Embrace the REAL You!
written by Kate H.
“The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself”
In a world centered around social media, which is full of photo-shop, touch-ups, and attempts at artificial perfection, self-love has become more and more difficult to achieve. However, today’s perfectionistic society makes it that much more important to love and care for yourself.
A few months ago I came across the social media profile of a model named Iskra Lawrence. She is not the stereotypical model, though. Her account is dedicated to posting authentic, untouched photos. She shares some of her personal life about starting as a model, facing her set-backs, and ultimately continuing her career as her healthiest self yet. However, what really drew my attention to Iskra was her Ted Talk on “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” (see link below!). She speaks honestly and genuinely about the unrealistic, unachievable standards placed on people today. I hope her story can inspire you to love yourself no matter the expectations you feel you must live up to in your day-to-day life.
The English model was born on September 11, 1990 in Wolverhampton, England. As a child, she attended Malvern St. James School until she later transferred to Bromsgrove School. She was a national level swimmer and at the age of 15 was accepted to the UK National Youth Theatre, too. These extra-curricular activities brought attention to her and soon she began her modeling career. However, at 15 years old she was released from her modeling agency for being “too big”, sparking her initiative to “change the perceptions of women’s bodies in the media.”
After modeling locally and “being told [she’d] never get signed in NY” she walked the catwalk at New York Fashion Week 2017.
She has also modeled for Adore and Arie and is represented by JAG Models and Models 1.
She is an ambassador for National Eating Disorders Association, an ArieReal Role Model, a contributor to Self Magazine and the managing editor of Runway Riot. Some of her other achievements include more than 13 years of modeling, being named one of BBC’s 100 Women, creating the NEDA Inspires Award, being chosen as one of six for the “World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Great Girl Leaders”, and being chosen for American Eagle’s fall 2017 “The New American Jean” campaign.
I encourage you to find and follow her on social media and watch her Ted Talk because she is positive and real in an environment full of negativity and false appearances. Iskra is an excellent role model for all young women and shows the all-important self-love we should all give ourselves.
“To love others you must first love yourself.” -Leo F. Buscaglia
Click here for her Ted Talk!