Plus-size model Tara Lynn is helping redefine the fashion industry’s standards of beauty and encouraging all women to embrace their natural figures. Lynn is open about the challenges she faced growing up as a size 14/16 and admits she struggled to feel confident about her body until college. As a young adult, Lynn learned to embrace her voluptuous figure and began her career as a model, a courageous, bold decision that changed her own life and the entire fashion industry.

Lynn has appeared in multiple controversial editorials and has worked with numerous renowned fashion photographers including Stephen Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier. She has graced the cover of ELLE France, which gave her the title “The Body,” and fronted H&M’s groundbreaking “Big is Beautiful” campaign. The accomplished model also earned a degree in Linguistics and is a classically trained singer.

Growing up, Lynn never imagined she’d one day become a famous model; she always assumed that becoming a model was unrealistic for someone her size. As a young adult, Lynn gained confidence in herself and pursued modeling as a way to pay for her college tuition.

Unlike some curvy models, Lynn isn’t offended by the “plus size” label, because she believes the distinction makes it easier for all women to find the right size clothes. Lynn does hope that, in the future, more high-end brands will offer their designs in larger sizes. She also looks forward to the day when full-figured models can adorn the covers of mainstream American fashion magazines.

Source: Instagram