S1 E.12 Body Positivity with Kristina Zias
In this EpisodeIn this episode, we sit down with Kristina Zias, plus-size model, founder of The Confident Collective, and fellow Jersey Girl to talk about all things body positivity. It was a no-brainer to invite Kristina onto the podcast because, well, we just love her.
To start this episode, Kristina dives deep into her first attempt of entering the puzzling modeling industry. Just as she was graduating college, she found herself becoming more involved in fitness – following a bodybuilder’s diet and workout regimen. This empowered her to go to a modeling agency. At the time, she was a size 4, and the agency wanted to sign her as a plus-size model… um?
Obviously, Kristina’s encounter with this agency was both shocking and disappointing, leading her to believe that maybe modeling just wasn’t for her. From there, she lived in Los Angeles and worked in the TV/hosting industry. Although Kristina was happy with her job, modeling was always on her mind.
Years after her first interaction with that agency, she was no longer a size 4, and that did not stop her. Kristina did not want to fit into the “typical model box” - she was something different, and she knew that could be a good thing. So, she tried again with a new agency, and was signed! (YAY!) Just one week later, she went to Cuba for a photoshoot.
Yes, being signed with an agency was a big confidence boost, but Kristina notes that it took 6-7 years to truly build courage and realize that she is way more than her size. We then look back at both Mariah and Kristina’s teenage years in high school – body positivity was considered an “elephant in the room”. It was something many people battled in secret.
While modeling, Kristina was also working a sales position at Nordstrom, and spoiler alert – she kicked ass at it. It empowered her in a new way. As her social media presence became more prevalent, Kristina decided to leave this job to pursue social media full time. With all of the time in the world on her hands, she found herself not finding the same passion as she once did for social media, and after much thought, she swallowed her pride and went back to her Nordstrom job.
So, why are we sharing Kristina’s experience at Nordstrom? Well, we know it can be hard (and even embarrassing) to realize that you have to swallow your pride for your own wellbeing. But, it is crucial to building your self-esteem. Once you find something that you kick ass at, whether it is a job, a hobby, or a character trait, your confidence will skyrocket. In Kristina’s case, going back to this job greatly helped her get her sparkle back.
Another topic that we talk about is the ever-changing beauty standard, Facetune, and Photoshop. Our social media feeds are full of these flawless public figures, but they are not real. Of course, some angles are better than others, but Kristina opts to be real and show all of her imperfections.
When Kristina decided to become vulnerable on social media, she got one question over and over again. This was…”How are you so confident?” She notes that there are SO many facets to this—and simply responding to these DMs from her community was not enough. So, The Confident Collective was born! The Confident Collective was built in partnership with plus-size model Raeann Langas. Together, they host fitness events, workshops, and have a podcast of their own, all to bring their communities on social media together in a larger, more authentic capacity.
Mariah also touches on one of her heartbreaks, and how it felt like the world was ending as it was unfolding. Of course, Adriana was there for her throughout its entirety. Eventually, Mariah overcame it and came out even stronger. When you go through hardships, the key is remembering that you have gotten through lows before, and there will be other highs.
As we wrap up today’s episode, Kristina offers some advice: life is too short – embrace who you are! Yes, even the girl with spilled chocolate down her dress. Post the bikini picture, post the experience, and share your journey. Energy radiates, and people will naturally flock to you – because you’re perfect just the way you are.
We hope this episode with Kristina was as inspiring to you as it was to us. Listen to the full episode for even more insight, and we’ll catch you next week.
Important Times0:44 - Welcome back!
1:18 - Intro to Kristina Zias
5:32 - Gave modeling another shot + signed with an agency
11:00 - Kristina and her friend Brooks – their conversation changed Kristina’s mindset
13:22 - Tips for the average girl/woman to convince themselves they are beautiful
18:23 - Tips on how to adapt to Kristina’s mindset
22:00 - Kristina’s Job at Nordstrom
26:00 - Facetune and Photoshop
28:46 - The Confident Collective
30:53 - Kristina’s Confidence
35:17 - Mariah’s Heartbreak
36:51 - Kristina’s Size 4 Lifestyle
40:33 - Adriana’s Infertility + Vulnerability
44:02 - Vulnerability on social media and the challenge
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Welcome bestie.
We’re so glad you’re here.
We’re Adriana and Mariah. Co-hosts, entrepreneurs, BFFs, and girls just like you trying to figure it out as we go.
