Today you are in for a real treat! This #WCW feature goes out to body positive fashion blogger, curve model, and wardrobe stylist Kristina Zias! Kristina really is such a source of light in this world. Her style is second to none, she is so encouraging and kind to all, plus she’s fun, cute, and has the most adorable family with her husband and dog on the planet! Kristina was kind enough to let me ask her some questions and pick her brain about everything from her confidence to her career success to her favorite reality TV show.
(Katie) Your bio on Instagram talks about being part of the body positive movement and spreading kindness and confidence. Can you talk about why those messages are important to you and what you hope is gained by spreading them?
(Kristina) Confidence is everything!!!!! It doesn’t matter how beautiful you are, how thin you are, how successful you are... It matters that you can look in the mirror and say “I love me” regardless of all my flaws. I think when you can accept yourself fully, and are truly confident, you can do anything. I also think being kind is so simple and easy to do and something we should all practice more often. I hope I can inspire more women to love themselves, chase their dreams and still treat everyone as equals when they make it to the top.
Curvier women are sometimes reduced to being defined by just our bodies, instead of being recognized for being full and complex human beings! I’m Greek and I love that you've shared a bit about your Greek heritage on Instagram! Does your Greek background or some other aspect of yourself shape your identity and self-image? What other aspects of yourself inform the way you view the world besides your body?
I remember growing up and visiting the Greek Island I am from and seeing curvier or larger women in teeny bikinis or topless and not giving a crap about what anyone thought of them. What was even better was that everyone around them didn’t care either. I remember thinking if this was back in the States that woman would feel like she had to wear a black one piece with ruching, haha. My Greek background shapes so much of who I am. I feel like I am a citizen of the world, not just the United States. Traveling, learning new languages, new cultures, eating new foods and meeting people from around the world shapes my perspective on everything and everyone around me, and of course, myself.
Something you've spoken about that really inspires me is how this past year you chose to pursue your dreams fearlessly! (And might I add you really have been killin' it!) What was the hardest part and what advice do you have for people who want to pursue their dreams fearlessly, but don't know where to start?
I know this sounds cliche but you just have to stop making excuses and just do it!! I used to think I will be ready to pursue this when…. and make up an excuse! Maybe I need to lose 10 pounds or take another course, or create 10 more blog posts before I reach out to brands, but what I needed to do was just stop delaying my future. I think if you make a list of 3 things you want to do and write down the steps you think you need to take to achieve them and just start crossing off the list!!
Rapid Fire:
Current favorite TV show: I am so embarrassed to say Vanderpump Rules, but I am not watching any other tv shows at the moment!!! haha wow…
All-time favorite movie: Clueless
Best lunch spot in LA: Fresh Corn Grill, Gracias Madre
One woman alive or dead you would have lunch with if you could: My Yia-yia (grandmother). I really did not know her well enough when she was alive but she was such a dynamic woman and very ahead of her time and I think she would have killed it in today’s world. I would love to learn more about her life and experience being a leader in her community.
Favorite Spanish word you just learned: Chisme!! means “gossip” haha
Advice to your 13-year-old self: Travel the world and always say yes to new experiences!!!!!!
