The Story Of You - Jayde.

Content Warning: These stories contain mentions of body dysmorphia, body image struggles, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles and gendered violence. If you find any of the below triggering, please find a list of helpful and free resources below:

DV/SV: 1800 RESPECT

Mental Health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues: Butterfly Foundation 1800 ED HOPE

Meet Jayde, a mother of two and the oldest daughter of seven. Jayde’s journey has been one of strength, survival, and healing. From a young age, Jayde struggled with an eating disorder (bulimia and anorexia) which had a devastating effect on both her body and mental health. Later, she was diagnosed with a severe form of psoriasis, further impacting her confidence and self-esteem.

Jayde’s battle continued through high school, where she struggled to fit in, but she eventually overcame it, becoming healthy, happy, and thriving. Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived as she found herself trapped in an abusive relationship. The physical and emotional toll of the abuse led Jayde to return to old habits of controlling her body through food. She lost weight, but the pain of the abuse left her feeling invisible and suffering in silence.

But Jayde reached a breaking point. She gathered the courage to escape with her children, seeking safety in a women’s domestic v1olence shelter. It was a scary Christmas, one filled with uncertainty and fear, but Jayde knew she had to take that step. From that moment, her journey of recovery began, and she’s proud to say that not only are they safe, but they’re healthy. Every day presents challenges, but Jayde continues to power through, breaking generational curses and embracing her own empowerment.

Jayde came to us for this shoot to rediscover herself, to feel like a woman again; not just a mother. “I am me, I am growing. I am strong,” she says. Through this experience, Jayde is reclaiming her strength and her voice, and we are so honoured to be part of her journey.

When asked if she feels represented in the media, Jayde shares, “My size is represented, but not my struggles. Not my story. Nobody likes to talk about the girl who doesn’t eat or the girl who gets hit.” This is a powerful reminder that representation in the media is not just about size, but about the depth of our experiences; the struggles and triumphs that make us who we are.

Jayde’s story reminds us that we are not defined by the struggles we face but by the strength we have to overcome them and because of that she was awarded Biggest Inspiration at our Birthday Party last year.