Episode 128: Modeling, Influencing, & Creating an Inclusive Fashion Line with Gia Sinatra
Episode 128: Modeling, Influencing, & Creating an Inclusive Fashion Line with Gia Sinatra
Gia was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She moved to Los Angeles at 18 years old to pursue a career as a hairstylist. She went on to work for over a decade in the beauty & entertainment industry as a hairstylist. She started modeling in 2018. Her passion for being a change in the media kept pushing her to model. She wanted to be the representation in the media that she needed when she was a little girl.
Her passion for plus-size representation kept pushing her to model and grow her influence, ultimately inspiring the creation of her own clothing brand. In March 2022 she launched Gia IRL, for women sizes 12 and up. Gia IRL came from the frustration of not being able to find the clothes she wanted in her size and she knew so many other women shared her frustrations.
In this conversation we talk about:
Gia's personal body image story- her experience feeling different in her body growing up, how she used her personality to compensate, & the impacts of dieting from an early age.
Moving to LA at the height of the "skinny" era in Hollywood & how it impacted her personal relationship with food + body image.
Behind the scenes of modeling + influencing- how Gia broke into the industry, created her own success, & began healing her own body image in the process.
Gia's advice for navigating tough feedback, negative body image days, and self-doubt.
The idea for her fashion brand Gia IRL, how she brought this business concept to life, & what she's learned being on the other side of the casting table for photoshoots.
Success tip's for breaking into the modeling + influencing the industry.
Why representation is crucial within fashion + media and Gia's personal passion for creating change.
Connect with our guest...
Gia's IG: @giasinatra
Clothing line: @gia_irl
Website: Giairl.com
Resources we mention in this episode…
Ready to feel more comfortable in your skin?
TRANSCRIPTION Episode 128: Modeling, Influencing, & Creating an Inclusive Fashion Line with Gia Sinatra
Katelyn:
Gia Sinatra. Hi. Welcome to the show. Hi. Thank you for being here.
Gia:
Thank you for having me. I'm so excited.
Katelyn:
I'm excited too. So let's dive into your story. The first question that we ask anybody on the show is your first body awareness moment. So what did that look like for you Gia that moment where you realized, I'm in a body, apparently, this means something in the world. And also, how did that moment impact your relationship with food or your body or yourself moving forward?
Gia:
I can't really think of a time that I wasn't aware of my body. I growing up, I was always like, the bigger kid, the chubby or kid in a household of smaller people. So for me, I was always pretty aware of my body, I was always on a diet, and it was always a thing. So thinking back, I honestly can't think of a time that I wasn't aware of my body.
Katelyn:
What was your environment like growing up? Was this as intertwined in just body talk in your family or your circle of friends? Or are there any other experiences that were co occurring with your awareness?
Gia:
Well, starting off, I think it definitely started in my house, because like I said, everybody was, all my siblings were very small, my, my mom, my, everyone in my family was like, on the smaller side. So because I was like, a bigger kid, it was, it was kind of always a thing of me, you know, having to watch what I eat, or, you know, being on some kind of diet, and it was just kind of like, always a conversation. And then growing up, kind of, you know, I was, same thing, I was always bigger than the other people that I surrounded myself with, I was always like, the big girl or the big friend. So it was definitely something I was always aware of.
Katelyn:
So in your awareness, how did you internalize that awareness? Was it? What emotions were really strong for you? Was it more rooted in just like, shame and embarrassment? Or did you own it and kind of assume that identity as someone in a bigger body with your friend group and your family and all of these things, what was your experience? Like?
Gia:
I learned to just embrace it definitely, I would say like, starting from like middle school to high school, I kind of I, you know, I just embraced it. I was like, the, you know, the bigger girl, and there was definitely something that I learned to embrace.
Katelyn:
How do you feel like you were able to, to embrace it, because and this could be related to body. In this case, we're talking about your body. But I think anytime, especially in adolescence, but really, in so many parts of life, when we feel like we're not a part of the group that can bring up a lot of just thoughts and emotions and all those things. And so, how do you feel like it was so easy for you to embrace the difference at that time? What do you attribute it to?
Gia:
It's funny, it's something I never really thought about before. But if I'm really thinking about it, I was always like, I wasn't really bullied, like, maybe when I was younger, like in elementary school, maybe there was some like names or bullying, but I, I was never, I was always embraced with my friends and friend groups. And I was always told, Oh, you have your pretty or you have a pretty face. And I think I always just had a good personality, maybe I just had to be, you know, it's like, as a bigger person, you kind of, we kind of joke about it with my, like, other friends that are similar sizes of like, we, you know, the big girls, you have to be funny, you have to have a good personality to make up for that, you know, growing up to make up for the other thing, so, I don't know, I think I think because I was embraced and because, you know, maybe because I had so many friends that it kind of it didn't affect me too much. Like I still was confident. And you know, I wasn't too ashamed of that.
Katelyn:
Well, I mean, I hear you loud and clear. I think that is that's so interesting, and something that we've heard from so many people in their stories, but just feeling like you have to compensate in some way when you're being othered. And so for you, it sounds like it was personality. And just that extra boost of confidence or your humor, like you're mentioning, what was your relationship with food like, because I know, you just said that you were put on some diets at a really young age, but you also had this great relationship with your body, it sounds like and never really felt like that was an issue. So how would you describe your relationship with food when you were, in this phase of your life,
Gia:
I definitely didn't have a good relationship with food. Because growing up, it was always such a, you need to eat these things or not eat these or you know, that I that I was always on some sort of a diet, I definitely did not have a good relationship with food, I think I, you know, went through a phase of like, hiding what I was eating, or sneaking food that I wasn't supposed to be eating, and having times where I would like binge eat. And that definitely led to a really bad relationship with food, especially in my teens and like early 20s.
Katelyn:
So this is always really interesting to me, because I'm hearing on one hand, you've got a neutral to semi positive relationship with your body. And then there's the dissonance of having a complicated relationship, perhaps even disordered relationship with food. So in your lived experience, how do the two exist together? Was your relationship with food? A part of how you were feeling about your body? Like what? How did you make sense of that for yourself?
Gia:
You know, I think with food, like, when you grow up, being on a diet, and always being a thing, there's like this shame around food being a larger person, for me at a point in time where it was like, You didn't you know, you you felt shame eating certain things around people. It was like, you know, it's interesting, I don't know, I don't know how I was confident, but then also had a bad relationship with food, I think, maybe because I was eating, like, the things that I would eat, if I was eating like, bad things or whatever, you know, things that were not good for me, you know, I would eat them more and like, private, not openly.
Katelyn:
Yeah, this, this is really interesting. So if I'm hearing you, and just my interpretation of what you're sharing, and I'd love for you to tell me if I'm hearing you accurately or not, but it sounds Oh, God, I feel like this is so true for all of us. But it sounds like we kind of have to tease out how we're taught to eat, and our experience and our body. And of course, it makes sense for you. And for almost all of us how you're taught to eat, especially at a really young age, if there's some error and that or if there's judgment around that, or, you know, a lot of rules, kind of like you're mentioning, just things to watch out for the shame that's associated with it. It sounds like I totally understand that kind of going through life feeling like Oh, my God, like I can't, I can't stick with this. And I don't think many people can on really restrictive eating plans, or I don't really know how to have an easy relationship with food. But at the same time, I don't feel like I need to control my body with food. But I don't know how to eat in a way where it's just uncomplicated. Am I hearing you accurately?
Gia:
Yeah, and I definitely went through a phase where I wasn't so confident with my body in my early 20s. But yeah, you're definitely like, what you're saying is pretty accurate.
Katelyn:
I'm so glad you're bringing this up. Because more often than not, what I have found in my own lived experience and hearing the experiences of others. More often it is directly intertwined that our relationship with food is directly correlated with what we want our bodies to look like, in some way. But I think that it's so important to just be mindful of stories like this. I think that this is more common than we realize where it is just I don't know how to eat like I was never really taught how to have an uncomplicated relationship with food. And if you grew up in North America, you know, most of our families have been exposed to diet culture and the messages of diet culture, like we're getting it in some way, most of us aren't really taught how to have an uncomplicated relationship with food, or even if we were, most of us have been exposed to other people in our families or environments, kind of dieting, or having a disordered relationship with food in some way. And so it gets so sticky. And it makes a lot of sense. So when you were in your 20s, what was that period? Like, where did you realize that there was just some more complications around your relationship with your body? And you kind of hinted at that already because you grew up in Las Vegas, right?
Gia:
Yes. So yeah, I grew up in Las Vegas, I moved to Southern California when I was 18, right out of high school. And I always did, even though I embraced being who I was, I definitely always still wanted to change my body. But I would embrace it. And I would go on these kind of like, I mean, from probably from like, at least 12 to early 20s, I tried every diet imaginable, and yo yoed and lost weight and gained weight and went through that phase, which I think a lot of women in my position kind of go through of like, you know, teens to early 20s of just like doing all the diets and you know, struggling in that way. But when I got in my early 20s, and I was living in LA, I was on my own and, you know, in LA at that time, especially there was that, you know, everyone wanted to look a certain way. And it was like, you know, everything was about being skinny and being small and that kind of thing. And I think that's when it really definitely started to get to me. And I then, you know, started doing like these insane diets. I like taking dieting to the next level during that time.
Katelyn:
Yeah, and especially like you said, being in Los Angeles, if everyone is kind of participating in some fashion of an extreme diet, it almost seems normal. And you were also in the beauty industry, right? You started hairstyling?
Gia:
Yeah, I started as a hairstylist like, think like 16 years ago now. So at that time, I was a hairstylist living in LA it was, you know, 06 07 like early 2000s where it was like that whole, you know, kind of still kinda like skinny era
Katelyn:
Yeah llike the Olsen twins. Paris Hilton. The US Weekly craze. And yeah, yeah, definitely. Oh my god. I'm having like major nostalgia, like horrible flashbacks right now. I think anybody listening to this can remember seeing some magazine spread of that time. And yeah, the shame or comparison that came up for so many of us? You know, it certainly did for me. And LA and being around that I can't even imagine the pressure or the type of comparison that you experienced. I'm curious, being a hairstylist, and especially during that time, you're in front of a mirror doing hair all day long.
Gia:
All day long.
Katelyn:
Tell us about how that impacted if it did at all your relationship with yourself and your body image.
Gia:
It's so funny that you are bringing up some of these points where I'm like, huh, now looking back, yeah, you're standing in front of a mirror all day long looking at yourself. And you know, at that time, I was working in Beverly Hills at the hair salons, I was in the scene of being, you know, working on TV and music videos and going out and partying and that whole thing. So it was like, all about how you looked. And yeah, I think standing in front of a mirror all day definitely did not help with body image at all.
Katelyn:
Were you modeling during that time as well?
Gia:
No, no.
Katelyn:
So tell us how you got to modeling and also in your story right now I know this is the period where things are disordered and highly competitive and like you're mentioning it's just not a great relationship with your body and food for that matter. So when did you start to realize that was a problem? And how did you get into modeling? Did one come before the other? Do they kind of co-occur? How did that land in your story?
Gia:
So I did, I did go on, like the crazy crash diet, where I was like, basically now looking back, like, almost starving myself, like when I look back at what I was eating. And then I got to a point where I had lost a ton of weight. And that's when I kind of started thinking that oh, now I can do modeling and kind of started dabbling here and there, but then nothing really ever came from it. And then several years later, as I started getting a healthier relationship with my body, and working out of all of that. In 2016, I saw Ashley Graham on the cover of Sports Illustrated, I feel like a lot of plus size models share a similar ish kind of story. But I remember seeing Ashley Graham, and at that point, I had my relationship with my body and food was getting a lot better. And was like, really good. And I was kind of just embracing my healthy, happy person and weight. And I saw her on the cover of Sports Illustrated. And I remember how I felt when I saw somebody that looked like me, and had a similar body type. And, you know, it made me feel beautiful and confident. And I was like, Oh, I think you know she's doing that maybe I could do and, you know, you heard I've heard like little comments here and there throughout the years of like, you should do this or try plus size modeling. And then at that time, I was like, maybe I could do this. And that was kind of around the time where I started, you know, asking people and doing photo shoots and starting to submit to agencies. But I did have a pretty good relationship with my body at that point.
Katelyn:
I remember that cover. Also, I love Ashley Graham. And I love that you're sharing this moment, because I think that it's so powerful in terms of just exposure therapy, and how that can, how that can look for so many of us and just what how it kind of opens the door for so many of us in terms of our reality and what we're capable of, or what we're what we're able to step into in terms of our beliefs or our worthiness and all of those things.
Gia:
Yeah. And it just shows how important that representation is in the media. How you can feel just when you feel represented and how it makes you feel better about yourself.
Katelyn:
Yeah, definitely. I'm curious what, what started changing your relationship with food and your body? Was there a moment where you realized that you needed to do some healing around that? Or what was kind of the page turning process from disorder to more of a neutral to healthy relationship with food and your body?
Gia:
Yeah, I think, actually, it's kind of interesting, but I grew to have a passion for working out, which feels like that would not help you. But for me, it did. Because I think, for me, I started working out and I started using it as a form of therapy and help with mental health. And that really started helping me change the way that I was looking at my body and food. And then I started looking back at how I was eating and thinking about it and going, oh my god, I think I had an eating disorder because I was, you know, I was pretty much starving myself. And so I think I just you know, as I kind of also started getting older and embracing myself and it kind of all just like was a steady kind of growth into you know, learning how to love my body and embrace my body and embrace myself that I'm a naturally curvy person, you know, instead of trying to fight it.
Katelyn:
Mm hmm. Yeah, I think that's so powerful and something that we've heard from a lot of guests on the show as well just therapy through movement and really just that intuitive movement and joyful movement and just how that impacts our relationship with our bodies and the connect question is when ourselves and our bodies. When you were experiencing that, and you were living in LA, what did your social circle look like? Were you exposed to friends or acquaintances or just people who had diverse bodies? Or did you feel like you were kind of in a similar place as you were in high school where you were a different body than most people? What did it look like for you?
Gia:
Yeah, I mean, until I started, like, probably not until, like, 2018/2019, when I started plus size influencing and modeling more and getting signed to an agency, I didn't really have any other curvy friends. I was still always like, the bigger girl in the group. But I also think around the time, you know, you started seeing more people like Ashley Graham in the media, and, you know, the Kardashians, although there's like, I know so much controversy around them. But at that time, that is when we started seeing curvier women, and, you know, people embracing like, a bigger butt and just like embracing those things that I had naturally. But, you know, that's why I think the media and representation is so important, because that's when things kind of also started to shift. And yeah, I didn't have plus sized curvy friends until I started, probably till like, 2018 2019. I was still always like, the bigger girl.
Katelyn:
Yeah. And isn't it so interesting? How, like the parallels from your adolescence to adulthood, how that shows up. And I'm curious when you did finally get into plus size modeling and influencing and having a group of friends where you felt like you could look around and were exposed to similar and just wildly diverse bodies than yourself? What was that like for you?
Gia:
I mean, it's incredible to like, have friends that you can, like, share clothes with and like, you look, and you're like, Oh, you're so beautiful. And you know, just seeing yourself in a friend is definitely a different experience that I never had that my whole life. So yeah, just to have friends that are go through similar things as you and understand what it's like growing up in a larger body or living in a larger body. It's really nice to have that just to share those experiences, share close all of the things.
Katelyn:
Yeah, I mean, just in even hearing your story. And I think this is your story. And I think it's so true for anybody who is feeling alone in and different, whether it's body size, skin color, background, economic status, mental health, like anything, I think it's so important. And this is such a powerful testament of just finding your community. And it doesn't have to be the sole community, but oh my God, when you can look around and and feel so seen and heard and accepted by people who really get what you're going through in your own lived experience. Oh, my God, it's so powerful.
Gia:
It really is.
Katelyn:
I also think that that's why representation is so powerful, too. And I want to hear your perspective on that. Because, man, when you were transitioning into plus size modeling, that was, I mean, that was kind of like the starting hedge end of a huge representation explosion just in social media and just Hollywood in general. So what was that like for you just starting to be a part of that? And I'd love to hear some behind the scenes stuff like even just from going hairstyling to being a model and getting an agent and go into casting calls and all of that. What was it like just being on the ground level of that industry?
Gia:
As far as the representation and being you know, part of the change, it's definitely one of the things it's kind of pushed me to continue. But being behind the scenes, I'd say that you know, I mean, it can be competitive, just like straight size modeling, but I do think that there is a difference with plus size modeling and sometimes you'll talk to like the glam or the hair and makeup on set, and they always say oh, the plus size models are, we're all very like friendly with each other. For the most Part. And I do think there's this kind of like community in the plus size, just the plus size world of like content creators influencers models. But yeah, so definitely it is competition, but there is this really friendly side of it. And it's very different to me from what I've seen what straight size modeling.
Katelyn:
How is it different? How is modeling different from influencing? I don't think we've ever talked about this and we've definitely had models and influencers on the show before, but how would you tease out the two?
Gia:
So I mean, some people can do both. And some people just do one another. So I mean, so if you're a plus size model, you're getting hired at from the brands to go and they're shooting you and with their team, and you know, you're on set with them. And as an influencer, a content creator, the brand is hiring you to create your own content. So they're sending you the stuff and you're creating your own content on your own with your creative control. So it's basically that's kind of like how it separates is like one, you're a model, and you're just in their creative hands. And as a content creator, you are the creative director of it for the most part.
Katelyn:
Do you have an agent as an influencer? Or do you have a separate agent as a model and an influencer? How does that work?
Gia:
Yeah, so you can, so I recently just signed with the management team to handle all my social media, some people do it on their own, some people are agents, managers, some agencies will take you on as both an influencer and a model. And then you know, some jobs, you could book as a model. And then they could tie in like a post, or like, you know that to promote it. Also on your page. So they do tie in together. And then some people just do one or the other. Like, there's some plus size models that don't get into the influencing social media side at all and just strictly do modeling.
Katelyn:
So interesting. So for you, did you start out modeling or influencing or did the two kind of come up together?
Gia:
The two came up together. I was submitting to agencies, I had done a photo shoot with a friend who's a photographer, and I started submitting to agencies. And I wasn't hearing much back. So I was like, I'm gonna start an Instagram and get seen like, and just start posting my images and my pictures and trying to get seen that way. So they kind of both happened at the same time, I started growing my following and got signed to an agency after starting my Instagram.
Katelyn:
Were you doing hair during this time also?
Gia:
Yeah, I actually still do hair. Yeah, in Beverly Hills. I work in a salon in West Hollywood, I just go in one day a week. Now I don't take new clients. I have my regular but I, some of my clients I've been doing for 15, 16 years. So I do hair on Saturdays at the salon.
Katelyn:
I love that. That's amazing. So you get to really do it all.
Gia:
I do it all. And you know what? It's kind of nice because I get to like step into a different role. When I go there, it's like, I just kind of forget about everything else. And I stepped back into that role of just hair and like, all my clients are like, my friends, some of them my family at this point. So yeah, it's nice to have different things. And as of now, like my clients are like, okay, when are you going to stop doing hair? What do you, like, give us a warning. And I'm just like, as of right now, I'm still enjoying it. And I you know, I still like it and until I am not enjoying it anymore, then I'll still do it.
Katelyn:
I love that. How have you noticed your relationship with the mirror change? Since you've embraced this journey with your body and all of the things that have shifted in your sphere? What when you show up on Saturdays now and you see yourself in the mirror all day? What does that mean to you?
Gia:
Oh my gosh, it's so different. Like 2021 year old Gia looking in the mirror doing hair is so different than me at 34 years old. Now looking in the mirror. I don't like pick myself apart. I mean, of course, we all have days where we're feeling off like, I am not an exception to that I have my bad days, but I just you know, I just show up and I don't really look at myself in a bad way anymore like that. I just kind of, you know, I'm just me and this is who I am.
Katelyn:
What do you do on a bad body image day because I'm right there with you. I feel like if you're saying that you don't have them, you're lying. Are you a woman in this culture? So for you when you're in one, what are some tools that you went out to take care of yourself?
Gia:
Um, so for me, exercise, I, you know, I talk a lot about exercise and if you follow me, you see that I work out a lot. And I always tell people like don't even think about your way just go exercise move your body, it helps me so much with my mental health and you could wake up I could wake up not feeling good and I just go move my body or even if it's just like stretching sometimes that just it's like my form of meditation and therapy and that always helps me or you notice like doing things that you know, self care things you know, maybe you go do to get a facial or massage or another form of self care for me is like putting good foods in my body I always feel better if I'm, you know, putting a good food in my body. Go for a walk something like that. I think just like taking care of yourself instead of just like being down on yourself is kind of always my answer.
Katelyn:
Yeah. And I think that's the beauty of having a personal toolkit, body image toolkit is you get to pick and choose which tools feel really good for you on those challenging days. And you also don't need a ton of them like for you, it's really clear movement is your go to and I think that's so powerful that you know that I'm similar when I'm when I'm in a day, whether it's with my body or just you know, life in general, I feel like even going out for a quick five minute walk. There's just something so meditative and just moving that kind of moves that energy around and kind of realigns everything doesn't mean that it's a perfect day after that, but it definitely is helpful. So I hear you. Yeah, um, for anybody, I want to talk about fashion and all the fun things that you're doing right now. But before we move on from the glitz and glamour of influencing and modeling and all of these things, and I know it's not all glitz and glamour, but I'm sure a lot of people will listen to this and think God, I'd love to get into that. Or maybe they are starting to get into it. And what are your best tips for anybody who's in that space right now?
Gia:
So there's still like the old school way some people get discovered, some people get discovered on Instagram, but that wasn't my story. And it's not a lot of people's stories. So I always say do your research and submit to agencies. Social media is such a powerful tool in this way you can find people that are similar to you and see who their agents are see if they're working just research and submit photos to agencies, you want to submit a digital style photo, you can Google it but it's basically just like natural makeup, no to like very little makeup, something you know form fitting so they can see your body and just taken on an iPhone with good lighting. And you just submit those to agencies and you might need to submit multiple times. My last agency that I was with I think I submitted like three or four times and they were my dream agency you know, at the time I submit it like three or four times I heard anything so just you know keep submitting take different ones so you know maybe those ones were in it or maybe that's not the agency for you and then also social media is such a powerful tool, start posting your photos you know, make your own lane. Become your own agent because you can book things from social media without an agency now.
Katelyn:
Which is amazing the fact that we're able to do that now with so many things but especially as it relates to just diversity in general and making our own careers in different ways. How do you deal with rejection and also any just negative feedback or common comments that don't feel good? Like what are the ways that you have found to manage that the most effectively?
Gia:
so as a model even if you're confident with yourself in your body and you you know you sometimes you're up for these huge jobs, your dream clients and then you get released like you're on hold and then you get released or whatever or you go to a casting you don't hear anything and it's so hard to not feel down about it or feel upset that you didn't get that job. But now that I am you know, I know we haven't gotten into that I have my clothing line. And I've been on the other side of casting. And I see I really now take it less personal because it doesn't have anything to do. It's not because you weren't pretty enough. It's not because you weren't, you know, it's just, it's just not personal. And sometimes it is. But for the most part, it's really not personal, like they're looking at it as a puzzle piece. And they're putting the pieces together. And you might fit because you're this specific size, or you and look and skin color and hair color and everything, because they're just putting a piece of puzzle together, and you have to work with the other people, you know. So now that I've seen it from both sides, I'm like, oh, it's not personal at all. And if you're full, and if you're not the right size, it doesn't mean because you need to lose weight or anything. It's you know, it's in the plus size modeling and modeling world in general, it's just that they weren't looking for your specific look and your specific size for this job. Yeah, so it's just, it's really not personal.
Katelyn:
One of the things that I love so much about you and your work is your passion for creating diverse spaces and inclusive spaces and representation. And the fact that you're good at modeling, you've found your fit. You've, you know, you've really carved out a career and are successful at modeling in general. But also there's this, there's this passion and wanting to contribute to that representation in the industry as well, too. So tell us about that. Where does that come from? Why is that so important to us specifically? And how do you see representation, starting to shift and kind of forecasting the shift for the future of modeling and influencing in general,
Gia:
I, after I started my line, I had a moment where I was like, I realized that I have a passion for making people look and feel beautiful. And that's kind of how I started as a hairstylist. Originally, I remember actually, when I was in hair school, they said write down the reason you're doing hair, and I wrote to make people look and feel beautiful. And it's like, actually one of the like, kind of slogans, I guess you could say for my brand. But I think that I have a passion for making people feel beautiful. And I want people to feel included. And I want them to feel good about themselves. And it's one of the things that pushed me to continue to model and now with my line. You know, it's one of the things that pushes me and drives me every day to keep going and I just I want everyone to feel represented and feel like, feel good. You know?
Katelyn:
Yeah, that's powerful. And it's so clear that that is your why. And the fact that you found that is so cool, because we all have one, it's that purpose, it's that drive that when the feedback is bad, or the day is shitty, it keeps you going. And it doesn't mean you don't hit bumps or anything. But it's so clear for you that that's your reason, that's your motivation for just continuing to put one foot one foot, one foot in front of the other, not give up and keep going. So I love that. Tell us how you even started your line. Where did this idea come from? And tell us about this, this part of your story.
Gia:
So I was just constantly getting frustrated from shopping online and the lack of options that there were in my size, I'm a size 16. And most of the lines that I would look at would go up to like a 10. Sometimes a 12. And 16 is the average size in America right now. And I'm just like, you know, I was thinking like, I'm constantly struggling, all these people that I know are constantly struggling to find clothes that fit them. So I finally had it one night, I think I was shopping to like go for a vacation. And it was like everything was like their large was a 10, you know, and I was just like, I posted on my stories. And I was like, I wish something like this came in my size. And then so I got so many responses. Like it's so annoying. It's so frustrating, you know? And then one of my friends was like, why don't you start your own clothing line? And I was like, huh, and you know, one of my crazy ideas. And I was like yeah, maybe I should and then I just started like reaching out to all of my resources and people I knew that were in the industry and were like, hey, you know, somebody could do this and this and like, everything just fell into place so perfectly, that it was kind of clear that this was my purpose. Like, it was just like, I, the person who helped me do production and helps me to this day. I met her in Mexico, in the pool at the resort.
Katelyn:
Oh my god. I love that. That’s amazing.
Gia:
It was just like the universe was just, everything was falling into place. And I was like, I mean, it's pretty clear that you know, this is my purpose.
Gia:
Yes. It's like, I can't not do this. Because it's happening for me
Katelyn:
Yes. So tell us about the line and where you got the name from? And for anybody who's not familiar with your line, what can they expect?
Gia:
So the line is called Gia IRL, which is basically Gia in real life. And it's, you know, it's me, it's things that I would wear. And I feel like most, a lot of other curvy, younger women in my kind of age range, you know, we want sexier, chic, cute pieces. And it's really lacking, especially in like good quality fabrics. And with a good fit. And so right now, we started at 12. And we go up to a size 28. We just recently expanded to a 28 from a 26. And we're working on expanding even more, both ways. One of our next dresses is gonna be in a size 10, which is like this is the first time I'm announcing it. So you heard it here. Yeah, so I mean, I'm just, you know, trying to be as inclusive as possible in the curvy industry because I know I was once a size 10. And I still struggled finding things, because you're kind of like at the 10/12 you're kind of at this in between where the straight sizes aren't really fitting you properly. But then the plus sizes are you know, you're in this like middle range. So yeah, I just want beautiful, sexy pieces for curvy plus-sized women to wear and feel beautiful in.
Katelyn:
I love it. Where do you get your inspiration for the clothes? And how does it work in your business? Do you design the clothes? Do you work with designers? Do you outsource that? Where does the design process come from?
Gia:
So I have a designer that designs everything, but we work hand in hand together. So we come up with the inspo together, sometimes I come up with things or she comes up with things and then we kind of collab on it. And we talk about ideas and I'm with her through the process. She's the one designing it. But I'm approving it and we're going through fabrics and fits and like, at the end of the day, I see everything from start to finish. But she's incredible and so talented. And like we actually we took a design trip, right before we launched to design some of our summer pieces. So we went to Mexico City. And we went to art galleries and museums and really trying to find fresh, fresh inspiration for pieces. And then you know, we kind of go off of now, like what people are liking and comments we're getting and things that they're saying they want and then we're like, Okay, well, they're really liking the cutout. So let's do more cutouts or you know, those kinds of things. So we've been really trying to find fresh inspiration and try to have pieces that are like very unique.
Katelyn:
Where's the biggest challenge with all of this? In any part of this business? What do you feel is the biggest hurdle for you?
Gia:
I think in the beginning, it was finding the right people that can make everything plus size and that goes down to even like the factory, and the patterns and all of that. You kind of really start realizing how a lot of these people, they're just not used to making these sizes.
Katelyn:
Yeah, I've heard this before. I've heard this before too from other fashion designers and specifically plus sized fashion designers. So how did you overcome that? Because I think we need to get this message out to more manufacturers and designers in general.
Gia:
So yeah, I do sense I feel like as far as my designer, I feel like a problem that some plus sized companies lack is they try to make different things for us or even companies when they make straight size, compared to like, plus size or you know, it's they try to make different things. But I think like for plus size women, we want the same things we just wanted in our size. And I think that's kind of where my line is different because as a plus size woman who wants these like sexy, young, chic pieces. So that's kind of where we like, we don't, we obviously keep a curvier larger body in mind, but we're designing similar things that they were designed for the straight sizes. So as far as the design aspect, that wasn't so hard, but when you get to the factories, like even with at first, it was a fight to go beyond the 3x. And they were like we just we don't have we can't even we don't even have the capacity to make something that large. And that to me as like, I was not going to just let them get away with that.
Katelyn:
Yeah. So how did you handle that?
Gia:
I was like, well, that's my whole line. Like this is a plus sized line. Like I have to be able to expand past the 3x. And so we definitely had to go through a few pattern makers at first to really get like the patterns and fits and everything down. Like even the first pattern maker. We had our make, which is actually one of my top sellers. It's called the GG Midi and it has a cutout dress. And the first time she made it for us. She didn't even put the cutouts in into the dress. And I said, you know, she didn't speak great English. And I was like, sexy, we want sexy, but I think there's just this, this thing that people think plus size and they think cover up or, you know, they just they don't think about giving us these, like sexier pieces. So she after like we gave her the tech pack and everything with the cutouts in it. It didn't even come back with cutouts.
Katelyn:
Wow. Yeah, it's so that's so interesting, because it is so deeply ingrained in, I mean, so many cultures, and especially doing business with other cultures. And from a design perspective, it's just that it's almost like a rule that people have indoctrinated into their own process and whatnot, and but it's so powerful that you are showing up in your business in the way that you're doing business and advocating for that and just really pushing back and creating that change. So that's amazing. Are you just ecommerce right now? Or are you in any store?
Gia:
Um, so we are on an online store called Dia and Co and then we are newly in the Plus Bus, which is located in LA.
Katelyn:
Yeah Marcy has been on the show before. So when Gia and I were just talking about this before we hit record, if you are not familiar with that episode, we'll plug it in the show notes. But I mean, the Plus Bus is great.
Gia:
They're incredible. It's new used and vintage plus sized pieces. And like, honestly, I'm like where was the store my whole life. And we did a pop up shop in May. And then they're now selling my stuff in store. And it's really great because it allows, you know, only local women right now to go in and try it on in person and see what they like. And I think for some of these pieces, it's a risk for people that they're like, I've never worn anything that looked like with the cutouts or this like I've always been scared or I don't know how it's gonna look on me. So it's nice for them to go in person, although we do free returns on our website, but it's still just like, you know, it's nice to go in and try on the different pieces and all that. So if you're in Southern California, or anywhere near our stuff as of now, we'll probably be there the whole month of June. We kind of just keep extending because the pieces are doing so well there. So yeah, go buy, try it on shop. I mean, even if you just want to go try it on in person, go ahead, go go buy there.
Katelyn:
I love it. So tell us a little bit more about behind the scenes, especially from the creative side of casting and being a model and now being a casting director for the photoshoots and whatnot. I know that you had hinted at some of the things that you've really taken away from that experience, but what do you look for as a casting director for your shoots specifically, and what would you hope that the models would know? And I'm sure that a lot of them probably couldn't know It is because it's your brain and your lived experience. But what's your interpretation of the process being on both sides now?
Gia:
So being now being behind the scenes and creating the shoots is one of my favorite parts, because I love the creative part of it, and like coming up with these concepts and bringing it all to life. So for me, now I try to make, you know, I try to get a group of models, we've done two shoots now and I try to make it as you know, I try to make it diverse in as far as like size, skin color, like different, you know, hair types. Both my shoots, I cast somebody with braids. And so just trying to like show diversity and show different body types, not just different sizes, because I think, you know, in the plus size modeling world, a lot of the times we see like the same body type of like an hourglass type, you know, body so I'm trying to show different body types. But for a model, you know, I think it reminded me, it's showed me like when you're on set, you are there to sell the clothes. And I think as models, sometimes we forget that in a way, like, we get so caught up in like, how we look and how our face and what, you know, at the end of the day, I think if you get there and you remember, like I'm here to sell clothes and make the clothes look good. And I think that's really changed the way I looked at the modeling side of things. Like, it's not just about Yes, of course, your face, you know, you need to make the you know, make sure your face is looking good and whatever. But like, at the end of the day, that's what you're there for. And if you're doing that, and you're making the clothes look, well, then you're probably going to get rehired.
Katelyn:
Yeah, I I love that. And as I'm listening to that, I've never been a model. But I can imagine that there is something so dissonant about that experience where it is as a model, creative and collaborative and emotional. And at the same time kind of soul sucking, because you are just selling a product and kind of a hanger for the product essentially, in the same way that you're describing it where it's just making the requests that the person wants. So I mean, am I accurate with that reflection?
Gia:
Yeah, it just feels like it's a little bit of both where it's very emotional and artistic. And then at the same time, a little more diplomatic and surfaced?
Katelyn:
Well, in terms of moving forward with your life, and what you've really come into your life, I just love your story so much. And I would love to hear your biggest takeaway with your body image journey, because from what you've shared with us being in this space with your body where it did feel disconnected and complicated, and, you know, frustrating. And now being in a place where not only do you have a great relationship with your body, but you're an advocate for bodies that look like yours, and just diversity in general across the spectrum. So for anybody who's listening, who is at a place where they feel that frustration and just aren't willing to accept their body, or maybe they want to be able to, but they don't know how to get there. What's your biggest takeaway from your own experience that you would offer to them?
Gia:
Just trying to embrace yourself and embrace your body as much as you can, you know, try to speak nicely to yourself, try to be aware of the things that you're saying about yourself. And I think like, you know, it could be surrounding yourself around specific people are the things that you're the, the people you're following on social media, I think that all kind of plays, you know, be aware of those people that are in your life and the things they're saying to you and the people that you're following and just try to embrace your yourself and your happiest, healthy self. And whatever that is, instead of, you know, trying to be something that you're not because it for so long for me, I tried to try to be something that I wasn't with my body and tried to force my body to be something that it wasn't instead of just embracing it for what it was.
Katelyn:
I love that just being in the moment, looking at how you're speaking to yourself, who you're surrounding yourself with and the messages that you're receiving the content you're consuming all of it, I'm right there with you. I think it's so powerful. Whether we're talking about bodies or really anything in life, I think these are really powerful pillars that can be applied to most things and are game changers, especially in our own body image journeys. And one thing you said before Gia that I picked up on that we didn't really talk about, but you mentioned that when you exercise or when you offer encouragement for anybody else who wants to get into movement practice, it's really disconnecting movement from the weight you want to be or numbers or that expectation, and oh my god, I hear you loud and clear. I feel like the moment that exercise really gets tangled up with the expectation that we hold on changing our bodies, that's where the joy gets sucked out of it.
Gia:
Exactly. And it can get obsessive. I was like, I got to a point where I was obsessive. And I think if you just get up every day, and you think of it as a mental health, and it gives me energy for the day, and it makes me feel good instead of like, how many calories you burned, or, you know, as a way that you look like those things will, could come with it if that's what you want. But if you just focus on the mental side of it, I think it just will really change your mindset. And I tell that to people all the time, like, don't even think about weight, take your weight out of it and see how you feel mentally. And that alone, like just think about that.
Katelyn:
What's your preferred way to move your body? What's your favorite exercise or just movement routine in general?
Gia:
I love lifting weights. I just there's something just like you feel strong and badass and like I love weightlifting. I think that's like my favorite form of exercise.
Katelyn:
I love that. We've actually had a few guests who have said the same thing. And I am always just in so much that does not connect for me and I love hearing everybody's preferred way to move because I think that that's what it's all about. It's just finding the thing that you love, not the thing that you shouldn't be doing or feel like you're supposed to be doing or what somebody else is telling you to do. But the thing that you love. So cool.
Gia:
And yeah, and try out different things because some people love yoga. Some people love Pilates. I kind of love it all. I love doing a mix. But yeah, I think it's about finding what makes you happy and what feels good for you and it doesn't feel like you're punishing yourself.
Katelyn:
So good. Gia, thank you so much. I love this conversation and everything that you're creating and putting out in the world and just what you're contributing to all of this change in general. Very cool. Where can everybody connect with you and get these amazing clothes and just be in your world?
Gia:
So you can find me on my personal instagram @giasinatra or on Tik Tok. I'm starting to do things there. And then you can find my clothing line on Instagram and Tiktok and @gia_irl and our website is giairl.com if you want to go shop.
Katelyn:
I love it. Thank you so much. We'll link all of that in the show notes too to keep it easy for everybody but I so appreciate your truth and you're showing up today.
Gia:
Thank you so much for having me.
