MOTHERHOOD: MEET BODY-POSITIVE INFLUENCER, NATALIE ANGEL
Instagram - a platform we love for many reasons. From the value it holds for businesses, to the communities it creates, you could certainly say that we’re big fans of unlocking its many opportunities. However, anyone who’s spent any time on social media platforms will know how easy it is to get caught up in the unauthentic. Heavily edited images, airbrushing, and dream lifestyles that are (we hate to break it to you) unattainable for the vast majority of us are the norm.
So, on a platform where appearances are not always as they seem, discovering an account that’s not only entertaining, but authentic, is a real joy. Enter Aussie mum and influencer, Natalie Angel. As a body positive advocate, Natalie channels her energy into making every woman feel understood, heard, and confident - and she’s definitely hit the mark.
With a highly engaged following of almost 100 thousand, @letmetrybeforeyoubuy has totally exploded - and if you’ve viewed any of her content, it’s not hard to see why. We spoke to Natalie about how collaboration has driven her journey, where she found inspiration, and what she hopes to pass down to her son.
We are long time fans of yours, but for those who may not be familiar with you, tell us all about Natalie Angel.
I am 41 years old, married, and a mother of a 5 year old son living on the Sunshine Coast. I am a digital creator on Instagram and Facebook. My passion (after my family) is body confidence; women all over Australia - and the world actually - are too tough on themselves. We should be proud of our lumps, bumps, and curves. We are normal and need to be kinder to ourselves!
What was the inspiration behind Let Me Try Before You Buy?
After the birth of my son, I struggled both emotionally and physically. I recognised my body was a different shape and I needed help to find my way. I couldn't find anyone online to relate to, so I plucked up the courage to do it myself. I then found more women who, like me, have struggled to buy with confidence and buy online so I organically grew my followers by focusing on helping them.
How important is collaboration in your line of work and in your life in general?
I am always amazed by the kind emails and DMs I receive about how I have helped many women feel confident and better about themselves. Working and collaborating with fashion brands that cater for the average Australian size 16 woman makes my job so much easier.
To be real and authentic is what I am, work or home, I truly believe being yourself enables you to connect with everyone.
How did you build and foster relationships with brands and with your audience?
My followers are amazing, really they are. I have pictures of women in swimsuits for the first time in 5 years after watching my videos. Women trying new styles, adding necklaces and bangles, the list goes on - and it is so, so amazing. I am as authentic as you can be...I stand in front of 3000 women doing a live video in my bra and knickers - it doesn't get any more real than that!! Brands have come such a long way since I started, my page offers them an opportunity to get close with women, build a relationship and see real time honest feedback. That type of collaboration is vital, it helps the brand make design changes to become more successful and the followers get better clothing that fits!!
What are your values & mission?
Be honest, be kind, be thoughtful.
Positivity is a big factor in your personality and influencer profile in many ways, what’s the biggest message you would like your son to learn from your values?
Be open to everyone, regardless of sex, race, or age, instead, ask yourself: are they kind? How do they make you feel?
Collaboration holds value in more scenarios than just the workplace. What’s something you’d like to teach your son about its importance?
Together, we are great.
What’s your go-to remedy when you’ve had “one of those days”? Kiss my husband and my son, go for a walk, and have a kebab :)
Has your collaborative way of life influenced your role as a mum (and vice versa)? What have you learned from one that you transfer to the other?
Motherhood brings so many highs and lows, but of course, the highs outweigh the lows. I think life is very much like that.
Leave us with some final words…
Whatever your shape, whatever your age, you can dress to be confident and sassy. Buy clothes that suit your lifestyle and of course, watch me to help you.
More importantly - be kind to yourself and others around you.
WORDS | Lucy Francis
IMAGES | Supplied
