The Story Of you.

Content Warning: These stories contain mentions of body dysmorphia, body image 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

The radiant Michele embodies a journey of self-discovery and healing. Michele shared, "When I was smaller bodied and married, I hated my body. I called her names, told her she was fat and unlovable. Now, 100kg and single, I want to set an example for my daughter so she doesn't hate herself the way I did. I tell my body she is beautiful, desirable, loved. I treat her kindly, with gentle words and actions, and it's been life-changing."

Before her shoot, Michele was pretty nervous but also excited. She kept questioning herself, wondering if she was doing the right thing. However, throughout the shoot we could see a shift in these thoughts. The entire experience was beautifully transformative, She told us “I connected with myself in those images in a way I never have before. “

In her model call submission, Michele mentioned she hoped to gain "Radiance. Joy. Pride." from the experience, and she absolutely did just that. She looked amazing and powerful in those images. As Michele quoted - the images proclaimed, "Fuck you, this is me. Deal with it."

Upon viewing her images, Michele became emotional and overwhelmed by how poorly she had spoken about her body over the years. Seeing those images, she realised her body had forgiven her. Her body was gently asking for love, and Michele promised then that she would.

A week after the shoot, a bridesmaid dress arrived and was too small for Michele. Instead of dieting, she decided to alter the dress. When people asked why she didn't just lose weight, Michele laughed and politely told them to get fucked. She responded, "No, I love my body. I'm not putting her through hell for the sake of a dress!" This mindset shift was reinforced by her new tattoo, "my body, my art." Michele chose it because it resonated deeply with her. Her body bears scars, but recognising them as art gives her power back. The tattoo serves as a constant reminder of the immense importance of self-love.