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At Rethreaded we LOVE doing style shoots because they give us the opportunity to engage with an empowered group of community members who want to give back. All of our models graciously volunteer their time and talents to us and rock the Rethreaded brand so well! We caught up with Kristen to interview her about her recent experience modeling with us this spring.
Q: When you’re not modeling for Rethreaded, how do you spend each day?
A: I work for a mortgage service company. I really enjoy my job and just got a promotion! I also really enjoy music. I have been playing the guitar for over 10 years and I love to go seeartist play live.
Q: Have you ever modeled before?
A: I have some friends who are photographers and I have the opportunity to photographed by them but I have never done anything official, nothing that has been for a business or published.
Q: How did you first hear about Rethreaded?
A: I actually have a couple friends who work for Rethreaded. I think I really first heard about it at the church I attend, but my friends really told me the purpose of the company. I really could relate to the women Rethreaded seeks to empower, especially since I myself have had sexual exploitation in my past. I really do understand how important it is to have an organization focused on providing economic empowerment to women.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent the Rethreaded brand?
A: For me, it’s just so personal. It means that I get to represent a brand that is giving new life to women who have experienced what I have. It means that I get to be a part of that empowerment.
Q: Are there any other ways that you empower women in your life?
A: Before last year, before coming to know God, I was stuck in a place where I didn’t know my worth and value, but things changed when I began meeting people who were willing to meet me where I was at and be vulnerable with me by sharing their stories. It really changed my life and perspective. Through those examples, I just knew I wanted to be that person for other women. So that’s what I do today. I am able to connect with women on deep levels, listen attentively and extend love and compassion. I also have my story to share with them. To me that is empowerment.
Q: Who is a woman who inspires you?
A: Definitely my mom. I know that’s a cliche answer, but she really does inspire me. She started her life with nothing and she has been able to grow in her choice of career and become a strong and independent woman. She has such compassion towards people and such a capacity to love and help.
Q: So overall, how was your experience the day you came to model for Rethreaded?
A: I was really excited when I first got the message but I was also very nervous. Even as I have gone through the healing process I still struggle with self-esteem issues. Sometimes I think if I looked likethisgirl orthatgirl that somehow my life would be better. Over the years my weight has fluctuated and I was never quite happy with where I was at. I understand now though it’s more about loving myself. Even when the first outfit I tried on didn’t fit, I felt discouraged at first but was able to dismiss the societal standards of beauty and be comfortable in my own skin. Everyone was so encouraging at the shoot and I truly believe that by being there I am able to show other women you don’t have to be super tall or super skinny to be seen as beautiful in this world. It has all been a process but I am happier now than I have ever been.
Q: When you got to see the finalized pictures from the shoot, what did you think?
A: The photos really exceeded my expectations. I was at work and I ran around my office showing everyone. I received so many compliments. I really felt like it boosted my self-esteem and it made me glad that I worked through my nerves to come. Jesse and Lexi are so talented, Ari Gaskin was so great to work with and of course I just loved having my hair and makeup done by Tina Jarvis. The whole team really made this possible and I am really grateful that I got to be a part of the experience
Q: What’s your favorite product?
A: After the shoot I bought a new wallet and have used it every day since but my all time favorite is the Grace Scarf. It’s just such a signature piece and iconic of the Rethreaded brand.
After interviewing Kristen, we at Rethreaded were reminded that alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. We are grateful to all our community partnerships and individuals which make the Rethreaded brand great and supports a community for women to come to know their worth and value.
This blog is part of our Influential Women Blog Series. To learn more, check out the rest of the series.
Hot Spot Power Yoga: Using Business For Good
A Moment With a Few of Our Moms
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