An interview with Paris Fashion Week model Madeline Stuart.
In honor of International Women’s Day, which was March 8th, I wanted to highlight a woman who embodies everything that is fearless, fit and fabulous. Someone who breaks down barriers, who isn’t afraid to be authentically herself, and who leads with her heart in everything she pursues.
I first met Madeline in 2017 at a charity event for the Special Needs Network. I was blown away and captivated by her poise, composure, and ability to captivate an audience with her words. She is the perfect example of what it means to stand up for yourself and for others. She’s the perfect example of what it means to fight for what you believe in and most of all, to fight to expose the harsh realities and biases that still exist in today’s world.
She is strong and independent. She is fit and she is fabulous! She is Madeline Stuart. In our first one-on-one interview with the model, activist, and fit-fatale we discuss everything from society’s prejudice, breaking down stigmas, fitness routines, meal-prep and what she hopes for the future.
1) Madeline, it’s clear you are someone who breaks down barriers and stands as a shining example of what it means to be fearless. You are a true inspiration to many. How have you dealt with the challenges and obstacles you’ve faced in order to get to where you are today?
MS: I work hard and never say I can’t do something because of my disability, I sometimes don’t do it as quick as the next person but I will get there in the end if you give me a chance. I think the biggest obstacle has been weight, I was very overweight before I started modelling and did not have the energy to do the things I do now. I travel three quarters of the year and I could have never done that if I was not fit as it is exhausting.
2) As a women who defies societies traditional limitations of what you can and cannot do–what do you have to say to those individuals who stand to challenge your ground-breaking career? Do you come up against criticism from others and how do you defend yourself?
MS: Yes of course only today an organisation in London who represent models with disabilities called models of diversity told me when I reached out about a job in the UK they had tweeted about that I was not suitable as they were only hiring high-end models with disabilities, I was very shocked as I do not know of another model with a disability that has worked as much all over the world as me, it is hard to be rejected by someone that is not in the diversity industry but to be told that by a company that represents models with disabilities it is heart breaking. I am still confused what a high-end model with a disability is. As far as defending myself well the only way to do that is to prove people wrong so I will work harder and longer until I am taken seriously by those who do not believe in me yet.
3) What do you hope others will learn from your experience?
MS: I hope people learn that anything is possible if you work hard and stick to your goals, I see a lot of my friends start doing one thing and then if it does not work quickly they move onto something else. Don’t get me wrong everyone should be realistic so I doubt I would ever be a Victoria Secret model even though that would be amazing and a dream come true but I will not hold my breath. I also hope people will learn that everyone is capable if you give them a chance, when designers first look at me they think I will not fit into their clothes as I do not look skinny but I am a sample size or a 0 in the USA so I fit perfectly, we need to make fewer assumptions and stop judging people without giving them a chance.
4) What would you say to someone who is struggling with personal body image struggles, judgment, or possible fear of rejection from others? (In terms of getting out there and exercising)?
MS: It is hard to start an exercise routine, I struggled when I first started, I swam in the pool every day and now I hate it, I then started working out with a personal trainer and I loved it, you need to find something you love so you enjoy it, there are so many ways to do exercise but we need to do it to keep fit so we can live a healthy life. If you are scared of judgment than try to remember that you are not the only one, there are very few people out there that do not fear judgment on some level, we are our worst enemies sometimes
5) Why did you decide you wanted to get fit?
MS: I have 3 holes in my heart and a leaky valve so it is necessary if I want to live a long life, I also wanted to keep up with my friends that are very active. I was very uncomfortable when I was heavier and I did not like it.
6) Do you have a favorite athlete, if so, who is your favorite?
MS: Not really a particular athlete, I do have a favourite sport which is Cricket but unless you are Australian you will not understand the passion with cricket.
7) What is your favorite music to listen to when you work out?
MS: I love pop music, in particular Lady Ga Ga and Sia.
8) Do you have a favourite workout routine or a routine that is fun for you?
MS: I love boxing and doing the battle ropes but as long as I am in the gym with my friends I am happy.
9) Do you meal prep? If so–what does your typical diet consist of on any given day?
MS: My mum makes all my meals, I am very habitual with my routine, I have either cornflakes or eggs on toast for breakfast then for lunch, it is always a grilled chicken wrap with white meat and vegetables or salad for dinner. Snacks are fruit or sometimes a banana smoothie made with skim milk, ice and banana. I try not to have bread, potatoes, pasta or rice after lunch.