This month, we sat down to chat with inspiring Brand Ambassadors from our Shapermint Crew as part of the #Shapermintcrewlove Series. These uplifting and motivating interviews give us a deep dive into the world of self-love and body positivity, as never seen before.
Today, we had the opportunity to talk with one of our Brand Ambassadors, Carley Ross, who gives us an inside look into how she shapes change for her online community and her family by being her authentic self and fully embracing her body. Keep reading below to see the full interview!
You’re one of our Brand Ambassadors, part of the Shapermint Crew! What inspired you to join the Crew?
I joined the shapermint crew because I loved the body positivity the brand promotes, and I like to feel confident in the clothes I wear. I didn’t feel excluded due to my clothing size since Shapermint carries so many plus sized options. I wanted to be a part of it so I could show the world that plus size is beautiful too.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Crew?
The products are great but one of my favourite things was being able to give my daughter the body positive stickers they sent me. I love the brand's body positivity and that I was able to share it with my baby girl because I hope she never questions her beauty.
How do you want to shape change with us?
I hope I am shaping change with Shapermint by giving plus-sized women representation and confidence to wear what they want to wear. Everyone should feel comfortable to wear what feels authentic to themselves and not hide away because of their body.
How do you define body positivity?
Body positivity is knowing that everyone’s body is beautiful, while also remembering all bodies deserve respect and love - including your own. Body positivity is not missing out on life because you are worried about what your body looks like. Wear the shorts and wear the swimsuit... You look great.
Self-love is especially important. Do you have any particular rituals or routines that spark self-love?
Anytime I post on Instagram there is a self-love routine. I used to use filters often, but I have been learning that filters aren’t necessary for me to post a picture so I tend to hype myself up before posting and tell myself people want to see skin texture, scars and authenticity. It’s made me love my real self image a lot more.
We absolutely love the fact that you use social media as a liberating force to celebrate body positivity and other movers & shapers out there. Are there any women on social media who inspire you to be your best self?
Three women that truly inspire me are: Megan @_bopo_mama_, Tiffani @avirginsbeautyand of course, Sarah @thebirdspapaya.
These women scream body positivity from the rooftops, are so authentic, and are absolutely beautiful. They are all doing wonderful things for the body positive community and I am so thankful for them.
How important has stocking up on basics been to you during the quarantine?
I tend to wear a lot of basics when I am at home or out and about. I’m a mom of three young children so basics are so easy to throw together and get out the door while focusing on my kiddos. So in and out of quarantine - I’m all about the basics.
What are your top tips for breaking out of a fashion/style rut?
Fake it till you make it. Always.
Want to try a romper but worried it might look weird? Just do it and fake the confidence. Trust me the more you do it, the easier it will be to try new things comfortably!
What is your favorite Shapermint style? How do you like to style it?
I’m always a leggings girl. It’s the number one necessity for busy women and moms. They always look good and they are so comfortable especially for shapewear. I’m a leggings and oversized t-shirt lover here.
Want to share anything else?
It’s okay to have bad days where you don’t love yourself sometimes, we all do. But don’t say things to yourself that you wouldn’t say about your best friend, you’re gorgeous and loved.
Let our readers know where to find you.
You can find me on Instagram @thatmomwithcurves :) Come meet my family, see lots of body positivity, learn about autism and let's be friends!
We loved getting to chat with Carley and we hope you give her a follow on social! It’s been truly inspiring learning about her self-love journey and experience with learning to love her body and true self.
Do you love body positivity, too? Learn more about the Brand Ambassador program here, and join us on our mission to help shape change.
