Category: Meet The Model

Meet Lwana, domestic violence survivor, mother of two & wanna be ‘curvy Bond girl’

EMBRACE YOUR CURVES LADIES. EMBRACE YOUR DIVERSITY AND BEAUTY.

“Embrace your beauty. Embrace your body.”

So here I am, on behalf of OceanRoad Swimwear – I am a real woman (not a professional model), 47 years of age, plus-size mother to two young boys. I have worked in Accounts for 25 years for many different organisations. Whilst I am not a professional model, I have had previous modelling experience from the age of 2, for Mother Care in London and I continue to do photo shoots as a hobby to boost my self-esteem and confidence.

“Find the strength to see your beauty, worthiness and realise that there is only one unique YOU in life.”

My life’s biggest challenge has been a long-term survivor of domestic violence in my late 20’s. Apart from flashbacks of physical trauma, my self-esteem and confidence were smashed. However, I did find courage to open my heart to someone else, fall in love and marry again. It was a slow process rebuilding from past trauma and my greatest accomplishment was deciding to do some photo shoots to boost my confidence and self-esteem. To any survivors of domestic violence, find the strength to see your beauty, worthiness and realise that there is only one unique YOU in life. You are fierce and brave. Embrace that.

“I know my rolls are here to stay! So, to all you curvy ladies out there, you are not alone. Hold your head high! You got this!”

My body has also suffered from severe endometriosis and I am blessed to have even fallen pregnant. I have fluid retention because of pre-eclampsia which resulted in two premature births, with the second being the most traumatic after nearly losing my life. With my 29 week gestation son being resuscitated at birth, I am blessed he is a happy, cheeky 9-year-old and that his learning disability makes him unique. With the challenges of raising a special needs child, gone are the days of having ‘me’ time going to the hairdresser or getting a facial. After having two children and post medical issues, my body image has changed from a size 12 to a plus size. With all the lumps and bumps evident especially after two caesareans, I know my rolls are here to stay! So, to all you curvy ladies out there reading this, you are not alone. Hold your head high! You got this! Go and pamper yourself with Dove products and buy that Ocean Road swimsuit that makes you feel gorgeous and look a million dollars!

“Excuse me James Bond movie director, are you looking for a curvy Bond girl?”

My favourite piece in this collection is the Black swimsuit dress that covers my thighs. It looks so cute and classy. I also loved the Blue rashie in this collection. It is super comfortable and it was a lovely blue colour. I felt so calm when I saw the colour. The rashie also reminded me of a Bond girl coming out of the water lol “Excuse me James Bond movie director, are you looking for a curvy Bond girl?” After the photo shoot, a woman came up to me asking where she could purchase the outfit which boosted my confidence even more making me realise I do need to embrace my curves and not be ashamed.

“There is nothing more beautiful and powerful than a smile that has struggled through tears from pain and suffering. I smile from the strength to rise above my battles. It’s not what I have been through that defines who I am. Its how I get through it that makes me the person I am today.” Quote: Demi Lovato

To all the curvy women out there, yes you! Regardless of your shape and size, I want you to know that you are beautiful, both inside and out. Embrace your beauty. Embrace your body. If you are battling low self-esteem and confidence, I want you to take a look at ‘The Dove Real Beauty Pledge’ campaign which features real women and not models. https://www.dove.com/au/stories/about-dove/dove-real-beauty-pledge.html

Meet Lee-Anne, Bundaberg resident, Pickleball enthusiast  & proud to be a ‘Curvy Girl’

“One of the things I love about my age is that I am so much more confident”

“Everybody is a beach body, and I want to pass on that message”

I am a proud mum to 4 young adults, step mum to 3 and Nanna to 2 divine little girls. The one thing my 53 years has taught me is to love and embrace my body. My body has produced life, fought off illness, given comfort and has been strong and healthy. It also carries around my soul!!  I now class myself as a curvy girl, thank you menopausal changes!!  I will no longer hate on this lump or that squishy bit. Our bodies are wonderful and miraculous regardless of our shape and size. Everybody is a beach body, and I want to pass on that message.

“Every day I wake up and love going into work”

For the last 15 years I have called Bundaberg home. Every day I wake up and love going into work.  I’m so proud to work for a local not-for-profit support organisation what strives to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. I married my best friend, strongest supporter, and Pickleball partner in September last year. Pretty sure we are still in our honeymoon phase ;-), although if he leaves his shoes out again that may change!!y!

“My favourite piece in this collection is the gorgeous spotty swim shorts”

I just adore my gorgeous spotty swim shorts, they are so fun and cute!! I love the retro look to them and they are so comfortable to wear.  I have a pair and I wear them to workout in as well as in the pool.

“I love to help others less fortunate than myself”

I am a staunch ally for the LGBTIQ+ community and Mental Health issues– particularly in the workplace.  I have my own diagnosis of anxiety depression and PTSD. When I’m not out training or competing with our local Dragon Boat team, I do a lot of volunteer work for a Charity very close to my heart – ‘Share the Dignity’,  3 times a year we do big collection drives and seek donation of  Period products and filled handbags to distribute to those in need.

Check out this link Share the Dignity  you will see donation boxes in Woolworths and many other local business through to March and September Nationally, and in Bunnings in November.