By Brenna Prozzoly
“I never thought I would be here,” she says. “I’m happy with myself. I respect myself. And I know that no man, no jeans, no scale and no booker is in control of my future — I am.” –Iskra Lawrence
A quote by English model Iskra Lawrence, 26. She is best known for her modeling for the company Aerie. Aerie launched the Aerie Real campaign that Iskra proudly represents, and acts as the brand’s global role model. The Aerie Real campaign features un-retouched models in their ads and in feature photos on the Aerie website. It encourages girls around the world to be who they are and embrace the beautiful skin they are born in.
At a younger age, Iskra had an eating disorder. She wanted to be a model, but in high school modeling agencies told her to lose weight so she could make a career of it. So she did just that. She started to eat less than before and changed her dieting. She started to lose weight, but didn’t feel happy with herself.
Now Iskra is a body positivity activist who promotes #everyBODYisbeautiful. She posts all about her modeling on Instagram and encourages people every day to love themselves the way they are. Iskra does not allow her body to be retouched during photo shoots. She wants her pictures to be published the way she looks because that is who she is.
Iskra encourages people all around the world to love their bodies just the way they are. She shares her journey on Instagram with inspirational captions to try to help people who may be going through what she did in her teenage years. She shows that you can eat normally and still look beautiful and healthy. She eats what she wants, but also exercises when she can to help her feel healthier. Iskra feels happier than ever, she loves herself, and that’s one of the most important things.
Everyone is beautiful. All bodies are beautiful. It may take a while for some people to realize, but we have to work together to help each other, encourage each other, and respect each other.
image sources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3439100/Plus-size-model-Iskra-Lawrence-tearfully-reveals-told-never-make-fashion-shows-stunning-figure-unretouched-bikini-campaign.html
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/499055202442421287/
http://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/news/a43009/iskra-lawrence-interview/
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/iskra-lawrence-declares-war-on-1302942412849206.html