#ImNoAngel Is Back And Women Are Sharing Kick Ass Photos
“I haven’t always loved my lumps, bumps, cellulite…”
Lane Bryant has been making women feel sexy for years, by giving us clothes we can actually fit into. In 2015, they launched the #ImNoAngel campaign, and they’ve been using it to spread the body-pos love ever since.
This year they are breathing new life into the campaign, by sharing messages from women who have learned to love the skin they’re in — just the way it is. They are using a campaign, and raw footage from the women themselves to spread a message — your body is gorgeous. And they’re encouraging women everywhere to join in.
Model, body-pos activist and all around awesome human Ashley Graham is participating:
“The truth is, I’ve got back fat, I’ve got chub rub,” Graham says. “If you live with something for — I don’t know, a couple decades — you kind of just start to say, ‘I love you.'”
“Truth is, you don’t wake up every morning feeling inspirational,” she continues. “The truth is I wake up some mornings and don’t feel my best. I’ve got lumps and bumps in places that I didn’t 10 years ago. Truth is, I have lower belly fat — and I kinda like it.”
When society is constantly trying to tell you there is something wrong with you because you carry extra weight, the simple act of loving yourself is revolutionary. It’s transformative. And it sends a loud message to other women: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, TOO. A one-size-fits-all standard of beauty is stupid, boring, and simply untrue.
Another woman who’s joining the #ImNoAngel challenge is Orange Is The New Black Actress, Danielle Brooks.
“Truth is, I have stretch marks. I have always had stretch marks,” she says. “On my arms, my thighs, my tummy. And it’s okay. The truth is I’ve got love handles. It’s taken me a very long time to accept them and love them.
“If you love you, believe me you are helping somebody else love themselves as well.”
In addition to sharing inspiring stories, Lane Bryant is also raising money for I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.™, a non-profit dedicated to building self-esteem and leadership skills in young girls and women. The company is matching donations, up to $100,000, for the entire campaign.
The hashtag #ImNoAngel on Instagram brings up some incredible images and inspiring stories, too.
“It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and fearlessly share your best self. We dare you to capture your true essence – and image of confidence and beauty – then share and hashtag #ImNoAngel,” Lane Bryant explains. “Let’s show each other, and the next generation, what strong, beautiful women look like.”
