Antonia Jade is a Youtuber, social media influencer and plus size model. “I feel like a lot of people struggle with their stomachs and at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a big stomach, small stomach, hanging stomach, high up stomach, it doesn’t matter, just embrace it and love yourself and love your belly. Antonia has represented plus size women at the forefront of countless fashion campaigns. She uses her social media platforms to promote body positivity, confidence and feel good mantras to her followers. We spoke to Antonia to find out what body positivity means to her… Q: If you’re feeling insecure, how do you pick yourself up? Just say nice things to yourself and try not to put yourself down because at the end of the day we are the most powerful person in our lives. We control our thoughts and if you give yourself more positive affirmations you’re going to feel better.

Q: How did you learn to love your body? A: I have never had this much self-love about my body, it’s been a struggle throughout my whole life to learn to love it. I still have days, weeks and months when I don’t feel confident in my own skin. It’s just about learning to love yourself because there’s no such thing as a perfect body, it doesn’t exist. Q: What advice would you give someone who is struggling with their body confidence? A: Wear something that you have never worn before but that you have always wanted to wear. It might make you feel kind of uncomfortable in the beginning, but just put it on and embrace yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and dance say to yourself ’I just don’t care, I feel good and I don’t care’. The thing I love most about my body is probably my hips. They are large and in charge, they fill up clothes and they make me feel confident and powerful.

It has to be when I went to see Bombay Bicycle Club at Earls Court. It was the last gig at that venue because it shut down soon after, and David Gilmour came on stage as a surprise. It was honestly the best thing ever! It was also one of the first things I did on my own and gave me some satisfaction to know that I can be independent and do things solo! What’s your career highlight so far? Top of the list is hearing my song being played on BBC Radio 1 Xtra. I had the whole family gathered on the sofa ready and waiting to hear my name. Every time Target said my name we got up and screamed and then when the song actually came on we were all screaming and dancing. It was a special moment for me. Also playing with Annie Mac because I’ve been a big fan of hers for a long time .

One item of clothing you can’t live without? - A trusty pair of Air Force 1’s - just recently got Air Force 1 Shadow in the pastel colour way and they are soooooo dreamy. What Insta account are you loving RN? RickeyThompson, because he just gives me life and has such a good energy! What’s your favourite snack? What are you watching on Netflix atm? What song do you have on repeat right now? Gia Ford “Girl”. It’s a vibe. Who’s your style inspiration? SitaBellan, she’s a model and a DJ and very cool lady with the best style. What’s on the agenda for 2020? Over the next few months I’m going to be writing and gigging before the next release in early 2020. these details want to have an EP ready by the end of 2020. Its something I’ve always wanted, so that’s top of my list. I’m exited for you guys to hear what’s to come! I want to work on my live show as well, so it feels like you’re not just going to a club night but also to a gig. I want to do more singing as I DJ. I’m off to Paris in a couple weeks, I love the food culture and fashion there. Hoping to go back for PFW next year too!