Be-YOU-tiful Campaign

Local lass Zoe Heatherington had an “absolutely incredible 2019, winning Miss Kent GB has been a dream of mine for a number of years and definitely a huge highlight, not only am I now a role model to many people and have a platform to really make a difference, but I am now a Miss Great Britain Finalist where I get to represent Kent, the beautiful Garden of England, on the national stage”.

And you’ve got big plans for 2020 with the campaign you’ve just launched called beYOUtiful. What inspired you to start this campaign?

It’s something I have always wanted to do, but without the platform it’s been difficult. I feel we are in a world flooded by ‘perfect’ people on social media and I can see the effects this has had on people especially the younger generation. I have always been an advocate of learning to love yourself (something that isn’t always easy to do!), it’s not about being arrogant it’s about self-love and remembering there is only one you, that’s so special in itself.

Instead of feeling the need to change or alter how people look, I want them to learn to love their bodies exactly how they are. Since the age of 13 I have struggled with acne (I am now 21), I have been on every medication that’s possible including roaccutane, unfortunately nothing has worked for me. I have seen the effects this can have on your mental health and have had mental health battles, myself. Now I have learnt to accept that yes I have spots on my face, but that’s me, there is nothing I can do about it.

I always compared myself to others on social media, they have no acne and perfect bodies, and it ruined my self-esteem. Years later I have learnt to love my body, everyone has things they don’t like about their body, but it’s time to give yourself a break and show some self-love, and I want to show the reality and truth; that’s when I started my beYOUtiful campaign, it’s all about embracing being yourself.

What’s been the effect of the campaign and the public reaction?

I have been overwhelmed with the incredible reaction I have received; the aim was to spread positivity and self-love by highlighting some amazing inspirational stories and this has most definitely been achieved! I am so proud of every single person that has so far shared their stories with me for me to share on my page, and I hope this page can be utilised to show real women and men on their self-love journey. I aim for people to join me in their journey to self-love.

If someone is reading this feeling low and lacking in self-confidence what one piece of advice would you give?

I would say, remember you only get one life and one body, so embrace it! There is no one in this world that is you, apart from you, and that’s what makes you so special. Embrace who you are, and remember you are beYOUtiful because you are YOU! Start your day by looking in the mirror and telling yourself one thing you love about yourself, start your day positively and the effects it can have will be life changing.

What makes Maidstone such a pleasant community to be a part of?

I love Maidstone, I think we are so lucky to have such an incredible supportive community, I think the past year has shown that even in the most difficult times we can come together as one to support one another. We have so many opportunities available to us right on our door step that we often take for granted.

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