I don't know a woman who hasn't struggled in her life with how she looks, and sadly weight is often at the centre of that hurdle. For one woman, being overweight was holding her back and not allowing her to realise her full potential. Blogger Simone Anderson shed 92kgs and became a social media sensation. Here she shares her body image, fashion and beauty advice from her Auckland home with editor Trudi Brewer.

Weight is a controversial topic, one that the team at BEQ have avoided discussing on our well-being channel. In saying that we often talk about healthy living and positive body image, and as a bunch of fashion-obsessed women, the subject of weight does come up. A constant battle for some, we also believe that the number on those scales should not define us as women, but eating well and regular exercise should be your focus. With our new beauty and wellness series kicking off this month, we felt it would be remiss of us not to mention the impact body image has on how you look and definitely how you feel. Blogger Simone Anderson understands all too well that confidence does come with age, but body image, unfortunately, is tied in with your weight, something she has shared with her Journey to Health on social media. With that inspiring advice she receives polarising comments - some incredibly supportive and encouraging and others harmful and cruel. Her journey to health has changed her life in so many ways, as well as lifting others up along the way, gaining her a celebrity status on social media with a loyal fan base of over half a million followers on Instagram and Facebook. Anderson opens her home and heart to editor Trudi Brewer.

Career

What's a typical working day for you?
A typical day involves waking up and spending the first two to three hours replying to messages and comments on all my social channels. Responding to emails and organising my day's work which involves posting content daily. I fit in a gym glass, combat, pump and body attack are my favourites. I always make myself a yummy lunch; often there are events or meetings I will need to attend along with content to create. Before I know it, it's five pm and will have a quick dinner, and head along to my netball game for the evening.
How has the last few years changed your career?
I have gone from being a nanny working 20-30 hours a week to a social media influencer, where I spend around 60 plus hours a week working. While it's time-consuming, it's also very flexible, and I love that I get to choose the hours that I work.
What do you love most about your career?
Each day brings something new, no two days are ever the same, and the broad variety of people I get to meet keeps my life exciting.
What has been a career high for you?
I have a few and it keeps going from strength to strength. I loved appearing on the Tyra Banks show, that felt like a dream come true. Starring on the front cover of Good Health magazine was a highlight and last week signing my very first book deal with Allen & Unwin New Zealand, which still feels unreal.
How has your career influenced your style?
I have always loved style and fashion, but I think more so now. I try to focus on wearing more elegant and classic looks.
How much work goes into creating the perfect Instagram post?
Hours. I ensure the lighting is amazing, and I use a good quality camera or phone. Imagery is super important, as it’s the first thing that will get attention. Also adding an exciting caption will draw people in.
Is there someone working behind the scenes to help you with your posts?
No. It’s just me. I’m the only member of my team, I do enjoy the entire process, and I’m constantly teaching myself new tricks as I go along.

Health and wellbeing

Tell us about your life before you lost 92kg?
I would struggle with everyday tasks - even things as simple as bringing in the rubbish bin became too hard. I would be exhausted by 3 pm and often have day naps just to keep me going. My diet consisted of all things naughty, never eating anything of nutritional value.
Did you always struggle with your weight?
Because I was such an active child I could eat whatever I wanted and never gained any weight; it was when I was about 13 and my exercise decreased that the weight started to pile on.
What made you decide to have gastric sleeve surgery?
I had started on my new lifestyle change and was doing so well, I was eating right and exercising daily, but food still controlled my life - I was never satisfied. I would always think about food and could eat huge portions. I knew if I could get my portions under control that I would be able to lose weight for life, so that’s why I looked into Gastric Sleeve surgery.
It was more than just one surgery to get you to this point, tell us about that journey?
Since the initial surgery, I have undergone skin removal surgery to remove a significant portion of the loose skin left behind on my tummy, back, and breasts. This was life changing and truly meant for the first time I could wear whatever I wanted without the worry of the skin hanging out.
Were there low points along the way on that journey?
Of course. With anything in life, there are always low points. For me, it was realizing that people who I honestly thought would always have my back didn’t once I lost the weight. Jealously was a huge factor and losing these friendships took a toll on me. Now I am grateful I managed to get rid of the negative energy in my life which allowed me to focus on all the incredible relationships I do have around me.
You played the entire journey of weight loss out on social media - were there times that you regretted that?
There were definitely moments where I questioned if this was what I should be doing, the hurtful and hate-filled comments are hard to receive on a daily basis. But all I need to do is read through my messages and comments and remind myself of how many lives I had changed and will continue to evolve by sharing my journey online - that puts everything into perspective for me.

How has the weight loss changed you as a person?
I am so pleased to say that Simone is still Simone. Apparently, with anything in life it is continuously changing and evolving, but the core values and beliefs I had back at 169kg are still the values I live by today. The number one comment I always receive is how cool it is to see that I am still the same bubbly outgoing girl I always was.
Share your fitness routine?
I try and do a group fitness class at least once a day, and then I play netball four times a week, along with casual walks with friends.
Do you follow a strict diet today?
No, I don’t. I try and eat healthy, whole foods where possible during the week, but I do relax more on weekends. Living in close quarters with all the fantastic Asian food on Dominion Road in Auckland means dumplings are my weekend temptation.
Do you take supplements, if so what are they?
I take a multivitamin, hair skin and nails tablet and evening primrose for my skin.
What is your wellness philosophy?
To live a well-balanced life in all aspects. I try to never put too much pressure on myself. I always listen to my body; it has fantastic ways of reacting to stress and your environment by telling you exactly what it needs.

Beauty

Tell us about your beauty routine?
I cleanse my face morning and night and always moisturise. I keep it simple so that I never have the excuse “it takes too long so I won't bother.”
What about skincare, do you follow a strict regime?
Because of the industry I am in and the constant stream of new products arriving at my door, I am always switching it up. I love trying new products and seeing what ultimately works best for me and my skin.
As a makeup artist you must have favourite products, name five you would never be without?
Nude by Nature Flawless Foundation, Benefit Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer, Rimmel Brow This Way Powder Kit, and Jeffrey Star Lip Gloss, I have just about every shade and finally, Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Palettes.
What would we always find in your beauty bag?
Weleda lip balms.
What's your signature fragrance?
Michael by Michael Kors.

Fashion

Who is your fashion icon?
Khloe Kardashian
Who are your favourite local and international fashion designers?
I’m not a designer gal, but I do love Trelise Cooper and Karen Walker as well as owning a few Gucci pieces in my wardrobe.
What is your fashion weakness?
Cute shirts, if it's bold and bright - I will buy it.
What would you never compromise on when it comes to your style?
For me, jackets and coats are something I will always invest in; I won't buy nasty versions of the classic pieces for my wardrobe. I invest in these pieces knowing they will last me for seasons ahead.

Home

How would you describe your home?
I would describe it as modern and eclectic. It has a clean, simple feel with pops of colour in my art and soft furnishings.
What makes a great interior?
A very neutral base, and then add colour with pieces that won’t be permanent fixtures. If you struggle with interior design, this rule makes it very easy.
What do you always have on your bedside table?
A candle. I love lighting one every night.
What is your favourite room?
It would have to be the lounge; I love the light that shines in during the day, and the clean but homely feel it has.
What are your most treasured possessions?
I don’t hold much value in material possessions, but I do love all my New Zealand artworks.

Photography Keryn Sweeney