We’re a few days into our music video shoot, and soon we’ll wrap that up too. I’ve never worked on something of this scale before (I’m usually in front of the camera, not behind it), and let me tell you, it’s been a huge learning curve. It’s tough, but I’m grateful to have incredibly talented friends and amazing industry professionals who’ve stepped in to lend their advice and work alongside us. Everyone involved has brought their expertise to help bring my original vision to life.
It’s honestly incredible to see your thoughts, dreams, and ideas become a reality. I’m so excited for you to see it all—it’s amazing to see some of these designs come directly from my college sketchbook!
Now, I want to address something else.
Earlier today, I shared a photo featuring two wonderful women who helped model the collection. Almost immediately, I started receiving comments from people “disappointed” that I hadn’t used “real women” to model my line.
“Real,” huh? Well, one of the women is actually a Blogilates fan, and the other is a college friend of mine. And yes, I can confirm that they are both real people, made up of molecules just like you and me. They didn’t disappear into thin air after the photo was taken—they were as real as any woman you know.
But here’s where I want to go deeper because I know the issue isn’t really about the definition of “real” women, but about the interpretation of what it means to be a “real woman” in today’s society.
Let’s look at this picture. Can you guess which one you think is the most “real” to you?
Or should I ask it like this: Which woman represents the “average American woman” best?
According to statistics, the average American woman today is 5’4”, with a waist size of 34-35”, weighs around 140-150 lbs, and wears a dress size 12-14. Compare this to 50 years ago, when the average woman was 5’3-4” tall, had a waist of 24-25”, weighed about 120 lbs, and wore a size 8 dress. And by the way, that size 8 from back then is actually equivalent to a size 4 today, due to vanity sizing in the fashion industry.
Now that we know that the average person has grown bigger and heavier over the years (due to factors like reduced physical activity and unhealthy eating habits), let’s level the conversation. Are you upset because I didn’t choose models that represent this “average American woman”—someone who, by the way, is facing a serious health crisis? Today, over 30% of the world’s population is overweight or obese—that’s over 2 billion people.
From 1980 to 2013, obesity rates skyrocketed by 28% in adults and 47% in children. That’s alarming.
Guys, this is a real problem. If we don’t take action, the next generation will suffer from poor health, chronic diseases, and immobility. The first step is to take care of ourselves, but as we grow older and have children, we need to teach them how to make healthier choices. YOU have to be the change. Show them that veggies are delicious and that outdoor play is better than screen time. Kids don’t grow up craving mac ‘n cheese and soda—they are fed those things. Yes, I believe parents play a big role, but the food industry and media have also contributed to marketing these unhealthy options to our kids.
You all know I’m a huge advocate of loving your body and being the best version of yourself, no matter your size, shape, or background. It’s not about how small your waist is or how close your thighs are. It’s about who you are as a person.
You, me, Monique, Alyssa—we are all real women.
We all aim to represent fit, active, healthy individuals who work hard to feel the way we do and look the way we do. But let me be clear: We are not here to represent the “average woman.” I don’t want to be average—I want to be the best version of myself, and I hope you all want the same for yourselves.
In case I wasn’t clear earlier, I want to emphasize that this doesn’t mean I’ll never show women who wear size 14. What I mean is that I want to highlight women who are strong, beautiful, and unstoppable, no matter their size. It’s not about being “average”; it’s about pushing boundaries and striving to be the best version of yourself, regardless of your body type.
Blogilates exists to ignite strength, power, and beauty in every woman. We’re here to inspire each other to get up, get fit, and have fun along the way.
So, let’s talk about Monique and Alyssa. Neither of them was photoshopped to create some unattainable image. They didn’t starve themselves or engage in unhealthy practices to get their bodies. (Trust me, we had lunch together, and they finished their entire meals!) I don’t want to have to defend them, but when people criticize my friends, it’s not okay. They’re real people, they have emotions, and I’m sure they see those comments too.
Everyone has a talent to share with the world. Your job is to find yours and work it. Turn that talent into your career, your passion, your contribution.
Monique and Alyssa are both incredible models. This is their career, and they’re absolutely killing it. Monique was on America’s Next Top Model, walks international runways, and Alyssa is currently pursuing her Masters in Education.
Another part of the criticism was that you wanted to see more body types represented. I totally understand. Unfortunately, for this shoot, I couldn’t afford to include a wider range of models (just being real about the business side of things). You want to see diverse body types—short legs, long torsos, big busts, broad shoulders, full hips—because you want to feel represented. I hear you loud and clear. When this line drops, I want you to help me spread the message on social media that ANYBODY can wear BODYPOP, as long as you’ve got confidence and treat your body well. Maybe we can come up with a cool hashtag together—something like #everyBODYPOP or #BODYPOPreal. Let’s do this together.
As mentioned at the start, we’ve wrapped the photoshoot, but the video shoot is still ongoing. The women we’re working with for the video can do some truly amazing things with their bodies, and every time I watch them, I’m stunned.
Trust me, I’m going to show you what real women can do. They are powerful, beautiful, and UNSTOPPABLE.
That’s what Blogilates and my new activewear line, BODYPOP, are all about. So, come along for the journey and help us all be the next agents of change in the world.