Liberte Free to Be blog

September 26, 2019

Olympic Champion to Gladiator, what’s next for Jenny Stoute?

This weeks guest is former athlete and Olympic champion Jenny Stoute. I had the pleasure of watching Jenny walk in a fashion show event which was organised by JDWilliiams in 2018, which celebrated women over 40. The brand teamed up with Woman & Home magazine for a nationwide model competition looking for mister women and Jenny, at 53 was one of the fabulous winners alongside Sue Hammond. I've also found out that Jenny grew up in Bradford so welcome to a fellow West Yorkshire lady. Some might also remember Jenny as Rebel in the Gladiators television programme. We talk about her career journey, how she’s tackling midlife, embracing grey hair, finding love in midlife and a new turn in her career as a model. Jenny has such enthusiasm for life you can't help but feel inspired after talking with her.

Before we talk about the model competition, can you talk about what your job involves working with Stellar athletics.

Stellar Athletics is part of a sports management company which is Stellar group, predominantly football, so they look after quite a number of world class footballers, including Gareth Bale. I run the business alongside John Regis, who is my ex partner and father of my children, we manage athletes, their commercial contracts, put them in races and work to try and make them become world class athletes.

How does that fit in with family life, you have busy teenagers as well, do you have to do a lot of travelling?

Yeah, Do you know it's probably the most hectic thing I've ever done. To be fair John does more of the travelling than I do, I'm office based because of the girls.

To become a world class athlete and Olympic champion you have clearly got to be a very driven and motivated person, so when you retired from the track how difficult was it to make that transition to finding another role that fulfilled you?

When I got injured, back in 1993, after the Olympics, it was a hard shock for me. I was actually offered Gladiators, so I became Rebel for four years, which was a nice crossover for me because it still gave me that kind of buzz and energy. After that I did a bit of stunt work, I did the Russell Crowe Gladiator movie, then I got pregnant at 36 and I was like hang on a minute I was going to be a stunt woman, how did this happen! I didn't have a maternal bone in my body, I was thinking no this isn't for me, I can't be a mother and I went to the gynaecologist and heard this little beep beep, I was like what's that and she said it's the heartbeat then I was sold.

When I had my first child it changed my whole life, Alicia made me not be hungry for athletics. I went on to have my second child at 40 and literally became house and work bound for the kids, it wasn't like a terrible thing, it was something that I knew was the next segment of my life.

After the period when you and John split up, although you still stayed in business together, you effectively became a single mum. Knowing how important exercise is in your life how did you find that time for it?

I'm a little bit of a nerd when to comes to exercise because it's my only release. If I go on holiday it has to have a gym because it's the thing that helps me relax and just be myself. It was difficult fitting in to going to the gym so I literally got a bike and put it at the end of my bed along with mats, dumbbells , kettlebells and just did it in my bedroom. Sometimes when I'm really tired and I roll out of bed and can't be bothered to find a pair of running tights I'll just do it in my onsie.

See we have no excuses now you've said that!

If people could see what I look like in the morning when I'm exercising thy would laugh.

So how did you go from being in the middle of this busy career and job to entering the modelling competition?

I think the thing is, when you've done so much, you know track and field, the Gladiators, then the movie thing and the business, you're doing so much for other people. Doing stufff for the kids, managing athletes, managing expectations, everyone is like take take take so I actually felt like I wanted something for myself. I wanted to do something that gave back to me. I knew I had to do something to change what I was about but I didn't know where to was going to take me. I thought ok, I'm going to let my hair grow grey, put myself in really good shape and use what I'm about to help me in later life but I didn't know what it was. A friend of mine saw the ad and I sat on it for awhile and I just thought I don't know if I can put myself forward for rejection. I'd being reading all these mindset books so I just thought I'm going to go out there and see what happens.

I was amongst some beautiful women and they were all so nice so I just though I'm going to put my best foot forward and see what happens. To have actually won it with Sue is just incredible.

How did you find your decision to embrace your grey hair?

I think it's ownership. When I decided to go grey it was one of the toughest decisions I've ever made in my entire life and I didn't realise how conscious I was about it. Jenny Stoute would get up and get dressed for herself and it didn't matter who looked at me but when I decided to go grey every single person I saw I had a story to tell them about why I was going grey and a friend picked up on it. It dawned on me that if I didn't own who I was and accept myself it didn't matter who you talk to because they are just not going to accept it. As soon as I owned my grey hair and accepted it everyone else loved my grey hair. Confidence speaks volumes, everyone wants to be around someone whose confident.There is no exact way that someone should be.

Lets talking abut dating in midlife? What was your experience of finding love again in your forties?

After John I was in a couple of relationships that didn't really work out so I just said I'm not going to be in a relationship at all, I'm just not interested. I started reading loads of self help books about being positive about yourself and finding what you want for yourself in life. Once I started to like what I was about and stopped looking for someone else to make me happy then life became better for me. The girls in my office put me on Bumble and I said ok I'm going to have one hit and one hit only and I met Ian and I've been with him for a year and 3 months now (interview 2018) and I've met the most incredible human being I've ever met in my life. We have so much in common it's scary.

So in terms of modelling, now you've won the competition, what's next?

Well it's funny, but I've just signed with Models1 model agency so I'm going to be doing this on a serious note which is incredible. One of the things they did say to me, which it thought was exciting, was that the modelling world is changing. The modelling world is turning now to include a lot more diversity, so they are looking for muscles, curvier, older models, disabled models, so many different categories, they are becoming real, closer to every day people.

What piece of advice would you go back and tell your younger self?

It's something I've been thinking about and its about that word selfish. I think the word should be abolished. If I could go back to those early track and field days and listened to my own self belief I think my steps would have been totally different. if I'd have realised it was ok to be in awe of myself and my achievements I think I could have pushed those boundaries a bit further. There shouldn't be sealant there, you should be able to dream.

Last three questions I ask all my guests.

Do you have a favourite song that always motivates you?

Lauren Hill- Miseducated

Inspiring book-

It's called The Vortex by Esther & Jerry Hicks. It's about the laws of attraction.The clarity of what they are saying about life is priceless, in terms of how we see ourselves and why we are here.

Who inspires you?

I'm a great fan of Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and Michelle Obama. But I have a new obsession with Harry and Meghan, It's not about the royalty but the chemistry between the two of them. Those two cats are going to be dynamite.

If you'd like to follow Jenny you can find her on Instagram @gorgeousfifties.

Keep being fabulous!

Rachel x

Published by Rachel Peru in Inspiring Women

September 23, 2019

Introducing Silver Cindy

I have wanted to work with @claireseville on this 'doll in a box' shoot ever since I saw Georgina’s @fullerfigurefullerbust fabulous ‘Carbie’ doll shoot.

Why? Because I want to embrace all the sides of my personality, to keep pushing my body confidence and I also love vintage and 1950’s retro style. I used to run my own vintage business and I miss this creative side to me. I am fifty next year and really want to start owning who I am and exploring all the different sides of myself.

Silver Cindy, Rachel Peru with Claire Seville photography, Rachael Davies MUA/Hair

I’m also tired of seeing so much negativity surrounding older women who choose to express their sexuality. Consider the backlash Helena Christensen came across earlier this year for daring to go out to a party in a lace bustier, at the wonderful age of 50. Former Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman wrote 'I'm sorry Helena Christensen, you ARE too old to wear that".

I'm sorry but Helena is not only beautiful and confident but also a brilliant ambassador for women in midlife who choose to wear what they like to make themselves feel good. Since when did clothes labels also have age labels too?

I find it most upsetting and surprising that such judgement is predominantly from other women. I completely understand those that prefer to cover up and not to express their sensuality in this way but what I don’t get is why women choose to judge other women who feel confident and comfortable in showing it. Why can’t we accept that we are all different and there is no right or wrong way to be or look once we reach 40. For some women wearing red lipstick makes them feel fabulous and gives them a boost of confidence and lifts them.

For others it might be wearing their favourite lingerie even though they know no one else will see it, it's a positive mood enhancer and gives you that extra lift of confidence. What's your definition of sexy, I'd love to know?

Rachel Peru as Silver Cindy, doll in a box wearing Rago shapewear.

But when it comes to women over 40 daring to show a little bit more flesh, a lower cut shirt exposing a tiny bit of cleavage or a shorter length dress to expose great legs it seems to become much more derisive. I struggled to like my body for most of my life until I reached 40 and now I am learning to accept and love it for what it is. I have good and bad days, especially being peri-menopausal and the changes that brings along.

I found this shoot with Claire both empowering and great fun and I left with an extra boost of confidence. I can definitely recommend that any woman try it if it's something they think they might enjoy. So to all those women out there that might find it distasteful to see a woman of my age flaunting their body please keep your judgements to yourself and remember we are all out there in the world trying to get by and find happiness within ourselves in our own way. I hope you find yours.

I used to love playing with my Cindy doll when I was younger and I’m damn sure I would have included an older looking doll in my collection too if they’d be available! ( P.S I’d love to work with more retro lingerie brands in the future!)

Published by Rachel Peru in Body Confidence

September 17, 2019

Sharing is caring, a fabulous York Insta Meet with Sara Tasker @meandorla

After attending my first York Insta Meet I felt so much more confident and actually excited to attend my second event, especially as I have listened to every single one of the guest Sara Tasker #hashtagauthentic podcasts.

It's the first time I've visited Newburgh Priory and it really is a beautiful place, surrounded by so rich much history

I live about an hour and half away from Newburgh Priory and have never been there before so wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have to confess, seeing as thought this post is all about sharing that since being peri-menopausal driving has suddenly caused me to feel very anxious, especially new places. My approach to this reflects my personality, I am trying to face it head on and keep pushing myself to do it instead of avoiding it. I also find Kalm tablets are a god send. but who would have thought this could be a possible side effect of the menopause, apparently I am not alone, it's quite common. Anyway off I went and it was well worth the drive as the entrance to Newburgh Priory is beautiful, like driving up to a film set.

It's full of places where you could just sit and read a b book, a little piece of solitude and calm.

You can't help but feel inspired when you are surrounded by rich history and beautiful surroundings. As so as I arrived I saw the goody bag table surrounded by women placing their own business cards inside and I love this idea. Not only is it a great way of getting your creative business known to more people, build possible connections for work and collaborations but it's that sense of ownership of what you are doing that sends a really strong message to me. It's something that I have struggled with in the past, it's that imposter syndrome feeling. However there has definitely been a shift in my mind and I am now owning my model/podcaster/blogger titles and attending events like this definitely helps too.

Goody bags full of business cards and women sharing their talents

Exploring the house just made me want to create a fashion shoot here, some of the rooms and furniture are quite magnificent. The turquoise blue room was a favourite amongst the photographers and a bloggers dream room.

A photographers and bloggers dream house to shoot. , Newburgh Priory, Blue room.

Social media has led me to collaborate with so many different people that I otherwise would never have come across. I discovered Rhona Langan on Instagram and have been following her new business Colours By Rhona with admiration. I am a huge champion of women in midlife who take on new challenges and don't let midlife pigeon hole them into thinking they can't follow their dreams. I recently made a short film called What's Stopping You and Rhona kindly agreed to take part in it so I was delighted that we finally got to meet in person. We are now planning to collaborate on a project together and I'm looking forward to interviewing her for my podcast too.

Finally got to meet Rhona Langan & photographer Lottie Brown

I loved the fact that Louise and Caroline were equally excited to be interviewing Sara Tasker as the audience was to hear from her. If you haven't heard of Sara Tasker @meandorla, where have you been? Sara is one of the first instagram sensations and her writing , creativity and story telling is honest, beautiful and inspiring. Sara's podcast #hashtagauthentic was the very first podcast I listened to and I have walked many miles dog walking listening to her and gaining inspiration and knowledge.

So much to ask Sara Tasker @meandorla

It would have been such a shame not to grab that photo opportunity. what struck me was how patient she was with everyone asking questions after the event and also how genuinely helpful her answers were. We live in a very competitive world which seems to have been made worse by the Instagram like button and followers obsession. I have to be honest and say as a model there has been times on my social media when I have got down through comparing myself and my instagram numbers to my peers which just creates self doubt and insecurities. I have got over that now, I unfollow those that make me feel negative and have made the conscious decision to just stay in my lane, be as authentic as I can be and share and support those that leave a positive effect on me. Thats why I left this event feeling inspired and reminded that sharing our stories and knowledge with each other really is the best way forward. It's about helping each other up the ladder instead of only being interested in climbing to the top. Sharing is caring.

Fabulous to finally meet Sara Tasker after listening to all of her #hashtagauthentic podcasts

I have already started reading Hashtag Authentic, I think it will take me awhile to work through each part but it's already got me thinking. What do I really love, homing back to those simple pleasures in life and how can I translate that in my work, work in progress!

A huge thank you to Louise and Caroline, for organising another great inspiring event. As someone with a creative mind its hard to keep a clear head sometimes but I left feeling inspired with some space to reflect and look forward to what's next.

Watch this space!

I left with a clearer vision of where I am heading and a head full of inspiration.

Published by Rachel Peru in Liberte Free to Be Podcast

Tags: hashtagauthentic, meandorla, newburghpriory, saratasker, yorkinstameet

September 15, 2019

Life as an author with Imogen Clark

This weeks guest

Welcome to this week’s guest, we are here with author Imogen Clark. Imogen’s first novel Postcards from a Stranger reached the top of the Amazon Kindle charts in both the UK and Australia this year and we also happen to have grown up in the same town so I can’t wait to hear how Imogen finds breaking out of the bubble too.

How do you describe yourself to people, are you comfortable now saying you are a full-time author?

Ooh that’s a difficult one to start with. No, I’ve really struggled with that I’ve found it really difficult. I think particularly because I started with self-publishing and I didn’t have anyone behind me saying my book was good. It was only when I got picked up by a publisher because they must think it’s alright as well, so then it was like okay deep breath. I’m getting better, my second book has now been in the best sellers list this week too so I should really be much braver.

It’s that imposter syndrome isn’t it, I’m the same. Sometimes I feel really uncomfortable saying I’m a model, I say it then want to run away and hide in a corner.

Yes absolutely. Or I can say it but then I don’t want anyone to ask me questions about it, so I’ll gloss over it and move on. It’s not that I’m not proud of what I’m doing because I really am, but yes, it’s that imposter syndrome.

I’m really interested in how you got started because your background is in law, you went to university, qualified in Law, raised four children so at what point did you think about going back to university and studying?

It was when my fourth child started school and suddenly thought I’m going to have some time here, I thought about going back to work but I’d taken all this time out of work it was going to be quite difficult to get back in. So, I started writing blog, I was writing a blog about what it was like having four children at home, it was good fun and it released a level of creativity in me that I’d forgotten I had. That led me to do an Open University course on creative writing and then an English degree and by that point I had moved on from just writing my blog to full length novels. I really enjoyed, I’d get to the end of the novel and think well that’s not good enough and start again. I think I wrote 6, Postcards was my 6th and I thought that one actually isn’t that bad, you know that one might be the one.

I think being a lawyer you're taught to think in a very precise way and it knocks the creativity out of you but it’s astounding the number of lawyers that go on to be authors.

The 6 books that you’d started writing, did you show them to anyone?

Imogen laughs out loud at this thought, no I think my mum read one. I think the very first one I let the girls in my book group read and they were very kind and I was terrified obviously. It was interesting, once they forgot it was my book we were discussing we clicked in to talking about the book and I just sat back at listened. The second one I was slightly braver and put it out a chapter at a time but only to a small group of people and then I just kept practising, you have to learn your craft really.

You self-published Postcards from a Stranger, how did you find that process because you were stepping into unknown territory?

Completely. Since the invention of the kindle there’s been this huge breakout of people self- publishing, it used to be called vanity press or books not deemed good enough to be picked up by publishers but that’s all changed now. Once I decided that was the route I was going down I just did courses, learnt how to get an editor, choosing a front cover, marketing, Facebook ads all the things I needed to know and then one day bravely pressed the button.

You quickly gained a great response to the book though.

I did, people started leaving comments and sharing it. I would ask them to leave a review because once you get reviews it’s got some credence and people then take a risk on it, it wasn’t expensive, I think it was £1.99. After it had been out for about 6 weeks, I got an email, it was from an editor from a publishing company and I thought it was a joke. It was from an editor who had read it, liked it and was working for Amazon publishing, Lake Union which is the women’s fiction arm. From that they offered me a 3 book deal. Dream come true stuff. I went from having this little book that I just published myself to being part of this huge machine which is so exciting, and they are a great publisher to be part of. It’s a huge learning curve and I’ve had to ask a lot of stupid questions and I’ve made a few mistakes but I’m learning every day.

At 52 you have found yourself with a whole new career, now dealing with Amazon, having meetings in London. Where we live is quite a small town, it’s the kind of place where people either stay all their lives or leave and then come back when they have a family. That’s one of the reasons I called the podcast ‘Liberte Free to Be’ because we really do live in a bubble here. How did you find stepping out of that bubble?

I’ve gone out of my comfort zone. It’s very exciting and it’s very terrifying. I think it’s helped that all the people have met have been really lovely, mostly women, and they’ve been so supportive and encouraging. I did do 15 years in the corporate world so I can pretend. If I was really out of my comfort zone I could just pretend that I knew what I was doing until I had a better idea. The publicity for my new book 'The Thing About Clare' has got all sorts of things in place like radio interviews and a blog tour, all kinds of things and each of those things makes me do something I’ve never done before but I’m having a ball.

How do you juggle family life with four busy kids, how do you discipline yourself to sit down and write?

It’s really hard. When I was just doing the degree it was something that I was doing for myself to stop myself to stop me from going crazy at home with the kids so I didn’t want it to impeach on my time with them. Now I get up very early, it’s a lot easier when the house is quiet before it all kicks off. I’m not much good in the evenings so they’re a bit of a write off really. Just these last few days I’ve been away because I had to the editing for the third book and I just can’t concentrate enough, so I took myself off. My husband is fantastic, he just steps up and takes over which makes everything so much easier. If this had all happened ten years earlier I’m not sure how we could have made all this happen.

How do you find the inspiration for your books, have you got pages and pages of ideas ready to roll or do you get flashes of inspiration?

I’ve got various ideas some of which may turn into books. Some days I’ll have a great idea then the next I’ll think it’s not so good. One day I was walking to the cinema and between less than half an hour I’d had an idea, had the whole thing delivered to me in less than the time it took me to get there, which is bonkers. I was writing it all down really quickly before the lights went down in the cinema. But most of the time it starts with a question. For instance Postcards is about a mother who is not with her children as they grow up. It came from a really challenging day with my four children when I just thought I could just leave, go to Leeds Bradford and jump on a plane and they wouldn't miss me, which of course isn't true but it got me thinking well what kind of a woman would do that.

How do you deal with critique? You put your books out there and we all know in any line of work you can't please everybody.

I find it really difficult, it was hard enough when it was my friends, you know they said they liked it but are they just being polite? I see the reviews coming up on Amazon and Good Reads and look at them through my fingers trying to work out if I dare look. It's better for my mental health not to read them, not to know what people say. I just look at the average ratings.

What tips would you give to step out of your comfort zone?

I think you just have to be brave. You know we're a long time dead. I really can't bare the idea of regretting anything so what have I got to lose. If it doesn't work it really doesn't matter. You just have to seize the day, it's a bit of a cliche but it's so true.

So what's next?

So next I want another book deal, (which Imogen did go on to achieve a few months after our chat so is busy writing again). I just need to keep learning really and keep writing. I'm really enjoying doing what I'm doing and if it all stopped tomorrow no one can take it away from me.

Final 3 questions I ask all my guests. What book has inspired you?

Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Song/music that's inspired you?

Handels Messiah Chorus

Who inspires you?

J.K Rowling. Obviously because she is a phenomenal writer but it's her resilience, you know she had all those rejections and she just kept going.

If you'd like to follow Imogen you can find her at https://imogenclark.com/

Have you always wanted to write a book, maybe now is the time to get started, what have you got to lose? I'd love to hear from anyone whose taken up writing later in life or has a burning desire to tell their story one day. What would you write if you weren't afraid?

What's Stopping You?

You can also listen to the full podcast https://anchor.fm/outofthebubble/episodes/Episode-4-with-Author-Imogen-Clark-Imogenclarkathome-e2j0hb

Published by Rachel Peru in Inspiring Women

Tags: author, imogenclark, inspiringwomen, lifefater40, motivatingwomen, newcareer, outofthebubble, whatsstoppingyou, womenover50, writing

September 12, 2019

In conversation with American model Erin Green

I’m hugely excited about this week’s guest. Today we have the beautiful Erin Green, Erin is an American model who aged 42 became the first older model to make it into Cycle 24 of Americas Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. Not only did she make it into the competition, but she made it down to the last six and I was whooping every week you got through Erin, I was so rooting for you.

What made you apply for the competition in the first place? For those that don’t know about the competition it has always been for the younger models and 2018 was the first time the age limit was opened up.

Wow Rachel, it’s been a dream of mine since I was young, well I still am right? ( Erin has an infectious laugh)

But it’s been a dream of mine to become a model and my passion is runway. You know I ended up having kids and I knew at that moment that it was probably going to be put on hold. I still had this passion and I still had this drive so what happened was I didn’t become frustrated or impatient with the process, I said you know what I’m going to do what god instilled in me and what he put in me was this passion and this drive to go after what makes me happy. So I did that and I continued to thrive within the industry regardless of age, or you know ‘she looks too old’ but I just continued to enjoy what I was doing, photoshoots, castings, whether I made it or not I just continued on with the process. All of a sudden Tyra dropped the age limit and it was my opportunity, it was a blessing.

Did you model when you were younger before you had kids?

No I didn’t, I went through a period of bullying all the way up to my high school and it was pretty gruesome however I transitioned out of that and gained my confidence and self-worth and it wasn’t until after I had kids that I found this passion and drive to want to go after it.

How do you juggle family life with 4 kids and homelife now that you’re modelling and travelling all over the place?

Well you know now a days you just have to be superwoman. Our future is female, you are doing things regardless of the circumstances of things that may get in the way, you find a way. You’re doing the day to day chores and taking care of all the responsibilities but at the end of the day you still have to take care of yourself and that was one of things that helped me to get passed trials and tribulations of life, especially with raising a family, that’s what kept me going, making sure I had a dream, I had a passion and I was fulfilled, it was great.

Once you got through to the Americas Next Top Model house, you were the 15th contestant, what was it like?

Laughing Erin told me they gave her a good run for her money. Going into the competition was almost like a vacation for me because I got to get away from day to day life but going into a house with girls that were nearly the same as my own was like ok, I’m back in it again. I thought this is going to be fun for me. They were millennials and it was all about the media gratification and I was like ok let me sit back and enjoy this and embrace it. It was cut throat though, the girls were very competitive and they knew what they wanted and I was there to learn and soak up everything I could so that when I got out of the competition I could use what I’d learnt in the industry.

To walk into that situation, you must have had a lot of self- belief and confidence, have you always been this confident or has it come later in life?

No that came later in life, I was bullied and I didn’t have any confidence or high self-esteem or self- worth. It was the most difficult time of my life and at times I thought about suicide, it was a really tough time for myself. It wasn’t until my junior years when I was running from my bullies over fences and the next day a track coach came up to me and he asked me who I was running from and so I told him. He asked me to join the track team, and at that point it changed my life for the better. What I learnt was that I was fast but the ultimate lesson I learnt was that sometimes the ugliest part of your story become the most beautiful part of your story. Me being fast and a track star got me scholarship, then setting up my foundation One of a Kind, so it really catapulted me into different areas that I couldn’t imagine. It’s sad that I had to go through all that but..

Do you think that’s given you that inner strength now to carry forward into what is a very competitive industry?

Oh yes definitely, I’ve learnt to have tough skin. I’ve learnt that words that used against me shall not prosper and at the end of the day this industry is savage. You have to have tough skin and face rejection, they will let you know right up front that your hips are too big, or you look too old. I have to prove myself all the time to compete with the younger models, Tyra told me that I had to work extra hard just to make it and compete amongst the younger generation. But I have a lot to share with aspiring models out there.

You inspired me. I think the rejection part is much easier to take when you’re older, so I think there’s a real benefit to going into it later in life. I wouldn’t have managed when I was younger with the rejection and critique, I don’t know about you?

Oh yeah, I think the emotional intelligence of the older model is there, I can take it. Having the patience and drive and the timing to wait it out and say hey I’m ready now.

Do you still get scared or do you always walk into everything with loads of confidence?

I do get nervous, but it really goes out the door when they say the camera is on or I’m stepping on to that stage my nerves go away. I think that’s just from being able to take those risks going after my dreams and just taking baby steps. I don't get as nervous anymore but I'm not afraid to fail, that's the biggest thing about it, that's the key thing. I think it's so vital when anyone is trying to overcome their fears or try a new thing, I just feel like you just can't be afraid to fail.

What would you go back and tell your younger self?

Wow, thats's a great question. I would really tell myself that words are very important. In order to conquer self doubt you have to be able to love yourself first and foremost. I think it's very critical that when people hear words that are very critical and negative, harsh and brutal to yourself, it really brings you down in every aspect of your life.I think in order for us to grow as individuals we have to be able to love ourselves first and get over doubts and fear.

What's been the highlight for you so far in your modelling career?

Oh my goodness, I think the travelling and the hosting. I have a couple of new projects that are coming out, that I can't talk reveal but I'm so excited.

You do kill it on the runway.

Yes I'm going to Dubai tomorrow for fashion week, so I'm excited about that. I've been doing a lot of work helping aspiring models, male and female just to go after their dreams. That's the most important thing just to go after our dreams and defy the odds. You and I have been able to defy the odds and it's amazing.

What a lot of British people might not know about is your charity work,

You co- founded, along with your twin sister, Twin of a Kind. Can you tell us a little bit about the project and the work you do?

Twin of a Kind foundation was founded in 2008, our mission is about motivating and encouraging young adults to seek their full potential in life. To be the best versions of themselves. The reason why it was founded was because of our back story, you know us both being bullied, being able to overcome that because of different people in our lives and how we were able to overcome that. When we were young we didn't have any mentors to be able to help us and disypher what bullying looks like, how does it feel and what do you do to overcome and comebat that. We wanted to go out and share with our youth and young adults the different life skills on how to overcome difficult obstacles and challenges. In regards to bullying, or conquering self doubt or just talks about parents not understanding or social media. We have conferences and monthly workshops, work in schools and we put on 8 week courses.

How do you fit this in with model life?

I'm glad you asked that question because modelling has a lot to do with building self esteem, conquering your fears just in regards to your psyche and overcoming those life challenges. We use modelling within our programme because it really just reflects on how an individual is supposed to overcome difficult times, what ever it maybe, you know their self image or body shaming. How to overcome those negative words we tell ourselves, it's almost like a recorder that's being played in your head over and over again, how do you overcome that. You know I have a Masters in Marriage, family therapy and I was therapist for awhile before I got into the modelling industry and I use that background to help those kids overcome the vicious cycle of what we tell ourselves every single day and what we need to do to reach ourselves to turn it in to positive words.

What changes would you like to see in the fashion industry?

With the older models, I really think that we are the market, our age demographic are the ones that are buying the products so why not have us out there representing that. I'm all about the classic model, you know what ever age, what ever height, everyone should be represented here, slowly but surely we can start to see a change. I just want to see more of it.

Do you feel under pressure in L.A to keep looking young?

Oh yeah, definitely. I think social media, the television and our peers play a huge role. The pressure to look good, look young, look vibrant and I think it's really taken away from who we are supposed to be as individuals.

So what's next for you?

I am going to Dubai tomorrow for fashion week but I do have a great project, a convention that I'm putting together and I think aspiring models are going to love it but I just can't put it out yet! It's going to be 6-12 week tour so lots to look forward to.

Wow, thats going to keep you busy in 2019. So my final three questions I ask all my guests. What's your favourite song that motivates you?

Not only did Erin chose This Girls on Fire by Alicia Keys but she also blasted out the first line too, happy to report she has a great voice to add to her list of talents.

A book that inspires you?

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, it's how to express your heart felt commitment to your loved ones. I read it during my Masters studies. People just really need to know how to communicate and interact with one another, this world would be such a great place if they did.

Who inspires you?

I would like to say Michelle Obama, she really just exemplifies, strength, courage, leadership, kindness, love and compassion. You know our future is female and she inspires us to become the best versions of ourselves. She really puts me in the mindset that we all have to do that little bit more, we all have to get out there and be extra in order to help one another and be kind. I look up to her.

It was a pleasure to talk with Erin, especially as I admit my guilty pleasure is watching ANTM so I was already a huge fan but she's just another shining example of women over 40 who are getting out there and embracing life and following her dreams. Erins slogan is "living a purposeful life" and she certainly seems to be doing so.

What's stopping you?

Full podcast interview available at https://anchor.fm/outofthebubble/episodes/Episode-3-with-American-model-Erin-Green-itseringreen-e2ilrb

Published by Rachel Peru in Inspiring Women

Tags: ANTM, Erin Green, fashion models, models, older models

September 3, 2019

The Real Catwalk 2019

How quickly a year goes by! Last year was my first time walking in The Real Catwalk flash mob fashion show in Trafalgar Square created by American model Khrystyana. and the feel good factor stayed with me for weeks after. KhrystyAna started the Real Catwalk event after her own experience as a curve model during Americas Next Top Model series walking in Times Square, the response and support she gained from this really encouraged her to create this positive event.

The message is simple, one of "self love and acceptance for everyone to celebrate together" and we certainly did!

Krispy Kreme donuts the night before a lingerie and swimwear catwalk, surely not!!!!

Last year I wore a bikini and I saw it is an opportunity to see how far my body confidence had grown so this year I chose the lingerie option as another step forward. Body confidence is something I really don't take for granted as it has only come once hitting my forties. So many people that take part in this event feel incredibly anxious and struggle with self confidence so to be part of it and to be able to offer support and reassurance is a pleasure. This event is for everyone to feel represented, men and women, people with scars, disabilities, all sexualities and sizes, people that have overcome real challenges just to get to this point and to be around everyone is very moving.

Daryl Hembrough photographed by Mariam Gomez.

Clara, aka Rollin Funky looking amazing, photographed by Mariam Gomez.

This woman energy was amazing all day and she pulled off doing the splits on the catwalk too! Naala Lartey photographed by Mariam Gomez

Khrystyana has created a safe space for all that want to join in who may struggle with their own insecurities. It's an event to build others up, celebrate all our differences and without any judgement. It has really heightened my awareness of how judgemental we are in society and how we spend so much of our time being forced to compare ourselves to others, whether it's through mainstream advertising, the fashion industry, the media and in politics. Perhaps the world would be a better place if events like this were seen across the world on a regular basis.

A question I've been asked several times is why do I feel the need to take part in this event if I am already body confident. I think it's important to be active in things that you are passionate about. Women over 40 are rarely seen in the media in lingerie and swimwear, we're constantly fed unobtainable 'perfect' body images which then make us all feel negative about our own bodies. I don't want to be seen as invisible now I've reached midlife.

The more we get the message out there by showing up has to be a positive thing. There is also a feeling of liberation that comes from taking part in this event, after years of lacking in self confidence I am proud of where I am at right now and I along with all the people involved are celebrating ourselves and each other.

This event saw well over 120 models take part this year and could so easily become out of control but the team behind this have really worked hard and rehearsal time means everyone has an opportunity to practice, ask questions and generally help put their nerves aside. You could just tell this event was going to be amazing as even during the rehearsals the atmosphere was full of energy and joy.

So many people touched me during the day with their courage to overcome nerves, their stories and that's what makes it special. Older women are often cast aside once over 40 when it comes to having the freedom to celebrate our bodies so to take part with Rebecca Weef Smith and Ava Thompson was the icing on the cake, a big shout out to all the other older women for showing up and owning the runway. I have a feeling the over 40 gang will grow even bigger next year. One of the highlights of the event for me was when a lady stopped to talk with us and told Rebecca she wanted to be just like her. That's why we did it, in the hope that we might inspire others to feel more confident and press the fxxk it button!

Inspiration comes from all age groups, watching and learning from the younger generations makes me even more determined to keep doing what I'm doing, so I was delighted when I finally got to meet up with Jess Megan who is a constant source of inspiration. I also gained two new girl crushes on Kaisa Henriikka and Plussizevintagemadame, can we take a moment to honour that orange swimsuit! There confidence oozes out of them and it's highly infectious so it's another reminder to surround yourself with people that make you feel more positive about yourself and leave you feeling good.

Strutting down the runway, photographed by Mariam Gomez, Bridge models.

"Dance like no on his watching you"

If you'd have asked me a few years ago if I would share this video of myself and Ava dancing in the streets like this the answer would have been NO! Despite knowing that my three teenage children are slightly mortified to see their mum in this moment I absolutely love it. It captures our feeling of pure joy and freedom in our bodies. I don't have the perfect body, but it works for me and we have become friends, that in it's self is liberating and something to dance for. Saturday was not about competition, judgements or comparisons but about empowerment, acceptance and a celebration of each other. Very 1960's I know..... but it works!

Published by Rachel Peru in Body Confidence

Tags: body confidence, idiversity and inclusion, midlife body confidence, representation matters, therealcatwalk2019

August 28, 2019

I Am More Than project. Wings of Merit, Achievement & Ambition.

When Rosalind Main and Morgan Mctiernan invited me to join their latest editorial project I jumped at the chance. As I approach 50 next year I would definitely class myself as a pro-ager and want to inspire other women in midlife to embrace there changing bodies and minds I believe mixing with younger people has such an important part to play. I am constantly inspired by younger women on social media and in every day life but also hope that I can share some wisdom and valid view points to inspire them too. Working on this latest art project with the I Am More Than team was a pleasure and thought provoking.

Wings of merit photographer by Joanna Stawnicka for the I Am More Than project

Wings of merit a 'Victorious Statement'. Rosalind created wings, with a twist on the Victoria Secret wings. Wings covered in rosettes to represent achievement. I think women are particularly bad at celebrating our achievements. I have recently been working with a life coach and mentor and that's one of the first things I have worked on, writing list of things I am proud of, which I now have pinned to my noticeboard above my desk as a daily reminder.What are you proud of? Why not write it down, I can recommend it as a great tool for those days self doubt wobble days.

Wings of Ambition, photographed by Joanna Stawnicka for the I Am More Than project.

Wings of ambition. Why do people assume that once you hit over 40 you don't have any dreams or ambitions? I speak to so many women over 40 that are now reinventing themselves and starting new careers and hobbies. It can be a time of life when we say goodbye to our school mum self as our children head off to university or move out and with that comes a new sense of freedom and opens up new possibilities. I have always dared to dream but the difference is now I am making them happen and working hard to achieve the goals I set myself because I have a new found confidence.

Ambition and Speech go hand in hand. Speech and Ambition go hand in hand.

This is one of my favourite images from the shoot. Intergenerational, we are all different but the same x

Wings covered in the contraceptive pill, Wings covered in sanitary towels, Wings of ambition. A true representation of women in todays society comrade to the fantasy of the Victoria Secret perfection that so many struggle and strive to be.

All images photographed by https://www.joannastawnicka.com/ on behalf of the I Am More Than project https://www.instagram.com/iam_more_than/

Models Rachel Peru https://www.instagram.com/rachelperu1/

Rosalind Main https://www.instagram.com/rosalindmain/?hl=en

Ombola https://www.instagram.com/bolababes95/?hl=en

Published by Rachel Peru in Body Confidence

August 28, 2019

Body confidence after 40

Let them stare

I spent so many years dreading the summer holidays, stressing myself out months before with fad diets and manic exercise to reach the unobtainable perfect bikini body. I can't tell you how liberating it is to be free from this now and I really want to inspire other women, particularly over 40 to stop worrying and start enjoying the summer more, just as they are.

What better way to make that statement and continue to challenge my own body confidence by doing a shoot in a lingerie shop window!

Rachel Peru, wearing Empriente swimwear, photographed by Silverymoon Photography

If we saw more women over represented with swimwear brands in advertising perhaps we would all feel a lot more positive about our own bodies. One lady recently left a comment on my social media saying, "I will be 45 soon and I don't feel represented in anyway. I feel women in their forties are invisible". I hear these kind of comments from women all the time and it drives me mad that advertising is making us feel this way. That's my driving force in doing what I am doing.

River Island swimwear, model Rachel Peru, Silverymoon Photography

I think it's important to acknowledge I wasn't always this body confident, infact it has taken me until I reached my forties to feel this way. It's been a gradual process, gained by constantly challenging my insecurities and it's ongoing.

A massive thank you to Debbie at The Fitting Rooms, Ilkley for letting me take over her shop window for the afternoon. https://www.facebook.com/TheFittingRoomIlkley

Boo Hoo swimsuit, Rachel Peru, Trudy Beau Stylist, Silverymoon Photography.

Let them stare, it's time to stop worrying about what other people think and enjoy life right now.

Pour Moi bikini, Rachel Peru, SilveryMoon photography

"Despite knowing they won't be here for long, they still choose to live their brightest lives"

#rupikaur This sums up my thought on life perfectly, no more wasting time on worrying about my imperfections and lumps and bumps. This is me!

Top New Look, Bottoms Miss.Guided, Rachel Peru, Trudy Beau Stylist, Silverymoon Photography
I can't thank the team that worked on this with me enough #dreamteam

Photographer Mya Fawcett https://www.silverymoonphotography.co.uk/about.html

Videographer https://en-gb.facebook.com/aFletcherFilm/

Stylist https://www.facebook.com/trudybeaustylist/

Pour Moi bikini. Rachel Peru, Fletcher Films

"I alone can not change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples" #mothertheresa

Published by Rachel Peru in Body Confidence

Tags: bebodypositive, bekindtoyourbody, bodyconfidence, confidence, curvemodel, embaceyourbody, selflove, swimwearmodel

August 25, 2019

Time for the Real Me. Amber magazine article, 2019

I was honoured to have the opportunity to write an article and be featured in Issue 7 of the Amber magazine. If you haven't come across this magazine I can highly recommend it. The creator Amber Schormans is a one woman show, creating the magazine from scratch with all her passion and drive. The magazine features creative women from across the globe, celebrating all our differences with a strong sense of realism, none of the images are edited so what you see is a true representation. What a refreshing approach to be part of.

Yorkshire Moors shoot with photographer Laura Carly Adams

Ilkley Moor Baht'at photographed by Mark Peru

"I have walked these moors nearly every week for the last thirty years, it's where I find peace and find a sense of calm whenever life feels tough. It's a place of complete freedom, to roam where ever you choose and to take your own path. I am 50 next year and I have never felt more comfortable in my own skinned with who I am becoming".

Shooting on home turf on the Yorkshire moors with local photographer and friend Laura Carly Adams was really special and the sun shone perfectly for us.

"I would never have been able to model in my twenties and thirties as I struggled with low self-esteem and lack of confidence, this only changed when I hit forty. I wasted so many years missing out on doing things because I was always too self-conscious and scared that now I'm like a child in a toy shop in life."

I love fashion and regularly shop on the high street, the clothes I wore for this shoot were from Asos and Marks & Spencers. Whilst M&S are great at representing women over forty in their marketing it would be nice to see more brands getting on board with this.

Yorkshire moors fashion shoot with photographer Laura Carly Adams Dress from Asos

I love fashion and regularly shop on the high street, the clothes I wore for this shoot were from Asos and Marks and Spencers. Whilst I think M&S are good at representing women over 40 in advertising I do wish other brands would get on board and stop alienating a huge percentage of their shoppers.

Yorkshire Moors shoot Rachel Peru with Laura Carly Adams Dress from Asos, Jumper Mango

"I will continue to make my own path in this career with the same sense of freedom that I have on the moors. Find your own path"

Photography https://www.lauraadamsphotography.co.uk/

Featured in https://www.ambermagazine.co.uk/shop

Blue & Red dresses https://www.asos.com/

Tartan dress https://www.marksandspencer.com/c/women

Red jumper https://shop.mango.com/gb

Brown boots https://www.simplybe.co.uk/

Published by Rachel Peru in Model Life

July 4, 2019

Feroce magazine, front cover, May 2019, Vol.7

I am so proud to be on the front cover of Feroce May edition, as a an older model it is a real struggle and moments like this make the frustration worth it.

I really do think the fashion industries slowly getting better at including older models but this seems be focussing on the over 60's whereas the middle aged 40-50 don't get represented. We have so much to offer , with age comes a different confidence and I have a real passion for what I'm doing. Why are we still so invisible in the industry?

This woman means business!