Meet Cindy. Our Monday Model.
This Model Monday is a little different – Cindy is a Plus-Size Mermaid!
Instagram: @cindysexton77
Why don’t you take a minute to tell us a little bit about your story?
I started mermaiding about four years ago when I stumbled upon a picture on the internet of a merman wearing a swimmable tail. I was amazed and started doing research on this and where to find them. I found out that picture was of a tail maker called The Mertailor. I couldn’t afford a silicone tail from him so I searched for more tail makers. I found there was a lot of fabric tail makers and monofin makers. I purchased my first monofin from Finis the Aquarius fin and used it at the beach for the first time and I fell in love. The freedom under the water the grace of it and the workout it gives you. I then purchased my first tail cover for my fin. I got a plus size cover from Swimtails, one of the then few companies that made for plus sizes. It was a black and holographic snakeskin pattern and it looked wonderful in the water. I started going to our local pools and got such good compliments and questions about it I figured I better get an underwater camera and start doing videos and posts on my social media. I have since gotten a FinFolk Unicorn Pink Mythic tail which is part neoprene part silicone. Finfolk has been very responsive to the plus-sized community offering their tails up to 3xl. I have been contacted by several aspiring mermaids that are plus size saying how I gave them strength to do what they love and to not be afraid of their bodies.
When did you begin to embrace your own curves and can you share with me about your own personal journey to self-love and body acceptance?
I started embracing my curves when I realized this is how I am made and I am healthy and I look beautiful and I can do anything. I tried losing weight but it’s very difficult for me so I started to enjoy my life as I am.
Why do you think it is so important to share our stories with others?
I think it’s important to show that the stigma of the blonde skinny mermaid is not the norm. I want to show that if you want to do something do it, you can be beautiful just as you are.
With the online popularity that you have been receiving, I am sure there also comes with it a little bit of negative attention. How do you manage to stay so positive when there are quite a few critics out there commenting on the images that you post of your body?
I have had a few snarky comments from people mostly men, but the mermaid community always has your back and with such great support I am able to ignore those humans.
What is the overall message you want our readers to gain from your story today?
I would love for the readers to see that you can be anything. If you want to put on a mermaid tail and splash around go for it. There are no limits to what you want to be.
What are some tips you can give to women with curves who are just starting their body positive journey?
I would say be proud of yourself… nobody can be made all the same to find your confidence in yourself and you will glow.
If you could say one thing to my readers about body positivity, what would that be?
I would say find your best asset and embrace it, may it be your eyes your smile or your body, even a great personality everyone has a spark.
What are your plans for the future; what else do you hope to take on?
I would love to open a mermaid school one day in my area. I hope to keep being an inspiration to more plus size ladies and mermaids.
FabUplus is the only body positive health, fitness, and lifestyle PRINT magazine with weight neutral content specifically dedicated to women with curves. What are your thoughts on this new media platform for the plus sized community?
I absolutely love that this is happening. I am hoping more things like this happen to stop all the bad body image issues among our youth and to stop the stereotypes of plus-sized people.