THE world of plus-size modelling is evolving, but for the women on the frontlines of the movement, the path to self-love isn’t always easy. From battling societal stigma to overcoming limitations, four plus-size models offered their insights into the industry. Aly Avina, 30, from Virginia, regularly models for brands like Unique and Fabletics and averages about $50,000 (£37,600) a year.
Fo Aly, stepping into the industry began as a way to share body-positive messages with other plus-size women. “I wanted to reach plus-size women who weren’t comfortable with how they looked yet,” she explained. Posting on social media helped her build a following of over 200,000, but it also brought inevitable backlash.
“There are always people who want to troll the plus-size community,” she said. “It's going to attract those that want to tear you down, you’ll hear people say you’re glorifying obesity just because you’re in a larger body." However, Avina said that she has "taken the power back" through her platform.
"If someone wants to use 'fat' as a negative connotation, that's their prerogative, but I'm not going to take being called 'fat' as an insult because that's who I am," she said. Despite the negativity, Avina stresses that body positivity is about accepting yourself at any size. Her biggest challenge is ignoring the hate, but she’s learned to develop a thick skin.
“You just have to stand up for yourself and not let it get to you," she said. Alex Aspasia, 30,.