EP: 88

What happens when you stop hating your body and start saying yes to life at 46? For Rachel Peru, it led to catwalks, swimwear campaigns with Lizzo, and a mission to challenge ageism in fashion.

In this episode, Rachel opens up about her late start in modelling, the breakdown that came before the breakthrough, and why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. We talk about motherhood, identity, ditching the scales, and how to find your fire after 40. If you've ever felt stuck, too old, or too far gone—this one's for you.

Key Takeaways:

• You’re not too late, you’re just early for your next chapter. Rachel started modelling at 46—proof that age is irrelevant when purpose kicks in.
• Body confidence isn’t found in the mirror—it’s found in momentum. Saying yes to life led her to say no to self-hate.
• Fashion’s BS size labels are built to confuse, not define you. So wear the damn jeans, or don’t. Just don’t let a label shrink your worth.
• There is power in representation. Midlife women are the biggest spending group, yet the most invisible in fashion.
• Comparison kills joy. Rachel shares how she reclaimed her body from the scale and the judgment.
• Community is the antidote to shame. From beach meet-ups to body confidence talks in her bra, Rachel’s building spaces where women are seen—fully.
• Confidence is earned. You don’t wake up fearless; you keep showing up until the fear gets bored.

Timestamps:

1. 0:00:00 – Michelle asks: “How have you dared and won?” Rachel opens up about becoming a model at 46 after decades of insecurity.
2. 0:01:23 – Life before modelling: divorce at 40, career changes, and going to uni later in life.
3. 0:02:28 – A friend volunteers Rachel for a charity catwalk—and everything shifts.
4. 0:04:52 – Rachel’s body confidence battle and how stepping outside comfort zones changed everything.
5. 0:10:19 – The Bahamas shoot with Ashley Graham and Lizzo—and how representation hit home.
6. 0:13:25 – The fashion industry’s warped standards: why a size 16 model is still labelled “plus size.”
7. 0:15:21 – Rachel’s full-on imposter syndrome before her first big international shoot.
8. 0:18:23 – Announcing her next big project: launching a swimwear brand for women over 40.
9. 0:27:45 – Why changing careers in your 50s is terrifying—but necessary.
10. 0:43:41 – Rachel’s biggest advice: stop waiting to love yourself before you live your life. Say yes, even if you're scared.
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