What are your best qualities?
My smile and I am a great listener.
Do you have any undesirable qualities?
I can be passive sometimes and don't always speak up for my self.
What do you love the most about your body?
I love my legs.
What is one part of your body you're working on loving more?
I am working on trying to embrace my individuality.
Tell us the story about your stretch marks and scars...
I used to be very thin and once I got into my early thirties, I guess my metabolism slowed down and I started gaining weight. I also have a C-Section scar that runs from hip to hip.
What was your response when you first noticed your stretch marks?
At first, I didn't notice them at all. Then I happened to notice them one day when I got out of the shower and just said to myself "oh well" there's nothing I can do about it. I definitely was not upset or ashamed.
How did those around you make you feel about your stretch marks/scars?
My boyfriend actually said that he liked my "tiger stripes".
Describe your journey with body acceptance...
My journey has been a long one. I struggled being the "skinny girl" ALL of my life and that really hurt me. Which made my self-esteem and confidence level go down. As I got older, I realized that I needed to learn how to embrace and accept my body.
Do you practice self love as often as you want to?
I try to practice as often as I can. I try to get out and have some me time. Massages, retail therapy, and lunch/dinner with friends.
What is one of your qualities you wish shined brighter than exterior appearance?
My personality because when I first meet people I feel like people think that I'm stuck up or stand offish. In reality, I'm a very nice person.
What about self-love are you continuing to work on?
We tend to get caught up in social media and want to look or be like our favorite Instagrammers. I find myself doing it all the time and I sometimes get down on myself. I definitely need to work on, not comparing myself to others.
What lesson do you hope to instill to your children about self-love & body acceptance?
Don't let anyone tell you, you are not good enough. You are!!!
What makes the happiest in the world? My family makes me the happiest.
Spending time, talking and just enjoying each others company makes me the happiest.
How do women need to improve interacting with one another?
We as women need to stop seeing each other as competition. We need to empower and support each other.
What is something you wish you could have told yourself at your most fragile state?
Have faith and look for the positive.
What is the best compliment you've ever received?
I have always been told that I have a great work ethic.
How do you feel you have evolved as a human over the last few years?
I have learned to be more outspoken, which has also helped me to go after my passions and pursue them.
