When Ashley Graham came into the limelight in 2014 as the first size-14 model to be featured on Sports Illustrated Swim, barriers were shattered as she used her newfound fame to advocate body positivity, intersectional feminism, representation in media, and so much more.
Undermining the status quo has been at the core of everything Graham does since the beginning. From social media to television and Ted Talks to podcasts, Graham has built a platform that is dedicated to empowering women, people of color, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and many more!
Here, Graham talks about using her own confidence to inspire others to find their own, accomplishing her goals by tuning out the naysayers, and staying true to that small-town girl from Nebraska along the way.
You’re an accomplished supermodel who’s broken a number of barriers over the course of your career. But going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?
According to my mother, I’ve always been confident. But as an adult, I can look back and say that I have her to thank. I grew up watching her take pride in her body and who she was which inspired me to do the same.
I’m big on affirmations and think that kind self-talk is incredibly important for instilling confidence. So my advice to women is to cultivate your confidence from within. It always starts with you. When you’re confident in who you are and stand firm in what you believe in, you can advocate for yourself and use your voice to speak up and empower others.
Throughout your wide-ranging career, you’ve been an advocate for inclusivity and leveraged your platform to inspire confidence and empower others. How are you making a difference and pushing your industry forward?
While I’ve broken barriers throughout my career—from my partnership with Revlon to the cover of Vogue—there’s so much work that needs to be done to ensure that everyone sees themselves represented in our industry. For too long, the beauty and fashion industries have not been inclusive because of a status quo that told us we could only look one way to be considered beautiful.
I’ve always been about inspiring confidence in every person. That’s the message I try to push forward with my work whether it’s through deep conversations with people I’m inspired by on my podcast or offering my platform to others to amplify their voices: the goal is to empower everyone to be true to themselves.
In 2018, you launched your top-rated podcast “Pretty Big Deal,” which features intimate, off-the-cuff conversations with some of culture’s most influential people like Arianna Huffington and Emily Ratajkowski to name a few. Take us back to the beginning—what was the lightbulb moment for “Pretty Big Deal” and what inspired you to pursue this path?
Well, I’ve always been a podcast junkie! We launched “Pretty Big Deal” in 2018, and for me, the name refers to the guests. Throughout my career, I’ve gotten to know so many amazing people who have such inspiring stories. Creating this show is like having my own personal mentor and insight into how successful people make it work and what makes them a “pretty big deal.” What I have learned is that the more successful people are, the more they want to share insights from their life and career, and I want to share that with our audience. The best education is from life experiences and from smart people and that’s what “Pretty Big Deal” aims to do; it’s a master class for the masses. Every episode leaves me with something new and I love that our audience can learn alongside me.
You are a serial entrepreneur who’s pursued multiple business ventures, from hosting and producing popular television shows to collaborating with brands like Addition Elle, Marina Rinaldi, and Swimsuits For All. Entrepreneurship is all about taking calculated risks—What’s the most pivotal risk you’ve taken, and how did it change your path?
The most pivotal risk I’ve taken was moving to New York City on my own to pursue modeling at 17 years old. It was my first time away from home, and while I had no real concept of the obstacles I was bound to face, I was determined to make it in the industry. There were many tough moments where I doubted myself, but if I didn’t take that initial leap of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success?
2020 has taught me the importance of rest and just slowing down. Being a new mom in particular during this time made me realize that it’s impossible to be in control of everything. I’m taking a calmer, more grounded perspective into every single day, and really just feeling grateful for the time that I’ve gotten to spend at home with my family. And like all of us, the challenges of this year have forced us to adapt, roll with the punches, and stay positive even amidst uncertainty. That’s the outlook I want to take into 2021.
What is the biggest challenge to achieving success in life?
I think one of the biggest challenges to achieving success is having the guts to believe in yourself. I’ve been told no, that I wasn’t good enough, that I’m too opinionated. I’ve heard it all, but I’ve refused to let any of that stop me from accomplishing my goals. The strong belief that I have in myself has always carried me through.
When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do?
I’m the same small-town girl from Nebraska that I’ve always been, and I strive to bring my authentic self to everything that I do. I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoying all of life’s little moments—and the glamorous ones, too! I don’t take any of it for granted.
It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?
Working in this industry for 20 years has forced me to become resilient. I’ve learned to embrace the hard learnings that come with failure and above all else, to stay positive and true to myself. It’s all about moving forward!
What is the #1 book you always recommend and why?
Brené Brown has always been such an inspiring voice. Her book “Braving the Wilderness” is one that I constantly go back to!
If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself?
I think I’ve been successful because I’ve always found the uniqueness in myself and believed in who I truly am. So, I would tell my 17-year-old self to stick to my guns and continue being the most full and authentic version of Ashley.
Fill in the blanks:
The best career advice I always give is...
Be proud of what makes you unique, believe in yourself, and don’t take “no” for an answer!
Three qualities that got me to where I am today are...
Faith, fearlessness, and perseverance.
The change I’d like to see in my industry is...
An environment where people of all body types, backgrounds, and identities can see themselves in a magazine, in a fashion campaign, on the screen, or on a board of directors.
My perfect day begins with ...
Bible study in bed to set my intention for the day, a cup (or three!) of coffee, and snuggles from Isaac.
The craziest thing I’ve done for work is...
A backbend in six-inch heels on the Manhattan bridge for a photo shoot. It was such an iconic New York moment!
