Summer Confidence Walk 2023
On August 19th, we hosted a Summer Confidence Walk in central London.
This is the most significant event we have done as a business, and we are so happy with how it went!
Our purpose was to inspire others, break beauty standards and encourage body confidence amongst the general public.
Everything had to be considered, from route planning to designing logos for the cupcakes! We started planning this event in mid-March, so there has been five months of planning by the amazing You at Yours team!
We have worked extremely hard to make this event accessible and inclusive to all the phenomenal individuals that attended. Finding an accessible venue was a struggle initially; however, we were determined and eventually found 56 Greek Street in Soho, which we felt would be a fantastic venue to work with.
Our original date for the event was July 22nd, but we had to delay the event due to train strikes which would have made it extremely difficult for both the team and the individuals to make it to and from the venue. We were also worried that the walk wouldn't have as much of an impact because it would've been less busy (once again, due to the strikes).
In the days leading up to the event, there were many last-minute details to consider and organise. For example, just days before the event, there was an issue with the outfit deliveries, which meant there was a possibility of them not being delivered! Initially, this caused lots of panic among the team; however, the issue was resolved quickly, and the outfits arrived the next day. Phew!
To start the day, we had our individuals arrive at our hub venue in Soho at 10 am to get ready. We had our brilliant hair and makeup artists Sophie (@muasophie5), Lily (@lilydaviesmua) and Daisey (@makeupbydaisey_) working with those who wanted their hair/makeup done. We also provided food such as fruit, croissants and YaY cupcakes (made by Katie Kilroy).
There was a lot of nerves amongst the individuals leading up to the walk, but the atmosphere was filled with love and encouragement. Seeing these women's support for each other was incredibly inspiring, and many even spoke about arranging coffee/cocktails after the event.
The attendees opened their gift bags which contained a makeup bag (with a YaY keyring), crocheted headband (made by Lorraine Miller), coin purse and their beautiful lingerie/nightwear that had been supplied by either Lemonade Dolls https://www.lemonadedolls.com or Abigail Walker Lingerie https://abigailwalkerlingerie.com
The walking individuals had handwritten positive affirmations written on signs, which they proudly marched with throughout the walk.
Once ready, the individuals went outside in 2's to face the initial fear of the walk and get some individual photos with Mervyn. After this, they said they felt liberated and excited for the walk.
The walk started at 2 pm, and the route was designed to last approximately 1 hour, on flat ground as much as possible to keep the walk inclusive.
We had the fantastic Sophie stand in Covent Garden with a sign to raise awareness and gather a crowd for our entrance into the heart of the West End.
We had many wholesome reactions from the general public, for example, people showing their scars, cheering us on and taking photos with us.
This helped the girls to feel even more confident and empowered as the walk continued. We arrived at Covent Garden with tremendous cheers, with room created for an impromptu catwalk, which included lots of sass, hair flips and smiles from our outstanding individuals.
We then walked through Leicester Square and Chinatown, and the crowds seemed to get bigger as the walk continued. Chaperones were present at the walk to ensure our individuals were always kept safe, so we were prepared for the crowds.
We then returned to the venue and stopped by an alleyway opposite Soho Square for a group empowerment circle.
The energy at this moment was unreal, and there was nothing but support and encouragement for everyone who stepped forward to strut their stuff.
Overall, the event was incredible. We were so grateful to be able to hold this space for these beautiful people and give them a chance to celebrate themselves and their bodies!
A huge thank you goes out to them and our excellent You at Yours team, who made this all possible!
Check out our captured moments from the walk on the You at Yours instagram
Photography by: @youatyours & @chen_lightcapturer
Individuals: @alwaysalysse / @xelliesweetx / @whentaniatalks / @tatlapatate / @sexy_stitches / @cherellejay / @lucyzionthatcher / @natalie_amber1 / @farahmlondon / @tanyalivingfree / @michelle.potia / @elle_bungay / @almirabaglar / @ashleekfield / @nes_quick_
Outfits: @lemonadedolls - https://www.lemonadedolls.com / @abigailwalker_lingerie - https://abigailwalkerlingerie.com
You at Yours Team: Mervyn - @youatyours / Caitlin- @caitfashions / Naomi- @naomiwelford / Bonny- @bonny_rose_ / Chen- @chen_lightcapturer / Louise- @jellyfielderstudios / Mary- @msmarymorgan / Sophie- @muasophie5 / Lily- @lilydaviesmua / Daisey- @makeupbydaisey_