As the founder of Roam Loud, I’ve participated in many interviews that explore the intersections of business, representation, and wellness. However, one of my most memorable and thought-provoking conversations was with Irene Chung for her book, Guilty Pleasure: Women’s Perception of Health, Body Image, and Femininity.
Irene asked questions that no one had ever posed to me before, touching on my personal relationship with food, health, and body image—not just as a brand founder but as an individual navigating these deeply personal topics. Her thoughtful approach prompted me to revisit memories, reflect on societal pressures, and uncover emotions I hadn’t fully processed. For weeks after our conversation, I found myself replaying snippets of our dialogue, revisiting the moments of vulnerability and honesty that the interview brought to the surface.
Seeing the final product was both humbling and exhilarating. Irene’s Guilty Pleasure isn’t just a coffee table book; it’s an intellectual and emotional exploration of the paradoxical relationship many women have with indulgence. The book delves into the complex interplay between guilt and pleasure and how these emotions intersect with women’s health, femininity, and self-perception.
The project was born from an eight-month-long research journey, during which Irene interviewed 15 women from Providence and Boston. These women, each with unique perspectives, represented industries that often evoke this tension between indulgence and virtue—like wine, food, and wellness. Each story offered insight into how societal norms, cultural expectations, and historical influences shape our feelings about what we consume and how we view ourselves.
In my interview, we explored how the concept of "guilty pleasure" is ingrained in our cultural lexicon, particularly for women. Why do we often frame indulgence—whether it’s a decadent dessert, an extra glass of wine, or even taking time to rest—as something that requires justification or an accompanying sense of guilt? These questions aren’t just theoretical; they hit home for many of us navigating a world where health, beauty, and productivity standards weigh heavily on our psyches.
For me, the conversation also illuminated how these dynamics influence Roam Loud’s mission. My brand celebrates women moving boldly—living authentically and without apology. Yet, like many of the women Irene interviewed, I’ve felt the tug of guilt when indulging in certain foods or taking a break from my busy schedule. The interview helped me connect the dots between my personal experiences and the broader cultural narratives Roam Loud seeks to challenge and change.
What makes Guilty Pleasure stand out is its balance of scholarly research and deeply personal storytelling. The book doesn’t simply diagnose the issue; it humanizes it through the voices of women who live these complexities daily. It’s a beautiful, thoughtful piece of work that now holds a special place in my collection.
To any woman who has ever felt torn between enjoying something and feeling guilty about it, this book is a must-read. It challenges us to ask: Why do we feel guilty for experiencing pleasure? More importantly, it encourages us to reframe indulgence—not as something to regret but as something to embrace and celebrate.
I’m incredibly grateful to Irene Chung for inviting me to be part of this project. It’s a conversation I’ll carry with me, both personally and professionally, as I continue to grow and share Roam Loud’s vision.
If you’re looking for a book that artfully combines research, storytelling, and a call to rethink ingrained cultural norms, Guilty Pleasure is it. Let it inspire you, challenge you, and most importantly, remind you that pleasure, in all its forms, should never come with guilt.
Shop Guilty Pleasure
Toyin Omisore, Wanderer-in-Chief
