How I Began My Body Positive Journey  

Written by: Kyla Jo Baker 

My entire life has been a constant struggle with my body. The past four years have proven to be the toughest, and last year I found myself at my lowest point. I knew I needed and wanted something different out of life. I wanted to be a better role model for my son. I decided to make a change and try my best to live in a more positive light in every way possible. I did the pinup shoot as a birthday gift to myself. I knew it would be fun because pinups are all about being sexy and sassy. I also had my reservations because it would mean putting myself out there, and completely stepping out of my comfort zone.

I had no idea what I would look like. Would my stomach stick out too much, would my rolls show, how would my flabby arms look? I put that all aside: this was for fun. Chelsey and Tasha gave me the extra confidence I needed to get through the shoot. The shoot itself was one of the best times I have ever had. It was liberating. When Chesley sent me the sneak peeks, I burst into tears. I was BEAUTIFUL! That was ME in those pictures. That moment is when I discovered true self-love. Not because of how incredible I looked, but because of how it made me FEEL. For the first time in my life, I felt empowered as a woman, I felt confident. This photo shoot changed my life and started me on my journey of loving my body and loving myself. When I used to look in the mirror, I would see stretch marks, rolls, flab and just be disgusted. Now I see my body as a masterpiece. It has created and given life, it has lost life, it has endured so much. It is ME. Not everyone is going to think you are pretty, and that is ok. Not everyone is going to like you, and that is ok. How you feel about yourself, and how you see yourself… that’s all that matters.

Author Credits: 

Instagram: @the.rockin.kj 

Photography: Chelsey Nicole Cao of Cao Foto @cao_foto 

Hair: Tasha Harvey 

Make Up : Tasha Harvey 

Style/Clothing: Dress by Torrid