Talks aim to help promote positive body image among youth
It’s no secret most people put their best face forward for social media.
From snapshots of luxurious beach vacations, to perfectly lit selfies, the general perspective shared on the various streams is perfection. And, sometimes, it can be a tad difficult to stomach.
Erin Treloar, the CEO and founder of Raw Beauty Talks, hopes to start a conversation around the perception of people on social media, and make it more honest, with Raw Beauty Talks. Treloar recently chatted with Postmedia News about her initiative, former Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe and Free to Be.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what are the Raw Beauty Talks?
a. Raw Beauty Talks is an organization dedicated to helping people feel better in their bodies through health and wellness coaching and our non-profit society.
Q When and why did you first start them?
a I launched Raw Beauty Talks in 2014 with an interview series featuring over 200 women without makeup, editing or filters. I wanted to start a conversation about beauty, confidence and self-love in hopes that it would help women of all ages feel happier and more confident in their unique beauty.
Q What do you hope people take away from them?
a I hope the interviews help people see beauty in what were once perceived to be flaws. My goal with the one-on-one coaching is always to have women feel happier, less stressed and more confident in themselves.
Q You’ve had some amazing celebrity support so far. What has that been like for you and your team?
a It’s always so rewarding to see celebrities show a more vulnerable side that isn’t usually represented in media. The “highlight reel” of social media is taking its toll on our self-esteem so any time anyone — whether they have 100 followers or 100 million followers — shares a ‘raw’ post it has a positive impact.
Q Speaking of celebs, you’re hosting a brunch with former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe in support of the Free to Be Talks. What made her a good partner for your initiative?
a Kaitlyn recently spearheaded an amazing campaign called #Realstagram encouraging people to share a no makeup, editing or filter photo and a piece of their ‘behind-the-scenes’ on Instagram. What you see on social is what you get with Kaitlyn. She’s the real deal and we love her for it!
Q And, what are the Free to Be Talks all about?
a Free To Be is a research-based positive body image program for youth in Grades 6 to 8 that empowers boys and girls to reach their full potential by developing media literacy awareness, cultivating individual strengths, building resilience to social pressures that impact body image and nurturing a positive social environment.
Q Lastly, how can people get involved?
a Share a piece of your ‘behindthe-scenes’ on social media by posting a photo without makeup, editing or filters and include #Realstagram @RawBeautyTalks. Our crowdfunding campaign for the Free To Be program launches Aug. 8, at which time we would greatly appreciate any support in reaching our goal to raise $10,000. Follow along @RawBeautyTalks for all the details.