THE BELLE CURVE

"Beauty to me feels like being comfortable and proud of who you are"

"The only way you’ll really fit in is by being yourself"

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Curvy Sam and Jennifer Atilemile are exceptionally intelligent and unique human beings.

They also happen to be two of Australia’s most successful Curve models, but that’s beside the point.

 

ASTROPHE: You have very obvious lust for life. What motivates you?

SAM: This is a great question. Life has no purpose or meaning in and of itself. You have to "create" that meaning. For me, meaning comes from a continual desire to build something that I think is worthwhile and leave my mark. I wake up each day and try to make it better than the previous one, and to learn something new.

 A: Your aim to ‘inspire women to want the best for themselves’ is so powerful. When did you realise that was your mission?

S: I’ve heard friends say the smallest thing like how they “won’t leave the house because they feel fat”, or can’t “go on a holiday until they loose 10kgs” or even that they “won’t go to the gym with anyone else around”.  It baffles me that we are so hard on ourselves. I decided that I wasn’t going to sit around and live my life like that. By showing people my journey, it’s inspired others to live their lives to the fullest.
 

A: What are your quick tips for emphasizing assets?

 S: The only way you’ll really fit in is by being yourself. Wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and confident.

A: Why is it so important to give women of all shapes and sizes a voice within the media?

S: For years I’ve been working with brands and media encouraging them to explore age, size and cultural diversity. Here’s the thing: we have the power, and a voice as consumers to change the way we are marketed-too, and the models we see. Our demands could change the supply.

It’s hard to change your way of thinking when there’s a whole industry selling you a very different, limited ideal. But it’s important to try. If we create enough demand, brands will have to create accessible clothing for all sizes.

A: Is there anything you’d like to add?

S: Don't wait until you are your ideal weight to enjoy life when everything is ‘perfect’.  It will never be perfect. There will always be a challenge. So what? Get started now. Each time you try something new, you will grow stronger and happier, more confident, and more content and successful. You are in charge of how you feel and react.  It’s your life and no one else’s business how you choose to live it. 
 

ASTROPHE: What motivates you?                

JENNIFER: It’s a cliché, but I want to make the world a better place. When I was younger, I was taught “you're just one person, you can't change anything”, but it just takes one voice to question the existing way of things, and that can make people start thinking. 

A: You share your body confidence journey on social media regularly… How did you reach such a healthy place?

J: It took me a long time, and to be honest, there are still some days that I struggle to be 'positive' as such. But that comes from years of talking down and negative thinking. It's so easy to get in that kind of trap. Growing up I wasn't a popular kid, I was actually a bit of a nerd – still am! – and I somehow thought that trying to fit in to the 'mainstream' would make me happier. That resulted in some restrictive behaviours that I've worked really hard to overcome. I'm really fortunate to be in the position that I am now. 

A: What does beauty feel like to you?

J: Beauty is whatever you want it to be! Beauty is not confined to race or gender. Beauty to me feels like being comfortable and proud of who you are, and radiating your unique self without worrying at all about other people's judgement! There is literally only one ‘you’. Don't try and be anyone else.

A: Why is it so important to give women of all shapes and sizes a voice in the media?

J: Because that's an accurate representation of the people who live in this world. There is unity in diversity. 

A: What do you do to support and celebrate other amazing women?

J: I'm currently working in advocacy for the Women's Gender Peace and Security Institute, and then on social media I've consciously diversified my feed. There are so many women who have stories to share and who have overcome so many obstacles; women who are strong and resilient, and they should be celebrated! The future is female. .

Images by Simone Taylor