The New Rules of Confidence and Body Image in a Social Media World

(Editorial Originally published in 2022)

Second-generation Mexican-American with a dream to pursue modeling in Los Angeles, Angelina Love has faced her fair share of “No’s” and turbulence—but nothing stopped her from chasing her happiness and becoming a Bare Model, celebrating her natural beauty along the way.

Being a second-generation Mexican-American wasn’t easy. Moving across the country to LA to pursue modeling full-time was bold, especially as the oldest sibling with family responsibilities. Growing up, she went to school with girls who looked nothing like her—stick skinny with straight hair—while she was curvier, with hips, boobs, and curly hair. Over time, metabolism, auditions, and rejections taught her resilience, confidence, and self-love.

“For a very long time, loving myself wasn’t easy. Being around the wrong people made it harder. Eventually, I learned I had to put myself first and be in love with myself before I could allow anyone else to. If I didn’t, I’d believe the negative things said by others. Thankfully, I’ve made it this far—and I plan to go even further.”

Now, as a signed model in LA, she’s confident in her skin, ready to release music, and fully embracing her individuality. As she says:

“Someone, somewhere has an opinion of me, but I've learned to love my body no matter the shape or size.”

She reminds us:

“Remember there is only ONE you, that's what gives you your character.”

We fired some questions at Angelina over email—here’s the unfiltered scoop… and she kept it 100!

From Self-Criticism to Self-Love

How have you struggled to love your body?

“I've struggled loving my body my whole life. My body somehow seems to go against whatever the current beauty standard is. When the ideal body was stick skinny, my body was curvier, and vice versa. What helped me is not letting beauty standards and media affect the love I give my own body. We are all beautiful in our own ways, and as a woman, I can now say that our so-called flaws really do make us stand out from the crowd.”

How have you struggled loving your slender body?

“It’s been an interesting battle because many view my body as ideal, even perfect, and to some, I’ll never be perfect or ideal. The key was when I stopped listening to outside opinions about my body—that’s when I found peace with myself. Beauty standards are always changing, so why pay any attention to them?”

Do people think you don’t have self-love issues because of your physique?

“To believe only certain people face moments of insecurity is baffling to me. Just like anyone else, I have my own insecurities. I’m constantly told I’m too big, too short, too tall, or too skinny. Someone, somewhere has an opinion of me—but I’ve learned to love my body no matter the shape or size. I gained control of my own power, and nobody can take that away from me.”

(Angelina ditched the makeup, kept the glow, and reminded us that confidence is the real contour—oh, and her booty deserves its own spotlight.)

What She Loves Most About Her Body

What do you love most now?

“The definition I see in my muscles, because that wasn’t always a thing for me. I used to call my body type skinny fat, because I never had definition—and now I love it!”

First-Time Modeling Experience

How was it shooting for the first time?

“This was my first time ever showing skin. At first I was super nervous, because I had never done anything like this before in my modeling career. Facing completely new territory, I surprisingly became much more confident and comfortable posing with my body, instead of shaping my poses around materials. I almost immediately felt very empowered, knowing my story and photos will be shared with women around the world facing similar struggles.”

How was it shooting with no makeup and topless?

“I personally love the rawness of taking pictures without makeup. Seeing imperfections is powerful, in others and yourself. It was a bit challenging at first because we are our own biggest critics—but after appreciating my imperfections, like my dark circles, I gained all the confidence I needed.

As for shooting topless, I found a whole new love for my breasts! They’ve always been on the smaller side, and I used to hate that—but now I just LOVE their shape…cute little things.”

Her Message to Women Struggling With Self-Love

“Dear ladies, how can the world love and appreciate your body if you don't allow them to? If you don’t give yourself the love first, it won’t matter who calls you beautiful—you won’t believe them. Remember there is only ONE you, that’s what gives you your character, something no one can EVER take from you. Love your body in and out, embrace the process, and spread love—nothing is worth closing your heart over, especially someone’s negative comment.”