Natalie Anne Wakeling

Name: Natalie Anne Wakeling
Occupation:Model/Fashion Designer

She's a busy mum of two young boys, a plus size model and a budding fashion designer with her own label, Embody Denim. Her boys inspire her to be proud of their mum and before they came along, she was always up for a challenge. Being a healthy body size and not a waif did not deter her from pursuing a modeling career and she has survived and succeeded in the cut throat world of modeling as a girl with a booty! Her own experiences have inspired her to raise awareness of positive body attitudes. BB loves her look and her style!

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
Unfortunately, when I was a teenager the supermodels were at there peak, so there was no such thing as a curvy role model or media personality. Only the images of the unattainable perfect size 8 supermodels. So, I looked more towards Marilyn Monroe and the original pin-up girls from the '60s, who I loved as they were curvy and so feminine.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
As we have seen the effect of rising eating disorders and plastic surgery among teens there is no doubt that positive role models play a huge part in keeping a large amount of the population sane when it comes to how they should really look.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
Breaking into modeling is hard when you are told to lose weight and realise you cannot be what they want you to be. Like many young girls I exercised and dieted continually to try and fight against my body shape.

The issues I faced in my teens did not really seem to fade until I started my career as a plus size model and was valued for who I was and what I looked like at the time.

How did you overcome these issues?
I was determined to make things work despite what I was told about my size and I could not be too sensitive. There is no way you can be a success if you take to heart every negative thing that you may hear about yourself.

It was the first time in my life that being thin had nothing to do with what I wanted to be and it had no real force in stopping my dreams from coming true.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Being a teenager is so exciting! The world is your oyster and you have so many things to look forward to.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My family of course!

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I am an ambassador for the eating disorders foundation in NSW, the Edf raise the awareness of the disease and raise much needed funds for the foundation as it does not receive government funding and survives on voluntary contribution.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Surround yourself with people you want to be like, people that have the same goals and aspirations as you will help you stay on the right track and not get distracted. And never give up!

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Treat others with the same amount of respect that you would like to be shown and be an honest person.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
Well I think I will have to leave that answer up to you.