"Embrace Your Curves" Weekend Workshop

Inverloch, Vic - 1st-3rd April, 2011

"...made me leave the session feeling more empowered and more complete than I had ever anticipated...I got something out of it that can't be measured" Devon

I went to Real Women Australia’s “Embrace Your Curves” Weekend Workshop without many expectations. With all of the experts in attendance, I knew that I would receive a bit of useful information in the very least. I didn’t expect to receive as much out of it as I ultimately did.

The weekend began on Friday evening, where everyone arrived at our beautiful accommodation in Inverloch at their leisure. I myself braved Victoria’s public transportation system to get there, and was much relieved to be welcomed by a group of wonderful women and a gorgeous fire. We spent that evening sitting around the fire and munchies chatting about anything and everything. As someone that admittedly finds it difficult to be outgoing in new social situations, I had a surprisingly easy time talking to and getting to know these women. I can’t remember what time we all went to bed, but it was late!

(L-R) Monica, Pauline, Michella, Devon, Sherilyn, Leesa - 1st day relaxing on the balcony taking in the gorgeous view

The next day was filled to the brim with activity! After a quick breakfast, we had a getting-to-know-you session with Janine. We were each asked to bring up to five things that best represented us, and we presented these during this session. While this seems pretty straightforward and one could easily wonder the reasoning behind the request, this turned out to be one of the more significant sessions in the whole weekend. Everyone was surprisingly honest about what they brought with them and how it affected their lives. There was laughter and there were tears. Most importantly, everyone left feeling that they could relate to each other on some level.

Next, Janine showed us her fashion knowledge with a wardrobe revamp. Everyone gladly brought in a handful of pieces from our wardrobes that we couldn’t quite work out what to do with. My own biggest “fashion bottleneck” was a cheongsam top I had purchased in Singapore many years ago and never knew how to wear. Janine amazed me at how she styled it, and the other ladies demanded that I wear the piece now that I know what to do with it! Between our own issues and observing the advice given to others, we all left with a wealth of knowledge on how to properly style ourselves and renew our outlooks on what we already own.

(L-R) Leesa & Devon - a happy snap from the Wardrobe Revamp Styling Session with Janine, Zumba! was a blast!  Learning how to find the correct foundations with Renee,The Bra Queen

After a quick lunch, we came to the part I personally was most looking forward to: The Bra Queen! I am one of many women that have never had a good bra, so I was in dire need of her advice. Talk about amazing! Renee taught us about the difference between each bra type, and Janine and Michella modelled some of the styles she recommends for plus size women. Janine in particular was passionate about this session, as she had struggled with the wrong bra for ages and was amazed at how comfortable Renee’s recommendations were. While Renee didn’t get to measure us, she did estimate that I should be wearing an 18DD instead of the 22C I’ve been wearing. I was sceptical until I tried one on after the workshop and it fit perfectly! (Me – something other than a C cup. Who knew!)

After Renee’s workshop, we took a brief break before being greeted by our Zumba instructor, Lisa Jane. Zumba is a workout craze developed in Puerto Rico at the turn of the century, and it is now one of the most popular workouts worldwide. Lisa Jane showed us why – we had a wonderful time doing salsa, samba, merengue and even belly dancing moves to fun music. We were all knackered by the end of it, but we felt great!

Next, Michella talked us through living a healthy lifestyle. She gave us loads of valuable information on vitamins and supplements that are good for us, as well as tips on how to lead healthy lifestyles. At a gorgeous and healthy size 18, Michella is a Curvy Revolution model and personal trainer. Her passion for good health really shined through as she walked us through our usual reasons for not exercising. She ended her session by showing us another fun exercise regime: Boxing! Needless to say, we got a few entertaining pictures from this session!

(L-R) Michella presenting about Body Image & Healthy Lifestyle, Michella & Janine demonstrate boxing tecniques, Julie St Clair demonstrating great make-up techniques on Leesa

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent very much as the night before had been – chatting, nibbling on lovely food and enjoying each other’s company. We had a wonderful roast dinner courtesy of Janine’s culinary skills and (once again) we all retired to bed quite late!

The next morning, we enjoyed an amazing cooked breakfast (also courtesy of Janine). Afterward, Janine led us through a discussion about body image. It was a very emotional experience, with all of us able to relate to something each other said. This session was particularly valuable, as we were all about to share our insight on how we managed to overcome certain steps on the road to body-loving. I’m confident that everyone left with a bit of insight they had not considered before.

The weekend ended with a make-up and skincare session with Julie St Clair. She introduced us to Grace Cosmetics’ skincare range, where we sampled the products. She took the time to tailor the products she recommended to each one of us. I was particularly grateful for this session, as I have struggled with my complexion my whole life. Not surprisingly, I came out of that session with a new skincare regime that I am happy to report is working out quite well for me. She also taught us how to apply a basic, “natural” make-up look that suits everyone. For me, the best part of this session was that she showed us tricks on what to do if we don’t like using a certain product. I hate eyeliner, and Julie showed me an excellent trick on how to line my eyes without it. Most importantly, she made us use our own make-up and helped us choose the right colours if we needed assistance.

(L-R) Sherilyn, Leesa, Devon, Janine, Pauline, Michella - full of tips on how to make the MOST of who we are TODAY! at the end of the weekend.

I went to this workshop as a sceptic. I’ll be honest: I initially wondered what the cost of the workshop would entail. While I knew that I would receive some new practical information when it comes to bras and skincare, I didn’t realise what else I would get from it. The valuable information provided by Janine and the other experts coupled with the insight and camaraderie of the other ladies made me leave the session feeling more empowered and more complete than I had ever anticipated. I can honestly say that the weekend workshop was worth every dollar spent. Most importantly, I got something out of it that can’t be measured.

Devon La Salle, Participant

"There were so many WOW moments..." Pauline

Hi Janine,

Just a quick line to thank you for the wonderful weekend away. I got so much out of it and I'm know Leesa did too. When she's feeling better I'm sure she will email you.

There were so many WOW moments that it is difficult to pick one or two. Perhaps the first thing I could say is how much I admire what you do. You put yourself out there and I know that you will get criticism from some people. It's difficult to continue in the face of that but I believe that what you are doing makes a difference and will continue to do so. I know so many women who let their size dictate who they are and what they can and cannot do, particularly in my age group. When there is another weekend away I will try to get them there. In my own journey to accept my size and to like myself as I am today, I had very little help. I'm just so glad that there is someone like you to be a positive role model for Leesa and other plus size women.

I loved Renee "The Bra Queen" . Boy does she deserve her title. I have never met anyone so knowledgable and committed to her very specialized business. And it is such an important part of a woman's life and perception of herself. I have a number of friends who have had breast reductions due, more than likely, to ill-fitting bras. One young woman had indentations in her shoulders of around 4 centimetres deep. She had her breasts surgically reduced at around 30 years of age. Maybe a good fitting bra would have prevented her having to go under the knife.

It was amazing that so many of our stories were so similar. It just goes to prove that attitudes have not altered very much over the years and that our perception of ourselves is very influenced by other people's perception of us. Listening to others difficulties being a plus sized woman made me realise more than even that I am not the only one. It was wonderful being surrounded all weekend by such positive energy and I would recommend it to anyone, particularly if they need a boost of positivity.

Regards, Pauline Perry