ASHLEY GRAHAM

 🌟 Introduction to Ashley Graham

​Ashley Graham Ervin, born on October 30, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a trailblazing American model, television presenter, entrepreneur, and advocate for body positivity. Rising to prominence as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016, Graham has since become a prominent figure challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry.

🧒 Early Life and Discovery

Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley was the eldest of three sisters. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during her school years, she faced challenges that shaped her resilient character. At the age of 12, while shopping at Oak View Mall in Omaha, she was scouted by the I & I modeling agency, marking the beginning of her modeling journey. Despite facing body shaming and being labeled "pretty for a big girl" during her adolescence, Graham found strength through affirmations and her mother's encouragement, fostering a strong sense of self-worth .​

📸 Modeling Career and Industry Impact

Ashley Graham's modeling career took off with campaigns for Lane Bryant, Levi's, and Marina Rinaldi. Her groundbreaking appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in 2016 challenged industry norms and opened doors for greater representation of diverse body types. She has since graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, and Elle, and walked the runway for designers like Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana .

In 2024, Graham made her debut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, symbolizing the brand's shift towards inclusivity and diversity .​

🎤 Media Ventures and Advocacy

Beyond modeling, Graham has expanded her influence through various media platforms. She hosted and executive produced American Beauty Star, launched the podcast Pretty Big Deal, and authored the memoir A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, sharing her experiences and promoting body positivity .​

Her TED Talk, "Plus Size? More Like My Size," further amplifies her message of self-acceptance and challenges societal beauty standards .​

👩‍👧 Personal Life and Motherhood

Ashley met her husband, videographer Justin Ervin, at church in 2009, and they married the following year. The couple has three children: son Isaac, born in January 2020, and twin sons Malachi and Roman, born in January 2022 .​

Graham emphasizes the importance of positive self-image in her household, stating, "I've never spoken bad about myself" in front of her children, aiming to instill confidence and self-love from an early age .​

💼 Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

An advocate for inclusivity, Ashley Graham has collaborated with brands like Addition Elle to create size-inclusive lingerie lines. She also engages in philanthropic efforts, participating in missionary work in South Africa with the Themba Foundation and speaking at schools about body image and self-acceptance .​

Ashley Graham's multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to promoting body diversity have solidified her status as a role model and influential figure in the fashion industry and beyond.​