Sharon’s Story: From Self-Loathing to Self-Love

(Editorial originally published on December 16, 2021)

I recently had the privilege of photographing Sharon, a Bare Model, whose journey toward self-love reflects struggles many women face. During our time together, she shared her story—the pressures, the pain, and the freedom she discovered in redefining beauty for herself.

Color beauty portrait of Sharon Clawson, Indian German woman, topless with arm covering chest, showing stretch marks, no makeup, natural beauty. — *Photo: Karlo Gomez / OBARE — Going Bare. No makeup. Unfiltered beauty*

Confronting Beauty Standards

‍For years, Sharon battled rigid beauty ideals—standards dictating the “perfect” size and shape. The relentless pressure to conform left her questioning her worth. “For years, I felt like my body was the enemy,” she shared.

Sharon Clawson, Indian German woman in jean shorts, topless with hand on chest, visible stretch marks, bare face, natural beauty color photograph. — *Photo: Karlo Gomez / OBARE — Going Bare. No makeup. Unfiltered beauty*

The Meaning of Stretch Marks

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Our makeup-free photoshoot was more than capturing images—it was about seeing beauty from a new perspective. For Sharon, stretch marks once stirred pain and self-doubt. She asked herself: Why do they exist? The answer became a powerful realization—imperfections are part of what makes us unique.

Plus-size Sharon Clawson in white bathing suit, standing with bare face, no makeup, showing tummy, thighs, and stretch marks. — *Photo: Karlo Gomez / OBARE — Going Bare. No makeup. Unfiltered beauty*

Rewriting the Inner Dialogue

‍Sharon also faced the quiet but destructive force of negative self-talk. Instead of criticism, she now practices kindness.

“I started talking to myself the way I’d talk to a friend—with love.”

This simple yet profound shift changed everything.

Black and white artistic photo of Sharon Clawson’s curves, natural butt with cellulite and stretch marks, embracing body positivity. — *Photo: Karlo Gomez / OBARE — Going Bare. No makeup. Unfiltered beauty*

A Newfound Gratitude

‍Today, Sharon carries deep gratitude for her body and all it has carried her through. The self-loathing is gone, replaced by appreciation and acceptance.

Color portrait of Sharon Clawson, plus-size Indian German woman in white bikini, thick thighs, big chest, visible cellulite and stretch marks, no makeup, natural beauty. — *Photo: Karlo Gomez / OBARE — Going Bare. No makeup. Unfiltered beauty*

A Story of Resilience and Natural Beauty

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My session with Sharon wasn’t just about photographs—it was about capturing her strength, vulnerability, and natural beauty that first caught my attention. Her journey inspires many women to embrace their natural features. I hope her images become an invitation for even more women to celebrate their own natural beauty.

"Natural beauty begins the moment you start appreciating being yourself."

Find Sharon on Instagram: @sharontheclaw.