At MIMCO, we're dedicated to empowering all women—and we believe that the right accessories can help you take on the world.

That's why, in line with the launch of our latest collection, we partnered with five trailblazing young changemakers who are paving the way for a better, brighter future.

Meet Jessica Vander Leahy

Model, writer & body positivity activist.

Throughout her decade-long modelling career, Jessica Vander Leahy has witnessed a slow but sure shift in the fashion industry’s attitude towards beauty—but the fight isn’t over yet.

Here, Jessica opens up about body positivity, self-love and why we need to tell our unique stories—now more than ever.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

“I am a model and a writer.”

You’re a huge advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion. Where does this passion come from?

“Body positivity should be the norm. We should all be able to look different and be different. How boring would it be if we all looked the same? I’m not a body image warrior—I’m just somebody who thought about it a little bit more. It’s really not a revolutionary idea but it seems like, for one reason or another, we’re only now starting to celebrate all different types of bodies and all types of existing in the world.”

If you could change the way women are portrayed in the media, how would you?

“The media has a nasty history of portraying women in a very shallow, one dimensional way. But also, we’re still having to grapple with the fact that women aren’t some monolithic entity in the world. We are so different, with so many stories to tell. Those stories now more than ever need to be told through an equal gaze - a male and a female gaze. Now more than ever, we need to tell our stories in a real, raw and honest way. Not just the pretty things; the messy, gritty things, the ugly side of things that are just real.”

What does empowerment mean to you?

“Empowerment to me really just means being able to exist in your own skin on this planet unapologetically, regardless of whatever’s in your pants. You can freely move and be who you want to be—that’s an empowering way of existing to me.”

“It’s an ever-evolving relationship and journey. Grappling with different stereotypes and different categories you get put into by society - age, race, where you sit on the socioeconomic scale - these are all things that we have to constantly deal with. You’re always going to grow and change and be different.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received (or read) is Dolly Parton – ‘If someone tells you your hair is too big; you should kick them out of your life because you don’t need that kind of negativity’! But in all seriousness—if someone tells you you’re too big for anything, or taking up too much space, you don’t need that. Be however you want to be, unapologetically.”

Can you tell us a little about your podcast, The Affirmation Project?

“I had the idea to create a podcast during COVID [lockdown]. For me, something that’s really important is having a spiritual grounding or self-reflection each day, connecting to whatever you’re doing or your bigger goals and who you ultimately want to be. I call it a micro podcast—it goes for five minutes or less and it’s just a way of sharing wisdom.”

How do you deal with days when you’re not feeling your best?

“There are always going to be days when you struggle and your body or your mind feels tired, but you just have to cultivate the sense of knowing that, like everything in life, nothing is permanent – not even a negative state of being. You just have to find that balance and contentment. Do things that make you feel good. Self-care is really important and surrounding yourself with people who love and support you.”

Shop the Unite collection, as seen on Jessica