In a compelling social media post, Aerie model Mia Johnson candidly discusses her journey of overcoming body insecurities while preparing for a swimsuit campaign that would be showcased globally. Despite her active presence in the blogging world, Johnson, like many others, felt a wave of uncertainty when it came to modeling swimwear. Nevertheless, she conquered her apprehensions, serving as a beacon of encouragement for others facing similar struggles.
Embracing Authentic Beauty
Last November, Johnson found herself in the picturesque setting of Laguna Beach, California, preparing to don Aerie swimwear for a new promotional initiative. She shared with Glamour that the brand’s commitment to celebrating authentic beauty significantly eased her nerves. “This was the first shoot where I felt completely free to be myself,” she remarked. “Typically, there’s so much emphasis on heavy makeup and styling, but Aerie champions a natural look, which was a refreshing change.” After viewing the final images, Johnson felt proud of herself for pushing through her insecurities. “I could have easily declined due to my self-doubt, but I chose to embrace the moment instead,” she expressed.
Resonating with Others
Johnson later shared several photos from the shoot on Instagram, where her empowering narrative about battling body insecurities resonated deeply, garnering nearly 20,000 likes and over 300 comments. Her experience echoed a common sentiment—most individuals have aspects of their bodies that induce discomfort. For instance, despite enduring the humid climate in Florida, she refrained from wearing sleeveless tops until she was 25, convinced that her arms were too large. However, she eventually found the strength to confront her insecurities.
Struggles with Self-Acceptance
Reflecting on her past, Johnson recounted her struggles with acne beginning at the age of seven, which led to bullying during her school years. “It persisted until I was 17 and had spread to my back,” she wrote. “I was incredibly self-conscious; I remember attending parties in cute dresses but always needing a sweater to cover my back.”
She also candidly addressed the anxiety many women experience regarding stretch marks. “When my body began to change, wearing bikinis felt out of the question. I constantly covered up out of shame,” she admitted. “In fitting rooms, I would avoid looking too closely in mirrors for fear of spotting every imperfection. Family comments about my skin only added to my self-doubt, making it a long journey to self-acceptance.”
Empowering Others
Fortunately, Johnson’s journey of self-acceptance has empowered her to share her story with a wider audience, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their true selves. She encouraged women to proudly display their “marks of love.” “If you have them, flaunt them. The next time you get dressed, tell your stretch marks and acne scars that they contribute to the unique magic of who you are,” she encouraged. “Wear that outfit without concern for judgment. Slip into that bikini with confidence. You can do it, Queen.”
This article originally appeared in January 2018.
Conclusion
In summary, Mia Johnson’s journey underscores the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness and imperfections. Her inspiring story encourages others to confront their insecurities and celebrate their bodies as they are.