In celebration of International Women's Month, we’re making the month of March all about the incredible, inspiring, courageous women who inspire you to be who YOU are. Each week we’ll be chatting to three of our ‘I am who I am’ campaign ambassadors as they share their stories to uplift, and inspire YOU! Covering everything from self-love, who inspires them, and what makes them happiest; this week it’s all about model Amelia Hamlin, content creator Shantania Beckford and blogger Shannon Alexandra!

Introduce yourself

Amelia Hamin: Hey, I'm Amelia Hamlin and I'm a model.

Shantania Beckford I’m Shantania Beckford and I’m a social media content creator.

Shannon Alexandra: Hey I’m Shannon and I’m a 25 year old blogger from Sheffield.

Tell us your story

AH: I struggled with an eating disorder when i was 14; and am so lucky to have come out the other side. I’ve learnt so many invaluable lessons from [that period of my life] that I honestly wouldn't take it back. I’ve never loved myself as much as i do now, which is so important. It’s the most important quality a woman can have; [as well as] self-love, self-respect and self-confidence and body positivity.

SB: Most of my life I’ve known a really hard struggle, but finding YouTube and a way to truly express myself, I feel like I’ve come full circle! I was born in Jamaica and moved here when I was 9. I’ve gone through abuse, homelessness been an undocumented person, bullying, skin bleaching... The list goes on. I worked hard to not be a victim to my problems but instead take control of my situation. Now I’m working hard to buy my true freedom, make something of myself and to make my mum proud.

SA: I am a breast cancer survivor. I was fresh into university when I was diagnosed. Ironically, I was studying cancer medicine at the time and just finding my feet in adulthood so it really knocked me sideways. I’m glad to be in good health now; It’s taught me a lot, but it was very difficult at the time.

What brings you happiness every day?

SB: My girlfriend makes me smile every day! It lights up my life knowing that I have a great person that’s taking this life journey with me.
SA: My friends, my fiancé and my dog.

Who inspires you and why?

SA: My biggest inspirations are my girlfriends. They come from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and are all such strong and motivational women. They all do something different career wise too, which is super interesting; and we’re always looking to push and inspire each other wherever possible.
AH: My mum is my biggest inspiration. She taught me how to love myself, be unapologetically me, and how to make fun of myself in ways that ended up helping me with my confidence.

What makes you YOU?

SB: My energy, my vibe and that I’m a very expressive and passionate person. I feel like my presence enables others to feel comfortable enough to express themselves.
AH: Body positivity, love for oneself and confidence - which are all so important to have as women.

What do you love most about yourself?

SA: I love the woman I’ve become. When I was younger, i was a shell of the woman i wanted to be, and now that I've grown up, I’m really proud and happy with the woman I’ve become.
SB: I love that my heart is so big! Nothing makes me love and appreciate myself more than using all the love I have, to make other people feel better.

What piece of advice would you share with other women?

AH: It’s very important as women to lift one another up, love yourself, spread positivity, and support one another.
SB: Your power lies right within your hands, you're a divine feminine goddess and no one can take your power away from you unless you let them.
SA: Firstly I would say please regularly check your boobs for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Secondly, live your life being yourself, unapologetically! Life is too short to try and conform to beauty standards. The moment you start living for yourself and being the true you, you will flourish.