Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Walden.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my modeling journey seven years ago after I moved to Austin, Texas. I have always been drawn to drama, theater, art, any medium that makes the heart catch fire; and now, I was in a city filled with those types of opportunities. I had also discovered that being in front of the camera was what gave me the most joy, and, I happen to be pretty good at it. So, I immersed myself into the modeling/photography scene in Austin. I began going to a monthly photography meet-up called Drink and Click, where I met a ton of photographers, models, makeup artists, and other people in the industry.
Through those connections, I started doing TFP shoots and honing my craft and started an Instagram to document my work. As I grew in the community and my work started to become a little more publicized, I noticed something strange. Even though my work was very high-quality, because I was plus-sized, it never received quite the same type of reaction. Instead of the comments being “Great work! Love the concept! You’re so talented!”, it was “I admire your confidence. Awesome, You’re so brave to be posting these. Inspiring to see someone be happy despite what they look like.”
I… -_- … excuse me?? My faces were good, my posing was good, I knew how to work a garment and find the right lighting. Photographers frequently told me that they didn’t have to give me much instruction during shoots because I always seemed to have it down on my own… so, if we’re going by the facts… I produce great work, right? But I don’t get the same recognition because I have a tummy? That didn’t sit right with me, so I decided to do some thing about it.
As my following on Instagram grew, I realized I now had a platform to use. I only could I bring this issue to light, but I could also encourage others to love themselves and not let a bigger body hold them back from living the fullest life possible. I started posting photos of myself living everyday life, soaking in joy, being truly happy in every bit of it -WHILE being fat.
It was so against culture. I have always been conditioned to try and make myself smaller. In my body, my actions, my emotions- remain small to appeal pleasing. The moment I went against that, everything changed. Lots of people were outraged, saying I was promoting obesity, bringing people closer to death, kidding myself and others for telling them that they are beautiful.
But then there were those who were thankful. The ones who messaged me and told me that, because of my posts, they finally had the courage to wear a swimsuit to the pool and swim with their child for the very first time. The ones who told me they have hated themselves for so long, but seeing someone with the same body as them being happy, has given hope that maybe, someday, they could be too.
The ones who thanked me, because, for the past five years, they have endured the Texas summer heat wearing jeans every day because they were so ashamed of their legs. Since following me, they realized they didn’t have to put themselves through that anymore, and wore a pair of shorts for the first time, and couldn’t explain the freedom it brought.
Those stories outweighed the negative comments. And that’s why I do what I do. Life is so, incredibly short. Can you imagine missing out on some of the greatest joys of your life because you are afraid someone might see the cellulite on your thighs? Being Fat is not a sin. Your softness is not forbidden 💗
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a crazy ride. Having to retrain your brain to not hate yourself is a doozy. I had to overcome my own insecurities before I could start encouraging others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Plus-Size Model and Body Positive Influencer. I am most well-known for fighting the stigma around fat bodies and helping people fall in love with themselves for the first time. I am most proud of the work I’ve been able to create with other people in the industry to prove that fat bodies are just as valuable as the ones. Hearing stories from people who have made positive choices about themselves l, because of seeing something I’ve posted has been the most rewarding gift I could have ever dreamed of.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am hoping to continue this journey of self-love and advocation for the for seeable future. I would love to get signed at a modeling agency and continue to grow my platform so that I can inspire more and more people
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/nerdycurvyandthriving
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRJfkkCx/
Image Credits
Ophelia Portraits Underclub Co Caitlin Mathews
