The Struggles of Being Judged by Appearance
Thalia Heffernan has shared her experiences of living in a world where she is constantly judged based on her appearance. The model, who has been active in the UK and Ireland’s fashion industry since her teenage years, has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced throughout her career.
In an interview with Dublin-based fitness content creator Chris Connolly on his 5K With Chris show, Thalia reflected on how her physicality plays a significant role in her profession. She explained that in her line of work, “your physicality is the most important thing.” This reality has shaped her journey from a young age, as she has been evaluated based on her looks since she was 14 or 15.
The pressure to conform to certain beauty standards has not been easy for her. Thalia described how, during those formative years, she often felt insecure and struggled to understand herself. Adding to this challenge were the comments from others, such as being told she was “too fat,” which made things even more difficult.
Despite these struggles, Thalia has learned to adapt and grow over time. She emphasized the importance of self-discovery and finding her own path rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. “For so long, I wanted to impress others and be this person for other people fit into their mould,” she said. However, she now realizes that her true happiness comes from embracing her individuality and being her own person.
This shift in perspective has had a positive impact on her life. She mentioned that when she took back control of her narrative, “the weight fell off me.” This change led to increased activity, better mental health, and a stronger sense of self-worth. Thalia also expressed that if some people don’t want to book her, it’s their loss, not hers.
She acknowledged that society places a lot of pressure on individuals to meet certain standards. “I used to use that as an excuse a lot,” she admitted. “Because I’d interact with my friends without me to go, ‘I feel like sh*t, I’m not getting any work, or I’m not doing this.’” But now, she has found a way to move past these negative thoughts and focus on what truly matters.
Thalia is clear that she is “more than just a model.” As she has grown older, she has learned to make choices that align with her personal goals and values. She believes that people respect and appreciate this authenticity. “I think people will, I think, people appreciate that and respect it and realise I’m more than just a model.”
Her story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of redefining one’s identity beyond societal expectations. Thalia’s journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, showing that it is possible to find happiness and success by staying true to oneself.
