Ep 4: Laura Mathias on living with alopecia, navigating confidence, dating, body image, and choosing when (and if) to wear a wig.

TW: Eating Disorders, Body ImageWhat does it mean to show up in the world as yourself when the world isn’t always ready to see you? In this episode I sit down with the incredible Laura Mathias: campaigner, model, and ambassador for Changing Faces UK , who shares her story of living with alopecia, navigating confidence, dating, body image, and choosing when (and if) to wear a wig.Laura opens up about losing her hair at 13, missing months of school, living 17 years in wigs, and how the pandemic shifted everything. We talk about self-confidence as a practice rather than a destination, the push and pull between comfort and visibility, and how campaigning for others has been a way of healing for herself.✨ In this episode we cover:- Growing up with alopecia and the impact on self-image- The six months Laura couldn’t face school- 17 years of wigs, and what changed in lockdown- Finding community online and learning to see bald beauty- Confidence, dating, and showing up in the workplace- Laura’s TED Talk and why campaigning is also self-healing- The importance of choosing comfort over social discomfort📍 Watch & Explore More of Laura’s Journey:Laura’s TED Talk: “Why does my bald head make you feel uncomfortable?”LinkedIn Advert: Building a more inclusive workplaceThe Trinny Takeover Show feat. LauraOur very first Body Talks Instagram Live (2021)Connect with Laura:Instagram: @relightalopeciaLinkedIn: Laura MathiasConnect with your host Chloé:Instagram: @chloedallolioPodcast Instagram: @thebodytalks.love💌 If this conversation resonates with you, please share, subscribe, and leave a review - it helps this podcast reach more people who might need to hear these words.