From Former Model to Authentic Self: Meet Ryley Gordon
Ryley Gordon’s journey isn’t just about transformation — it’s about rediscovering what true beauty really means, starting with the simple act of removing her makeup for our shoot.
As a former fashion model, she spent years chasing an industry standard that often left her feeling ‘not enough.’ She was told she was too short, needed to lose weight, or that her look was ‘too commercial.’ The pressure to fit in, combined with endless criticism, made her self-conscious and disconnected from her worth.
But Ryley’s story didn’t end there.
Growing up in Southern California, she fell in love with surfing, plant-based living, and art. She has painted her whole life, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the human body. She found empowerment in nature, with animals, and through movement — surfing, hiking, yoga, and dance. Slowly, she began to shift her mindset from what her body looked like to what her body could do.
“I used to plan my week around clean eating and workouts, obsessed with looking a certain way,” she admits. But stepping away from the industry gave her freedom. She discovered intuitive eating, stopped checking the scale, and started moving her body simply to feel good.
Now, Ryley embraces her authentic self as a Bare Model — going bare, no makeup, no filters, just unfiltered beauty. Her message is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be so hard on yourself — you are doing great.”
Through daily affirmations, she reminds herself:
- I am beautiful.
- My body is meant to change.
- My confidence shines through stronger than my dress size.
Ryley also knows she’s not alone. Women everywhere are pressured by social media edits, diet culture, plastic surgery ads, and anti-aging products — all of which condition us to believe we’re not enough. But she believes vulnerability and honesty can break that cycle.
“Most of what you see online is curated. Even fitness influencers show only their best angles. Remember: we all change, evolve, and experience highs and lows. Don’t be too hard on yourself — you’re doing great.”
Today, Ryley stands as a symbol of women’s empowerment, body acceptance, and natural beauty. By sharing her truth, she’s inspiring other women to embrace what makes them unique, practice self-love, and rewrite the definition of beauty.
Find Ryley on Instagram @ryleygordon.
