Conversations with Hannah Rose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Rose.

Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my modeling journey as a straight model. I was a triple athlete in high school and was very lean and muscular. My senior year, doctors found a tumor in my hip, which made me give up all of my scholarships. During recovery I gained weight, the start of my self love journey. I had always been the tallest and big boned, but I had never been thick. I would cover up my body because I was so ashamed. A few years after high school I became an EMT, working with the fire department and being one of the few females there. It made me appreciate my body. I was strong and could do anything the men could do in my field. I started to appreciate my body again. I decided to start modeling again but as a plus size model. Now, three years into my journey I feel as confident as I’ve ever been. My goal is to have people feel beautiful in their skin, just like I do! It’s absolutely a journey, but a journey that CAN happen. I will make space for every body, large or small.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My confidence journey with my body is a never ending one. Some days you feel strong, beautiful and confident, and other days I feel like a blob! That’s why I preach body neutrality. You don’t have to love your body every single day, it’s just not sustainable. However, you don’t need to be mean to your body. The way I separate those negative comments in my head is by giving them a name, as if they’re another person talking about my friend (me). I’d never ever let “Carl” talk about my friends the way I speak about myself in my head. It allows me to think out of body and create a neutral space for myself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Originally I was scouted in a mall, which absolutely ended up being a scam (be careful!!) but it allowed me to think that this could be a possibility. I went on to pursue modeling by myself with a different (and reputable) agency. As many models do, I got my start in runway. I then progressed to find my different niche. I mainly do commercial modeling these days, which I really love. That means you’ll see me in stores, online, in social media ads, even commercials. That’s the representation I was craving to be the face of. One of my goals for myself is to not be hired as “plus size model” all the time. I’d love to just be hired as a model. Normalize the idea of bigger bodies being in every space without being the “diversity hire”.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As much as social media can be a cruel world, it can also be an incredibly safe space if you curate it to be that way. I have made such amazing friends over the internet, and created a community of plus size people that I can talk with and create those connections I might not have outside this community. It’s nice not to feel alone. I’m so lucky to have found my community and I hope that one day people can consider me one of their “safe spaces” as a creator. I want to be the reason people put lingerie on for the first time, or wear a tank top, wear shorts, even try a sport they might’ve not felt comfortable trying. Big bodies are allowed to be in every space. You do not have to wait to be skinny to allow yourself to enjoy life. You are beautiful and perfect just the way you are, take up the space you deserve!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hnnuhrose/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hnnuhrose?_t=8p5cOljQVxv&_r=1