Photographer: Leonato August
Today is The Day to Change Your Life
If you had told me five years ago that I would be a famous plus-size model, inspiring the world to get sober. I would not have believed you. So, how did I go from rock bottom to all bottoms rock? The simple answer is self-love.
Before I go into that, let me give you a little background history. My negative body image started around age 12. My mom & sister were petite and I was not. My loving nickname growing up was “Clunk”. While some people referred to me as “big-boned”. Unfortunately, in my competitive attempt to be skinny, I developed an eating disorder and struggled with bulimia from age 12 to 17.
After a traumatic event in high school, I had a full-blown addiction to alcohol and abused prescription medication. I lost myself somewhere along the way and lived in a frozen state dictated by my addiction. Five years ago, from the depths of rock bottom, I got inspired. At almost 300 pounds I decided to do my first boudoir photo shoot. It was then and there that I decided to start falling in love with myself for the first time.
I realized I needed to make some significant changes in my life. I quit my job, got divorced, went into a 4-month outpatient recovery program, and spent one full year working on me.
Now, not only am I an international body-positive model, but I currently have 80,000 followers on Instagram. I’ve walked the fashion runway 20 times, graced the cover of magazines, and have had the pleasure of working with famous high fashion photographer Leonato August, as showcased in these incredible photos.
You matter. You are worth it. And I believe in you! Always remember, no matter what, to rock what you got!
#loveyou – Alabama Valentine
Title: Today is the day to change your life
Author: Alabama Valentine
Photographer: Leonato August