Why I quit Instagram and started modelling again
So far in 2022, I’ve had Instagram deactivated & joined Body London model agency. Since then, I’ve:
had my busiest and happiest ever month modelling, working for brands like Next, Redken, & Ridley London
been featured by Sky News, Stylist Magazine & interviewed by BBC Radio
reached full capacity in ADHD coaching clients
worked with the Government on finalising change across the creative industries, to end exploitation, which I’ll be speaking about as a panellist on February 2nd in the Creative Coalition Festival.
Why I quit Instagram
I’m currently finishing writing my third book, which is essentially an empowerment guide for social media. After proposing this book to a few publishers, they told me I’d have to have over 10,000 followers on Instagram to be taken on - proving the exact point that I’m writing about! I could have easily bought these followers, but I don’t want to.
Even though I’ve already published 2 successful books with nowhere near this many followers, I’m sick of still feeling like I ‘need’ to have an Instagram account to do various things. I’m sick of transactional friendships requiring me to comment on posts to stay popular. I’m sick of comparing myself to other people’s highlight reels, even though I know from modelling since age 13 how fake what I’m seeing is. I’m sick of waking up and reaching for my phone to check my notifications.
I first deleted my entire account 5 years ago, after chasing the most instagrammable life I could around the world and becoming more and more depressed. I know there’s nothing at the end of the influencer-rainbow, because I’ve been there to check it out for myself - the majority have empty, fake lives, that they’ve lost the ability to enjoy.
Since then, I’ve gone back and forth on quitting & restarting new Instagram accounts, which is an extremely liberating skill to have, in not having to swear myself off it forever, but when I want to.
Right now is one of those times, until I finish writing this book!
Why I started modelling again
Last year, I quit my job in law and re-entered the world of self-employment. Though it’s now difficult to answer the question ‘what do you do’ (ADHD Coaching, training companies like Microsoft on neurodiversity, writing books, modelling, campaigning, and so on), I’ve never been happier.
When I published the Model Manifesto, I couldn’t find an agency that would work for me, rather than the other way around. I wanted basic rights, like the ability to work without being pressured to lose weight, or having debt racked up in my name without me knowing about it. When I was offered jobs that met what I needed, like ones for Tommy Hilfiger & Jigsaw, I did them happily. I never really quit being a model, just how I was being treated, but joining Body London has shown me that it’s possible to work in line with the Model Manifesto on a consistent and sustainable level.
Since then, I’ve consulted with everyone from Conde Naste to DCMS & No.10 on these issues, worked with model agencies on safeguarding, and submitted evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry on body image. Last year, I joined the Government’s new working group to tackle bullying, harassment & discrimination across the entire of the creative industries, and change is now happening that I never thought I’d see.
On February 2nd, I’m speaking about this in the Creative Coalition Festival 2022, on a panel at 4pm discussing Eradicating Bullying & Harassment with Rebecca Ferguson and Zelda Perkins, who have also experienced the abuse that can happen in an industry where there’s no legal safeguarding for ‘talent’.
To join it for free, click the picture below.
