Q&A with Raeann @raeannlangas
Get to know more about the beautiful Raeann @raeannlangas. A model, lifestyle blogger and body activist. Known for providing style inspiration to women of all sizes. Read on to find out more!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a curve model, lifestyle blogger, and body activist. I am currently living in Los Angles with my boyfriend of six years and my scruffy pup named Angus. I am all about helping women realise that you don’t need to be a size 2 to be stylish and that our value can not be measured by the size we wear.
Raeann wears the Venice one piece.
You have such an amazing sense of style. How would you describe it?
My style changes based on my mood. I love fashion because one day you can portray one aspect of your personality and a totally different one the next. I like taking classic pieces and mixing them with more of-the-moment trends.
How did you get into modelling?
I started blogging three years ago and as I worked with different photographers and became more comfortable in front of the camera it's just brought me so much joy and I knew modelling was something I wanted to pursue. I signed with my first agency two years ago and only moved to L.A. to pursue it full-time about a year ago so I still feel like I’m at the very beginning of my modelling career.
What does body positivity mean to you?
I think the term “body positivity” is a term that is thrown around a lot in the fashion industry today. The hashtag has been used over 2 million times on Instagram alone. I think through all of this, the meaning behind the words has gotten a bit lost and misunderstood. From the start, it was simply changing your mindset and seeing your body in a positive way rather than always thinking about it negatively. For me, it's understanding that your value as a human being does not come from what you look like on the outside. It's a constant journey of learning to accept your body for what it is so that you don't let your insecurities hold you back from living life. It's also striving to be your best self. I think being body positive looks different for everyone because we each have areas about ourselves that make us insecure. For me, that was my weight and my size. It has been a long journey to feel confident and happy in my body but I'm also striving to do better. I want to give my body the love it deserves through exercise, diet, and mindfulness.
Raeann wears the Malia bikini top and Beau high-waist bottoms.
Have there been times in your life when you’ve struggled with body image? If so, how did you over come this?
I have struggled with body image most of my life and still do! The relationship with your body is like any other relationship you have in your life. It takes work every single day and there will be times where is great and times where it is not so great. Whenever I am struggling I focus on three areas:
Mindfulness- It is so easy to focus on the parts of your body that you hate or want to change. My first tip is to shut out the negativity. The second you start thinking negatively about your body, tell yourself something you love about it.
Self-care- Find an activity that you love. Whether it’s yoga, cycling, swimming, or walking, you name it! Just do something that gets you up and moving. Fitness is a part of my everyday routine. I don't do it with the goal to lose weight, I do it because it makes me feel good and it makes me healthier and stronger.
Social Detox- I'm sure that you've heard the saying, "who you spend time with is who you become." Surround yourself with positive role models in real life but also on social media. Find women who you admire and are also on a journey to love their body! My self-love journey started when I saw more curve models in the media around me. Seeing diversity in the media has been a huge way I've learned to love my body and understand that beautiful bodies come in all shapes and sizes.
As a model you put yourself out there frequently, how do you remain body positive in the digital and social media age?
Just focus on you and doing what makes you happy. Don’t compare yourself to others. Understand that your best self looks different than someone else’s best self. It’s about not trying to compare yourself to someone else, and just being the best version of you.
Who are some of your favourite people to follow on social media?
A few of my favourites are @alexmichaelmay, @fittybrittty, @the12ishstyle, @ashleygraham, @jengotch, @lateciat and so many more!
What tips would you give to someone about embracing the body they have?
Start small, embracing your body is a journey and it’s not going to happen over night. Strip down and stand in front of the mirror, take a moment to really look at your body and speak words of affirmation to yourself.
What routines or rituals do you do to help you love and take care of yourself?
As I touched on earlier, it’s about mindfulness, self-care and focusing on positive role models and relationships. Don’t let yourself think negatively about your body, exercise, and surround yourself with positive role models on social media and in real life.
You’ve been wearing some our new swimwear collection. What are your thoughts?
I am always blown away by the quality and fit of your swimsuits. I know when I put on one of your suits I’m going to feel beautiful and confident.
Raeann wears the Malia bikini top and Beau high-waist bottoms.
To help support the Positive Body Image movement, we are donating 100% of Profits from the sale of our Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful T-Shirts to the Butterfly Foundation and ProjectHEAL - Shop the T-Shirts here (as worn by Raeann).
See more from Raeann on her instagram @raeannlangas and blog https://www.rae-everyday.com/.
For some travel inspo check out our Hawaii Travel Guide.