Answers with Hayley Hasselhoff

Answer 1

What's your Fearless character, Rebecca, like?

Rebecca Watson believes that music can make you feel. She believes in it so much that she opened her own record label. She wanted to only represent artists who stood up for their music and how it could touch another. Here is a quote from Almost Famous that I felt explained who she was perfectly: "If you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends."

Answer 2

You're now moving your career focus to film. Do you think this will be a permanent switch, or will we see you back on television and the runway soon?

Being given the opportunity to move into film was amazing, but I don't plan on sticking to one avenue of the business. It all depends on the project. You will always be seeing me creating in many different avenues. Runways will always be in my future, though.

Answer 3

You began modeling at age 14! How did that impact your childhood and make you the woman you are today?

It impacted my life in such a beautiful way. I feel like the early teens is the time that negative thoughts about your body start to form. But thankfully, because I started working at 14 with women who believed curvy individuals could be healthy, toned, and beautiful. I began to love my body for what it was. It was such a blessing to be able to be around such confident, curvy women at my young age. I was the spokesmodel for Torrid's local Model Searches in 2007. Being able to meet so many young, aspiring plus size models changed my life forever. To see so many young, curvy girls chasing their dreams was so inspiring. I was able to speak with a few and the saw beauty of what we all faced. Now, getting back into plus size modeling I've been able to not only be a model, but a body activist as well. I was beyond blessed to have had those kinds of role models in my life to show me that no matter what shape or size I am, I am beautiful.

Answer 4

What's it like to see yourself in fashion magazines and advertisements?

I feel so privileged that fashion magazines and brands let me be a part of their admirable visions. It shows you that your hard work has paid off and is being recognized.

Answer 5

How do you feel about the phrase "plus sized"?

The phrase "Plus Sized" doesn't bother me. It's all about how you look or perceive a word. I only look upon "Plus Size" with love because that's all it has given me. I started out as a plus size Model when I was 14. It was the first time I was ever considered plus size or that word was presented to me. In the model industry there are straight size models and plus size models. I accepted and was grateful that I was a plus size model. So that word is just a description to me of the industry I am in and I don't ascribe any negativity towards it.

Answer 6

There are many societal pressures for women and girls to conform to a specific body type. How have you confronted these in your modeling career? In your everyday life?

From day one, my family has always told me I was beautiful no matter what shape or size I am. That beauty comes from within and I am so thankful I had that upbringing. I have continued to surround myself with friends who only bring out the best out of me. I think that is very important. I have never let the negativity of body image effect who I am. It's all about being healthy and soon after being happy will follow. When it comes to modeling, I'm thankful to be accepted and appreciated for my curves. Now that does not mean that I am not eating right and working out. Plus size brands want to book what they see, not what they can airbrush, especially lingerie clients who want toned, healthy looking plus size models.

Answer 7

As a model, what has been your worst experience with air-brushing/Photoshop?

I was shooting a test shoot for publicity photos a couple years ago. I got suggested to a photographer by a makeup artist I had worked with. When the photos were sent to us my body had been photoshopped so much it didn't even look like me. In this case I was able to speak up and reject these photos, but sometimes you don't have that power. When I'm shooting as Hayley Hasselhoff I oftentimes have more control, but when I'm shooting for a brand or editorial I never complain because it is their vision, not mine. I feel grateful just to be a part of that vision.

Answer 8

You're well known for your role as Amber on ABC Family's Huge. What message do you hope the show sent viewers?

Huge was such a special show. I wanted to show viewers that we all face struggles at that age and that they're not alone. Facing struggles doesn't make you weak; it makes you human. I will be forever grateful that I had a chance to live out my dreams as an actress on a show that aimed to help teenagers with weight issues.

Answer 9

Amber was the least fat girl at fat camp, but she was still determined to lose weight. Is there anything you've ever been that self-conscious about? What did you do about it?

I can't pinpoint one incident. What I can tell you is that I've had my bad days about my weight. But because of the continuous support from the people closest to me, my friends and family, I've learned to appreciate my bad days and know that bad days get you to your good days. By accepting your bad days for what they are, you are pushing negativity out of your life and growing into a stronger person.

Answer 10

Why and when did you first start promoting positive body image?

I feel like promoting positive body image came to me through the industry of which I'm a part. My journey in this industry, whether it be through modeling or acting, has always had a message behind it. When I was 14 and I started out as a plus size model and gained a sense of appreciation for my curves, which I then enjoyed sharing with the fans I met along the way, not only because I wanted them to feel beautiful in their shape/size but because I wanted to give something back to them. My fans have always been such an inspiration to me. They've helped me to realize that I'm not alone in my struggle and have encouraged me to let others know it is okay to feel this way. Self-love is so important at any age.