Bella Huddart, 52

Share this article

I always felt very large for my age: by the time I was twelve I was already nearly six feet tall. And I was quite self-conscious about it. But having the first of my six kids at 22 and my body being pregnant and going through the cycle of giving birth was hugely important – it made me less self-conscious. I think that marrying very young, and having all those children was a huge security for me.

Beauty is what you make of it. I'm a mum of six. I've lived and I've loved. I've been teased for my height and my short hair and finally at 52 I've realised I don't have to give myself a hard time anymore. When I look at myself now I feel that I see somebody confident in herself; I stand...

Show More Show Less

Now my eldest is 29 and my youngest is 14. They’re now friends of mine as well as my children, and they have helped me to accept the way I see people. You realise beauty is so much within each person. I’ve got three daughters and they are all beautiful but all entirely different – it’s so complex and personal. I’ve also learned that it’s all about keeping in touch with reality. I think that’s a hugely beautiful thing – when you can talk to somebody and know that they’re not faking you.