Middle school bullies called Ashley Graham �cottage cheese thighs' before her modeling career.
Ashley Graham, the 36-year-old model, recently shared her experiences with body shaming during her middle school years in an essay published by Time. The essay highlighted how Graham was called �cottage cheese thighs' by her peers, significantly affecting her self-esteem.
Graham reflected on her childhood, stating,
"In middle school the kids called me �cottage cheese thighs.' I had always been a larger kid � stout, athletic."
She added, "I craved acceptance of others and the empathy of a friend group that might understand what I had to offer beyond my exterior."
Growing up, Graham often struggled with her sense of self, influenced heavily by the feedback from others. This struggle continued until a turning point in her life when she was discovered by a modeling scout at a mall in Omaha at the age of 12.
"Soon I was being paid to have my picture taken. Adults were telling me that my looks had value,"
Graham recalled.Must read on NewsDayEveryday
'big pretty,' 'pretty for a big girl,' or 'pretty from the neck up.'
These double standards in beauty continued to haunt her throughout her early career.Ashley Graham's modeling journey began at 12 years old.
Graham's modeling career began to take off while she was still a teenager, but it wasn't without its difficulties. She frequently faced skepticism from her teachers and peers.
"In school, the plus-size wasn't cool, but the pretty was interesting,"
she said. "My teachers would tilt their heads and squint at me, looking for whatever the industry saw."
Her journey wasn't easy, as she often had to navigate her modeling assignments in New York City over the weekends and return to school to face name-calling and bullying. Graham admitted that during those tough times, she wished she had a mentor to guide her through the challenges of the modeling world.
Despite her success, Graham revealed that she still battles insecurities.
"There isn't one top model who doesn't live with some sort of insecurity,"
she said. "We're constantly being picked apart, constantly being told what's right with how we look and what's wrong."
Ashley Graham's mother helped her find her purpose.
At 18, the harsh realities of the fashion industry almost led Graham to quit modeling. However, a pivotal moment with her mother helped change her perspective.
"One day I finally called my mom crying, looking in the mirror and just feeling like I couldn't do it anymore,"
she recalled. "She told me something I'll never forget: �Your body is going to change someone's life. You have to keep going.'"
This advice became a turning point for Graham, helping her to realize her purpose in the modeling industry. She started practicing affirmations, telling herself that she is
"bold, brilliant, and beautiful."
Over time, these affirmations helped her build self-confidence.
Even though she has achieved significant success, Graham still faces waves of imposter syndrome.
"My body has changed things for other people, and there's an incredible honor � and an incredible pressure � that comes with knowing that,"
she shared.Ashley Graham balances her career and motherhood.
Graham's body has changed over the years, especially after having three children with her husband, Justin Ervin, whom she married in 2010. She acknowledges that her body looks different now compared to when she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at 28. Despite this, she remains proud of her body and its accomplishments.
"Maybe I'll lose weight, maybe I'll gain it. This is my body, and I'm incredibly proud of everything it has accomplished,"
she said.Graham hopes her journey can inspire other women to see their worth and embrace their bodies.
"I never want women to think I'm leaving them behind, and at the same time, all I can do is accept the journey I'm on and focus on the things that make me feel strong and empowered."
Graham's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey from being a bullied middle schooler to a successful model and advocate for body positivity serves as an inspiration to many.
Credit: Daily mail
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June 7 | 1 answers Ashley Graham Opens Up About Body Shaming and Modeling Career What aspect of Ashley Graham's story resonates most with you? | ||
| Overcoming middle school bullying | 0 | 0 % |
| Her modeling journey starting at 12 | 0 | 0 % |
| Finding self-confidence through affirmations | 0 | 0 % |
| Balancing career and motherhood | 0 | 0 % |
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