Our January 2010 issue exploded when the Islington Girl editorial was unveiled featuring Chloe Marshall. We received an amazing amount of press and emails from people wanting to know more about this English beauty so we caught up with this inspiring young lady and brought her a little closer to her new fans.

Maddy: Much of who we are as young adults is determined by our experiences when we are growing up. How was the subject of body image addressed in your home?

Chloe: While I was growing up body image was addressed positively. I was a happy and healthy child.

Maddy: Have you always dreamed of being a model?

Chloe: When I was 15 I decided I wanted to be a model and signed with a Modeling Agency in London when I was 16. I entered the Miss Surrey Pageant because I wanted to show people that there is an alternative to the size zero conception of beauty. Entering the Pageant was amazing and I received a lot of positive press and also positive emails and letters from the public.

Maddy: In March 2008 you won the title of Miss Surrey. Tell me about entering to compete in a beauty pageant that was not specifically for plus size women.

Chloe: I'm so glad I entered the Miss England Pageant; I had the most amazing time ever! I met some wonderful people and made life long friendships. Everyone was really nice and supportive and I never felt like I was being judged by them for being bigger.

Maddy: Can you tell us about the pageant? How did the audience receive you?

Chloe: I love my curves and it is who I am. I felt very confident in the swimsuit round, I never looked at the other girls and thought they were better than me because they were skinny, I believe beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and also I love my body shape and every single curve! I wouldn't change myself for anyone! I love being on stage and showing off! The audience went wild every time I came on - I felt like it was a dream, it was just out of this world, such an amazing feeling!