I make $50k a year as a plus-size bikini model – trolls say I’m ‘glorifying obesity’ but fat isn’t a dirty word to me
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, a Fashion Nova Curve and OnlyFans model from Florida, believes that brands still overlook the larger end of the plus-size spectrum.
“I wear a size 24 (UK 28), and I feel like we’re still missing representation,” she explained.
“The average body for a plus-size model is a size 14 or 16 (UK 18 or 20), which is great, but there are also women beyond that size who need representation.”
Aspasia began her journey in 2019 by posting her fashion and lifestyle on social media, inspired by other plus-size creators.
The 5 Best Body Positive Influencers To Follow
- @_nelly_london – Nelly has been on a journey with breast corrective surgery and has also shared her experience with eating disorders, her honesty and openness makes her a great follow.
- @lottiedryna – She regularly shares content on living with IBS and finds bloat-friendly outfits to share with her followers.
- @stephanieyeboah – Stephanie Yeboah’s body positive content has the most incredible message – everyone is worthy of being loved, plus she has the best fashion inspo going.
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- @jessontheplussize – She advocates for women wearing what they want no matter their body shape.
But she’s often accused of promoting obesity simply by existing in her body.
“I never once have said it’s OK to be obese, I tell people to love themselves and live authentically,” she said.
“Fatphobia seems to be ramping up again with things like Ozempic and diet culture, but I know people are just projecting their insecurities onto me.”
“I tell people it’s OK to live authentically and love yourself because the best way to go through this life is with self-love and to be a kind person to spread positivity,” she added.
“And that’s literally been my message since day one.”
Ivy Davenport, 38, who is also from Florida, started modelling as a way to fund her education and now owns HFG Multimedia.
“I started doing online adult plus-size modelling to pay for college,” she explained.
After one video went viral, Davenport received hundreds of nasty messages, including, “You’re disgusting,” “You don’t deserve to breathe,” and “Get away from the refrigerator.”
While the nature of her work has sparked controversy, Davenport is unfazed by negative comments.
“There’s always going to be people saying hateful things, but I just ignore it or laugh,” she said.
“Fat isn’t a dirty word, it’s a descriptor.”
Through modelling, Davenport has developed a deep sense of self-acceptance.
“Modelling taught me to see beauty in everyone, regardless of size.
“Especially in plus-size modelling, it’s nice because it shines a light on people who might be overlooked in other settings.”
Dutchess Jones, 39, from Alabama, faces unique challenges as a “curvy plus-size” model, straddling the line between traditional slim models and larger BBW models.
“I’m a size 12, so I’m neither slim nor BBW. For me, it’s difficult on both sides because I’m neither of them,” she explained.
Jones, who models for up-and-coming designers in the plus-size community, highlighted the lack of inclusive sizing from many designers.
“There are still a lot of boutiques and designers that don’t cater to anyone over a size 8 (UK 12),” she said.
“A lot of designers don’t want to invest in the fabric or use plus-size models.”
Despite the hurdles, Jones is hopeful about the future of plus-size modelling.
“As of late, the world is becoming more aware of the talent that plus-size models bring to the table — the pizazz, the energy, the talent. There’s more to come.”