What is your Name Beautiful?
Brittany Danielle Richard
How did you get started in Yoga?
I began my yoga journey in March of 2014 shortly after delivering my second baby. At this time I was facing some serious body image issues and drowning in self pitty over the weight I had gained. I first remember being intrigued with yoga when a former co-worker of mine began her practice, she made it look so easy and flawless with her small, thin frame. After weeks of lusting and watching from behind the scenes I finally took the dive. It started with trying a few poses here and there to see how my body reacted and to my surprise, I was more than capable of doing yoga. I have since lost 70 pounds and gained a whole new life. Yoga has become my source of life, energy, and love. I have found myself through yoga; I never knew how much strength & peace I had within myself. When I practice yoga I feel powerful, bold, and in control. When everything is so unpredictable it's nice to be able to rely on yoga as a constant factor in my life.
With all the negative images in the world of Full Figured women what made you start posting your AMAZING photos?
I created my Instagram account in hopes to reach out to women of any size and shape struggling with self-confidence and body image issues. Putting myself out there for the world to see was a hard decision, but one that I will never regret. My biggest motive was I wanted to show women that “Any BODY can yoga and every BODY is beautiful”. Being a thick, curvy girl I not only questioned my ability to yoga but I was also nervous about the response I would receive from the public and the comments I people would make about my body. I have received nothing but positive reinforcement from my followers. I love that each day I can connect with women all over the world offering them inspiration and motivation. You will notice that many of my photos show the majority of my body, I’m not ashamed of how my body looks. Sure, I have some rolls, stretch marks, and thunder thighs but that’s the beauty in it; I’m a real, full figured woman.
What would you tell a full figured woman who is afraid to start a yoga or any fitness class due to her weight?
Women come to me daily seeking advice because they’re afraid they can’t do yoga or physical fitness because of their “size”. It saddens me that society has pressured women to the point where they no longer see the value and beauty in their selves. Since when did “Plus-size” or “full figured “become a bad thing? Everyone has a starting point, no one is born epic. It takes hard work and self-motivation. I tell my followers that confidence is not a size, stop doubting yourself because you feel like you’re not good enough. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”.
What's your favorite yoga position and why?
I have two favorite positions; Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) and Chakrasana (Wheel pose). I feel so confident and strong upside down. Looking back on my practice and when I first began yoga I never thought I would be able to do backbends or handstands. I tried aimlessly for many weeks and months pushing myself into these poses. I was so scared to throw myself over, thinking I would fall and hit the ground- and I did just that. I’ve fallen many, many times often finding myself laying on the floor breathing heavy and telling myself to just get back up. Don’t fear the fall, is what I tell my followers.
What is the one message you have for the followers of Full Figured Fierce?
My message to every girl and woman of any age is “Don’t be afraid to be who you are”. Put down the magazines telling you that you’re not beautiful and take a look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? Make a list of positive thing you see in yourself and your body. Trust your capabilities, take risk, expect success, and embrace the unknown. Once you realize your potential and self-confidence, you open up a whole new world of possibilities. If someone criticizes you, take it is an opportunity to improve. If someone does better than you, see it as an opportunity to learn from them. If you fall short at something, realize you can get closer next time. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in what you can do now—be confident in your potential.
Society says that to be beautiful you should be a size 2...what are your thoughts?
Every person is fighting a battle, some are visible but most are hidden. I’ve never understood why people say “I just want to be skinny”. Would being “skinny” solve all the problems or just cover the underlying issues? Beauty is not defined by the size of your pants, Yes we all like to be told that we’re “pretty”, ”beautiful”, ”hot”, but it is the person within ourselves that is beautiful. You could be a size two and still have the same body image issues, it is how we perceive ourselves that people will see us.
I am a size 16, full figured, plus-size woman. I have curves, thick thighs, and a little extra junk in my truck, and for society to say that I’m not “beautiful” because I may be considered “obese” well… they can just kiss my big beautiful ass. Regardless of a person’s size society will always find something wrong. - “Your body. Your rules. Don’t let society fuck you up.”
How does it feel to inspire so many woman?
It feels AMAZING! I cannot tell you the joy it brings to my heart to see full figured women getting into yoga and fitness. If I can inspire one person each day to step outside of their “norm” and try something new, then my goal is completed. I may be a little bias but I love seeing curvy, beautiful bodies in motion.
How can people follow you?
You can find me on Instagram & Facebook at crazycurvy_yoga. I have some new and exciting challenging coming up, so be sure to go by and check me out.
Final thought for all the woman who do and will follow you?
I’d like to give a big thank you to all my followers, you are my inspiration and motivation that keeps me going. I have been blessed to meet some amazing, talented women all over the world. If you’re seeking a positive support group, I strongly encourage you to join the “Curvy Yoga Sistas” group on Instagram, you can find us by using #curvyyogasistas. We welcome all yogis from beginner to advance, if you are new to yoga or thinking of trying yoga we host beginner yoga challenges to help you get a jump start on your practice.
As always,
Happy practicing and Namaste love.
I have to say this has inspired me to no end. I hope you will all follow her. Leave our Curvy Sista some Love in the comment section. Ask her questions if you like.