Hi beauties,
Raw Beauty Talks began with a simple wish. To see more real, raw and honest images and stories of women in media. Why? Because I believe diversity in media expands our personal vision of beauty, helping us to embrace and make peace with our own bodies. To be honest, I created Raw because it is what I needed on my own journey to self love. The response from others made it clear that it wasn’t just me who was craving something deeper than glossy images and perfection. There is a universal hunger for something more.
Through over 200 interviews, countless intimate dinner conversations, amazing brand partnerships and speaking engagements I’ve felt, seen and heard your pain, struggle, willpower, determination, vulnerability and love. I’ve lived it with you. Felt insecure in moments. Felt my strongest in even more. I’ve grown and I’ve come to understand that while diversity and authenticity in images is valuable and necessary, it is a small part of the journey to finding health, happiness and a deep, lasting confidence. The greatest impact made is on the journey inward.
In my late teens and early twenties, I struggled with anxiety, battled an eating disorder, never felt good enough and only really felt happy when I received affirmation from others. My weight fluctuated as often as my mood and the reflection I saw in the mirror was more a representation of how I felt on the inside than what I really looked like. I usually didn’t like the person staring back at me.
Today I have a completely different relationship with food and my body, I feel connected to my purpose and live with a sense of calm and personal power that I never could have imagined. Yes, I’m still learning and growing and figuring things out (I always will be) but I’m happy and healthy and living a life I could have only dreamed of. My greatest wish is for other women to be able to access this feeling – to be able to crack open their full potential and beauty.
It took years of work to get to where I am now and along the way I’ve learned some incredible tools – through my Raw family and many other health and wellness experts. I’ve spent the last year working behind-the-scenes to complete my health coaching certification through the Health Coach Institute. I couldn’t be more grateful to have the resources to take this Raw conversation to the next level and to help you transform your relationship with your body so that it becomes the most powerful tool in helping you create a life you love.
So this is that moment. When we take 3 years of real, raw conversation and we ignite it into action.
Phase 2. The evolution.
I couldn’t be more excited to introduce my new Raw health, happiness and self love coaching programs and resources. Based on the pillars of nourishment, movement. self care and personal growth, these resources are designed to help you feel amazing from the inside out. To help you get started, I’ve created a free e-book called, The Practice, 21 Ways to Build #SelfLove for you.
We have a fresh look (ya know, because we don’t look the same as we did in 2014), lots of fresh content coming your way and some new ways to join the conversation including our Facebook group #RawTribe.
Our nonprofit division, Raw Beauty Talks Society will continue to produce media that showcases diverse beauty and support programs that instil self-esteem in youth through financial contribution and mentorship. In 2016, we were able to fund 1,000 students to participate in Free To Be Talks, a media literacy and positive body image program for youth in grades 6 to 8. In 2017 we hope to double this number.
Here’s to building a world full of confident, healthy and empowered women who feel amazing from the inside out. It starts here, with you and I. The single drip required to build an entire ocean.
xo
Erin
