I Grew Up Believing I Had to Be Skinny

There’s a generation of women who were taught — sometimes subtly, sometimes blatantly — that being “thin” was not just desirable, but expected.It came wrapped in layers of culture, media, and casual conversation. Sometimes it was sold to us gently, through beauty magazines and dollhouses. Other times, it was imposed with the clumsiness of a system that saw women as ornaments — pretty, polished, and predictable.

I belong to that generation.The one that grew up with Barbie as the blueprint of beauty.The one that quietly absorbed the message: you must be thin.

That exact phrase — “I grew up believing I had to be skinny” — was said to me by Joanna during one of our planning chats for this blog. It hit me like truth often does: simple, honest, and impossible to un-hear.

Challenging the Narrative

At Beauty and Body Works, we’re here to rewrite that script.

We believe in looking after ourselves and feeling good in our skin — for our own sake, not to fit a mould. This isn’t about chasing a single version of beauty or body shape. It’s about celebrating the one you’re in. It’s about feeling strong, healthy, and at home in your body. And if you don’t feel that way today, that’s okay — we’re here to support you on that journey.

We promote nourishing food, joyful movement, and self-care that feels like pleasure — not pressure.

Whether it’s through a personalised facial, a strength-building session, or a quiet moment of massage, our focus is on you — your body, your wellbeing, your confidence.

We hope you feel welcome here.We hope you feel seen.And above all, we hope you feel good — not for anyone else, but for you.

Battling Body Image Issues: A Few Thoughts and Tips

We know it’s not easy to undo years of negative self-talk or comparison. But healing is possible — and it often starts with small, intentional steps.

1. Be mindful of your inner dialogue.Would you say to a friend what you say to yourself in the mirror? Speak to yourself with compassion, even if it feels strange at first.

2. Curate your digital space.Unfollow accounts that don’t serve you. Follow those that inspire, educate, and reflect real beauty.

3. Move for joy, not punishment.Find movement that feels good and energises you — not something you do just to “burn calories.”

4. Focus on what your body does, not how it looks.Your body is your home — not your enemy.

5. Seek support.A conversation with someone you trust can open space for healing and transformation.

There is no perfect body.But there is your body — worthy of care, strength, softness, and celebration.

If you’re ready to start showing up for it in a new way, we’re here.With facials that honour your skin, movement that energises you, and space to feel like you again.

Let’s redefine what feeling good looks like — together.