Meet Anastasia Garcia

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anastasia Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anastasia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

First and foremost, my purpose comes from my own experience of living in a large body. Growing up in the heroin chic era of the ’90s and the wafer-thin fashion model obsession of the early 2000s, I rarely—if ever—saw bodies like mine represented in a way that wasn’t meant to be a joke, a warning, or an afterthought. My purpose is rooted in my desire to create a different world for girls and women, one where they don’t grow up feeling invisible or unworthy

My ability to shape that future first became clear to me early in my career. Straight out of art school, I landed a job with a major e-commerce brand, and I was in a meeting about launching a plus-size line. The producer of the project suggested for going the use of plus size models, and using straight-size models – her recommendation was to pin the plus size clothes down to fit the thinner models. I’ll never forget that moment because it was like hearing a record scratch, and I immediately knew it was the wrong choice. As a plus-size woman, I knew firsthand how damaging and misleading that would be for our customer. Despite my fear in that moment, I stopped the meeting and spoke up. I explained why representation matters—not just in the way people feel about themselves, but in the way they make purchasing decisions. I was 22 and fresh out of college at the time, I was terrified to make such a bold statement to a room full of people who were twice my senior… but that moment changed everything for me. Because I was a plus size woman myself, they inherently trusted what I had to say. They ended up assigning me to lead the project, from casting to creative direction, and through that experience I saw firsthand how my perspective could shift the industry.

From that moment on I knew that I wanted to use my experiences to inform how I create imagery. I knew that I couldn’t continue to make art work that would discourage or harm the people viewing it. Instead I wanted to create fashion images that made people feel seen, beautiful, and powerful.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and advocating for inclusivity in the fashion industry. My goal is to create a world where all bodies are celebrated, and everyone can see themselves reflected in the art and media they consume. Beyond fashion, I also plan to continue to use photography as a form of geo-political activism—challenging oppressive beauty standards, racism, and transphobia on a global scale and highlighting the intersections of body politics, identity, and power. At its core, my work is about teaching people that self-love isn’t just about feeling good in your skin—it’s the foundation of true wellness and lasting health.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say that three key qualities that have been instrumental in shaping my path are:
Authenticity: Embracing my true self has been foundational. By being genuine in my work and interactions, I’ve fostered trust and connection with my audience.
Resilience: Navigating the fashion industry as a plus-size woman presented challenges. Developing resilience allowed me to persevere and advocate for inclusivity.
Empathy: Understanding and valuing diverse perspectives have enriched my work, enabling me to create images that resonate deeply with various audiences.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to practices that ground and center me. Yoga has been a cornerstone in my self-care routine; it not only strengthens my body but also calms my mind, connects me to my spirituality but has been key in helping me navigate stress with greater ease. Incorporating pranayama, or breathwork, into my practice has been transformative. Deep, mindful breathing techniques have a profound effect on reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of inner peace.

Meditation is another tool I rely on. Taking time to sit quietly, focus inward, and observe my thoughts without judgment allows me to reset and approach challenges with a clearer perspective. This mindfulness practice enhances my emotional well-being and helps me stay present.

Additionally, I prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that bring me joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a good book, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. These moments of reprieve are essential for maintaining balance and sustaining my creative energy.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I recommend exploring these practices to see what resonates with you. Start with small, consistent steps—perhaps a few minutes of deep breathing or gentle stretching each day—and gradually build a routine that supports your well-being. Remember, taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a vital part of maintaining your health and effectiveness in all areas of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anastasiagarciaphoto.com
• Instagram: @anastasiagphoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmqGkQyvY6KBD945-KymICA?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits

Photo of Anastasia by Lydia Hudgens

Photography by Anastasia Garcia