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We recently came across the amazing sisters, Jes & Alyna on their instagram @healthysizeyou and found their stories and messages to be so inspiring and refreshing that we just had to learn more!

What does body positivity mean to you?

Body positivity to us means embracing who you are and embracing your body. It means quitting comparisons and instead looking at your own body and being proud of the journey it has gotten you through so far.

How often do we look in the mirror and say I love this about my body rather than I wish I could get rid of this or I wish I could change this about my body? If you feel healthy, strong and beautiful that is the most important, not what other people's perceptions of beauty or health is, it is about you. 

Tell us a bit about your body positivity background. Have you always been body positive or have you grow to adapt a body positive mindset?

Alyna - For me growing up as a ballerina and dancing professionally, I was in an environment obsessed with body image, size and weight. For me, it wasn’t until I stopped dancing that I adopted a more positive body image.  I learnt that a specific number on the scale or clothing size didn’t dictate my happiness. It has taken time but i have adopted a better positive mindset. And after having a baby - I realised how amazing your body is and that changed everything. 

Jes - I haven't always been body positive - there were years where I did not love what I looked like and thought I needed to be another size to be beautiful. Starting in the industry as a plus size model I was beginning to be surrounded by incredible women who were embracing their own bodies and showing that diversity is beautiful. This changed everything for me. I became a part of the conversation about body positivity and learning from other women's journeys. I began to realise that the perfect size does not exist - someone can feel healthier at a size 12 over a size 8 when at that size they had a unhealthy relationship to food. Knowing there isn't one stock standard size that defines health or beauty changed my mindset and my views of my own body. 

How do you feel your best?

We feel our best when we workout, eat healthy and start and finish each day with a positive thought.

Has anything changed since becoming more positive about your body?

Alyna - I definitely feel happier, more relaxed and more confident.

Jes - A lot has changed - I've started to love my body for what it has gotten me through and I am no longer ashamed of my body. I feel like accepting and embracing my body has taken this at times overwhelming pressure off to look like someone else or to be a different size. I am enjoying life more, I'm not letting insecurities I had hold me back - instead of being ashamed and not wanting anyone to see in my swimmers for example, I am going to the beach, I am in my bikini and I feel proud of myself. My self-worth is no longer made up of what I look like.

What 3 tips would you give to someone about embracing the body they have?

Focus on the things you love about yourself Focus on the incredible things your body can do. For me (Jes) my body part I am most self-conscious about are my legs, but I look at my legs and I love that they are strong - that they can squat with a heavy weight. Focus on the amazing things our bodies do for us. 

Surround yourself with people who are promoting body positivity - be a part of that conversation, start to realise that you are not alone in the journey of embracing your body.

It's ok to have a body composition goal without hating where you are at right now. By this we mean, you don't have to hate your body to want to reach a goal - whether it is wanting to be stronger or wanting to be more toned in your arms - whatever yet goal is, you do not need to hate your body until you've reached it - it is ok to embrace where your body is at now, knowing that you are going through a journey. 

Who would you recommend to follow on social media for body positivity?

Kelsey Wells, Base Body Babes, Steph Claire Smith, Laura Henshaw, Laura Wells, Iskra, Ashley Graham, Bree Warren

Your Instagram inspires so many, how do you remain body positive in the social media age?

There are so many images out there that are showing picture perfect lives. We try to remain true to who we are, that's all that matters - that we be ourselves. We are all beautiful and unique, if you can embrace your own beauty that’s where body positivity begins.

 See more from Jes & Alyna on their Instagram @healthysizeyou

For more #EteLove stories read our Q&A with Ete Swimwear Founder Jess

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 Jes & Alyna)

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am loosely based in two countries - Australia (Byron Bay where I’ve lived for 7 years) and New Zealand (where my fiancé is from).

In my spare time I love to read (at least a novel every two weeks) and write (writing makes up about 40% of my work, with modelling and content production the other 60%). I go on a lot of hiking adventures and if it’s warm you’ll never find me far from the ocean.

Obsessions at the moment hmmm...I’ve recently been getting into jewellery and makeup. I’ve never really worn either and it’s been nice playing with styles and colours recently.

We heard you grew up in so many amazing places, tell us about where you grew up and what you loved about it?

I grew up in Samoa, Fiji, England and Australia. I guess at the time I didn’t realise it was an unusual thing, but looking back it definitely helped shape who I am today. There were tricky parts - friends came and went and trying to constantly fit in was at times really hard - but being surrounded and introduced to different cultures and people was something really incredible for a child to grow up with. 

Where do you call home now?

Because of my time in so many places, I get itchy feet a lot. My brothers and parents are always on the move too, so there’s no real ‘home base’, and because I am constantly on the road I guess ‘home’ is more of a person than a place!

You travel a lot, where are some of your must-see places? Favourite places so far?

I’ve just finished working with Cotton On in Far North Queensland and I’d encourage everyone to explore that place - it truly took my breath away.

I also love Florence in Italy, and the craziness of Japan. Santorini will also always be special as it’s where Tom (my fiancé) asked me to marry him.

Dream destinations?

Oh so many places - everywhere! Off the top of my head, I’d love to explore more of Europe, and travel through South America. I’d also love to explore more of our own backyard - I’ve never been to Western Australia and many friends say it’s beyond beautiful there.

You travel a lot with your (boyfriend/fiancé??) how did you and Tom meet?

We met in Byron over three years ago. He was working in Brisbane at the time and had three more weeks left in Australia. After we met, he quit his job to stay in Byron with me; and a few weeks later I quit Byron life to go to New Zealand with him. A few very spontaneous decisions, but definitely the right ones.

What goes into creating the beautiful photos we see on your Instagram?

For me, I try to be as genuine and authentic as possible. The photographs are always professionally taken and I try to present the brand/client/location in the best way possible. But nothing overdone, and nothing fake. My write up in the captions are also important to me, and if I’m feeling strongly about something I express it, or if I’m feeling cheeky and silly I’ll express that too.

Top tips for creating amazing content? 

1. Don’t try to be somebody else or copy.
2. Don’t be fake - everyone can spot it and you’ll only start comparing yourself which can be damaging.
3. Be careful not to over-edit. Imperfections are beautiful (and normal!).
4. Don’t take this Instagram business too seriously. It isn’t real life, and it’ll all fade away soon enough.

Top travel tips

1. Learn at least a few phrases of whatever country you’re going to - locals appreciate others who are at least trying to speak the lingo. (google translate is amazing)
2. Take a drink bottle, a sweater, and some cash (but not too much) everywhere.
3. Say no to plastic bags everywhere.
4. Be mindful of others. Basically be kind, be weary, and don’t be a dick (haha).
5. If you’re backpacking - less is more. You really don’t need that many clothes.

One thing you can’t travel without?

Glasses, comfy shoes, toothbrush and Tom (not necessarily in that order ha ha).

Where are you heading next?

I’m heading to Nicaragua in two weeks to shoot with Soludos, and then meeting Tom to explore Central America and shoot some content there.

Whats something most people don’t know about you?

I’m blind as a bat but always forget to wear my glasses. Really, really blind haha. I’m also older than many may think… ;-)

 See more from Christina on her instagram @christinamacpherson and blog christina-macpherson.com.au

 Read about one of our other favourite globetrotters Lucia in her Greek Island Travel Guide.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Melody Wright (aka @_gypseaa), I'm 20 years old and I live in Oceanside California, a little beach town tucked towards the end of Southern California. I've lived in Oceanside my whole life, born and raised and have worked at my current side job, as a sunglass salesperson for the last 4 years. The last year or so I got really involved with my business on social  media as a model/content creator & the last few months its really blown up.

Tell us about how you got into modelling and photography.

I was always Interested in modelling and photography from a young age. I didn't get into modelling until about the age of 16 and it didn't become my job until I became the age of 19 and at the age of 20 things are growing and growing! In the last 6 months or so I realised the love I also had for not only being in front of the camera but also being behind it. I really enjoyed taking photos and capturing the beauty and nature around my through my perspective. 

You are building quite a following on your Instagram @_gypseaa, how did that start? 

In the last year, but especially the last 6 months I took my Instagramming-content-creator life very seriously. I began shooting every week, all year long, through winter and when the weather was nice and sunny I would shoot up to a few times a week. I still shoot on a weekly basis but lately I've been shooting every day except for weekends when I'm working as a sales person!I truly believe consistency is key, and I try to put my best foot forward for all of my jobs, whether paid or not. Also, working with so many companies leads to reposts of photos from all of those companies, as well as new content always coming out, so that lead to more exposure & the last few months I've worked on some pretty big jobs so my following has increased incredibly through those collaborations!

Any tips for budding Instagrammers?

My BIGGEST tips are, 

QUALITY

ORIGINALITY/CREATIVITY

CONSISTANCY

If you use those three things then you'll be on the road to a successful page! I also think its great to develop a theme for your page so you can attract a like minded following!

You have taken an interest in photography as well as modelling, what inspires your photos? What do you love about taking photos?

Really anything tropical, colorful or full of life inspires me for photography! I love bright and colorful images of nature! I love capturing a photo with the image I had in mind and making it a reality, turning something from an idea into a real life things is the best feeling ever!

What are your top 5 photography tips?

1. Know lighting ~ once you understand how lighting affects an image you'll be set

2. Understand your equipment and how to use it!

3. Draw inspiration from all things and everywhere

4. Get creative!

5. Find your photography style, do what makes you want to keep creating!

How do you edit your photos?

I set the lighting accordingly on my camera before I shoot so that I don't have to edit my images too much, I don't have editing software (yet) so when I do edit, it's off o f my iPhone with the VSCO app and I use the C1 filter or the F2 filter and depending which one I decide to go with I'll turn it halfway down and turn the exposure dow a bit too!

What camera do you use? 

I personally have a Canon 80D but a few months ago I had a Canon 7D but that one got stolen so I bought the 80D instead!

How do you spend your down time?

Im usually spending my  down time at the beach and playing with my dog while hanging out with my boyfriend. When were not at the beach we are usually hiking or doing something outside, and when were not outside were usually in our RV where we live! We are Vanlifers!

Guilty Pleasures?

I LOVE watching Netflix and being 100% lazy in bed all day, It happens whenever I get the chance to! That and eating spicy food!

Tell us some of your favourite destinations and what makes them special. 

Oceanside Ca USA - Hometown where I was born, raised and still live, don't think I could ever fully leave!

Laguna Beach - Closet beac to home that resembles Hawaii , bright blue ocean, perfect sand, and lava rock formations! 

Hawaii- Its HAWAII, need I say more? hahah Hawaii is tropical perfection, somewhere I dream of being all the time!

What's something most people don't know about you?

I'm 5'3 ! Apparently in photos I look a lot taller than I really am, people are always surprised when they meet me in person ! haha

Something you are passionate about at the moment.

I am extremely passionate about, good friends and support systems, goals and chasing them, photography, blogging, and living my life to the happiest potential!

Do you have any tips for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

I encourage you girls to set goals, create dreams, write them down, look at them every day, work for what you want and I promise you, you can make anything happen.

All photos by Melody Wright and she wears our Azura set which you can get here.

See More from Melly on her instagram @_gypseaa and blog tanlinesbikiniblog.com

For more babes we love, read our previous blog with Matilda Djerf about what she's learnt about following her dreams.