Lots of young girls are insecure about their body. In fact, it’s normalized, and confidence is taboo. From social media to marketing tactics on foods, everywhere society is saying “you should hate x,y, and z about yourself, but don’t worry, because earlier we gave you insecurities, and now we’re exploiting them! Here are some products you can buy to “fix” yourself!”
I noticed this first hand, remembering reading the headlines on my mom’s magazines: “lose stubborn belly fat!” and “get rid of the muffin top FAST!” as an 8 year old girl wanting to go on a ‘diet’ not knowing the implications of that word. Fast forward 6 years later, and I get introduced to weightlifting and the fitness space. I become intimidated by the strong men and shy to use anything but the StairMaster. However, I continue to go to the gym and slowly get comfortable.
4 years after starting to work out, I start feeling like I belong at the gym, and have as much of a right to be there as everyone else. I get more confident and excited to wear an outfit to the gym that makes me feel strong, beautiful, and comfortable. I’m completing a set of squats, pushing myself and feeling empowered, while a man turns and looks more times than I can count. A different man catches me as I’m about to leave; he looks at least 10 years older than me, and asks me if I’m single.
I sit down one day, ponder, and become sad at the fact that I’m not the only one. I focus all my attention on providing young women with a safe platform to be unapologetically themselves, and encourage them to have a confident mindset over constantly nitpicking their physical appearance. I decide to start an activewear line, using only empowering and uplifting language, rather than demeaning and exploitative. I craft a brand that is catered to young women who have always been bold, but constantly shut down from the societal standards.
Follow me along for the ride ⚡ https://boltactive.com
Find me at: https://beacons.ai/riapatag
