Body positivity is a growing movement that is encouraging many to let go of the stereotypical ideal image that is placed onto them each and every day. The perfect body, small waist, thin thighs, perfect skin, etc. Body positivity is a social movement rooted in the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image while challenging the ways in which society presents and views the physical body. Body positivity has roots in so many places. From what started as a movement that focused on the size of a person, it has to include acceptance of many things. We’ve made a list of our favorite influential minds that allow us to feel positive about our bodies! Keep reading for more!
Our Favorite Body Positive Movement Influencers
1) Bianca May Cheah
Image: Bianca Cheah
The incredible founder of Sporteluxe is one of our favorite on the list (for obvious reasons). The entrepreneur is super open about everything, including how her pregnancy has affected her body. She is a prime example of showing new moms that your time with your baby is precious and that your journey back to your body pre-baby is yours, and no one else’s. We love you, B!
2) Iskra Lawrence
Image: Iskra Lawrence
She showed the world that a size 2 isn’t the only size you can be beautiful in. The model took over fashion and normalized what should already be recognized as beautiful. She just had a baby and is again proving that everyone is gorgeous, just the way they are.
3) Serena Williams
Image: Serena Williams
Serena Williams does it all. She’s one of the best tennis players in the world, a model, entrepreneur, and activist. Her message for her haters about her strong, sexy body? “You have to love you, and if you don’t love you, no one else will. And if you do love you, people will see that, and they’ll love you too.” That’s something we can all get behind.” She told Shape Magazine.
4) Steph Claire Smith
Image: Instagram @stephclairesmith
Star fitness guru Steph Claire Smith is an incredibly positive role model, on top of all of her accomplishments. She has this message, which she kindly posted on Instagram for those who needed to hear it. “It’s normal to be self-critical, it’s normal to doubt yourself at times, to want to better yourself. But don’t forget to be there for yourself, celebrate yourself, and your achievements.”
5) Ashley Graham
Image: Ashley Graham
She’s an incredibly successful model who has defied the odds and changed the face of the runway forever. Size inclusivity is what she’s passionate about, and it’s helped inspire women from around the globe to be themselves. “Plus-size? More like my size.” The entrepreneur is unlike anyone we’ve ever encountered.
6) Robyn Lawley
Image: Robyn Lawley
The model has been on billboard and magazines, showing off her beautiful figure that looks much more like those of us do in real life. Today, Robyn is a body-positive spokesperson who writes a successful food blog, “Robyn Lawley Eats,” and has a forthcoming cookbook of original recipes that will be published in 2015. In the future, Lawley says, “I hope I continue to challenge the standard of what models should be”, she tells Model Alliance.
7) Lizzo
Everyone loves Lizzo and her music. She’s an icon who has always loves herself and in turn, makes others feel beautiful no matter who they are. With an incredible successful music career, she tells those who don’t like her this. “I’m really cool, I love myself,” And to those who like to name call. “I get a kick out of it man. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, like wasn’t that amazing?”
While you’re here, check out our founder Bianca May Cheah’s birth story.