Local plus size model fights against body shaming
''I want to be the role-model I never had and an inspiration to girls of all body types.''
Busisiwe Dladla has come a long way from being a victim of bullying to doing talks at local schools motivating young girls to love themselves, regardless of their shape.
Born and bred in Munsieville, 20-year-old Busisiwe has mastered the art of self love. Growing up with a big body was not easy in a society that equates beauty with being thin.
She was called names as soon as she started gaining weight in Grade 5 and at that time her confidence was at an all time low.
“I’ve had people look at me and make me feel like I was the most disgusting thing they’d ever laid their eyes on, and at that time I swear a piece of me died,” she told the News.
Although it took her some time, she got back on her feet and decided to be the change she wanted to see.
She began working with the Aluwani Motivational Foundation earlier this year. The Foundation visits schools and presents motivational talks on self-development and emotional independence. Busisiwe says that she gives talks about having a positive body image and self love.
Her modelling career was born after she made it to the top five in the Beauty of Thickness Plus Size Pageant.
“I just fell in love with the camera so I didn’t want to stop,” she told the News. She started her modelling career to prove a point to people who had said negative things about her weight.
One of the things that she is passionate about is public speaking. That’s why her plans to host a talk show in her future make perfect sense. Her talk show would mainly focus on empowering women, an ideal she seems to have dedicated her life to.
Listening to her express herself leaves one with no doubt that this young woman is going places. “I am striving to be the first Busisiwe Dladla; I want to be an icon,” she says.
Busisiwe has been signed up under the Embrace Your Curves (EYD) agency. You can follow her on Facebook – Busisiwe ThiqQueen Dladla and on Instagram @Queencurvy_xoxo.
See also:
•Inspiring women who have made a difference
•Child Protection Week in Munsieville
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