Interview with Rosa Barney

The hot season of summer is upon us, and it’s a time for many where bodyconfidence hits a low. If your sense of body positivity needs a bit of a tune up, tune in to the mindset of Rosa Barney. Rosa is a plus sized model whose favorite hashtag is #selfloveistruelove. Her Instagram is full of glamorous lingerie modeling shots, or otherwise luxe apparel - yet her personality and sense of fun always shines through! Along with her beautiful face, her posts are captioned with uplifting motivational quotes. Rosa’s modeling success and body positive attitude reminds us all that being happy and healthy trumps chasing unattainable fitness goals and beauty standards. Continue reading to hear Rosa’s thoughts on fitness, self-esteem, and her favorite swimsuit!

Q: In the fashion and beauty industries, retouching photos is often considered a necessary part of post-production. However, in recent years there has been a huge outcry against retouching models, because it sets unrealistic beauty standards for young girls. How do you feel about retouching, and seeing heavily retouched photos of yourself?

A: I have always believed that minor retouching is necessary in the post production process, however I like to limit that to the clothing or scenery rather than the actual model. There are many instances where we are shooting with garments that don’t fit properly because they are either not the correct size or they are a pre-production sample that was not made to the final standard. In these instances I believe retouching the garment so that it will look like the final product is acceptable. I don’t believe there is any need to retouch the model’s body or face. Putting out overly perfected images is not a healthy choice for young, impressionable men and women. People need to be able to see themselves in the media and see models that they relate to so they can feel good about themselves. Through my work as a model I have seen plenty of heavily retouched photos of myself. In the beginning of my career it hurt me more than it does now. I would look at the photo and think “Is that what I’m supposed to look like?” or “Would I work more if I actually looked like that?” However, as I have grown in my self-love journey I have learned that I do not need to rely on the acceptance and opinions of others to make me feel good. I know that I am in control of my feelings and that I choose to feel good about myself --retouched or raw!

Q: How would you define the relationship between fitness and body positivity?

A: For me, body positivity is so much more than looking in the mirror and deciding to like what you see. For me body positivity is a lifestyle, it is about treating your body positively and taking care of yourself from the inside out, nourishing your mind as well as your body. So does that mean that fitness and body positivity related? Yes, but there is so much more to it than that. I believe it is easier to feel good about yourself when you feel good about the choices you are making however fitness doesn’t mean hitting the gym twice a day and having a six pack. Fitness means leading an active lifestyle; opt to walk instead of drive sometimes, try a fun exercise class, or go on a hike!

Q: Although your modeling career began in adulthood, you posted an Instagram photo of you modeling school uniforms for Nordstrom as a child! What’s the story behind that moment?

A: My mom works for Nordstrom! When I was little they started selling school uniforms and they had a launch event to show off the uniforms in a few stores across the country. Since my mom was the store manager of one of stores selling the uniforms I got to dress up alongside some of the other employees children. So I guess technically my career started as a child!

Q: According to your agency stats, you’re 5’10”! Was being tall something you were ever insecure about?

A: I was incredibly insecure about my height when I was younger, it took me a really long time to feel confident about it and that wasn’t until I was an adult. I never wore heels, I would do anything to minimize my height! In photos I would lean over and slouch so that I never looked like I was towering over people. I didn’t feel feminine and pretty, my height made me feel too big all the time. As I got older I started realizing that there is nothing wrong with being tall, that it can actually be pretty great (I rarely need a step stool)! Of course modeling has helped me appreciate my height, and I am grateful for that. I am no longer afraid to wear heels, in fact I love it!

Q: Like many women, including myself, growing up you struggled with body image and self-esteem. What was the turning point for you in terms of body confidence?

A: I struggled with body confidence for the majority of my life and there are still days when I don’t feel my best, self-love is a journey not a destination. The major turning point for me was when I started modeling. I remember when I was scouted I didn’t know a lot about plus and curve models and as I started to look into it I found these women that LOVED their bodies and exuded confidence and they looked like me! They had hips and thighs and squishy tummies and seeing their confidence helped mine grow. I started to learn that we don’t live in a one size fits all world and that beauty comes in many forms. Just because we don’t always see a variety of body types in fashion or media doesn’t mean that there is only one version of beauty.

Q: How do you think the experience of being a plus-sized model differs from that of being a “straight-size” model?

A: A lot of people think that because our sizes are different that it is a completely different ball game to be plus vs “straight-size.” In my experience we actually have more in common than different. Though we aren’t required to be exceptionally thin we are expected to maintain specific body measurements, we experience body shaming on a regular basis. I have been told that I am too big or not big enough on countless occasions. There is a lot of body positive language in the plus size model community but there are a lot of plus models that struggle with body image issues. Ultimately we both work in worlds where we are judge on our appearance, and even though it’s a choice we made, it isn’t always easy!

Q: What would you say to women and girls who dream of becoming agency-represented models, but don’t believe they have the “right” body?

A: I would tell them that the idea of the “right” body is going away. More and more we are seeing models of different sizes and shapes, it is no longer about being long and lean or perfect hour glass. There are a lot of progressive brands that are showing a variety of body types and though it will take time it is happening. Ultimately though I would encourage them to carve our their own space for themselves -- start a blog or a web series be the change that you want to see!

Q: You wrote on Instagram that London is your favorite city! Why is that?

A: I’ve loved London since my mom surprised me with a trip when I was in high school, I have always felt connected to it in a special way that is hard to describe. The city is so old and has such a vibrant history so the nerd in me goes crazy for it. I love that you can wander neighborhoods and imagine what it was like “once upon a time.” My favorite time to visit is Spring and Summer because despite popular belief there ARE a lot of sunny days out there! One of my favorite things to do is to visit the various estates and castles in and around the city learning their history and about the people that lived there. I also love going to the outdoor markets such as Borough Market and Portobello Market. I miss it and can’t wait to go back!

photo MATT LICARI @mattlicari model ROSA BARNEY @rosa.barney using TRISH MCEVOY COSMETICS @trishmcevoy

Q: Who is one woman that you look up to?

A: My mother, hands down! She has always been such an inspiration to me. She has balanced an amazing career, working her way up from the cosmetics floor to Executive Vice President at Nordstrom, with being an incredible mother. No matter how busy she was she still made time for my father, brother and I. She was on the PTO when I was in high school despite having to travel frequently for work, she commuted an hour and half to work each way so that I could go to a great school. She showed me what it means to be in a loving marriage and being a true partner to your loved one. She shows me strength and courage everyday and I am so happy I get to learn from her example.