“BODY IMAGEWarrior.’’

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According to Chelsea, the idea of “BELLA’’ was conceived after she experienced her own journey as a plus-sized model in New York, where she soon identified the lack of diversity in the industry. Subsequently, her vision to redefine popular convention, garnered a cultural change in the fashion industry. This monumental change, coupled with her courage to convince the nation’s biggest retailers to consider plus size models proved to be a winning formular. Therefore, impressionable “would-be’’ models who were potentially subjected to negative discrimination regarding their dress size, skin colour, disability or age could now relate to more realistic looking models, on the pages of popular magazines and on the catwalk.

Chelsea’s motivation and commitment to changing the perception of health vs size and redefining beauty, has resulted in enormous personal success as a mentor, business woman, entrepreneur, actor and public speaker, who is on a staggering mission to change the face of fashion…………

Since it’s conception in 2002 ‘ BELLA’ has successfully introduced plus size models and inclusivity into the modelling industry. However, the agency has remained focused on health and changing the perception of size and beauty. BELLA’s models and talent are now known all over the globe, as a result of Chelsea’s determination and commitment. BELLA models have now appeared on numerous high profile fashion bibles such as Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and Marie Clare. Her talented singers such as first nations Mitch Tambo and Isaiah Firebrace recently replaced single “Come Together” with Lee Kernigan and she has just produced her first short for streaming series “Let’s get Ducking Famous” cast from BELLA’s diverse talent pool available to watch in Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok now @ lgdfseries………

‘BODY IMAGE WARRIOR’’

Chelsea Bonner is the author of the acclaimed, bestselling book “BODY IMAGE WARRIOR.’’

The book, is an uplifting chronical detailing Chelsea’s mission to change the dynamics of the modelling industry. It is written with unflinching honesty and delivers an insider’s perspective on the modelling world, while highlighting Chelsea’s determination to change and redefine the advertising juggernaut.

Chelsea is the daughter of multi-award winning Australian actor Tony Bonner and former model and beauty Queen Nola Clarke.

Q&A with Chelsea Bonner

B&L: Congratulations on your amazing achievements regarding your agency “BELLA Management’’ and your inspiring book “BODY IMAGE WARRIOR.’’

When was the idea of creating a model agency specializing in diversity and plus size models first conceived?

CHELSEA: The thought of creating my own model agency was conceived in 2001, when I was working in New York as a plus size model. I recognised the obvious void in the industry for diversity and plus size models (who are actually regular sized people) I came back to Australia determined to rectify the situation and started my agency in 2002.

B&L: Bella Management has achieved enormous success over the years. How did success make you feel and has your success made a difference to your life?

CHELSEA: I am still the same person, and have not changed since my agency became successful. I do not care about becoming successful personally, my main objective is the welfare of the people that “BELLA’’ represents and making a lasting impact regarding the introduction of diversity into the modelling world.

The funds that have been generated through “BELLA’’ always go back into the business to improve, safeguard and create a lasting legacy.

B&L: What was it like growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of Tony Bonner and Nola Clarke? Did this cause a problem when you were at school?

CHELSEA: Unfortunately, it was a very confusing time for me, because I experienced a lot of judgement from other pupils and was teased mercilessly because of who my parents were.

Dad was a huge star at the time because he was starring in the TV series Skyways, unfortunately he would create a frenzy every time he came to the school. At the time the media referred to my parents as the ultimate golden Australian couple.

B&L: We believe, you are also a public speaker. What do you talk about during these sessions and how does the audience react? What is the feedback when you speak about your crusade to bring diversity to the fashion industry?

CHELSEA: The feedback is always positive, when we discuss diversity in the fashion industry. I always try to eliminate any negative thoughts my audience may have concerning their bodies, and I look forward to hearing stories from the audience. Some stories are funny and some are sad. However, women love to share experiences with each other. It’s something they do to lift each other up and be each other’s champions. Therefore, we discuss body image and positive thinking. I try to promote strength and confidence. I am extremely passionate about raising awareness of positive Body image and dismantling the negative images and advertising messaging we read and see every day.

B&L: What is next on the agenda for Chelsea Bonner, any plans to retire?

CHELSEA: There are no plans to retire any time soon, however when the time is right to step away from the business, my hope is that the person that takes over the business has the same passion and beliefs as me……………….

Interview courtesy of Catherine Colusso