Today in Body Positivity: Ashley Graham Was Just Nominated to be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year

Ashley Graham has been seriously slaying over in the modeling world as of late. The curvy beauty not only launched her own plus-size lingerie line last year, she was also the first plus-size model to ever be featured in a Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition. While that moment definitely served as a major catalyst for the body positivity movement, it should be noted that Graham was featured in an ad in the magazine, not an editorial shoot. However, for the upcoming 2016 edition, Graham is not only one of the selected SI models, she’s also in the running to be the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year.
Ashely shared the news on her Instagram earlier today. She writes, “It’s official – I’m a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true. Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year.” Graham is up against four other top models for the coveted spot. SI has revealed Barbara Palvin as one of the other rookie contenders with three more that remain unannounced at the time of this posting.
Regardless of whether Ashely wins the title or not, this is a major moment for body positivity. Not only do Graham’s stunning features rival other SI rookies and veterans, Ashley’s curvier bod offers a much-needed and super refreshing dose of diversity to the bunch. Graham, you’ve got our vote for sure.
Which SI Rookie will you vote for? Share with us on Twitter @britandco.
(Photos via @theashleygraham and Fernando Leon/Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.