There are many women who I look up to for many different reasons. One of my newest role models who I have come to be quite obsessed with is Ashley Graham. A model who doesn’t believe in the word no is changing the rules of the fashion game. Graham has become the voice for plus size women everywhere, who have been shamed or treated unfairly because of their size. It definitely hasn’t been easy, but within this past year, Ashley Graham has hit major milestones in the industry and is only getting better.

Not only does she live the fabulous life of a model with gifts, high class event invites, and lots of extravagant travel, but she is such a wholehearted person. Though 2016 wasn’t the best year overall, Ashley Graham has made great strides for plus size women, and just women in general.

Graham was the first ever plus size super model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine. Her cover gained nothing but positive reviews and an overflow of support. Sports Illustrated was applauded for expanding/diversifying their models to represent the ‘modern’ woman.

In a collaboration with SwimSuitsForAll, Graham created her own line of swimwear for plus size women. From simple bikinis, all the way to creatively strappy one pieces, this collection offers a beautiful range of swimsuits for plus size women. Again, nothing but wonderful reviews and an outpour of love for someone who finally offered a sexier collection of plus size swimsuits.

She also was the star role of the DNCE music video “Toothbrush”. Capturing the life of two lovers, Graham put on a captivating performance nothing shy of wonderful. Graham and Joe Jonas were an adorable pair and the music video was a hit among everyone.

British Vogue used Graham to be their cover model for their January issue. People were overjoyed, responding with comments such as “finally!” and “It’s about time!” Using a plus size model for Vogue’s cover is groundbreaking, and Ashley Graham is to thank. In a personal letter within the issue, Ashley herself explains how she is so surprised that by being herself and love her curvy size is considered ground breaking. Even with her large amount of popularity as a model, she STILL has issues with designers because some don’t (or won’t) make clothing in her size.

With her determination, we can only wait and see what she has in store for us in 2017. Give us all you got Ashley we’re ready xoxo