10 minutes with the face of Sonsee, Jennifer Atilemile

Here at Sonsee we love every type of gal. But we particularly love our girl Jennifer Atilemile. She's a familiar face across the Sonsee brand and a resounding voice for body positivity.

Here's what she had to say about life, self love and fighting the good fight.

So, where are you from and what's your background?

I come from a mixed family, my Dad is from Réunion Island, a French Overseas Territory, in the Indian Ocean, and my Mum is Australian, of Irish and Danish heritage (but way back in the day!)

When I’m not modelling, I’m studying. I’m almost finished a double Masters degree in International Relations and Journalism. My main focus is human rights, as I believe everyone in the world has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, no matter where they were born, the colour of their skin, their race, religion, gender, sexuality. You get the point! 

I hope to one-day work in the field, whether it’s purely philanthropic, or actually working on the ground somewhere, or bringing these people’s stories into discussion through my writing.

Who's your life role model and why? 

I’ve always admired Audrey Hepburn. She was not only an extremely glamourous and fashionable woman, and a talented creative, but her humanitarian work was also incredible admirable.

What inspires your work and ambition?

I know this sounds silly, but I have always believed that everyone has been placed on this earth with a purpose. I’ve always held a strong belief that my purpose was to help others, and that is what inspires me. I know that I can’t change the world, but changing the life of an individual with my acts, that’s already massive. So whether it’s through my modelling work of promoting self love and body positivity, or whether it’s through campaigning for rights, it’s all important.

What do you consider your greatest achievements?

I’ve got two so far. One was finishing my Undergraduate degree, (I had a lot of setbacks so it was a massive deal, plus I was the first on my Dad’s side of the family to even go to University), then being accepted into my Masters degree. Second was being offered a modelling contract, and achieving all I’ve accomplished to date.

What's to love about the fashion and clothing industry at the moment?

Brands embracing diversity. It’s happening everywhere. It’s still slow, but it’s happening. From makeup brands blurring the lines between gender, and fashion brands embracing not only size diversity, but racial and age diversity. It’s fantastic, and it’s about time. I just wish Australia would catch up to the overseas market. It will happen though, I’m positive about that!

Do you think we'll see a significant increase in brands expanding their ranges to suit all body types - further than what's already on offer?

Yes! At least I really hope so! From a money perspective, brands are missing out on so much of it! So many amazing brands I would want to shop at stop at a size 12 or even 14, and I know if they extended even up to an 18, they’d have so many more customers. I think the next five years will be a great time to see what happens. I wish Zara would up their sizing. Here’s to hoping!

What's your life motto?

Dream, Believe, Achieve! If you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll never get anywhere in life!