Body Project *Diary* Round Up

This week has been so busy, I haven't had the chance to keep a proper diary, so here's a quick round up for ya;

Steps Update

Thursday 22/01; 11,376 – Home > Station, Lunch walk, Station > Home

Friday 23/01; 13,248 –  Home > Station, 35 min Lunch walk & 30 min walk to the Bank & back, 10 minute walk Stockwell Station to Catwalk Practice

Saturday 24/01; 15,738 – Home > Station, Walked the length of Oxford Street 3 times

Sunday 25/01; 2,481 – Not an active day; no additional exercise – Only walking; shopping @ Tesco & to & from the car!

Food Update

Thursday 22/01; Breakfast: OK Lunch: Good Dinner: Good

Friday 23/01; Breakfast: Bad Lunch: Good Dinner: Good

Saturday 24/01; Breakfast: Bad (None) Lunch: Good Dinner: Bad

Sunday 25/01; Breakfast: OK Lunch: Bad (None) Dinner: Bad

Key
OK - Moderately healthy - no points taken
Bad - OBVIOUSLY bad - no points taken
Good - Healthy enough to claim 1 point

*Overview of the week*

This week has been tough & inconsistent, I will try and make a conscious effort to make less slip ups this week.

We are meant to weigh in every two weeks and I'm super glad about that cos Aunt Flo is in town and I am carrying a lot of excess water.  Weigh in next week, I really hope the scales & measuring tape is my friend!!

Current Points total as of Sunday night - 41

Here are my tracked stats of the night before the BP started & my "before" pictures.

Hopefully I will be able to notice a visible difference at the end of this 10 weeks!





Ms Curvaceous UK 2015; Interviews with 4 of the finalists

So I got the chance to catch up with the four lucky ladies from my audition group who made it through to the Ms Curvaceous UK 2015 finals.  Find out all about their journeys here...

Introducing; 

Pippa, Serena, Laurie & Anastasia
(Top left to bottom right)


1)      Why did you apply for MCUK?

Pippa: I originally entered MCUK in 2013 to boost my confidence as I had a few personal demons and wanted to change the way I felt about myself. I was unsure whether to attend the 2014 audition even though I had already entered online. On the morning of the audition I was still questioning my decision and then something hit me and I rushed around getting ready!

Serena: I have always been passionate about helping people and being able to inspire others. As part of being a Holistic Therapist it's my profession to make people feel good from the inside out. When searching online for Plus Size opportunities I came across Miss Curvaceous UK. I did not have a clue what it was but had a look and thought it sounded too good to be true. I applied thinking I would not hear back but I was wrong. The reason I applied was my main goal is to promote body confidence to all; especially the younger generation of today. It is so sad to see Women, Girls and even Men of today having a low self-esteem because of the Media and how it portrays us. I am determined to change this especially with encouraging Natural Beauty, Body Confidence and Positive Self Esteem.

Anastasia: I first applied for MCUK when I had just turned 17 and I wasn’t old enough to go to the over 18's venue. However, this didn't stop me! I went to the audition and I was the first one there. I was so nervous; I couldn't know how to stop shaking. That year I didn't pass, I was expecting not to.

Laurie: I applied for MCUK, because I've always been told that I look “curvaceously beautiful.” (Lol) A very good friend of mine; Elsa has also been supporting me to turn up at the auditions and have a go. I always felt that curvy women had something to offer to society and to the Fashion industry. I am a curves lover; I really think that curves are beautiful.

2)      When you found out that you were one of the top 20 finalists, how did you feel?

Pippa: When I found out I had got through to the final twenty I was over the moon! I had just got a new job starting Jan 2015 and all I could think was "wow, this is a great start to my 2015 and we are still in December 2014". I felt truly blessed!

Serena: When I found out I was in the Top 20 for Miss Curvaceous UK I was really speechless. When I attended the Auditions looking around the room you see so many Beautiful Girls and your perceptions of each other are completely different so you can never be too sure who is going to get thought from who's not.
Anastasia: This year I got an email alerting me about another audition for it. I've been trying to get into professional modelling since I was 15. I have had fun in the process, but I've never really felt comfortable, apart from my height. For a model they usually say height is good! Looking at MCUK I didn't feel scared as in, being judged of course I was nervous, but I felt comfortable.  When I found out I got through, I was so excited! I never thought I would have gotten through what with all the rest of the beautiful women there that were better at posing and walking than me. I was truly grateful.  It's given me an opportunity to receive the training I need and the confidence I need to continue my journey in the modeling industry and so many other things.
 Laurie: I felt extremely honoured to be part of this wonderful experience. I already see it as an achievement as I have gained so much from it.

3)      What would being crowned “Ms Curvaceous UK 2015” mean to you?

Pippa: If I was to be crowned Ms Curvaceous UK 2015, it would mean a new chapter in my life. Although I am already on the road to self-acceptance and not trying to fit in to societies mold but to be myself, I would be changing the perception of modelling in today's society and be the best role model I can be for my nieces and all young girls and in fact boys of what a healthy body should look like.

Serena: If I was crowned Miss Curvaceous UK 2015 it would mean something that words and feelings could not describe. It would be unreal and truly a dream to represent Miss Curvaceous and finally be part of such an incredible team and movement.

Anastasia: If I were to be crowned MCUK 2015 it would mean the world to me! Not only to know that I have inspired other people to join the 'curvy' team... but because I have achieved something also for me! I love modelling, even though I'm not confident I actually enjoy it and winning the contest would just show I have learned everything I was taught and that I have moved up a step further.  It would be amazing. I would love to also use that to help people out there that are not as confident and are insecure and that don’t think they are good enough.  I would love to make them acknowledge they are beautiful and they can be and do whatever they want.

Laurie: Being crowned Ms Curvaceous UK would be a real accomplishment for me on my model journey. As far as I am concerned MCUK incarnates the recognition of the existence of different beauties that should all be recognised. MCUK embodies inspiration for all women that are struggling to accept who they are. MCUK shows that open-mindedness and the understanding of everyone uniqueness. These are the values that I would stand for if being crowned Ms Curvaceous UK 2015.

4)      What does 2015 hold for you?

Pippa: 2015 so far seems to be a year of growth and change. a year of success and many more to come I hope!

Serena:  I am sure 2015 will have many surprises and opportunities for me. I believe as one door closes another door opens. In June I graduate from University so that will be a wonderful experience for me along with rewarding myself with a holiday to Mexico in August to celebrate, which will be definitely well earned and needed.

Anastasia: 2015 holds a lot for me... I feel that due to the fact I am one of the finalists it has opened a few more doors for me. I have met some amazing people along the way also. I am still in college so I have exams coming up but I feel that I have something that I enjoy doing to look forward to.

Laurie:  In 2015, I would love to inspire more people.  This is something that I am already doing on a daily basis by being a school teacher, but I would love to inspire more people of from different ages to accept themselves more through modelling careers.

Thank you ladies for taking the time to talk to me.


You can catch all four of these gorgeous girls strutting their stuff on the catwalk on Saturday 31st January at De Vere in Canary Wharf.

Make sure to get your tickets here; http://www.mscurvaceousuk.com/#mcuk-finale




The Body Project *Diary* - 21/01/2015

Given the fact that I felt so poorly on Tuesday night I wasn’t feeling that adventurous food-wise on Wednesday morning and I was still tired in the morning (which is surprising given the extreme early night the night before!) 


I didn’t leave myself enough time to prepare my scrambled eggs for breakfast so I opted for toast with a thin layer of jam & a cuppa instead. (1 point)


I didn’t take anything with me for lunch for the same reason and come lunch time I was ready to try something simple.  I went to Tesco with the intention of picking up a plain ham sarnie, but there were none left, there wasn’t much left to be honest!  I grabbed a sausage & egg sandwich this weighed in at 380 calories – which fell under the calorie allowance of 400 calories for lunch (1 point)


For some of you reading this you may be thinking the things she is eating aren't on the BP recommended food list; that's true they aren't listed as a meal option, however if you know me and my recent food habits you would understand & agree that for me these food choices are leaps & bounds healthier than a Sausage & Egg McMuffin, a full fry up or a bowl piled high of sugar-heavy cereal.  My thoughts on this is that instead of following the BP meal plan (although it's recommended) I will count my calories with Andy on My Fitness Pal and use the BP recipes as a guide to portion sizes & inspiration on food ideas mainly for dinners.  I really do think that the introduction of more movement into my days is proving beneficial; clothes seem to fit a little looser and I feel good for it. 


Leanne & I went on a great walk during her lunch, we walked for nearly 55 minutes at a leisurely pace all over the surrounding areas. We even tried a new route to spice it up a little. 


Leanne managed to prevent my inner demons from leading me astray again. On our walk I had entered a corner shop with the full intention of buying a chocolate bar. My only justification when asked why was "..because I'm upset!" She quite rightly questioned further, "but do you really want it???"  That was enough to make me think we'll,  no I actually don't. So we promptly left and I felt really proud of myself for changing my mind and grateful to Leanne for checking me. Kat: 1 Evil Inner Chocolate Demons: NIL!!!


It was my friends’s birthday, so there were two cake options; a gorgeous looking mousse cake from Paul and an M&S lemon sponge roll.  As delectable as the moussey number seemed, I opted for the lighter option and treated myself to a sliver of the lemon sponge roll.


I walked back to London Bridge which enabled me to hit my steps goal (BP: 4,000 – target smashed! Personal target smashed: 14,070 steps taken) (1 point)


For dinner I had a lovely small salmon fillet in sweet chilli sauce with pilau rice & mixed veg for dinner (1 point), I had planned to do my 30 minute workout after dinner, but I managed to burn two of my fingers quite badly whilst picking Andy’s dinner off the stove!  Needless to say I spent the rest of my night with my fingers in a glass of cold water just to alleviate the stinging sensation, I’m sure you know the one I’m talking about.  Even going to sleep I had to cover the fingers in Sudocrem then bandage them up (to stop the cream going everywhere) then wrapped with a cold flannel & towel just so that I could bear taking my fingers out of the water!  I hate burns – they are a major inconvenience!


On the plus side, today was another alcohol free zone (1 point) and having ur fingers stuck in water makes you relatively immobile, so meditation was a breeze! (1 point)


Total for today = 6

Running total = 21


*My thoughts on my progress*


A bit bummed that I didn’t get to do my work out but overall – I’m quite pleased with today.  If I can manage to do all the same, minus the finger burning & minus the cake then I’ll be winning!!

The Body Project *Diary* 20/01/2015

Today was not a good day. I started the day perfectly; I woke up early, refreshed and all "gung-ho" about the day ahead. I made myself scrambled egg on toast for brekkie (1 point ) and I packed my bag full of healthy snacks to get me though the week.


Southern Railway heavily impacted my mood when they announced severe delays and that was further ruined by being held outside Victoria underground in the freezing cold for 20 mins due to congestion & overcrowding. Needless to say, I was late to my destination! Never a good start to the day!!

I shook off those bad vibes and settled into my busy day. I drank my 2 litres of water (1 point) I ate a jacket potato with no butter & just a can of tuna in spring water with a tablespoon of mayo. (1 point) 


Throughout the day I snacked on cucumber & reduced fat red pepper hummus & mango slices.


I went for my lunchtime walk around London town with Leanne on her lunch, only 36 minutes though.


I was so proud of myself; I had managed to do the whole day without any chocolate cravings but something changed on the route home.


I felt awful. I stood up the whole journey home.  I felt weak and just like my body was struggling on what I had fed it.  I was suffering with sharp pains in my stomach/abdominal area and I was sure I was gonna throw up right on the train!
I resisted the temptation to jump in cab home and pushed through the discomfort to make sure I hit my own personal target of 10,000 steps. (BP target for today; 8,000 steps; smashed! 1 point)


Today was another alcohol-free zone (1 point)


I cocked it all up when I wandered into Sainsbury’s on route home. I thought maybe my body was going into some sort of shock from the cold turkey style removal of sugar. Please bear in mind I have recently gotten into a habit of eating something sugary (be it a chocolate bar, something from Pandora or a doughnut) every day in some cases more than once. So my rationale was maybe the discomfort was fuelled by the lack of sugar. My inner demons won! I caved and bought a Wispa & devoured that whilst walking home! Whilst it was immediately satisfying, I actually felt worse. My stomach was still cramping and now I was riddled with guilt over my bad choice.


When I got home I couldn't muster the strength to complete my workout. So I switched on the mindfulness video and completed my meditation for 10 minutes (1 point) 

After that I retired to bed & curled up in the foetal position wrapped around a hot water bottle. I felt low and the stomach pain was overbearing; whatever was wrong with me!?


As I had skipped dinner I was made a slice of toast with jam to eat.  I didn't feel like eating it but I was urged to eat something rather than nothing. (By MFP’s standards, my calorie intake was well under, so I will class that as an acceptable dinner to get my 1 point for a healthy dinner; it would have been less healthy to skip dinner completely *apparently*)


Where I conked out – I forgot to snapshot my points, but totting these up amounts to 7 points today.

Running total = 15.

*My Thoughts on my progress*
Today I struggled, feeling unwell was clearly a trigger to eat badly and I am gutted that I technically ruined a good days work by letting my cravings get the better of me.

All I can do is try harder.

I refuse to be totally demoralised,  I see my efforts especially towards the exercise aspect of this challenge as a positive achievement and I accept there will be days I eat worse than others.   I have to just accept that it’s gonna be hard but no one said it was gonna be a doddle!

 :)
If any of you are signed up to "My Fitness Pal" add me as a friend and you can view my food diary! My name is Kattrinn
 

The Body Project *Diary* 19/01/2015

Day 1; 19/01
Good start, as I had such a busy weekend I didn't get the chance to do any food shopping.
I lost out on a point by eating Coco Pops for brekkie (you get a point for avoiding all refined or processed carbs all day) but I picked up a Grab & Go (recommended lunch pick up for emergencies) from M&S for lunch and had a tasty piece of steak for dinner with a few potatoes & a mountain of veg.
I drank my 2 litres of water and achieved the BP goal of 4,000 steps (I actually smashed this target but taking over 19,000+ steps) I did a bit of shopping on route home so I could have some healthy snacks to chomp on.
I am not a big drinker and only have a tipple on special occasions so I got my point for being alcohol free all day.
Came home & plunged into my recommended 30 minute workout. Now it wasn't nearly as daunting as I'd imagined. The aim is to raise your heart but doing at least 3 x 30 minute sessions of cardiovascular exercise per week.  I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up but it really eased me in gently and 10 minutes in I was sweating like a pig and my heart rate was definitely raised. The type of exercise was aerobic based movement so the steps were simple enough to follow. You are encouraged to set your own pace based on what you are comfortable with but you're aiming for 30 secs intense movement followed by 15 secs of active recovery. There were times when I was lagging and times when I was really going for it and I really do think it pushed me to better my ability each time. It was hard work not gonna lie, but totally worth it. 
I got another point by taking 10 minutes to just do NOTHING & meditate.
No night time snacking.
With all the steps and activity I did, I managed to burn a fair amount of calories today!!
I finished the day with 8 points.
*My thoughts on my progress*
Really positive and rearing to go...I think sticking to the meal plan provided by BP will be hard as I would need to consider the time it will take to prepare and potentially cook two meals each day. I will use their meal plan as inspiration and make my own meal plan that works for my family.  My main issue at home is portion size so I will need BP to guide me on quantities.
My GP wants me to keep a food diary and as Andy follows it too, I am also tracking my calories on the phone app; "My Fitness Pal"
Here's how I did today...

The Body Project

I have signed up to a fitness programme called "The Body Project" which is a 10 week programme of healthy eating, exercise & mindfulness.  You have a check list of "to-do's" to do including things like; eating a healthy breakfast, being alcohol free for the day,drinking 2 litres of water, engaging in a 30 minute workout and much more.  Each to-do will earn you points.  We are in a small team and obviously competing against not only ourselves, but also other members of both our teams & the organisation as a whole.

This all kicks off tomorrow & runs for the next 10 weeks.  After my full on weekend, the last thing I wanted to do on a Sunday night was run 1km or do a fitness test, but I pushed myself as I really want to see the benefits of this project.

So I did it.  I jogged round the block nearly 3 times (in icy conditions may I add!) I wouldn't usually run anwhere, I think the only time I run is for the train/bus. So for me to run out of choice is a big achievement.

What I want to achieve out of "The Body Project"
  • I would like to drop a dress size over the 10 week period
  • I want to increase my fitness levels
  • I want to kick-start a lifestyle change to make me the healthiest version of me possible.
Wish me luck!!

:)
xx

Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Sheivelle

Introducing SheivelleMs Curvaceous UK Ambassador 



1) Why did you apply for MCUK?
It was my mum who actually pushed me to do it. She's always going on about how great I am, so I said why not.

2) So, you weren’t picked as one of the 20 finalists, but you were given the extraordinary opportunity to become an Ambassador for the brand. What were your initial feelings when you found out you weren’t a finalist?

Honestly I didn't feel any type of way I was just happy that the plus sized models are being recognised in this country and given a platform to be plus sized, beautiful and proud.

3) What does it mean to you to be named an Ambassador of the MCUK brand?
When I got the call I felt so privileged and I was super excited to be part of something that I stand for. It was amazing.

4) What does 2015 hold for you?
I just plan to grow as a plus size ambassador and help make a change even if it's the smallest change we all start form the bottom to make it to the top.
Never miss out on Sheivelle's movements by following her here...







If you have any questions for Sheivelle, feel free to comment below :)



Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Kat

Introducing Kat - Ms Curvaceous UK Ambassador & Lifestyle Blogger.



1) Why did you apply for MCUK?
2014 was a big year of changes for me, I got my smile back & committed to taking back my life in a positive way. I was on brink of depression, hating myself in ways I cannot describe. I went to my GP for help and since then I have been on a road to recovery. I started a blog and through Twitter I saw MCUK advertised. I didn't realise at the time how big the Plus Size industry was and when I saw this ad I thought why the hell not. I have always dreamt of modelling in catalogues & Magazines like Simply Be, SLiNK or Evolve but have always been discouraged because of my weight, teeth & dress size. I wanted to prove to myself that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. I want to live my dreams not just dream them.

2) So, you weren’t picked as one of the 20 finalists, but you were given the extraordinary opportunity to become an Ambassador for the brand. What were your initial feelings when you found out you weren’t a finalist?
The MCUK workshop experience for me was amazing and empowering and it really affirmed to me that this is definitely the path I want to follow. I didn't believe for one second that my audition would be successful simply because of the calibre of talent that was in that room with me but I figured I could always try again if I didn't make it through. When I found out I didn't make the 20 finalists I was gutted but not surprised and I took away from the experience a lot of confidence, new friends and a lasting memory.

3) What does it mean to you to be named an Ambassador of the MCUK brand?
When I got the call from Theo over the Christmas break I couldn't contain myself. I had resided myself to the fact that the MCUK chapter of my book had been closed until the next audition.  It is such an honour to be involved with such an influential brand, that is built to inspire and empower the Curvy ladies in society. Being an Ambassador for the Brand will allow me to inspire women to realise they are beautiful.  So many ladies are facing the same insecurities I felt, many have these aspirations but aren't aware how to or simply aren't confident enough to take that step alone. I want to help them exceed their own expectations and help them embrace their inner & outer beauty and love the body they have. I want to help banish the line between sizes & promote body confidence.  Individually we can shout but together we will be heard.

4) What does 2015 hold for you?
2015 so far has been eventful and this opportunity has opened my eyes to many avenues that are waiting for me.  2014 was my best year yet so it's gonna be hard to top it but I am committed to try! MCUK is gonna help me tick off at least 2 things of my bucket list; walking the Catwalk and meeting some of the people who inspired me to start this journey. In my book that's such an achievement already.

2015; me & you, yeah...we're gonna make our mark on the world! 

Let's get socially connected...


       

If you have any questions for me, feel free to comment below :)

Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Jerri Hoath - Ms Curvaceous UK Mentor & Ambassador, Curve Model & Former Finalist.

Meet Jerri  - Ms Curvaceous UK Mentor & Ambassador, 
Curve Model & Former Finalist.



1) Why did you apply for MCUK? 

I entered MsCurvaceousUK because my little girl was going through a tough time at school. She was feeling incredibly low and I saw it as an opportunity to try and build my own confidence whilst also showing her that you can do anything you put your mind to even if you are made to feel like it would be impossible. She believed in me way more than I ever had myself and wanted me to go for it so I did. And boy am I glad I did!

2) What was the MCUK competition experience like? 

From start to finish I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life. After my audition I left feeling like a weight had been lifted of my shoulders. Being around ladies oozing with confidence, curves and beauty made me feel as though I could relax and embrace my figure for the first time in my life. I wasn't worried about people judging me. Such a refreshing feeling.
Making finals and training along side ladies that have gone on to become very close friends of mine was such a great experience. The choreographer Reuben made me evolve from 'a mummy trying her hardest not to break her ankles whilst walking in stilettos' into a Curve Model. Each rehearsal I found my confidence would grow and grow. Everybody was noticing it.  

Walking on the Catwalk at the finals was the best feeling. Watching my little girl grinning from ear to ear at me, knowing how much this journey had helped us both was a moment I will never forget. I was so happy to see my friend win she was truly deserving but In my eyes all of us had won in our own ways because we had all our own reasons for being on that catwalk.

3) What does being an Ambassador of the MCUK brand involve in your opinion?

I love modelling. But without being given the opportunity to share what I have learnt on my own personal journey and trying my best to inspire others I wouldn't feel my job is being done properly. I KNOW beauty has no size and I pray the day will come that the future generation are able to look and see women of all shapes and sizes in their magazines and throughout the media. The way it should be. Being an ambassador gives me the chance to stand up for all that Ms Curvaceous UK represents and to be part of a team of like-minded strong women.

4) Since your involvement in MCUK what opportunities have you taken? 

I try to take all opportunities I'm given with open arms. I have worked alongside models I had admired for years and recently I had a chance to mentor and run part of the MCUK confidence workshops. I have talked on the behalf of Curve models on T.V and I have built bridges with some brands in the U.S.

5) What does 2015 hold for you? 

Hopefully many wonderful things. I don't like to talk too much about projects before they are set in stone but there are a few amazing ones on the cards! I would love to go over to the U.S and shoot there! This year is about growth and spreading the word for us curvies!

Never miss out on Jerri's movements by following her here...




If you have any questions for Jerri; feel free to comment below :)

Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Angelina

Meet Angelina - Ms Curvaceous UK Ambassador 


1) Why did you apply for MCUK?


I applied for MCUK because growing up as a teen into my adult life friends and even strangers in the street would often stop and tell me ''you should be a model, you've got the height and the looks''
But in the back of my mind growing up as a teenager in the 90's I knew that modelling would never happen because I wasn't stick thin. So I just took the compliments, said thank you and put them to the back of my mind. I was in a bad relationship too at the time, that I developed an eating disorder to become thin. I thought being thin equalled being attractive as a 17-19 year old girl. Thankfully now, I've grown to accept that I will always have curves, then I came across MCUK recently. I remember thinking finally, an agency/ organisation that promotes curves. So I jumped at the opportunity, it was also great to help bring some confidence back.

2) So, you weren’t picked as one of the 20 finalists, but you were given the extraordinary opportunity to become an Ambassador for the brand. What were your initial feelings when you found out you weren’t a finalist?

When I found out I didn't make the final 20, I was gutted, who wouldn't of been. All of us that entered would loved to of been taken through. I was just proud that I actually entered it, I wouldn't of done that a couple years ago. I knew deep down that doing something like the MCUK audition was just going to be the beginning for me and push me to seek other avenues into the modelling industry.

3) What does it mean to you to be named an Ambassador of the MCUK brand?
When I got the phone call, my hands were sweating with nerves as to what the phone call could be about haha. Then the role of Ambassador was explained to me, and of course I jumped at the chance, I think I said Thank you oh my God about 20 times to Theo. As a young girl growing up surrounded by magazines, celebrities and diets I know how much I let it affect my mindset as a young girl, so now i'm adamant not to let those sorts of things affect the women of today, I can't wait to start promoting that curves are ok and sexy. After all there is such a thing as being curvy but fit.

4) What does 2015 hold for you?
2015 has got of to a great start already with being asked to be Ambassador, I guess the world is my oyster now. I also work as a Nurse with vulnerable children both boys and girls up to the age of 18, so I can use this new role to promote body confidence, self confidence and being proud of yourself to them too.
I'm also hoping this year brings me love, my knight in shining armour, haha
Never miss out on Angelina's movements by following her here...




http://instagram.com/ange_o84


If you have any questions for Angelina; feel free to comment below :)

Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Verona

Meet Verona - Ms Curvaceous UK Ambassador & MUA



1) Why did you apply for MCUK?
I applied for MCUK because I wanted to prove to myself that I could actually do modelling whilst embracing my curves.

2) So, you weren’t picked as one of the 20 finalists, but you were given the extraordinary opportunity to become an Ambassador for the brand. What were your initial feelings when you found out you weren’t a finalist?

When I realised I didn't make the final I was gutted. but still very happy as I never would have had the guts to audition for something like this before and it totally boosted my confidence.

3) What does it mean to you to be named an Ambassador of the MCUK brand?
It's a big deal for me to be one of the ambassadors for MCUK Brand because I feel so passionately about women that are plus size that are low in confidence and maybe feel like they need to change to conform to what society says is beautiful, because I was once that girl so to represent in confidence a brand that supports that I'm totally behind it.

4) What does 2015 hold for you?
2015 is my year to take my career to the next level and really establish myself. I would also love to pursue a bit of modelling to see how it goes.

Never miss out on Verona's movements by following her here...







If you have any questions for Verona; feel free to comment below :)

...Coming next in the series...Meet Angelina...

Meet The MCUK Ambassadors; Claire

Meet Claire - Ms Curvaceous UK Ambassador & Plus Size Model


1) Why did you apply for MCUK?
I have always dreamt of becoming a plus-size model so when I saw the advert come up on Facebook to go to an audition for MsCurvaceousUK I jumped at the chance! I've never had much confidence and have felt insecure about the way I look but as I get older I am starting to embrace how tall I am, how curvy I am and I want to show it off and inspire other people to be confident and make changes in their lives that they don't think are possible!

2) So, you weren’t picked as one of the 20 finalists, but you were given the extraordinary opportunity to become an Ambassador for the brand. What were your initial feelings when you found out you weren’t a finalist?

I was absolutely gutted when I found out I wasn't in the final but at the same time it was almost a blessing in disguise; I fell down some stairs and injured my foot quite badly, I even ended up in hospital for a week, that was 5 weeks ago and finally my foot is on the mend! I really wasn't sure if I would be able to walk without crutches let alone in heels so I had a chat with Jerri (one of the models from last year) and decided whatever the outcome I would apply again in 2015 and keep trying until I was successful with MCUK. Then I got the call from Theo...

3) What does it mean to you to be named an Ambassador of the MCUK brand?
He asked me if I wanted to be an ambassador for MCUK and immediately I said yes! I was completely overwhelmed and shocked but so so happy! This will give me the opportunity to spread the word about MCUK as a brand and what we are trying to do. I want women to embrace their beauty whatever their size, it doesn't matter! Body confidence should not be exclusive to women of a certain size. Women like Tess Munster inspire me so much and I hope that one day, like her, I can be an inspiration to others. I am so looking forward to working with everyone at MCUK especially Theo.

4) What does 2015 hold for you?
2015 holds so much opportunity for me! More than I thought possible, my life hasn't always been easy but I am a perfect example that hard work, ambition and perseverance pays off! Working as an ambassador for MCUK will also help me break into the industry as not only an ambassador but as a model. I work full-time as an IT Recruitment Consultant currently and I'm very successful at that but eventually I would like to make the transition into working in the modelling industry full-time, that is my aim for 2015. I am so thankful for this chance to do something so great.


2015 I'm coming to get you!

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...Coming next in the series...Meet Verona...