We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Annelise Asch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Annelise below.

Hi Annelise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Posting about being happy in a fat body is asking for online harassment. That may seem pessimistic or sad, but in my experience, it has been the truth. I used to be afraid of acquaintances finding my story and knowing too much about me. I was afraid of coworkers judging me, or even old classmates looking down on me. Posting about my eating disorder recovery is a risk that I take. Sharing plus size fashion or lifestyle content may fall into the wrong hands, but it may just as likely fall into the right hands! Someone once took the same risk and began posting their plus size content, which I found about 9 years into my eating disorder, and it changed my life. So I happily reply to the hate comments with some sass, because creating a safe space for folks in larger bodies is so much more important to me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a plus size fashion and lifestyle creator living in LA! I have always been in front of the camera as a theater kid, a vlogger or just making silly YouTube sketches. I started creating my current content in 2021 when I realized that there was a lack of influencers who looked like me. I wanted to share a different kind of fashion content, where folks in larger bodies could feel comfortable learning to explore their style. In the process, I have created content for brands such as Yitty, SavageXFenty, Torrid and Fabletics. I am most proud of the community I continue to build. As a growing platform, I frequently get messages about how my content has helped someone feel less along in their body. I have made friends that I see and connect with at plus size events. This has become a whole world for me, and I would not trade it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being completely myself on a growing and public platform is still new. I think most people see being an open book as a negative, rather than as a strength. I know my story is not one in a million, but my outlook and take on it, is unique. My openness is a genuine call to connect. As I continue to create, I’m excited to show my unique perspective in the hopes of inspiring others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My best advice is to be authentic. When you have an idea, don’t overthink it. Some of my most engaged content are posts I made on a whim! Be genuine to the kind of content you want to make, find a niche and dive in!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @anneliseasch