#sizecelebration: Pearl Matthewman
#sizecelebration is a bossbabesATX series of photos and interviews, featuring women of different sizes in dressing rooms, proudly disrobing to dispel negative body image. These portraits were taken by Stef Atkinson, in conjunction with and in the dressing rooms of SoLa (a body-positive boutique in Austin, Texas).
All photos by Stef Atkinson
#sizecelebration is a bossbabesATX series of photos and interviews, featuring women of different sizes in dressing rooms, proudly disrobing to dispel negative body image. These portraits were taken by Stef Atkinson, in conjunction with and in the dressing rooms of SoLa (a body-positive boutique in Austin, Texas).
So, goodbye, fat-shaming. Goodbye, skinny-shaming. Toodles, crying in dressing rooms. We're done with you.
Meet #sizecelebration model, No. 1: Pearl Matthewman.
All photos by Stef Atkinson
Q: What's your current occupation?
A: I've recently taken some time off to take care of myself. It's an opportunity that I'm grateful for.
Q: How old are you?
A: 28
Q: When did you first become aware of your own size? Was that a positive or negative experience?
A: It was pretty negative. It didn't happen when I was a little girl, or even a teenager. I was pretty unaware of my body until I was an adult, had moved to a new town and gotten married to my first husband.
He liked to eat as a coping mechanism; I ate what he ate. I gained 70 pounds, and one day I was looking in the mirror, trying to shove my body into a pencil skirt that had ended up in the dryer. I suddenly, for the first time, saw what had happened without me really even noticing. I was horrified. I was angry. Then, I was packing my bags. I'm happier now.
All photos by Stef Atkinson
Q: When did you first become aware of others' sizes?
A: I guess I've always been in on the whole magazines being photoshopped thing. I knew those girls weren't really that size on the cover of Teen Whatever. But I saw friends of mine trying to get there, and I'd look at their bodies and I remember thinking, "Wtf, dude, you're totally fine the way you are."
Q: As you've grown, what have you determined to be true or untrue about size?
A: I could literally go on forever on this. For one, just because someone is fat doesn't mean they are of any lesser intellect or self-control. And just because someone is thin doesn't mean they have an eating disorder or are sick in any way. Just because someone looks like the pillar of health doesn't mean they are. Just because someone looks like they have a problem with their health doesn't mean they do. Essentially, size means absolutely nothing about a person and their life.
Q: How do you celebrate yourself?
A: I remember reading a quote from Tess Holliday about wearing risky fashion choices. She said something along the lines of, "If you think your outfit is gonna piss somebody off, go on, girl. Wear it." I love that shit. I love celebrating my body by wearing things I'm told are taboo. Crop tops, see-through things, skirts that are way too short. I love getting dolled up and being the most well dressed—and fattest—girl in the room. It short-circuits people's brains, I think. Fat girls are told to cover up, to not be interested in fashion, because it's not made in their size. When you wear what you want without giving a damn about how others are going to perceive you, it gives you so much power.
All photos by Stef Atkinson
Q: How do you think the world (society, etc.) should change the way it celebrates beauty?
A: Quit pandering to women as if we don't have options. As if we're stuck with the mainstream and can't find other avenues to accept us. The body-positive community is real and big corporations are ignoring it, hoping their same old song and dance is going to keep working. Like, the Oprah crop-top scandal. Or the "Dear Fat People" video. That shit got crushed in less than 24 hours. All because there's a community out there that refuses to accept that what they have to offer is wrong. There is no acceptable body type or unacceptable body type.
Q: What are some immediate, day-to-day things we can change in our lives to better appreciate our own unique bodies? As well as others'?
A: The negative self-talk and judgment thoughts have got to go. We have got to stop hating on ourselves and turning around and hating others in the same breath. Like, hey, I'm a fat girl. I don't deserve to be judged. You're a skinny girl, and you don't deserve to be judged, either. Give yourself a break. Give others a break.
All photos by Stef Atkinson
Q: Why are you participating in this shoot?
A: Honestly, I'll never pass up an opportunity to get photographed in my skivvies. But really, I hope that I can inspire other girls that look like me to do the same. The longest relationship you're ever gonna have is with yourself. You might as well make it a good one.
Q: What does #sizecelebration mean to you?
A: To me, it means that no matter if you're straight-sized, plus-sized, somewhere in the middle, or whatever, that you can embrace your size and celebrate that no one on this cosmic, spinning rock is exactly the same as you.
Would you like to celebrate your size with us? Use the hashtag #sizecelebration on Instagram and Twitter to show us what celebrating your body means to you.
One of the Babes: Diana Ascarrunz
Did you love the photographs taken at the September #bossbabesATX retreat? So did we! They were captured by the amazingly talented Diana Ascarrunz. Check out her beautiful photography at www.dianascarrunz.com and learn more about this boss babe below in our Q&A.
Photo by Diana Ascarrunz
Did you love the photographs taken at the September #bossbabesATX retreat? So did we! They were captured by the amazingly talented Diana Ascarrunz. Check out her beautiful photography at www.dianascarrunz.com and learn more about this boss babe below in our Q&A.
Q: What inspired you to start working in photography? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: Photography, for me, was one of those things that was always in the back of my mind. I always knew I’d do it, but I didn’t know when. Finally, I made the decision to study photography in school and found myself working as a graphic designer after graduation. After moving to Austin, I decided I needed to focus on what I love doing and what I’m good at.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Don’t wait to do what you love. Do it your way! The time is now!
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: I’m really inspired when I’m learning something new. Sewing, screen-printing, canning vegetables, print making—the process of learning something new and creating something with your hands is a great feeling.
Photo by Diana Ascarrunz
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Making the decision to have confidence and faith in myself to not go back my 9-to-5 job was a hard one. Also, opening myself up to wedding photography was scary, but it's also been so rewarding. I've already met so many amazing couples that I would have never know otherwise.
Q: What's your day job?
A: I’m a photographer full-time these days.
Photo by Diana Ascarrunz
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I usually run toward watching movies. It gives me time to gain perspective and get my mind off of my own self-doubt. There’s also something very relieving in seeing beautiful and well-composed cinematography.
Your favorite band: Kanye West’s "Graduation album" is still so amazing.
Photo by Diana Ascarrunz
Your favorite book: I’m not typically a comic book reader, but I recently picked up the third issue of Nutmeg, and it’s just great. If you’re a fan of Veronica Mars and baking, you’ll love it.
Your local Austin gem: Nicole Seligman of "Writes Like A Girl" blog is a true lady gem. The horchata latte aka El Equinox at El Tacorrido is my favorite Austin morning indulgence. Ladies, you don’t even have to get out of your car to get one!
10. Your social media handles: You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Got A Babe Crush: A Got A Girl Crush X #bossbabesATX Pop-Up
Join us for an evening of zines, herbal cocktails by Botanicals Folklorica, tarot readings by Sarah Morningstar, sick raffles and beers in the Friends & Neighbors back yard!
Flyer by Lindsay Eyth of eythink
*This event is free and open to the public.*
The boss babes of Got A Girl Crush magazine are here from Brooklyn to celebrate their brand-new Issue 4 and Austin's own women-run publications.
Join us for an evening of zines, herbal cocktails by Botanicals Folklorica, tarot readings by Sarah Morningstar, sick raffles and beers in the Friends & Neighbors back yard!
VENDORS:
Got A Girl Crush
Peach Fuzz magazine
#bossbabesATX
Raffle ticket items to be announced. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit GEN, Girls Empowerment Network, Austin.
Surprises to come! See you there.
#bossbabesATX Wellness Retreat Recap Video by Sabrena Rexing Photography
We are so thankful to everyone who attended our first retreat at Stonehouse Villa. We are filled—with gratitude, with creative energy, with the good vibes of friendship and love.
We are so thankful to everyone who attended our first retreat at Stonehouse Villa. We are filled—with gratitude, with creative energy, with the good vibes of friendship and love.
To all of the vendors who made this event possible, we are here for you! Thank you for caring about this community.
Again, we cannot stress it enough how accommodating and helpful the staff at Stonehouse Villa (specifically Kristina Modares; we love you, girl) is. We could not have done this without them!
We'll be dropping photos on Facebook from the retreat soon, but for now, check out this compilation video by Sabrena Rexing Photography. Thanks for making this, babe!
One of the Babes: Coco Vargas with Chameleon Cold-Brew
Coco has been repping brands for the majority of her career, and she's been with Chameleon Cold-Brew from its inception as a start-up coffee brewery and brand.
Photo via Coco Vargas
Meet Coco Vargas, the Field Marketing Manager at Chameleon Cold-Brew. Coco has been repping brands for the majority of her career, and she's been with Chameleon Cold-Brew from its inception as a start-up coffee brewery and brand.
We're so happy to have her and Chameleon Cold-Brew at our retreat this weekend. She'll be there with some free coffee for everybody! Get to know Coco:
Q: What inspired you to start working in marketing? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: I had quite a bit of experience with brand ambassador work which led me to a full-time position with Chameleon Cold-Brew. I love meeting people and working events so this line of work couldn’t been a better fit.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Don’t give up, keep exploring your interests and strengths. Ask questions and surround yourself with people you admire. Remember, nobody has a clue what the hell they’re doing. We are all trying to figure it out. Sit still and focus on what you want. In the end, it’s all about your happiness—nobody else’s.
Photo via Coco Vargas
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: My boyfriend has taught me a bit of woodworking. My favorite project so far has been building a coffee table.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Working for a start-up, I've learned so much at my job. When I first started this position, there wasn't a process for anything. Learning quickly to take chances and seek advice from people who have experience was fundamental. Also, remember to reflect on how much I've grown professionally is challenging. I tend to be my worst enemy.
Photo via Coco Vargas
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I have to exercise. Major stress reliever.
Your favorite band: Cannons
Your favorite book: Lena Dunham’s book, "Not That Kind of Girl"
Your local Austin gem: BookPeople. I could spend all day there.
Your social media handles: Check out Chameleon Cold-Brew on Facebook or Instagram at @chameleoncoldbrew. Follow Coco personally on Instagram at @cocomariev.
#bossbabesATX ArtLuck Worshop
Some of you may be wondering, "What's an artluck?" Let us explain!
Flyer created by Faith Chonko
We're extremely thankful to all of those who have purchased a ticket and are planning to attend our #bossbabesATX ARTLUCK Fundraiser at West Elm on Sept. 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Some of you may be wondering, "What's an artluck?" Let us explain!
Although there will be complimentary sips and treats, an awesome photobooth and an address from our founder at the fundraiser, we wanted this event to align with our mission of collaboration and creativity. For this reason, we're encouraging all attendees to bring a piece of art (which includes anything from poetry to illustrations to paintings) to exchange with other attendees. When you walk into the fundraiser (and you have a piece of art), you will be given a number and your art will be assigned a number. In the middle of the fundraiser, you'll receive the piece of art that corresponds with the number you were given at the door.
We want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate, so we've collaborated with West Elm to bring a free night of making and creativity to all fundraiser ticketholders! On Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Elm, we'll have three artists on hand to help you make something to exchange at the fundraiser. All of the supplies have been donated on behalf of West Elm.
So, please! Join us, and bring a friend. All ticketholders receive a free plus-one. Remember, you need to RSVP to this event, as well as provide proof of a fundraiser ticket purchase to attend.
RESIDENT ARTISTS:
Annie Finkel — etsy.com/shop/annfinkelart
Faith Chonko — faithchonko.com
Ashton Guy — ashtonguy.com
Little Lessons From The August 2015 #bossbabesATX Meet
These "little lessons" were collected by Julie Garcia at our August 2015 #bossbabesATX meet.
All images via Julie Garcia
We have meets for one reason — to host connection.
These connections spur a number of things: commerce between businesses, collaboration between artists, education on the complexities of others' lives, exposure to the multitude of experiences of women and friendships.
That's why we're thankful for people like Julie Garcia. Julie reached out to us about tabling a "Little Lessons" booth at our August 2015 meet to collect words of wisdom, streams of consciousness and truth bombs from the attending bossbabes.
We're excited to share these with you, and we hope these "little lessons" do a lot more than just a little.
Before you read, please understand that the following views are representative of those who participated in the "Little Lessons" booth and serve as a glimpse into the different kinds of women who wrote things down. These views are not representative of #bossbabesATX as an organization.
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
All images via Julie Garcia
#bossbabesATX September 2015 Meet
Photo by Stef Atkinson
Our lineup for the September 2015 meet on September 30 at Cheer Up Charlie's is here! Check it out:
SCHEDULE:
Doors at 6 PM — We will have nametags available for those who would like to wear their careers on their bosoms. Please use this time to sign up for Babe Announcements, if you are interested. Babe Announcements is an open-mic hour, where 50 babes have one minute to speak their truth, voice their passions, announce their businesses, request/give things to the community, etc.
Babe Announcements at 7 PM — Babes with things to say will have one minute to jump on an open mic and announce their projects and passions, possible collaborations, etc.
7:45 PM to 8:45 PM — MEETIN' AND A GREETIN'
She Talks: Raising Ugly Daughters
This "She Talks" post is written by Davia Roberts, a counselor who specializes in women's issues, career exploration and alcohol/drug abuse.
Photo via Davia Roberts
#bossbabesATX note: This is our second guest post in the #bossbabesATX series, "She Talks." "She Talks" is a blogging series, featuring the work and thoughts of self-identifying women in #bossbabesATX community. Would you like to submit something to "She Talks?" Please email blog@bossbabes.org.
This "She Talks" post is written by Davia Roberts, a counselor who specializes in women's issues, career exploration and alcohol/drug abuse. She regularly blogs on her own website, and the following was published in two separate posts there:
“Honey, take that dress off, you look like a boy. Face it, you’re flat chested.”
She lowers her head and slowly walks back to the dressing room. She disrobes the silky red dress, runs her hand across the gown one more time, taking in every detail, replaying the surreal feeling when it draped her body... and slowly returns it to the hanger.
We tell our girls how pretty they are as we dress them in frilly dresses and lace socks. We dote on them when each hair has been straightened or curled to perfection. We take dozens of photos when we deem them beautiful enough. She’s called “cute, precious, and pretty” when relatives meet her for the first time... but she knows they’re just saying it to be polite.
The words that will stain her memory will be found in the moment she stands in front of the mirror and tries on clothes for a school dance, only to have her mother tell her that her body doesn’t look “right." It will be in the moment she sits down for dinner when her father laughs and says, “Do you really need to eat all of that?"
You see, these are the memories that will be pressed on her heart. The off-the-cuff remarks that were “just” jokes…
These words will follow her.
The way she felt in those moments will reappear when she undresses in the locker room, compares her body to other girls or dresses to appease the opinions of others. Those feelings will leave her questioning if she’s desirable. Fear will begin to feed her insecurities as she consumes the idea that she is indeed unattractive, defective and ugly.
Eventually, these insecure girls grow into insecure women—the women who are drop-dead gorgeous, yet completely oblivious of their own beauty. I’m not referring to a sense of humility. I’m speaking about the woman who can’t seem to accept a compliment or refuses to leave the house without lashes and lipstick. She has been raised to believe that she is not pretty enough.
We tell girls and women that a “womanly” body is composed of large breasts, hips and a big butt, yet criticize them for gaining weight. We ridicule them for doing the Kylie Jenner challenge as if society doesn’t glorify these features (I’ll leave the multicultural lesson for another blog *side eye*). We send so many minimizing messages to our girls when they fail to meet the current European standards of beauty, then act surprised when they begin to believe such thoughts. We can blame the media for pushing skinny models with perfect butts, breasts, legs and lips... but we have to accept our role and the influence we have on our girls.
Now that we can recognize our power, how do we use our influence to #RedefineEnough for our young girls?
You shaped her with the insecurities you held since your childhood. Sculpted her with fear and self-doubt. Hand fed her lies about beauty and had the nerve to question why she was broken.
You are to blame for this. You are responsible.
She was born into this world free of care or insecurity. It is our presence, and sometimes our absence, that will influence the way she interacts with the world. How we live our lives will greatly impact the way she treats others, make decisions, but more importantly, how she views herself and her worth.
She will look to you as her teacher.
She will watch you as you make yourself smaller to satisfy the egos of others. She’ll learn that she is considered less than those.
She will watch you as you get dressed in the mirror, rip off the fourth dress you’ve tried on and gripe about how “fat” you are. She will take notice when you criticize other women for their body, facial features, hair or weight. She will aspire to become everything those women are not, because she has learned that certain standards must be met to be considered beautiful. These are her first introductions to beauty, body image and self-esteem.
What are you teaching her her?
In my time working with young children, I’ve learned that they are mere reflections of their parents. If children use profanity at school, more than likely their parents curse at home. Ask a child who’d they vote for as President and you’re bound to hear their parents' political views. The child simply mirrors the thoughts of their parents. The same can be said for our girls and their views of beauty. The habitual glorification of long legs, light eyes and curvy figures will remain until we make a deliberate effort to deliver a different message and redefine beauty.
The definition of beauty changes when we compliment random women on the street. The definition of beauty changes when we stand up for women who are belittled for their body type. The definition of beauty changes when we remind our girls how beautiful they are without “enhancements” from makeup, push-up bras, or spanks. The definition of beauty changes when girls cease to hear us degrade our own bodies with comments like “I’m too fat” or “I need a nose job.”
Our girls learn to be compassionate toward their bodies when we begin to model it for them.
You are her teacher. Ask yourself, what lesson are you teaching her?
Redefine Enough. Redefine Beauty.
Photo via Davia Roberts
About the author: Davia Roberts
"When my kindergarten teacher asked, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I was thinking along the lines of a singer, not a therapist. Thankfully, I realized that I had other talents and enjoyed helping students.
After working in the public school system, I decided to pursue a counseling degree in hopes of helping my students with more personal concerns. As a licensed therapist, my interests have widenedfrom school age children to adults, with a strong focus on women.
While collaborating with women, I'venoticed a common theme of perfectionism... the desire to be the perfect mother, wife, daughter, employee, or student. It is my hope for women to redefine what it means to 'be enough' in their lives."
Introducing Our Local Girl Gang Newsletter
After four months of this badass babe-ry and community support, we're happy to announce our new "Local Girl Gang Newsletters," a weekly email that will feature events in the #bossbabesATX community, job opportunities from other babes and news items for Austin's self-identifying women.
After four months of this badass babe-ry and community support, we're happy to announce our new "Local Girl Gang Newsletters," a weekly email that will feature events in the #bossbabesATX community, job opportunities from other babes and news items for Austin's self-identifying women.
If you'd like to have your info featured, please email news@bossbabes.org. This is now a free service.
SIGN UP to be on the email recipient list at the link below!