by Lindsey Borchard
The question I seem to be getting the most these days is, “Is that really you”?
It all started when we couldn’t find a model to shoot for our newest Claudette Collection, (I work for Claudette Lingerie). When our CEO asked me to model for Claudette, I was nervous and frankly terrified. After thinking about all the things I never did because of my size or the way I felt about myself, I decided to take a chance and go for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Now when people open Claudette’s latest look book and see me standing there in lingerie, I am mostly surprised by the outpouring of support I get. As a size 14 woman, I am not your typical model. However, I am absolutely amazed with how many people embrace my curves when they see me half-naked in Claudette. It makes me feel beautiful but most importantly empowers me as a woman to own the body I have and try to not make it something that I think “everyone” wants it to be.
I have learned through modeling that my size is really just a number and not what defines me, which is something that I struggled with growing up. I think so many women these days have a hard time looking past that. It took doing something that was way out of my comfort zone to make me a true believer though. And I highly suggest that every woman who isn’t living their true life because of that “number” to step out of the box and try something that challenges them. Wear a bright color you once thought you couldn’t get away with wearing; buy that sexy thong you always wanted to try. Instead of getting the same boring t-shirt bra, wear a bright neon pink one! Starting with little steps will lead to bigger ones. We all need to walk before we run.
I am exploring and loving my career in the lingerie industry that I once thought was only for women who looked like Victoria Secret models. But now being a part of it, I realize it is something much bigger then that; much bigger than just pretty lingerie. It’s a secret society of people who want to try to help women feel sexy again, in the size they are. And I feel so lucky to consider myself a part of it.
