note, since I've started running, actually that's sort of showing a whole new side and the raw moments where you know it's ridiculous that I'm running and crying.

On that note, since I've started running, actually that's sort of showing a whole new side and the raw moments where you know it's ridiculous that I'm running and crying.

But I'm crying. I don't think that's ridiculous. I believe running and crying go together, so do I Yeah, yeah.

But I'm crying. I don't think that's ridiculous. I believe running and crying go together, so do I Yeah, yeah.

And so I think.

And so I think.

For people to see, you know, that that journey and that real raw, I'm going to give something a crack that I've always been terrible at and I've always hated.

For people to see, you know, that that journey and that real raw, I'm going to give something a crack that I've always been terrible at and I've always hated.

That's really resonated with a lot of people.

That's really resonated with a lot of people.

There's obviously people that have loved running, so they a loving seeing me fall in love with it, fall in love with them.

There's obviously people that have loved running, so they a loving seeing me fall in love with it, fall in love with them.

Some areasier than others.

Some areasier than others.

And then there's people that might want to try it, you know from that they're just like me, have hated it and aren't good at it, but they're going, you know, I'm going to give it a crack, and that's done. Running's done. Wonders for my self confidence?

And then there's people that might want to try it, you know from that they're just like me, have hated it and aren't good at it, but they're going, you know, I'm going to give it a crack, and that's done. Running's done. Wonders for my self confidence?

Why? Why do you think? Is it the is it the psychological of taking on something that you hated and thought you could never do, or is it the actual shep grinding about physicality of it? Or is it everything?

Why? Why do you think? Is it the is it the psychological of taking on something that you hated and thought you could never do, or is it the actual shep grinding about physicality of it? Or is it everything?

I mean, lots of people say running is mind over body, which I agree with to an extent, because my body is in pain, my body is in pain.

I mean, lots of people say running is mind over body, which I agree with to an extent, because my body is in pain, my body is in pain.

It's not just your mind.

It's not just your mind.

You can't just completely block up the actual pain that you're wishing.

You can't just completely block up the actual pain that you're wishing.

A bit in particular, because I'm very uncomfortable about boobs when I'm running, I feel like that's a message from God I shouldn't be running, and I've got these bouncing things. Like what bit is the hard?

A bit in particular, because I'm very uncomfortable about boobs when I'm running, I feel like that's a message from God I shouldn't be running, and I've got these bouncing things. Like what bit is the hard?

It actually varies, it depends.

It actually varies, it depends.

Sometimes I can get out there and I start and I feel really good. Other times my body can depend on what other exercise I've done. You can just feel really stiff and you just sort of know straight away it's not going to be a good one. Sometimes two minutes into the and I'm still going very slow. I can I'm already out of breath, and lots of It's linked to your cycle as well as a woman, of where you are at, what sort of energy levels you have, and that's really interesting.

Sometimes I can get out there and I start and I feel really good. Other times my body can depend on what other exercise I've done. You can just feel really stiff and you just sort of know straight away it's not going to be a good one. Sometimes two minutes into the and I'm still going very slow. I can I'm already out of breath, and lots of It's linked to your cycle as well as a woman, of where you are at, what sort of energy levels you have, and that's really interesting.

Which doesn't get a lot of attention paid to it in women's sport generally.

Which doesn't get a lot of attention paid to it in women's sport generally.

No, it's yeah, I professional athletes, I just.

No, it's yeah, I professional athletes, I just.

Eve begame and you're in your luteel.

Eve begame and you're in your luteel.

Face perfect you know, yeah, yeah, what.

Face perfect you know, yeah, yeah, what.

Do you do there? So? Yeah, I think.

Do you do there? So? Yeah, I think.

Pushing myself so far doing something that I just never thought I was capable of doing. Then when things get hard, you know, like I'll do a run in couple of weeks. I always think back to certain really hard moments and I go, I got through that, so I can I can do this. I know how far I can push myself. Something about that feels really special to me. But yeah, I mean the endolphins just they do their thing, and some runs are amazing and some runs aren't.

Pushing myself so far doing something that I just never thought I was capable of doing. Then when things get hard, you know, like I'll do a run in couple of weeks. I always think back to certain really hard moments and I go, I got through that, so I can I can do this. I know how far I can push myself. Something about that feels really special to me. But yeah, I mean the endolphins just they do their thing, and some runs are amazing and some runs aren't.

But that's kind of the beauty of running. And I guess like it sort.

But that's kind of the beauty of running. And I guess like it sort.

Of reflects on life as well, like sometimes you do wake up and you feel a million bucks, and sometimes you don't, but you still get out there and you go to work and you do the thing you go, I go on see it, and I do the shoot and you just get on with it.

Of reflects on life as well, like sometimes you do wake up and you feel a million bucks, and sometimes you don't, but you still get out there and you go to work and you do the thing you go, I go on see it, and I do the shoot and you just get on with it.

And you were a paramedic, so you knew how to turn up to things you didn't want to turn up to.

And you were a paramedic, so you knew how to turn up to things you didn't want to turn up to.

Yeah, yeah, I guess yeah, and doing paramedicine. So I went into parentisine as soon as I left school, straight in and I.

Yeah, yeah, I guess yeah, and doing paramedicine. So I went into parentisine as soon as I left school, straight in and I.

Studied for four years.

Studied for four years.

It was actually meant to be a three year degree, but I ended up failing one paper at one point, which that took a time as well, that was a terrible moment of my life. It was by half a mark and one section and it was just yeah, it was hard and that was yeah. Got through it though, finished the degree. Yeah, And I guess, like being in school, my top subjects were pe, physical education, art, drama, So I was always sort of I loved being on a stage. I loved performing, I loved being creative.

It was actually meant to be a three year degree, but I ended up failing one paper at one point, which that took a time as well, that was a terrible moment of my life. It was by half a mark and one section and it was just yeah, it was hard and that was yeah. Got through it though, finished the degree. Yeah, And I guess, like being in school, my top subjects were pe, physical education, art, drama, So I was always sort of I loved being on a stage. I loved performing, I loved being creative.

I always loved that part of growing up and that was my thing.

I always loved that part of growing up and that was my thing.

And so to go on to paramedicine, I was sort of like, what about that made me sort of gravitate towards going and doing that degree.

And so to go on to paramedicine, I was sort of like, what about that made me sort of gravitate towards going and doing that degree.

I think.

I think.

Being around people, I always felt sort of accomplished when I helped people, whether that I used to be the makeup artist of our friend group, so you know, we would go out, I'd be doing everyone's makeup. So I think something about making people feel good made me feel good. And yeah, I think the adrenaline and the thrill of you know, you go to work and you don't know what is going to happen, right, That's what I loved about the job as well. But obviously very different to what I sort of grew up like in school and then now very different to what I'm doing now, which I enjoy as well.

Being around people, I always felt sort of accomplished when I helped people, whether that I used to be the makeup artist of our friend group, so you know, we would go out, I'd be doing everyone's makeup. So I think something about making people feel good made me feel good. And yeah, I think the adrenaline and the thrill of you know, you go to work and you don't know what is going to happen, right, That's what I loved about the job as well. But obviously very different to what I sort of grew up like in school and then now very different to what I'm doing now, which I enjoy as well.

Coming up after the break, we talk about the dark side of the online world and how to move past toxic comments, and the evolution of you is kind of like watching you step into yourself.

Coming up after the break, we talk about the dark side of the online world and how to move past toxic comments, and the evolution of you is kind of like watching you step into yourself.

That's a cool way to put it. I love that.

That's a cool way to put it. I love that.

Also because you're bringing in the people that you love with you.

Also because you're bringing in the people that you love with you.

Yeah, and recently I have sort of been thinking about how obviously what I'm doing now, I never of imagine in a million years that this would be my job, but it.

Yeah, and recently I have sort of been thinking about how obviously what I'm doing now, I never of imagine in a million years that this would be my job, but it.

Feels right like looking back on how I.

Feels right like looking back on how I.

Was growing up, I'm like, this just feels like it's meant to be where I am, and it's meant to be my job. But if you ask anyone in high school, yes especially me, with a like what are you going to do when you grow up?

Was growing up, I'm like, this just feels like it's meant to be where I am, and it's meant to be my job. But if you ask anyone in high school, yes especially me, with a like what are you going to do when you grow up?

What's your perfect job? This wouldn't even be the.

What's your perfect job? This wouldn't even be the.

Bottom of the list. Well not, But if you ask girls in high school now, I think a lot of them would say what you do would be perfect.

Bottom of the list. Well not, But if you ask girls in high school now, I think a lot of them would say what you do would be perfect.

Which is actually really cool.

Which is actually really cool.

I love that now we can set our sights further than just doing a degree. And of course, if that's what people want to do, and that's what's going to get them to their dream job. Then do the degree one hundred percent, go to university, do the thing.

I love that now we can set our sights further than just doing a degree. And of course, if that's what people want to do, and that's what's going to get them to their dream job. Then do the degree one hundred percent, go to university, do the thing.

But I love that now we.

But I love that now we.

Have options and we can sort of dream big. I feel like that never was a thing when I was in high school and was going, I'm going to go and do that.

Have options and we can sort of dream big. I feel like that never was a thing when I was in high school and was going, I'm going to go and do that.

No, especially back then, I think you created you created a pathway that didn't exist. But you didn't even know what you were doing. You were just thrashing your way through the undergrowth with you know, some likera in one hand and a protein shake in the other, you know, absolutely, And then where were you at in your life when you met when you met your shugs, when you met Veda.

No, especially back then, I think you created you created a pathway that didn't exist. But you didn't even know what you were doing. You were just thrashing your way through the undergrowth with you know, some likera in one hand and a protein shake in the other, you know, absolutely, And then where were you at in your life when you met when you met your shugs, when you met Veda.

We met Wellington.

We met Wellington.

Actually he just came back and he's from Hawk's Bay in New Zealand. He had moved to Australia to sort of pursue a career in rugby league.

Actually he just came back and he's from Hawk's Bay in New Zealand. He had moved to Australia to sort of pursue a career in rugby league.

AH.

AH.

He did a little bit a bit of high school and Australia and then went into a development team, I believe for one of the league teams, an under twenties situation, and then he went back to Hawks Bay for a holiday to go and see his family and he injured himself while doing sprints, so he went through sort of a low point with that injury and then decided he was going to go to Wellington to study accounting.

He did a little bit a bit of high school and Australia and then went into a development team, I believe for one of the league teams, an under twenties situation, and then he went back to Hawks Bay for a holiday to go and see his family and he injured himself while doing sprints, so he went through sort of a low point with that injury and then decided he was going to go to Wellington to study accounting.

And we met in Wellington the.

And we met in Wellington the.

Clubbing scene and met one night and then went on a date and.

Clubbing scene and met one night and then went on a date and.

The rest was history.

The rest was history.

And we basically have never spent more than a few days apart. And I was very much in my gym era, so we used to go on little gym dates.

And we basically have never spent more than a few days apart. And I was very much in my gym era, so we used to go on little gym dates.

And he is very much into his health and fitness as well.

And he is very much into his health and fitness as well.

So at that point though, I was finishing my degree and then lining up a job to go into paramedics, so and I did. I got an internship and I worked for six months.

So at that point though, I was finishing my degree and then lining up a job to go into paramedics, so and I did. I got an internship and I worked for six months.

So he was He's always.

So he was He's always.

Made my biggest support from you know, the moment I met him. He just it's like he just knows whenever I need anything, like he'll be, you know, picking up the pieces when I'm upset. He'll be the first one to say, you know, that's an incredible opportunity. He is always the voice of reason. I am a risk taker. I will just jump at anything. I get really excited by something and go I want to do that now. He is always the one that takes a step back and goes okay that we need to actually think about this.

Made my biggest support from you know, the moment I met him. He just it's like he just knows whenever I need anything, like he'll be, you know, picking up the pieces when I'm upset. He'll be the first one to say, you know, that's an incredible opportunity. He is always the voice of reason. I am a risk taker. I will just jump at anything. I get really excited by something and go I want to do that now. He is always the one that takes a step back and goes okay that we need to actually think about this.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?

What's your ultimate goal? Where do you actually want to be? Is this getting you any closer? Does this job.

What's your ultimate goal? Where do you actually want to be? Is this getting you any closer? Does this job.

Align with what you what you stand for?

Align with what you what you stand for?

He is a huge part of the success that I've had in my job. He's just yeah, we are almost like opposites in the way that we are with people. He's definitely more reserved and shy, and I'm you know, the one in the room making a scene.

He is a huge part of the success that I've had in my job. He's just yeah, we are almost like opposites in the way that we are with people. He's definitely more reserved and shy, and I'm you know, the one in the room making a scene.

The Yin and yang balance. But then when you when you're you have someone who's so integral and enmeshed in your is your life, is your personal life, and then when you bring them into what is also your professional life, even though your lines are so sort of blurred and seamless, do you ever think, ah, we have to have separation or is there ever a time where it feels like it's too many eggs in one basket.

The Yin and yang balance. But then when you when you're you have someone who's so integral and enmeshed in your is your life, is your personal life, and then when you bring them into what is also your professional life, even though your lines are so sort of blurred and seamless, do you ever think, ah, we have to have separation or is there ever a time where it feels like it's too many eggs in one basket.

Look, he works for my brand, Remy as well. He does all of sort of the moving parts on the website and supplier stuff and logistics. So we are together all the nice you know, we wake up together. He'll go out and do his gym thing, and so when the only time we'll sort of either have disagreements. I like in business, we have to make a decision with a collection, or you know, he really loves the color and I'm.

Look, he works for my brand, Remy as well. He does all of sort of the moving parts on the website and supplier stuff and logistics. So we are together all the nice you know, we wake up together. He'll go out and do his gym thing, and so when the only time we'll sort of either have disagreements. I like in business, we have to make a decision with a collection, or you know, he really loves the color and I'm.

Like, oh, I don't know if I like that.

Like, oh, I don't know if I like that.

And we'll often have little situations like that which we have to remind ourselves like that's not essentially normal for a couple.

And we'll often have little situations like that which we have to remind ourselves like that's not essentially normal for a couple.

No, you sort of only see each other in the morning and then at night.

No, you sort of only see each other in the morning and then at night.

But to us, we often say how lucky we are we get this one life with each other, and we could just get to spend so much time with each other.

But to us, we often say how lucky we are we get this one life with each other, and we could just get to spend so much time with each other.

That feels really special to us. Definitely at the.

That feels really special to us. Definitely at the.

Start of our relationship, you know, like bringing in sort of other traumas from past relationships, we had to work through that.

Start of our relationship, you know, like bringing in sort of other traumas from past relationships, we had to work through that.

We were young.

We were young.

But yeah, we sort of obviously had to work through that when we were super young. But now we're just at a really great place where we know each other. We know when you know, we need space. He definitely needs more space than I do. I'd happily be with them basically four see then, so he has his own his own things that he loves to do. But for the most part, yeah, where we just make it work, and we obviously have those little moments, but the good outweighs the bad tenfold.

But yeah, we sort of obviously had to work through that when we were super young. But now we're just at a really great place where we know each other. We know when you know, we need space. He definitely needs more space than I do. I'd happily be with them basically four see then, so he has his own his own things that he loves to do. But for the most part, yeah, where we just make it work, and we obviously have those little moments, but the good outweighs the bad tenfold.

It was funny. I was watching a video of you. You were actually shooting a campaign for something, and you just looked so beautiful but full on like corset and you know, mesh and stunning. And I was watching him. He was videoing you, but he'd keep turning the camera back to himself so you could see his expression, which was like bavo, like he was just so there. And I thought, that's interesting. He must have seen in the course of your relationship also how your confidence has grown and blossomed in that time.

It was funny. I was watching a video of you. You were actually shooting a campaign for something, and you just looked so beautiful but full on like corset and you know, mesh and stunning. And I was watching him. He was videoing you, but he'd keep turning the camera back to himself so you could see his expression, which was like bavo, like he was just so there. And I thought, that's interesting. He must have seen in the course of your relationship also how your confidence has grown and blossomed in that time.

Yeah, and I think there's something really special about sharing our relationship online too, I mean conventionally, and I'll get comments about it sometimes if something goes viral and it hits the wrong wrong audience.

Yeah, and I think there's something really special about sharing our relationship online too, I mean conventionally, and I'll get comments about it sometimes if something goes viral and it hits the wrong wrong audience.

About you know, like oh, he's he's definitely cheating on her like that just.

About you know, like oh, he's he's definitely cheating on her like that just.

Thanks.

Thanks.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So I mean visually, he's you know, very clearly goes to the German he's you know, in terms of society's ideal of an attractive person.

So I mean visually, he's you know, very clearly goes to the German he's you know, in terms of society's ideal of an attractive person.

He's there because I'm a bigger girl and plus size. Often that's not the case for me.

He's there because I'm a bigger girl and plus size. Often that's not the case for me.

People, I guess look at our relationship and go, you know, how did she get someone like that? So I love to share our relationship and show that, you know, you can be.

People, I guess look at our relationship and go, you know, how did she get someone like that? So I love to share our relationship and show that, you know, you can be.

In love with whoever you want to be in love with.

In love with whoever you want to be in love with.

And not only is it you're more than your body, but you're actually amazing at whatever size you are and whoever you are. It's not just you look at someone and go, oh, they're hot, I'm going to marry them and be with them for eighty years.

And not only is it you're more than your body, but you're actually amazing at whatever size you are and whoever you are. It's not just you look at someone and go, oh, they're hot, I'm going to marry them and be with them for eighty years.

It's not like that.

It's not like that.

Why do you think it is that people still, I mean, there is a whole thing with socials now that we do feel that what we do we see things that normally you never would have seen in someone's life, or intimacy or whatever. But what do you think it is in people that they feel the need to diminish, to diminish others, And particularly to me, it often seems that it happens to people who are happy with themselves, that people the people that are that do the diminishing obviously are not happy with themselves, but they hone in on someone's happiness and they're like a bird flying over and they have to take a shit on it. Where do you think that comes from?

Why do you think it is that people still, I mean, there is a whole thing with socials now that we do feel that what we do we see things that normally you never would have seen in someone's life, or intimacy or whatever. But what do you think it is in people that they feel the need to diminish, to diminish others, And particularly to me, it often seems that it happens to people who are happy with themselves, that people the people that are that do the diminishing obviously are not happy with themselves, but they hone in on someone's happiness and they're like a bird flying over and they have to take a shit on it. Where do you think that comes from?

It has to come from a place of unhappiness. Like you said, I don't know anyone who is comfortable and happy. And actually I don't know anyone at all that does any sort of.

It has to come from a place of unhappiness. Like you said, I don't know anyone who is comfortable and happy. And actually I don't know anyone at all that does any sort of.

Hate messages or anything like that. I wouldn't be speaking to them, but I think it takes a.

Hate messages or anything like that. I wouldn't be speaking to them, but I think it takes a.

Certain space in someone's life. Surely to be being horrible to someone like it has to be that classic tear them down so that you feel better. Yep, don't you think like picking apart someone that is clearly doing great?

Certain space in someone's life. Surely to be being horrible to someone like it has to be that classic tear them down so that you feel better. Yep, don't you think like picking apart someone that is clearly doing great?

Yes? And yeah, I it baffles.

Yes? And yeah, I it baffles.

Me every time I open comments and it's just people being nasty because I genuinely, and I spoke about this not long guy, I wanted to do a TikTok and just.

Me every time I open comments and it's just people being nasty because I genuinely, and I spoke about this not long guy, I wanted to do a TikTok and just.

Say, like, look, you can say it of a fake account.

Say, like, look, you can say it of a fake account.

I don't mind, but can you just if you're someone that leaves hate on people's pages, comment down below your age, your occupation, and like what you like to do? Because where are these people? What kind of people like? It actually intrigues me because I just can't quite wrap my head around it. I've not met anyone that does that. They just have to be in some sort of place where they're just so unhappy, like focus on something else.

I don't mind, but can you just if you're someone that leaves hate on people's pages, comment down below your age, your occupation, and like what you like to do? Because where are these people? What kind of people like? It actually intrigues me because I just can't quite wrap my head around it. I've not met anyone that does that. They just have to be in some sort of place where they're just so unhappy, like focus on something else.

The counter to that is how do you keep yourself able to share yourself with people, but at the same time have enough armor to protect yourself from those barbs so that you don't shut down? Like, how do you find the confidence to navigate that middle ground?

The counter to that is how do you keep yourself able to share yourself with people, but at the same time have enough armor to protect yourself from those barbs so that you don't shut down? Like, how do you find the confidence to navigate that middle ground?

I think it.

I think it.

Comes from knowing who I am and being comfortable with who I am, Because essentially, whatever someone says, I decide how.

Comes from knowing who I am and being comfortable with who I am, Because essentially, whatever someone says, I decide how.

Much of an impact that has.

Much of an impact that has.

Like I don't know this person, I don't value their opinion because I value the opinions of people that I care about and that know me and love me want the best for me. Someone random that actually clearly doesn't want the best for me, I'm.

Like I don't know this person, I don't value their opinion because I value the opinions of people that I care about and that know me and love me want the best for me. Someone random that actually clearly doesn't want the best for me, I'm.

Not going to let their opinion have any weight.

Not going to let their opinion have any weight.

Another thing that I do as well is I use tools to limit certain things. So on Instagram, I don't actually have comments turned on for anyone.

Another thing that I do as well is I use tools to limit certain things. So on Instagram, I don't actually have comments turned on for anyone.

You have to follow me to come right right. So that's just like logistics of.

You have to follow me to come right right. So that's just like logistics of.

Like protecting myself, you can block certain words. I learned to never read Facebook comments on an article that's about me, any forums I don't read.

Like protecting myself, you can block certain words. I learned to never read Facebook comments on an article that's about me, any forums I don't read.

That's a hard lesson to learn, too, because there's something in the human psyche that's drawn to like not the top of a scab.

That's a hard lesson to learn, too, because there's something in the human psyche that's drawn to like not the top of a scab.

Yes, I know you sort of. And the way I sort of think about it is, I actually.

Yes, I know you sort of. And the way I sort of think about it is, I actually.

Have my own world here and if I, let's say, around the corner, someone's really upset about something, which if I knew about it, that would make me really upset as well. I'd probably feel really empathetic about it, and I want to try and help them.

Have my own world here and if I, let's say, around the corner, someone's really upset about something, which if I knew about it, that would make me really upset as well. I'd probably feel really empathetic about it, and I want to try and help them.

But if I don't actually know about.

But if I don't actually know about.

It, it's not affecting my life, and I can't let's say, I can't actually help them, I can't do anything about it. So that's sort of how I feel about reading comments or reading forums. If I don't read it, it doesn't exist. It actually doesn't even exist in my in my brain because it's not there, and so I've just gone I'm blocking it out because it's not actually going to change.

It, it's not affecting my life, and I can't let's say, I can't actually help them, I can't do anything about it. So that's sort of how I feel about reading comments or reading forums. If I don't read it, it doesn't exist. It actually doesn't even exist in my in my brain because it's not there, and so I've just gone I'm blocking it out because it's not actually going to change.

Is all it's going to do is make me upset.

Is all it's going to do is make me upset.

But like, let's go before social media, when I would get called fat by someone at school, Now I'm comfortable with saying yeah, I am fat, Like next, next, what else have you got? Like is that such a bad thing? Obviously at the time, that was like the worst thing someone could call me. It felt very embarrassing, but now I can be comfortable with that, and I think I must have just.

But like, let's go before social media, when I would get called fat by someone at school, Now I'm comfortable with saying yeah, I am fat, Like next, next, what else have you got? Like is that such a bad thing? Obviously at the time, that was like the worst thing someone could call me. It felt very embarrassing, but now I can be comfortable with that, and I think I must have just.

Known back then that there's more to me than what I look like.

Known back then that there's more to me than what I look like.

And yes, it's going to make me upset for a minute, and I'll probably go home and cry to Mum about someone calling me fat at school. But I then would get on with it and I'd be having fun with my friends, and I guess, yeah, I honestly I don't. I can't pinpoint what made me not be sightset and let it consume me.

And yes, it's going to make me upset for a minute, and I'll probably go home and cry to Mum about someone calling me fat at school. But I then would get on with it and I'd be having fun with my friends, and I guess, yeah, I honestly I don't. I can't pinpoint what made me not be sightset and let it consume me.

That's not all of my conversation with Riley coming up. She reflects on what her younger self would make of her now and how it feels to finally see herself represented in the media and online. You know, it's interesting because what you've done, it's had such an organic genesis. You know that you wanted to be able to wear active wear that looked like your girlfriend's active wear, but you needed a larger size and no one made it. So you started making it right. And now a lot of companies have embraced you know, body positivity and you know, size inclusivity, et cetera. Do you think that it's a genuine movement or do you think it's a it's bottom line.

That's not all of my conversation with Riley coming up. She reflects on what her younger self would make of her now and how it feels to finally see herself represented in the media and online. You know, it's interesting because what you've done, it's had such an organic genesis. You know that you wanted to be able to wear active wear that looked like your girlfriend's active wear, but you needed a larger size and no one made it. So you started making it right. And now a lot of companies have embraced you know, body positivity and you know, size inclusivity, et cetera. Do you think that it's a genuine movement or do you think it's a it's bottom line.

I think for some brands it is genuine and for some it's not. But I find it very easy to tell.

I think for some brands it is genuine and for some it's not. But I find it very easy to tell.

How do you tell?

How do you tell?

Well, if a brand is just using a curve model but their sizing stops at a at a sixteen, right, it's not.

Well, if a brand is just using a curve model but their sizing stops at a at a sixteen, right, it's not.

A part of their brand. They don't care. It's not who who they are.

A part of their brand. They don't care. It's not who who they are.

Just like if a makeup brand has a very limited shade range, yet they have you know, an array of models in a campaign.

Just like if a makeup brand has a very limited shade range, yet they have you know, an array of models in a campaign.

Yeah, straight away you know that they don't value it.

Yeah, straight away you know that they don't value it.

They're doing it to tick a box. And that's very important to me with who I work with. Obviously, there's some amazing inclusive brands that I am very honor too w ITK with, like Laurel Paris who It's it's part of who they are and it's you know, diversity is literally their one of their core values. Nike, they I remember they were one of the first brands to use a curve mannequin in the store. Fashion, however, I will note on this fashion for me is and has sort of been something that I I like to give brands an opportunity. So I mean when I moved to Australia, I started buying from brands that I would be squeezing.

They're doing it to tick a box. And that's very important to me with who I work with. Obviously, there's some amazing inclusive brands that I am very honor too w ITK with, like Laurel Paris who It's it's part of who they are and it's you know, diversity is literally their one of their core values. Nike, they I remember they were one of the first brands to use a curve mannequin in the store. Fashion, however, I will note on this fashion for me is and has sort of been something that I I like to give brands an opportunity. So I mean when I moved to Australia, I started buying from brands that I would be squeezing.

Into their bigger size.

Into their bigger size.

But I thought, you know what, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to take photos and this stuff, and then we're going to have the conversation of.

But I thought, you know what, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to take photos and this stuff, and then we're going to have the conversation of.

Do better.

Do better.

You know, there's many other people that would love to wear your clothing, but they can't fit it because you only go to an Excel. Let's you know, let's do something here. So I'd often if I worked with a brand that would only go to an Excel or to EXCEL, I would sometimes get comments saying, you know, like this brand isn't size inclusive.

You know, there's many other people that would love to wear your clothing, but they can't fit it because you only go to an Excel. Let's you know, let's do something here. So I'd often if I worked with a brand that would only go to an Excel or to EXCEL, I would sometimes get comments saying, you know, like this brand isn't size inclusive.

But I think maybe not so much now.

But I think maybe not so much now.

But back a few years ago, there was an opportunity to go, let's actually have that conversation.

But back a few years ago, there was an opportunity to go, let's actually have that conversation.

Give them that chance and go, why aren't you doing the sizing. You know I'm wearing it, I look really good. Let's get the ball rolling.

Give them that chance and go, why aren't you doing the sizing. You know I'm wearing it, I look really good. Let's get the ball rolling.

A couple of years ago there was like a massive push I think it was just after COVID or in COVID, where everyone sort of went, you know what if you're not going to show an array of sizing and you're advertising, we're not buying from you anymore, and brands started to do much better. And I definitely think that's sort of taken a bit of a plummet recently.

A couple of years ago there was like a massive push I think it was just after COVID or in COVID, where everyone sort of went, you know what if you're not going to show an array of sizing and you're advertising, we're not buying from you anymore, and brands started to do much better. And I definitely think that's sort of taken a bit of a plummet recently.

Right, And well, that's interesting because I wonder if there's a correlation between that and the rise of oz pic.

Right, And well, that's interesting because I wonder if there's a correlation between that and the rise of oz pic.

Well.

Well.

I think everything sort of comes in like a cycle, right, in terms of trends that comes in fashion, that comes in body types, that comes in every thing. There's there's a cycle with what's call in the media. And yeah, I definitely think that would go hand in hand. And it's a real shame to see brands, you know, that stood for something when they had that pressure on them, and then as soon as that pressure kind of goes away, they go cool, We're off the hook.

I think everything sort of comes in like a cycle, right, in terms of trends that comes in fashion, that comes in body types, that comes in every thing. There's there's a cycle with what's call in the media. And yeah, I definitely think that would go hand in hand. And it's a real shame to see brands, you know, that stood for something when they had that pressure on them, and then as soon as that pressure kind of goes away, they go cool, We're off the hook.

Well, it's also interesting because there were the people that we used to seeing embracing their size, which might not be sample size obviously, but now you're like, oh, I think I think they're taking a zampic. You know, it's a really it's a really common thing in that quest. I understand. I don't judge the quest, but the knock on effect of it for women that are trying to love their body as it is makes it hard.