Fostering self-confidence and self-love in the world of skincare, beauty and fashion might seem like an impossible feat. But it something that our ultimate girl crush, model and content creator, Jess King has done with refreshing style and grace. So we couldn’t help but reach out and get a run down on her journey so far as well as the tips she has picked up along the way.
*Trigger warning: this interview mentions eating disorders*

Hey Jess, for our audiences that haven’t come across you before, can you please provide a brief intro about all things YOU?

“Hello hello! I’m a curve model and content creator based in Melbourne! I love my cat Draco Meowfoy (if you get the reference we will be friends!!) I’m passionate about body confidence and mental health and I talk a lot about these things on my platform- along with my love for naps, Garlic Bread and basically any form of carb.”

How has your journey towards body confidence and self-love has been so far?

“I suffered pretty badly in my teens and early 20s with negative body image and disordered eating. It was a really tumultuous time and I engaged in super toxic behaviours to whittle myself down. It’s been a long and difficult journey to get to where I am today- I still have bad days but I’m so grateful that the worst is behind me. Life is too short to worry about the size on your jeans. I definitely credit my career in the fashion industry for helping me realise my worth. It sounds ironic, as I know many women have had negative experiences at the hands of the modelling industry but I truly believe my work as a curve model helped me heal. I had all these people telling me I was worthy and good enough just the way that I was. In many ways I wish I could have believed it on my own but I’m thankful to have been shown the light.”

What rituals helped you along the way to being more confident in the skin that you are in?

“A big thing for me was learning to see exercise as an act of love and self care for my body vs a punishment. Back in the day I’d run myself into the ground or go to the gym multiple times a day- simply because I saw it as a weight loss tool. It’s been so freeing now to enjoy exercise again. It makes me feel strong, empowered and helps my anxiety. In my line of work there is a huge emphasis on what I look like. To keep grounded, I make sure to remind myself of all the things I love about myself that have nothing to do with my appearance. If I’m having a difficult day, I might write these down and it reminds me to have perspective and gratitude for who I am as a person- vs what I look like.”

Have you enjoyed incorporating BEAR into your current skincare rituals? If so, what results have you seen?

“I’ve loved using the BEAR. This is my 3rd FOREO device and I can’t wait to add more to the collection. I actually like using it before I head to set in the morning as I find it helps to de-puff my face and wake the skin up a little bit so that it’s primed for makeup. I know its main use is aesthetic but I actually find it really relaxing. It forces me to be still and take some time out before a hectic day ahead. It’s those little moments of self-care that we all deserve but often don’t set aside the time for.”

The beauty and fashion industry can oftentimes be a hard place to establish one’s confidence. What are your tips for nurturing a better relationship with yourself?

“As I mentioned earlier – remind yourself of all your fabulous qualities that have nothing to do with your appearance. Are you a loyal friend? Or a great cook? Perhaps you pride yourself on your confidence or your ability to work hard at your job? It’s important to come back to those things that make you, you. Remember that you have the power to sculpt and mould your social media feeds in a way that suits you. Seek out those creators that have similar values and interests to you. Don’t be afraid to unfollow someone if they affect your confidence. Social media should be fun and uplifting and I find I get a lot of my inspiration from people online.”

Love Jess as much as we do? You can find her on Instagram @jessraeking.