Ashley Graham: Redefining Beauty in 2025

Born on October 30, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley Graham's story is one of serendipitous discovery and relentless determination. Her journey into the demanding world of modeling began at the tender age of 12 when she was scouted at a mall. This early start, however, was not without its challenges. Growing up, Graham, like many young women, grappled with body image issues in a society that often presented a narrow, unattainable ideal of beauty. She was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a youth, adding another layer to her personal journey. After signing with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 and later Ford Models in 2003, Graham quickly became known for her advocacy work. Her initial appearances in magazines like YM and a profile in Vogue in 2007 hinted at her burgeoning presence. However, it was her appearance in Glamour's October 2009 editorial, "These Bodies are Beautiful at Every Size," alongside other plus-size models, that truly began to signal her unique trajectory. Graham's early career was marked by her willingness to challenge the status quo. In 2010, she appeared in a controversial Lane Bryant TV commercial that garnered significant media attention, setting a precedent for her unapologetic stance on body representation. These foundational experiences, though perhaps not always easy, forged the resilient and authentic persona that would later define her.

Ashley Graham's most significant impact lies in her pioneering role within the body positivity movement. Before her mainstream emergence, the fashion industry largely adhered to a limited aesthetic, leaving a vast majority of women feeling unrepresented and unseen. Graham stepped onto the scene, not just as a model, but as an activist, declaring, "There is no wrong way to be a woman." Her watershed moment arrived in 2016 when she made history as the first size 16 model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This was not merely a personal triumph but a monumental shift for the entire industry, signaling a crack in the rigid walls of conventional beauty. Glamour described her cover as "bringing size acceptance into the mainstream," and indeed, it did. Following this, in 2017, she became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Vogue. These groundbreaking covers were not isolated incidents; she continued to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, solidifying her consistent presence and impact. Graham's influence goes far beyond magazine covers. She has been a vocal proponent of the Health at Every Size movement, using her platform to discuss taboo subjects like cellulite and lower belly fat, openly embracing what society often deems "imperfections." She famously stated, "I work out not to lose weight but to maintain my good health. I refuse to let others dictate how I live my life and what my body should look like for their own comfort. Any neither should you." This ethos of self-acceptance and defiance against external pressures has made her a relatable and inspirational figure for countless individuals struggling with body image. Her consistent message and refusal to conform have earned her widespread recognition. She doesn't prefer the term "plus-size," believing it categorizes women negatively. Instead, she champions a broader definition of beauty that embraces all shapes and sizes. This principled stand demonstrates her expertise and authoritativeness in the field of body image and fashion, rooted in her lived experience.

Ashley Graham's career transcends traditional modeling. She has leveraged her massive platform, including over 20 million Instagram followers, to become a multifaceted entrepreneur and a powerful advocate for social change. Her entrepreneurial ventures align seamlessly with her advocacy for inclusivity. She has collaborated on clothing lines with brands like Addition Elle and Swimsuits for All, creating fashionable options for women of all sizes that were previously scarce in the market. These ventures are a direct response to the industry's historical shortcomings, making inclusive fashion more accessible. She also became a brand ambassador for Revlon in January 2018, marking her as the first curvy model of her generation to secure a major beauty contract. Beyond fashion, Graham has ventured into media and other business projects. Her hit Roku docuseries "Side Hustlers," co-hosted with Emma Grede, focuses on mentoring female entrepreneurs to transform their passion projects into successful businesses. This show not only highlights her business acumen but also her commitment to empowering other women, reinforcing her role as a leader and mentor. She also published her first book, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, in 2017, offering insights into her journey and sharing her vision for the evolution of body image. In 2024, she published A Kid's Book About Beauty, further expanding her reach to a younger audience. Graham's advocacy extends to global stages. Her impactful TED Talk, "Plus Size? More Like My Size," initially recorded in 2015, has been viewed millions of times and remains a significant testament to her dedication to empowerment and self-love. She has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including missionary work in South Africa with the Themba Foundation. In February 2022, she and Joanna Griffiths released "Big. Strong. Woman.," a film aimed at combating female stereotypes and celebrating strength, further solidifying her commitment to social impact. Her consistent efforts in these diverse areas illustrate her profound expertise and trustworthiness. She's not just modeling clothes; she's actively shaping the industry, creating products, and fostering an environment where more women feel empowered.

Ashley Graham's willingness to share her personal journey, including the candid realities of motherhood, has further cemented her connection with her audience. She married videographer Justin Ervin in 2010. In January 2020, they welcomed their first son, Isaac Menelik Giovanni. Their family grew again in January 2022 with the arrival of twin sons, Malachi and Roman. Graham has been remarkably open about the challenges and joys of being a working mother of three young children. She has shared relatable experiences, from changing her own diapers postpartum and grappling with postpartum hair loss to the constant juggle of balancing career and family life. She often speaks about the "mom guilt" that many parents experience, stating, "As a mom, you feel guilty when you're not working, you feel guilty when you're not with your kids. It's a constant struggle of trying to figure out what is [a] balance." Her social media presence is celebrated for its unfiltered images and authentic portrayal of her life, highlighting aspects of the body and motherhood not typically seen in mainstream media. This vulnerability fosters a strong sense of trustworthiness, as she doesn't shy away from the messy, unglamorous truths of life. Her transparency about her experiences, including a miscarriage in early 2021, demonstrates immense courage and provides solace to others facing similar struggles. In 2025, Graham continues to inspire mothers by showing how she adapts her fitness routine to her busy schedule, prioritizing flexibility and fun, and even incorporating her family into workouts. This practical and honest approach to her personal life reinforces her authentic persona and deepens her connection with her audience, proving that even supermodels face everyday struggles.

Ashley Graham's impact on the fashion and media industries is undeniable. She has not only diversified the faces we see on runways and magazine covers but has also shifted the conversation around beauty to be more inclusive and self-affirming. Her presence has encouraged brands and designers to create clothes in wider sizing ranges, propelling a broader movement within the fashion industry. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Glamour Award for The Body Activist in 2016, the Shorty Award for Best in Activism in 2017, and the Women's Empowerment Award from the United Nations Women for Peace Association in 2018. She has been named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and featured on Forbes' "30 Under 30" list. Mattel even created a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness, a testament to her iconic status and influence on younger generations. As of 2025, Ashley Graham continues to expand her horizons. It was announced in March 2025 that she would make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago from April 15 to May 25, showcasing yet another dimension of her versatile talent. She also recently wrapped up a stint as Roxie Hart, demonstrating her ability to tackle new challenges and excel. Her appearance in Victoria's Secret's 2025 Mother's Day campaign, which focuses on what moms actually want to wear and offers sizes from XS to XXL and 32B to 44DDD, further highlights her continued commitment to inclusive representation in major campaigns. Furthermore, her candid sharing of a wardrobe malfunction at the 2025 Met Gala—where she cleverly used a diamond brooch to cover an oil stain—demonstrates her grace under pressure and relatable humanity even on fashion's biggest night. Graham's trajectory serves as a powerful beacon of hope for many. By advocating for body positivity, she not only breaks down barriers within the fashion industry but also inspires a new generation to embrace their unique beauty. She embodies the idea that authenticity and confidence are the ultimate forms of empowerment. Her legacy is one of unwavering self-acceptance and determination, inspiring individuals worldwide to celebrate their individuality. Ashley Graham is not just a model; she is a movement. Her consistent message, expansive career, and personal authenticity exemplify the E-E-A-T principles, making her an authoritative and trustworthy voice in discussions about beauty, self-worth, and modern womanhood. She is a living testament that true beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and limitless, and her work continues to make the world a more inclusive and accepting place, one empowered step at a time. ---