Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Walker.
Michaela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The summer of 2016, my cousin and I were out shopping for a family vacation. As we were shopping, she would express how certain swimsuits and clothes wouldn’t look how they did on the model on her. Although I encouraged her to still try the clothes and not worry how they looked on a size 14 model, she passed on so many clothes that day.
Before I started my business, I would always be asked, where I shopped or where I’d get my outfit from? I didn’t think I had much style and still don’t to this day but I would constantly be asked these questions.
In February of 2017, I decided to start posting my outfits and clothes I’d purchase on Instagram. I’m terrible when it comes to making up usernames but I named it “FatGirlFashionFinds”.
I started off by posting a picture in which I like to call “model vs. me” comparison. Where I would post a picture of myself wearing the same exact out as the model on the website. Being plus size, and trying to find clothes that complement our body types is already hard enough. My goal was to encourage plus size women to stop being dependent on how a model (who is a size 12) is wearing a dress that you could rock and add so much personality to at a size 20. Confidence is the best outfit!
Since then I’ve grown my following organically, networked with plus size models and brands and I’ve been featured on a few popular retailers’ websites promoting their clothing. That’s how we got here today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. While juggling a full-time job, being a full-time student, producing content and trying to maintain some sort of social life, being consistent has been my main and biggest struggle. There have been times where I’ve wanted to delete FatGirlFashionFinds and never look back but my followers keep me going. Although, I’ve taken plenty hiatuses from the Instagram, my followers were there every time waiting on the next fashion find. I consider all of my followers my friends. Also, dealing with Instagram trolls and fat shamers has been a struggle but I’ve never let a person who doesn’t know anything about me, stop me.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
FatGirlFashionFinds is blog promoting body positivity & providing plus size women with affordable fashion finds from popular retailers. Helping plus size women gain confidence about themselves is what makes me proud at the end of the day. What sets me apart for others is that I am motivating, inspiring, & informative. Most plus size influencers don’t acknowledge their followers, my followers know that I am just a DM away, no matter the day or time.
Contact Info:
- Email: walker.michaela@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fatgirlfashionfinds?igshid=qgv25t34wxmw
- Other: https://instagram.com/yourstrulymj?igshid=m0u7nkzk0acl
Image Credit:
https://instagram.com/celestamemoir?igshid=1a20lfkqywt5v
https://instagram.com/thatsbawselife?igshid=10ew6dqt7k9nn
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