IN THIS EPISODE:

This week we welcome Christina Grasso, also known by the nickname ‘The Pouf,” writer, digital creator, eating disorder advocate, and bad-ass woman. In addition to her professional roles, Christina is also the co-founder of the non-profit peer support network, The Chain. The Chain is aimed at women in the fashion and entertainment industry struggling with eating disorders and was partially inspired by Christina’s own recovery journey from anorexia, which she has dealt with for nearly 20 years.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The heightened challenges faced for those struggling with an eating disorder in the fashion and entertainment industry.

• The fear that an eating disorder is necessary to succeed and stay relevant within the industry.

• How The Chain is responsibly addressing the heightened triggers that come with being in the fashion industry.

• Answering the question of how to not let an eating disorder strip you of a fulfilling career.

• Body diversity and the importance of young consumers seeing bodies that look like their own.

• How recovery success rates increase when treatment is sought sooner rather than later.

• The ways in which the notion of not being "sick enough" can transform into unhealthy eating disorder “goals.”

• Challenging the barriers to recovery due to loss of structure and connection during the pandemic.
  

ABOUT CHRISTINA GRASSO :

Christina Grasso is a writer, digital creator, and eating disorder advocate. Over the past decade, she has worked with top fashion and beauty brands including Chanel, Cynthia Rowley, Dermstore, Oscar de la Renta, Reebok, Yves Saint Laurent, and more, and is currently represented by Wilhelmina Models’ influencer board.

In addition to her professional work, Christina is the co-founder of The Chain, a 501c3 non-profit peer-support network for women in fashion and entertainment coping with eating disorders. The Chain was partially inspired by her own recovery from anorexia, which she has dealt with for nearly 20 years.

Christina graduated in 2011 from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, with concentrations in Communication and Italian. She lives in Manhattan with her cat, Stevie Nicks.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA GRASSO:

• Learn more about The Chain peer support-network

• Make a donation to The Chain

• Follow Christina on Facebook and Instagram

• Read Christina’s articles written for StyleCaster including:

  • “These Celebs Are Shattering the Stigma Around Mental Illness"

  • “Can You Ever Fully Recover From an Eating Disorder?”

  • “How Learning to Surf Helped Me in my Eating Disorder Recovery”

• Watch “Getting Frank About Eating Disorders Featuring Christina Grasso”

• Find Christina and The Chain's press mentions below:

  • "How Two Fashion Insiders Are Fighting Eating Disorders In the Industry" by Shape

  • “The Founders Of The Chain Shine A Light On Eating Disorders In Fashion And Media” by Forbes

  • “The Founders Of The Chain Get Real About Eating Disorders And Fashion Week” by Elle

  • “Let’s Make the Fashion Industry a Better Place for Those Struggling With Eating Disorders” by Fashionista

  • Click here for more press mentions

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

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