As Told to PLUS Contributor, Michelle Renee
40-38-50
That might not sound like model measurements to you, and they didn't
for me either, but I had to open my eyes, embrace those numbers and
learn to love myself for who I am AND what size I am. Granted my size
might change, but my attitude stays the same whether my jeans are 22,
14, or 18 as I am now.
I truly can say I love my body, but I have to admit it took some
learning. In high school I was taller than the boys and curvier than
the girls. I felt awkward; all I wanted to do is blend in with
everyone. There weren't too many plus size examples for me to follow;
every model was a size 0-2, and at the time, a size 14 model was
unheard of.
I quickly grew out of wanting to blend in. Instead, I grew to love my
wide hips, soft belly, and thick thighs. I began to feel confident
about my shape, my height, myself; this is what makes me unique. I put
my flats aside and put on my heels. No more negative thoughts of being
bigger than everyone, only thoughts of being the one in the room that
everyone looked at first; the one with the biggest, most confident
smile.
Dreams of being a model didn't seem so impossible now that I was
comfortable in my skin. I practiced my walk, I studied the fiercest
poses and I went for it. I started to do more photo shoots to learn how
to move in front of the camera.
I loved it!! I thought "Wow! You can get paid for this!" My passion for
modeling made me set goals and pursue them relentlessly until they came
true. Lucky for me that curves are the "in" thing now.
The industry has grown so much, and there are so many more
opportunities out there. There are more chances to be a positive role
model... more people to encourage to love themselves, whether
you're a 2 or 22.
I soon realized that you don't have to be skinny to be sexy, sexy is many things and comes in many forms.
Photo Credits:
Plus Model: Shameyka Thompson, www.modelmayhem.com/572798
Photographer: Lady Sweet Face, www.modelmayhem.com/272622
MUA/Hair: LSF, www.modelmayhem.com/1014936
Styling: LSF, www.modelmayhem.com/1052959
