Hapari's New Model Search: Is the Contest Rigged?
Just like many other moms, I find myself struggling with my not-so-perfect post-baby body. I worked out. I dieted. My body isn't perfect, but it is mine and for having gone through what it has gone through (two cesarean sections and one vaginal birth after two cesareans) I think it looks pretty good.
Recently, Hapari, a swimwear company that is known for producing great suits for women with not-so-perfect bodies, announced a new and exciting contest; the chance to become Hapari's next model. I thought it was a neat idea, and Hapari openly encouraged mothers and women with "real bodies" to enter the contest. I commented telling them it was a great idea and they encouraged me to enter. I was hesitant at first, but after looking at the current entries on their Facebook, I decided to go for it. The other entries were a wide range of looks, body types, and picture quality. The prize included a trip to Florida, a photo shoot and $2500. Based on some of the other entries, I figured I had a shot, so I entered the contest and submitted the photos.
Anxious to hear back, I posted on Hapari's wall asking when they would be posting the new entries and they informed me that entries would be posted Monday. I logged on, anxious to see my photo, only to find a poorly worded and almost insulting response to my entry;
"Thank you so much for your entry into the contest! While we would love to be able to accept every entry as our next model we do have to be selective in those ultimately chosen. As such your entry has not been posted on Facebook. Every entry received special consideration when reviewing for our next model and we appreciate your excitement to take part in our contest."
I know I'm not gorgeous. I know I'm not perfect. I have crooked teeth (yay for poor dental genes). One breast is bigger than the other (thank you, breastfeeding). I have super-thin chicken legs (I've always been scrawny). I'm pale (but I live in Alaska). I have stretch marks (but not many mothers with three children don't). I get that I'm not perfect and I'm not model quality gorgeous.
What I don't understand is that some of the entries that they did approve were very poor quality. Many of the entrants weren't even wearing swimsuits as the contest rules specified. Additionally, many of the photos were not quality photos; some of them were blurry, cluttered, taken in a messy room, or just poorly placed or laid out. Why would they deny my photos? They weren't perfect, but they were quality photos.
And now, Hapari has deleted and blocked me from their Facebook page for stating my disappointment in the selection of contest entrants and for expressing my upset for the unexplained denial. The only explanation I can come up with is that the contest is rigged.
I am very disappointed in Hapari and the company has lost my respect and my business. Others are upset with Hapari as well and have joined the Hapari Boycott on Facebook.
Recently, Hapari, a swimwear company that is known for producing great suits for women with not-so-perfect bodies, announced a new and exciting contest; the chance to become Hapari's next model. I thought it was a neat idea, and Hapari openly encouraged mothers and women with "real bodies" to enter the contest. I commented telling them it was a great idea and they encouraged me to enter. I was hesitant at first, but after looking at the current entries on their Facebook, I decided to go for it. The other entries were a wide range of looks, body types, and picture quality. The prize included a trip to Florida, a photo shoot and $2500. Based on some of the other entries, I figured I had a shot, so I entered the contest and submitted the photos.
Anxious to hear back, I posted on Hapari's wall asking when they would be posting the new entries and they informed me that entries would be posted Monday. I logged on, anxious to see my photo, only to find a poorly worded and almost insulting response to my entry;
"Thank you so much for your entry into the contest! While we would love to be able to accept every entry as our next model we do have to be selective in those ultimately chosen. As such your entry has not been posted on Facebook. Every entry received special consideration when reviewing for our next model and we appreciate your excitement to take part in our contest."
I know I'm not gorgeous. I know I'm not perfect. I have crooked teeth (yay for poor dental genes). One breast is bigger than the other (thank you, breastfeeding). I have super-thin chicken legs (I've always been scrawny). I'm pale (but I live in Alaska). I have stretch marks (but not many mothers with three children don't). I get that I'm not perfect and I'm not model quality gorgeous.
What I don't understand is that some of the entries that they did approve were very poor quality. Many of the entrants weren't even wearing swimsuits as the contest rules specified. Additionally, many of the photos were not quality photos; some of them were blurry, cluttered, taken in a messy room, or just poorly placed or laid out. Why would they deny my photos? They weren't perfect, but they were quality photos.
And now, Hapari has deleted and blocked me from their Facebook page for stating my disappointment in the selection of contest entrants and for expressing my upset for the unexplained denial. The only explanation I can come up with is that the contest is rigged.
I am very disappointed in Hapari and the company has lost my respect and my business. Others are upset with Hapari as well and have joined the Hapari Boycott on Facebook.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
I entered Hapari's contest and was denied for unknown reasons.
I entered Hapari's contest and was denied for unknown reasons.
Published by Samantha Van Vleet - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness and Lifestyle
Samantha Van Vleet is a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and third year pre-medical student. She, her husband and her three children reside in southcentral Alaska. She is actively involved... View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentI was all ready to get on the Hapari-hating bandwagon when I read rumors of it possibly being rigged with employee entries and the like, so I was anxious to read this article and get the scoop. While I certainly do NOT agree with those who have insulted your appearance and been rude, I must say that I don't understand how you go from an email explaining your entry will not be posted straight to "the contest is rigged." I really wanted to be on your side - really - but I honestly think you have jumped to conclusions here and I simply don't understand how rejection equals rigged. I will agree with you on the point that it is silly they didn't post your picture - especially if there was nothing in the contest rules or description stating they would only post top choices. But again (at the risk of sounding like a broken record), I don't understand how silly gets to rigged.
However, good for you for fighting for something you believe in, and for the confidence you have. You look great.
Well a few of us have been through more baby cakes. Try 6 pregnancies, 5 carried to term (1 lost to m/c) and an appendectomy...and nursed 4 of the 5. So honey,get off your little pity party and move on.Your on their site, itsn't that what this little #$%$ fest whine was all about...Oh poor me....look at me, look at me!
Just because you didn't get chosen, doesn't mean you should whine and cry about it. It's kind of this little thing called life. You can't always win, you can't always get picked first, and life just isn't fair. I would imagine that the contest is looking for a certain look, that you do not have. Get over it and move on. What is whining about it going to do? I see that it got you reentered into the contest, but really is it THAT important? Do you feel better now?
For contests like these, modeling shouldnt always be about looks. They should be about personality, and stuff like that. Sammi is amazing, shes super smart, sweet, happy, fun, and much, much more. Shes an amazing mom, and a great person. This competition should be about that, not Americas Next Top Playboy Bunny.
Two cesareans, three pregnancies... an emergency appendectomy!
Yeah? And theres nastier people there than her. So ya know what? #$%$ She deserves it. They shouldnt have asked for "real moms" or "real bodies" She has a pretty nice body for what shes been through.
She may be an amazing friend and person....doesn't make her model material except maybe with the fatal girls.
Hey F***ers. Get off YOUR high horse, she may not be a fake gorgeous, but you know what? Shes an amazing mom, and an amazing friend. She does so much for people, and doesnt ask for as much in return. If ANYBODY should be added to the contest, its her. So why dont you go suck yourself. Dont judge her because shes not fake, like most of you probably are. I know you dont care Sammi, but I do. They need to realize not everyones perfect. But your doing the best you can. I love you.
Now you magically appear on their site...ewe. Sorry,not gonna happen honey.Get off your self pity high horse.
You really think that the contest is rigged because you weren't chosen? Really???? If that's the picture you used, I can see why.