Twenty-five-year-old body positive activist and mother of two, Jazzy, started her Instagram account (@a_body_positive_jazzy) as way to inspire others to love their bodies exactly as it is, including her curves, rolls and stretch marks. She never could have predicted just how bit it was going to get!
On June 21st Jazzy posted a picture of her husband Keenan and herself in their bathing suits at the beach. They were holding hands, an adorable picture of the couple, now married for 6 years. While the picture alone, with their bright smiles, would have inspired many, it was her caption that has captured hearts world wide, driving the picture to viral status! She opened up about her struggles to embrace her body, as well as what it was like for her to be married to someone with a different body type from her own, “born fit” as she describes it.
She wrote:
“Over the years this man has loved every curve, every roll, and every stretch mark on my body. I never understood why! How could he love something that isn’t “perfect”? How could a man who was “born fit” love someone like me! I don’t have a flat stomach, I jiggle when I walk, hell if I run up the stairs to fast my body claps (lmao)!! But now I see I do have the “perfect” body!! Every roll, every curve and every stretch mark is put on me just perfect to make both of us happy!!! I love my body and I finally see why he does too!!”
Much like everything else on the internet, her post was met with a mixed audience, however most of those who commented were sharing their support, encouragement, and their own stories of learning to accept their ‘perfectly imperfect’ bodies.
@drathamccarty “I’m so impressed by you! I think you are absolutely Beautiful! I was married to a body builder and was myself heavy. I completely understand your feelings. Much happiness to you and your wonderful family!”
@kimcmrn “Wow! When I read your words I cried! Oh how I strive to have your confidence! You go girl!!! Bravo!!!!”
@leana_barbar “‘Perfect’ defines more than outer beauty. This man sees past your outer beauty, he sees your inner beauty also. You’re both beautiful and that’s why you’re both perfect for each other”
When asked about the negative comments, Jazzy praised her husband for his unending support, saying “When I started receiving negative comments and opinions, at first I was really hurt, but my husband was the one who first told me that they are just opinion and that I was too beautiful to let the insecure, negative people impact my life. If it was not for my husband being my number 1 supporter and encouraging me to get out there, and show the world who I am, I would still be inside my little torment box I called my comfort zone.”
Since initially posting the picture to Instagram, Jazzy has embraced her new-found attention. She has joined Facebook, and recently launched her own online business and website, all focused on the promotion of body positivity and acceptance!