In a recent interview with Time, renowned model Ashley Graham reflects on her journey to self-love and how her perspective on beauty has evolved over the years. The interview, titled “The Words I Use to Encourage Self-Love,” offers a glimpse into Graham’s early struggles with body image and the pivotal role her mother played in shaping her self-acceptance.

Graham, now a prominent figure in the modeling industry and the body positivity movement, reveals that her childhood was marked by a desire to fit the conventional standards of beauty. She felt crushed by comparisons to tall, skinny blonde girls and struggled with the way others perceived her.

Graham as a young school girl, already dreaming of a future in modeling.

Graham recalls the moment she first became aware of beauty standards. At just nine years old, she noticed a stranger in Target who embodied the idealized image of femininity – long, thin legs, a flat tummy, and grown-up breasts. From that moment on, she wanted to command attention and be seen as pretty.

As Graham’s modeling career took off, she faced a new set of challenges. She was labeled “big pretty” or “pretty for a big girl,” constantly facing the double label of pretty and plus-sized. Her teachers would squint at her, trying to understand what the industry saw. Graham found herself navigating between the glamorous world of modeling in New York City and the name-calling in school.

It was during this difficult period that Graham’s mother offered her words of wisdom and encouragement. “Your body is going to change someone’s life,” her mother told her. “You have to keep going.” This “aha” moment helped Graham realize that she needed to define her worth for herself and use words to shape her own narrative.

Graham has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines, challenging conventional beauty standards.

Graham’s career has been nothing short of accomplished. She has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016, been featured on the TIME100 List in 2017, and recently released a children’s book titled A Kid’s Book About Beauty. Despite her success, Graham acknowledges the challenges she has faced along the way.

She opens up about the pressure that comes with representing a community of women who feel ownership over her appearance. Graham has experienced criticism for her weight loss after pregnancy, with some feeling betrayed by her changing body. However, she emphasizes that her journey is her own and that she is proud of everything her body has accomplished.

Graham’s interview with Time serves as a powerful testament to the importance of self-love and acceptance. By sharing her story, she continues to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and define their worth on their own terms.

Graham, a fashion icon and advocate for self-acceptance, continues to inspire women worldwide.