Heather Barlow

Heather Barlow is a curve model and body positive warrior, and with each honest and vulnerable post she is inspiring women (and men!) all around the world to stand tall in who they are. Heather often speaks to confidence, self-love, modeling, make-up, and doing things that light you up and bring you joy, and I always walk away from her feed feeling empowered and a little more confident in who I am.

The truth is plus-size women are not represented the way that they should be both in media and fashion. Heather is on a mission to change that. She’s truly become more confident in who she is, and now it’s her hope to inspire others to feel confident in their bodies, and to pursue the dreams they’ve always dreamed of chasing.

It’s been so wonderful to follow Heather’s self-love, self-care, and modeling journey and I’m so excited to introduce you to Heather and for you to follow along and learn more!

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Heather Barlow and I am a plus-size Model from Kansas City. I am currently working on building my portfolio, my blog and inspiring others along the way through my Instagram posts that talk about confidence, self love and doing what makes you happy.

How did you get started?

I got started when a friend of mine sent me casting information for a local bridal company looking for plus-size models. I went to the casting and have been working with them as a fit model and live model at their bridal markets ever since. That opportunity has grown into many more over the last few years.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I became inspired to be a plus-size model after realizing that plus-size women/people are hardly represented in media and fashion and I wanted to change that.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passion is helping others to see the confidence within themselves and to help give them the confidence to pursue their dreams.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

My joy blueprint is and always will be helping others. Whether it’s helping them to be confident or giving meaningful advice, my heart swells when I have helped make a difference to someone else.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I really have tried to take a much different approach with my life lately. I have been living less for social media and with more authenticity. I have adopted more self care practices such as making myself breakfast in the morning, making my bed each day. These things seem trivial, but building a routine has helped me stay grounded when I really needed it.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

She would be so jealous. Haha

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

My go to affirmation is “I am enough.” I believe we all need to hear this and believe it. We've been conditioned to believe we are not enough unless we are skinny, successful, married, mothers, etc. I repeat this to myself often to remind myself that I don’t have to be any of those things to be enough.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream would be to travel, model full time and make more change in the fashion industry.

To learn more about Heather you can connect with her on Instagram @heatherbcurvy on Facebook here

Joy Corner is a new interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Heather Barlow - Curve Model & Body Positive Warrior