Tag: Journey to self-confidence

Mum, Swim Teacher, and Burlesque Enthusiast

“I love helping others find confidence in the water and in life.”

I’m 45, married to Jason, who’s been by my side since high school. Our daughter, Letishia, is 21 now, and being her mum has been the joy of my life. I’ve spent the past two decades teaching swimming, focusing on infants, kids with autism, and beginner adults. I love watching my students overcome their fears and find confidence in the water, just as I have in other areas of my life.

“There’s power in shedding layers on stage and in life.”

Three years ago, I started Burlesque dancing with Bombshell Burlesque in Brisbane, and it’s done wonders for my confidence. Burlesque is about shedding insecurities as much as it’s about shedding layers on stage. You’re out there, bare and vulnerable, and yet you’re cheered on by people who genuinely appreciate you, exactly as you are. Seeing women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities on stage inspired me to embrace my own body in a way I never thought I could.

“Losing 50kg was one step, but loving my body has been the real journey.”

In 2019, I had weight-loss surgery and lost 50kg. It was a big decision and one I don’t take lightly, but it’s helped me feel healthier and more comfortable in my skin. Then last year I was diagnosed with ADHD and learned I was in perimenopause. These are things we often feel embarrassed to talk about, but I believe they’re part of a journey many women face. I want to be open about these experiences because society still shames women for things like body size, age, appearance and mental health issues. We’re expected to stay young and flawless, but life is so much more real and wonderful than that.

“When I saw the Ocean Road Swimwear post, I thought, why not?!”

I came across a Facebook post from Ocean Road Swimwear looking for real women to model their range, and I thought, why not give it a go? It felt like a natural extension of everything I’d been working on with my own self-confidence. Modelling for Ocean Road has been about celebrating who I am, and it’s an incredible feeling to represent a brand that values real women’s bodies. Wearing their swimwear, especially my favourite piece—the rainbow tie-dyed leggings—made me feel vibrant, comfortable, and stylish. Those leggings are fantastic for anything, from swimming to running errands!

“Body confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about being happy with where you are right now.”

Body confidence has been a gradual journey. When I was younger, I felt immense pressure to look a certain way, especially during the ‘90s, when the waif look was everywhere. I went from worrying about body image to fully embracing what makes me feel strong and beautiful. Being on stage with Burlesque helped, and now modelling swimwear has added a new layer to that confidence. Ocean Road Swimwear has been a platform for me to show up exactly as I am, bumps, curves, and all.

“Representing a real woman in her 40s in the swimwear industry means a lot to me.”

I love that I get to show women my age that we’re allowed to be bold, beautiful, and comfortable in our skin. Society often expects women to “tone it down” as we get older, but Ocean Road Swimwear celebrates us exactly as we are. The industry has traditionally been about an unattainable ideal, but more and more brands, like Ocean Road, are recognising the importance of real, relatable models. It’s a privilege to represent a size 14-16 woman in her 40s, showing others that we can be stunning, confident, and proud of where we are in life.

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