The Shapermint Crew is a diverse community of Shapermint ambassadors. Up next in our #ShapermintCrewLove Series is one of Shapermint Crew Brand Ambassadors, Erika Cartledge.
Read on to find out how Shapermint helps Erika celebrate her shape.
You’re one of our Brand Ambassadors, part of the Shapermint Crew! What inspired you to join the Crew?
I love any brand that promotes loving yourself, body positivity, and embracing your curves. It was really easy to get behind Shapermint and its mission because it aligns with my own values.
What do you enjoy most about being on the Crew?
Being a part of a body-positive community is awesome. I also love that I can honestly recommend products to other women who might not be sure if Shapermint is for them. Sometimes it's hard to know if something will work for your body, so I love that I can help people make informed decisions.
How do you want to shape change with us?
It has always been my mission to help people love their body at whatever stage it is in. I love promoting and sharing the message that we are worthy of confidence and love right this very moment.
How do you define body positivity?
Body positivity is having confidence in who you are and knowing your body is good right now, as is. - Erika
How does Shapermint help you celebrate your shape?
It has always been my mission to help people love their body at whatever stage it is in. Shapermint helps me do that with styles that meet my needs and fit my lifestyle. I can feel confident and supported whether I'm going out on date night, hanging at the pool, or driving our three kids around to activities. I also love that Shapermint is size inclusive and supports a variety of shapes, sizes, and body types. I know I look good and I feel good in Shapermint.
Self-love is especially important. Do you have any particular rituals or routines that spark self-love?
I'm an "affirmations" kind of girl. So I spend a lot of time repeating positive mantras to myself and speaking kindly and lovingly to myself. It is a daily process to silence my inner critic to make room for my daily cheerleader.
We absolutely love the fact that you use social media as a liberating force to celebrate body positivity and other movers & shapers out there. Are there any women on social media who inspire you to be your best self?
I am so lucky to follow so, so many incredible women on social media who inspire me daily. A few of my favorites are Jennifer Taylor Wagner (@jennifertaylorwagner), Maria Buckingham (@charmcity_glam), and Alexis from @living_alexis for their consistent messages about body positivity, knowing your worth, and stepping boldly out into the world.
What is your favorite Shapermint essential? How do you like to style it?
I live in my Shapermint leggings. If I'm lounging around, I'll pair them with a bralette or shaping camisole and an oversized sweater. If I'm running errands, you'll see me rocking them with a cute pair of tennis shoes and a fun sweatshirt. I even wear them out with my girlfriends to brunch and shopping!
When was the last time you tried something new that you thought you couldn’t do? Can you share more?
For the past several weeks I have been a part of a program that is designed to help Black, Female, and sole proprietors grow and expand their businesses. And this program is basically like being back in school! I haven't been in school for nearly 20 years, so let's just say I wasn't at all sure if I could keep up with my classes, homework, and program requirements all while juggling my career, marriage and motherhood. It was scary and I was definitely intimidated but now I'm halfway through the program and I'm excited to say I'm crushing it! As we become adults, we sometimes forget that we are totally capable of learning new things, getting new skills, and stepping out of our normal comfort zone. This program has pushed me in so many ways, and I'm so glad I took the leap of faith and applied!
Looking in front of the mirror, what would want to tell yourself?
I always tell my clients to "say nice things" to themselves on a daily basis. Our own voice is the loudest and the one we hear most often - she should be saying positive things. When I look in the mirror, I always tell my body I'm proud of her and thankful for all she has carried me through (life in general, a half-marathon, pregnancy and childbirth, etc.). She's really pretty freakin' awesome! I also tell myself what I love about myself - like my smile, sense of humor, and caring nature. And finally, I'm always, always, always reminding myself that "I've got this!"
Where can our readers connect with you?
You can find me hanging out on Instagram at @yourchicisshowing!
Join us in our mission to spread love and inspiration. Click this link to become a part of our Crew.
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