YOUR STORY MATTERS

Here at Her Story Clothing Co we know the power and importance that sharing your story can have- both on the person telling it, and for the people who hear it. Eating disorders are still such a taboo subject to discuss in this country, even though it is reported that approximately 8 million people have a serious eating disorder- 7 million females and 1 million males.  In fact for many people buying clothes or simply trying clothes on can be quite triggering and cause a great deal of anxiety-when it should be a fun and joyful creative experience. 

That's why we wanted to tell Jacie's story this month! Not only is she brave enough to use the word 'bulimic' when she describes her journey with dieting, body shame, and healing from her eating disorder-she also credits her faith and God's unconditional love to how she got where she is today- happy, healthy, and enjoying life!

Her Story Clothing Co Interview with Jacie

Like so many girls today, Jacie remembers going on her first diet around 9 or 10 years old. She grew up loving to dance and participated in several dance competitions starting in early childhood. "I think there was one particular outfit that showed our stomachs and it was the first time I noticed mine was shaped different then the other girls." Jacie continued dancing throughout her childhood and teenage years and even made the Sacramento State University dance team while she attended school there. Her body was powerful, strong, and from the outside looking in, most of Jacie's family and friends saw her as incredibly confident and had no idea that beginning in her teenage years she had started purging in order to try and keep her weight down. "Even though I knew logically what I was doing wasn't good for me, it became easier and easier to minimize and tell myself it was no big deal."

Fast forward to present day and Jacie will tell you recovering from her bulimia is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do. 'To be honest, it's something that is always lurking in the back of my mind, and sometimes I still have to fight the thought really hard to not purge after I feel guilty about whatever it is I ate." We love her honesty about this specific struggle because we know so many other women can relate to her struggle and feelings of guilt and shame around what they eat. Now Jacie has become a huge advocate for other women and girls by encouraging them to love every part of themselves exactly as they are. "It took a lot of healing and prayer to get to a healthy mindset about my body and food," she shares. "If I could go back in time and tell my younger self anything it would be to remember that I was made in God's image and trust that he doesn't make mistakes and I am worthy of receiving his love."

One thing as important to Her Story Clothing Co as sharing your story is making sure we leave you feeling empowered and knowing how much you matter to this world. We asked Jacie when she feels the most powerful in her own skin and she instantly knew it was when she is making people laugh. "I always feel my most joyful self when I am laughing with others!" And we couldn't agree more because she is hilarious without really even trying! 

Before wrapping up with Jacie I asked her to finish the statement, what I know for sure is...? "What I know for sure is that I am a strong woman of God no matter what my weight is!" 

We thank Jacie for sharing some of her story and want to remind everyone that if you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder to please talk to your doctor or therapist about it so they can support you in getting the help you need. For more information you can also call the National Eating Disorders Association Hotline: 1-800-931-2237

Jacie is wearing our Feminist AF Crop Top