San - Love the skin you’re in
I'm on a mission to show the world that women are beautiful and powerful at every size, shape, age, and color. Every woman is beautiful and it's my goal to show you your own magnificence so you can change the way you see yourself and move towards full acceptance and love for your body and self.
San, along with a number of other women, joined me in my Love The Skin You’re In movement and answered the questionnaire below to help them tap into their own unique truths about beauty, self-image and self-love.
What is your definition of beauty?
*To feel worthy, confident, natural. Someone who smiles with their eyes.
What do you remember learning about beauty from a young age? What impacted you the most that you’ve carried with you into adulthood (positive or negative)?
*That only young and thin would be beautiful, that beauty needed to be perfect, no stains, no bumps, no marks. That curly hair was messy and not pretty. But most of all, that if you weren’t “beautiful”, you were NOT worthy of being loved.
Do you think you’re beautiful?
*Some days, but I still struggle a lot. It’s hard to accept
Tell me your story! What life experiences have made you who you are today?
*I was born and raised in Mexico and have been living in the US for 3 years, studying and working. I was always chubby and I was different: brown and curly hair, while most family members have fair skin, blond straight hair and some have blue eyes. I’d always hated my appearance and I only started embracing and now actually loving my curly hair a year ago. But I still struggle with my weight and self-image, it’s hard to feel attractive. On top of that, facing discrimination has been really tough, especially professionally, because it seems that my sex (being a woman) and my nationality are against me, and they’re an obstacle standing in the way of my passions and dreams.
What is your favorite NON physical feature about yourself? (After all, beauty is a light in the heart!)
*Resilient.
What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own beauty?
*Never give up on your dreams, even when it seems that even the universe is against you.
Why are beautiful photos important for you right now?
*As a reminder that healthy looks different on everyone and to feel empowered and sexy for the first time in my life.
How does being the woman you are today make you uniquely powerful?
*I’m passionate and determined, I know I need to work hard to achieve my goals but I also take time to enjoy the ride. I’m empathetic and I have a kind heart, I love connecting with people and learning from others.