I became obsessed with my appearance at a young age. I saw a warped reflection of myself whenever I looked in a mirror, and for years I struggled with depression, anxiety, and, most of all, a negative body image. When I turned 18 my current agency contacted me for representation. They stand for dismantling beauty standards, combatting tokenism, and supporting healthy lifestyles for their models. Today, I’m still repairing a distorted mental picture of myself and breaking negative thought patterns, and I’m improving, step by step. 

We’re in the middle of uncertain times, with circumstances outside of our control—so I want to check in with you. Close your eyes, how do you feel? How does your body feel? Is your mind wandering? Are your muscles tense? Those physical feelings, fears, worries, and concerns are all valid. Do not prevent yourself from feeling, both positive and negative. Do not prevent those around you from feeling, even if their feelings vary from your own. We all experience and express ourselves in different ways—all of these are okay. Remember, too, how we are all in this together.