Hello Everyone! My name is Nina Blakemore. I have been in the “plus size” or “curve” industry for around 20 years now and I just decided that it was about time that I used all the knowledge and experience that I have gained during this time to help Ladies just like you, feel better and more confident within themselves. This is something that I know a lot of us struggle with – I know first hand as I have been there and done that – and still continue to do so sometimes!
I actually started off life as a “straight size” model – I know – I dislike the term also – more of this in another post – However, I really struggled to keep to the required size, I always had a big bum and thighs and no matter how little I ate or how much I exercised, I would never ever be as small as some of the other models that I was competing against. Unfortunately, this sad couple of years ended up in me having an eating disorder 🙁
I took some time out from all this craziness and found myself in a much better place and some months later, I received a phonecall from one of my Modelling Agencies – it went something along the lines of “Nina, how do you fancy having a go at Plus Size Modelling? Its all the rage in the States?” Brilliant I thought – I can finally let my body be what it wants to be in its natural form – little did I know that this would be the start of a beautiful career for myself. Click here to see my Showreel.
I have lived and worked all over the World, from London to Manchester, LA to NYC, all throughout Europe, India, the Caribbean and Australia, taking part in photoshoots, fashion shows, trade events, corporate functions and television work. No day has ever been the same – I have never, ever had a routine – always worked crazy hours – travelled for miles and miles and laughed and cried along the way! I have loved every minute of it and it has brought me to this point in my life.
I have met and worked with and alongside so many amazing people but over the years, it really has resonated with me, just how many women give themselves such a hard time about their own beautiful bodies. Dont get me wrong, I appreciate that men also have hang ups too (more about these lovely lot in another post) – but too many times I have seen the damage just one negative comment, one wrong glance in the mirror, or one unflattering photograph can do to a woman’s self esteem and confidence.
I was lucky enough to be able to work with the amazing Gok Wan for around 5 years on his fabulous programme – How To Look Good Naked – I will be posting more stories from these fun times on the website soon – but I saw first hand how just a little tlc, gorgeous styling and a confidence boosting chat could completely turn around how these beautiful women saw their bodies.
This is something that is echoed in all the work that I have been a part of over the years – so many lives changed when a little love, some great knowledge, a friendly chat and maybe a few glasses of wine have been shared!
Therefore, this is exactly where I am at now – Love Curves epitomises everything that I have been working towards over the last 20 years – You really dont have to be a size zero to be Gorgeous 🙂
Lots of Love
