ScherriLee Biggs 5 MINUTES WITH
Posted by Katie Byrne on 6th Aug 2015
As Channel 9 Perth’s Weather Presenter and a former Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs is no stranger to media scrutiny. Her inspirational approach to dealing with public feedback, coupled with her incredibly positive attitude makes her a perfect fit for our Butterfly Foundation Heel to Heal campaign. Read on to find out about how Scherri builds up her self-confidence, and learn how she has become her own best friend.
Why did you want to be involved in the Wittner & Butterfly Foundation ‘Heel to Heal’ campaign?
I think you’d really struggle to find a woman who hasn’t had issues with body image at some point in her life. That’s something I’ve learnt through my time in this industry. It doesn’t really matter how fabulous someone’s job is, or how incredibly beautiful they are, this is an issue that seems to plague us all. So the reason I wanted to be involved with the ‘Heel to Heal’ campaign is to break down the idea that women in the media are exempt from those feelings and to share some of the ways I build confidence within myself.
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey with body image? Have you struggled with negative body image in the past?
Where do I begin… Since I can remember I’ve always been involved in industries that are known for body image issues. I started with dancing as a kid, migrated into modeling in my late teens and then entered Miss Universe. There have been times in my life, when I haven’t been at ease in my own skin, giving in to the negativity surrounding me. When I look back, those were some of the hardest moments, purely because at that point in time I didn’t have my best friend around… ME! The most important thing, and sometimes the hardest thing to do for yourself is to just be your best friend. If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, don’t say it to yourself. Give yourself that same level of friendship and love, as you would your bestest-ever-on-this-entire-planet mate.
Being in the media spotlight, how do you cope with feedback whether it is negative or positive?
At first it was a difficult lesson to learn, especially with the likes of social media and having people’s opinions of yourself in your face all day long. I enjoy feedback on my work and projects from people who have the best intentions – you can only grow from such advice, whether it be good or bad. However when it comes to unnecessary negative feedback from people outside of my work and life, that’s then when I now feel the strongest. It’s taken a while, but I’m my own best friend now, so no-one can rock my core confidence.
Complete this sentence: I recently splurged on…
I wish… I’m saving to buy my first house. Saving sucks! Splurging doesn’t!
Who are your style muses?
I can’t go past a glam Blake Lively, she always looks great.
Karlie Kloss has the chic casual look down pat.
And Kimmy K on a good day… Do you hate me for it?
Give us a run-down of your perfect day…
Wake up. Don’t think – go to hot yoga class. Leave feeling amazing.
Take my dog George to the beach and go for a swim.
Breakfast with my Mum/favourite person on this planet.
Head off to a shoot with my friends (I’m lucky I have very talented fashion industry based friends). Have fun. Create some amazing shots.
Go into the Channel 9 office – oh look someone has already done all the weather research and written my scripts (this is fiction right?). Have fun on set with the Channel 9 Perth team. I must love my work – it’s the centrepiece to my dream day! Go on a date with my beautiful boy Lachie. Finish up with Fro Yo, a kiss goodnight and some sweet dreams.
Your everyday uniform.
I’m in winter mode, so this is ‘cooler months’ inspired. Black leather pants, white tee, grey wool trench and it’s all about the over-the-knee boot or a black simple point if I’m in the office.
You travel a lot between Perth and Melbourne – what are your travel essentials?
A great pair of noise cancelling headphones – you’re definitely a seasoned traveller if you travel with your own. A pair of flats in my bag to roll around the cabin in and then a fierce pair of Wittner heels to wear on the other side. A big bottle of water. And I also travel with a clear Hydrating Dermalogica mask on – to stop my skin from drying out.
Do you find Perth style different to Melbourne style?
Completely. The fact that I’m still wearing shorts in Autumn is the first difference! The thing I love about these two cities is that they’re total opposites. People in Melbourne have a very cool, understated, almost more conservative style. Lots of quality pieces. Whereas in Perth – while we’re still very stylish – we can show a bit more skin day to day, and like to play with colour a little more.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I’ve recently started getting into Raw desserts. I know they’re meant to be better for you. But I love them WAY too much! Especially a raw caramel slice.
Which shoe is your pick of the Wittner Heel to Heal corporate range and how would you wear it?
I love the Minka Black Patent heel. I would wear it with a black pencil skirt, grey marle turtle-neck knit, slick hair and a mulberry lip.