Self-Esteem Issues & Latest Campaign Updates

Hey my gorgeous people,

How have you been? Wow, it’s been 3 months already… can you believe we are in August? Time is flying by so fast, therefore we need to live our life and grab it while we can.

Anyway, I wanted to catch you up on a few things. I want to start with the not so positive (I say not so positive because you know I like to keep it real with you all and I don’t want you to think I am always so confident about my body. This is far from the case and right now I have been going through a little blip)…

Dealing with self-esteem issues & bloating

Bloating, yes, I know a lot of you may relate to that annoying bloat after we have eaten that makes us look like we are 9 months pregnant, well that’s a thing that is constantly happening for me. I have been getting it so much that I did bring it up to my consultant as it has been affecting my mental health. I just don’t feel comfortable in certain clothes because of it. He brought up the fact I have IBS as well as Crohn’s and that I have been on steroids and other medications that can be a factor. It’s okay him saying this but he isn’t the one who has to deal with it. For me, it does bring back at times memories of the first time I had steroids, my belly had all the water weight. I was on a night out with my cousin, I was asked by a random man why I was out when I’m pregnant. Well, that was rude. I have never forgot it and every time my bloat is bad (in my case like every single day) it brings back those memories and is a trigger. I have tried peppermint oil tablets (with my consultants consent of course), cutting bread, skipping fizzy drinks and nothing does the trick. I have now found some new bloat tablets which with my consultants consent I am allowed to try. I will let you know in my next blog what my thoughts are on these and the name of the product.

Anyway, I recently went to Rome and of course how could I go and not eat all that pizza and pasta? After all alongside the beautiful architecture and historic monuments you also go to Rome for the food right? I decided that I was not going to let my bloating control me and I made sure I choose bloat friendly summer dresses that  not only made me feel super cute but also hid the massive bloat after I had eaten all that yummy food and wow was it the best! Pasta in the UK is just not the one now I have had proper Italian pasta. I just wanted to share this little blip in my life with you, so you know even I get down days, self-love and body positivity is a journey and anyone who tells you they are happy every single day about their body is lying, because we are human, and we are always changing how we feel. I would not be a true body positive advocate if I did not let you know it is okay to feel bad sometimes and dislike your body. You are allowed!

Latest campaigns – Kurt Geiger & Oner Active

Anyway, moving on from that I want to share some positive news to end our catch up. Since speaking to you I have done two amazing campaigns. Kurt Geiger and Oner Active.  The best thing about Kurt Geiger is that I used to work for them and now here I am modelling for them. I cannot explain how grateful I was for this opportunity. Kurt Geiger had been on my list of brands to work with for such a long time so, when the CEO Neil got me involved in his ‘Empowering People’ campaign words cannot express how I felt. I got to share my story, raise more awareness for scar’s and Crohn’s disease whilst modelling all these sexy shoes (I mean, what’s not to love) DREAM JOB! Anyway, I am so grateful and the fact such a big brand wanted to take the time of day for me and allow me to speak for those who need a voice was just so special and so close to my heart. I will forever be grateful, and you can read the article here  watch the YouTube video here. 

Lastly, I did a huge campaign for Oner Active. Oner is an active wear brand founded by Krissy Cela. She wanted to do a campaign called ‘Extraordinary People’ where she shared the story of 5 women. She shared not only mine with Crohn’s but other strong queens with colitis, acne, keloid scarring and poland syndrome. Not only was this shoot so inspiring but I got to educate myself on other conditions I did not know much about. Each one of these ladies were so brave to share their stories and I feel honoured to have been in their presence.

I also have had the opportunity to ECOM model for Oner which you know means so much to me. I am always preaching about brands doing campaigns but not using people like myself or others with visible differences when it comes to ECOM. This means a lot to me because, just like In A Seashell, Oner Active is here to make a difference and not afraid to use women like me. They see we are just as worthy as in-society’s words not mine; ‘normal’ bodies. After all, there’s no wrong body so why only should certain type of body get to model and represent? There are so many others like me who deserve to be represented. You can watch my interview with Oner Active here. 

That’s it for me this month, the next time we speak I will be able to update you on my trip to the states; how I got on over there with my Crohn’s, bloating and who knows maybe a few extra big campaigns!

I am sending you all so much love and want you to remember you are beautiful and you are worthy with or without a tummy bloat. Do not let it control you, eat what you want and live your life.

See ya soon.

Lots of love

Natalie-Amber x x

@natalie_amber1