Meet Natalie, a Christmas Elf, a Genealogy Buff and Lipoedema Advocate
“Lipoedema taught me to treat my body with kindness and celebrate what it can do.”
For decades, I wondered why my arms and legs always looked out of proportion with the rest of my body. When I finally received my lipoedema diagnosis, it was bittersweet, but it changed everything. It gave me answers, understanding and, most importantly, compassion for my own body. Since then, I’ve learned to care for myself differently, with more rest, better nutrition and gentle movement. Being part of this photoshoot was incredibly liberating and full of laughter. It felt like a true celebration of women of all ages, shapes and stages of life, and a reminder that confidence comes from accepting yourself as you are.
“I want women to know they deserve swimwear that lets them play, move and feel free.”
Every Christmas, I would design a new festive outfit, a friend would sew, and I added the finishing touches – tinsel, lights, bells and matching shoes. Then I’d visit retirement homes, respite centres and oncology wards to spread a little Christmas cheer. It’s one of those things that always surprises people. My perfect day is much simpler now—sleeping in a little, having brunch with my family, enjoying an hour or two at the beach, and ending the evening with a nice dinner and a rom-com.
“Seeing myself represented helps me love the parts of me I used to hide.”
Over time, I’ve learned to see beauty in a much softer, kinder way. For me, beauty really is a smile. My lipoedema diagnosis also helped me embrace my legs and appreciate them more. I celebrate my achievements with a cosy dinner out and find inspiration in ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Losing my hearing due to a virus taught me resilience I didn’t know I had. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to keep going and ignore the negativity from uneducated people.
“Nature is my reset button and geneaology is my anchor.”
Nature is where I feel most at peace. I love walking in any natural setting, whether it’s along the beach or tucked away in a rainforest. I also enjoy genealogy and can happily lose hours exploring my family’s story. When I need to relax, I reach for a good book, fiction or non-fiction, or dive into more research. And I always love connecting with friends and community over food.
“To hell with what other people think, confidence comes from within.”
If I could share one message with women who feel unsure about swimwear, it would be this: to hell with what other people think, you only live once. I felt comfortable in every OceanRoad Swimwear piece, especially the Baggy 3/4 Swim Pants and the Swim Skirt with shorts, perfect for going from beach straight to a café. I hope my photos help other women, especially those who may have lipoedema, feel a little more confident in themselves. And the biggest thing I’ve learned through this experience is simple: acceptance, of my body, my journey and the woman I’ve become.