Also Journal

Hi Emma, how are you doing? How was your Easter?

Hello! I’ve been taking advantage of the pockets of sunshine! Sitting under the sun, wearing my bikini in my patio and a cold beer in hand. Can’t complain!

It’s been a long hard winter, what has gotten you through lockdown in London?

Honestly, I’ve enjoyed the down time! Before all of this my life was very fast paced, I never really had a moment to stop and be present with myself. So with this lockdown, I’ve honestly taken this time to invest in myself properly. I signed up to therapy! I used to think I never had the time for it, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made and now I make time for it.

You’re a busy woman – model, photographer, activist and influencer, how do you balance it all?

Well I believe the key to living a successful and happy lifestyle is all about balance. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are, and with that I’ve developed a strong willingness to learn / grow within myself and with others. I try to take on work that I am passionate about, that way it’s executed properly, authentic to me and just naturally has a place in my life.

I really enjoy your Instagram and how you seem equally passionate about all of the things you take on. You are a vocal champion of women’s rights, anti-racism, fighting period poverty and celebrating women’s bodies  – including your own! How important do you think it is that influencer’s in general use their platform as activism in this way?

For a long time it didn’t sit right with me being labelled an activist, I sometimes felt scared to speak up about things I was passionate about because of being labelled an activist. I didn’t like the pressures that came with the title. At times I felt insecure and worried I had to be a type of way now that I am an “activist”. I would correct people in saying “actually I’m more of an enthusiast” haha! But eventually I worked through those insecurities, and took on the title in a way that I could make my own. I guess now with social media in the mix, it’s created so many layers to activism, that there’s not just one way to be an activist. Social media obviously has its pros and cons, but it has allowed everyone with the opportunity to participate in the many conversations that need to be had.

The fashion industry has been very slow to embrace a wide range of body types, but at last it feels as thought we are making some progress and that audiences and consumers demand this. As a curve model yourself, do you think the industry is changing and what do you feel needs to happen?

I think because of the models we now see in front of the camera, we believe the fashion industry is making progress in body diversity and inclusivity. However, if you want my honest opinion… I believe we need to see more of this behind the camera to implement any sort of change. The amount of times I’ve been on a job, and noticed the only diverse group of people in the room are the models… to me this is a problem. So what I want to see, are more plus size, black, POC and LGBTQ+ peoples being given the opportunity to direct, cast, design, style and create! Not just being given the opportunity to model, just so someone can tick it off as their brand being “diverse”.

I’m by no means an expert in anything, but as an enthusiastic communicator, I personally enjoy using my platform to engage with those who follow me. I want to help raise the voices that struggle to be heard, because speaking up is one of my strengths. However, it’s really down to the individual on how they choose to use their platform. It’s important to feel safe when using your platform, because we all know how social media can be detrimental to ones physical and mental health. I think speaking up and sharing honest parts of you is a vulnerable thing to do, and not everyone can do that or should feel forced to do that. If you are passionate about something and speaking up feels right to you, then It’s worth using your platform for that reason.

You studied photography at university but now find yourself more often on the other side of the camera. What inspires you creatively and where would you like to take your work?

I think exploring myself and what it means to be a woman in the skin I’m in, is what really drives me. It’s part of my creative journey and healing. Everything I do is in search for my orgasm haha! 

That and making money so I can pay for my dogs vet bills. 

After a grim year last year, 2021 seems to offer more to be optimistic about. What are your plans and hopes for the year ahead? 

I’m currently learning how to whine so that I can easily integrate back into society when the clubs open up again in June.

You can follow Emma @emmabreschi and see her work/hire her at www.emmabreschi.com