It is fair to say that after months of staring at our reflections over Zoom and sitting around in sweats, the self-confidence levels of many may be a little low. In a bid to remedy this, body positivity activist, Charli Howard, has joined the likes of Alex Cameron and Ruby Hammer for the #Poutfree initiative. Calling on women across the globe to ditch the posy pouts and embrace their natural beauty, Charli heads the campaign in a series of dreamy images, all the while offering invaluable self-love tips and tricks along the way.

When speaking on her advice for those struggling with self-confidence during these trying times, the model and activist states, “I’d tell everyone to just be themselves! Confidence comes from within so embrace your individuality, and not take yourself too seriously. Also, nobody cares about you as much as you think (in the best possible way).”

Upon her collaboration with Alex Cameron and Ruby Hammer for the #Poutfree initiative, the activist sat down with Wonderland to discuss her journey as a model and how she stays positive and confident. Head below to read our interview with Charli Howard below…

Talk us through your career as a body positivity activist! How did you fall into this?
I had been working as a “straight sized” model for about 6 years when I was dropped by my model agency for being “too big”. I wrote a Facebook post about my experience that went viral and then moved to New York to become a “curve” model. I think all bodies deserve to be represented in the media, and it’s so important to see that in photos.

The unfortunate statistic, which states that 32% of Brits feel more self-conscious about their appearance when in front of the camera, following 18 months of staring at themselves on-screen, has just been released. Why do you think this is?
Obviously, it’s not normal to look at yourself in front of a mirror (or Zoom camera) for hours a day, so of course most people would feel insecure or start judging themselves and their appearance. Colgate’s research is really interesting, and shows exactly how much of a confidence boost the nation needs right now! It was amazing to be on set for the #PoutFree Portraits shoot and coach the competition winners to feel confident again.

Did the pandemic take its toll on you with regards to your positivity in any way?
I would be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging at times. I moved back in with my parents and it was hard not seeing friends or working properly. However, it did teach me other life lessons, such as the importance of family time and not needing to rush at three million miles an hour.

In a bid to help lower this statistic, you have just joined Alex Cameron and Ruby Hammer for #Poutfree initiative. How was that experience?
It was such a great experience, I loved every minute of it! There was such a positive energy on the shoot, and it was great to see so many smiles in the portraits. One of the top reasons revealed for people not smiling was actually the fact that people don’t think their teeth are white enough, so Colgate’s helping to lower this stat too with their Max White UltimateToothpaste, which I can confirm makes your teeth super white within a matter of days!

How do you ensure that you personally stay feeling as confident as possible?
I really try to surround myself with positive people and people who don’t bring me down. I think we forget just how much toxic people can affect you mentally, as well as your confidence. I also love the colour red – a quick swipe of red lipstick will brighten your mood instantly!

What would be your advice for those struggling with post-pandemic confidence?
I’d tell everyone to just be themselves! Confidence comes from within so embrace your individuality, and not take yourself too seriously. Also, nobody cares about you as much as you think (in the best possible way). Try going #PoutFree in your summer photos this year, and share on social to spread the positive vibes.