Inspiring body confidence

Two west Auckland residents are using their stories and body confidence to inspire after winning an online modelling competition.

Jeanavieve Ilaisaane Pomee of Massey, and Kari Lindsay-Beale of West Harbour, are two of 10 winners in the ‘Confidence is Beautiful’ Facebook campaign.

The competition by New Zealand fashion label Euphoria Design, ran nationwide in the search for diverse models from sizes 10-24.

The prize is a summer collection photo shoot on July 30.

Student Ilaisaane Pomee, 21, says her confidence didn’t come from winning, but from putting herself out there in the first place.

‘‘It’s not easy for girls to put their story and their photo on the internet, especially on Facebook,’’ she says.

Lindsay-Beale, 45, who has had 23 major surgeries for cancer since 2008, and is now facing a terminal diagnosis says she found confidence in knowing people could empathise with her story.

‘‘They understand people that have a story, have had tough times, [and] are still able to climb from that, and - not so much promote themselves - but be prepared to just say, ‘Hey, I’m okay. And I’ve survived.’’’

The competition ran from February to June, and attracted 92 entries.

Women were required to upload a photo and brief to Facebook, and entrants included mums, burns and neurological disorder survivors, and plus-size women.

Facebook votes were taken into consideration, but didn’t determine the judges’ final decision.

Euphoria Design director and designer Monique Angus says it’s the first time the company has run the campaign.

‘‘[The women] completely put themselves out there, which I was quite humbled by.’’

Ilaisaane Pomee has already modelled for Sera Lilly Curve, but it will be the first time for Lindsay-Beale.

Both hope to give confidence to other women.

‘‘My message through the whole journey is really to say to women in this situation, you still have dreams, you’re still valid, you still count,’’ Lindsay-Beale says.

Ilaisaane Pomee agrees.

‘‘It’s us being a voice for girls who are in Kari’s shoes, girls who are in my shoes.’’

PHOTO: AMY BAKER/FAIRFAX NZ Kari Lindsay-Beale, 45, of West Harbour and Jeanavieve Ilaisaane Pomee, 21, of Massey, say they want to empower other women.