In a world where the fashion industry often clings to narrow definitions of beauty, Ashley Graham has emerged as a trailblazer by challenging norms and inspiring millions. Her journey from a young girl in Nebraska to body positivity advocate and an international supermodel is nothing short of a remarkable feat.
 |
| #ashleygraham |
Real name – Ashley Graham Ervin
Screen name – Ashley Graham
Born – October 30, 1987
Height – 5’9.5” (5 foot, 9 and a half inches)
Status – Married to Justin Ervin
Parents – Linda Graham (mother)…the identity of her father isn’t publicly available
Siblings – Abigail Graham (younger sisters)…the identity of her other younger sister isn’t publicly available
Children – Isaac Menelik Giovanni, Roman Irvin and Malachi Irvin (twins)
Career highlight – Plus-size modelling
Early beginnings in life and the spark of discovery
Born on 30th October 1987, Ashley Graham grew up as the
eldest of three sisters. As the eldest of three sisters, she quickly learned
the values of hard work. Ashley’s early life was filled with the simple
pleasures of Midwestern living. Her childhood in Lincoln (Nebraska) was marked
by the typical Midwestern charm but with unique challenges. She learnt that
life was as much about laughter and perseverance as it was about county fairs
and family dinners.
 |
| Source - @ashleygraham |
Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during her school years,
Graham faced hurdles that could have easily deterred her ambitions. She often
found traditional schoolwork a struggle. She turned to her love of reading
classic detective stories and scribbling colourful doodles in her notebook
instead. It became a habit that would later fuel her creative and humorous
approach to life. Ashley’s eyes sparkled with a curiosity that would eventually
fuel her desire to redefine beauty.
However, destiny had other plans.
A chance encounter that changed everything
It was during a routine visit to a local shopping centre
that destiny knocked. It all began on a seemingly ordinary day. At the age of
12, while accompanying her family on an errand, Ashley was spotted by somebody.
A keen-eyed talent scout recognised something special in Ashley. While shopping
at Oak View Mall in Omaha, she was scouted by the I & I agency which set
her on a path that would soon challenge the very fabric of the fashion
industry. This fortuitous encounter led to her signing with a modelling agency
and marked the beginning of a career that would eventually shatter outdated
industry stereotypes.
 |
| Source - nickiswift.com |
Shattering industrial barriers on the runway
Graham's early career saw her signing with Ford Models and Wilhelmina
Models in the year 2001 which was followed by a switch to Ford Models in 2003. Her
early assignments may have seemed like stepping stones but they were in fact
the building blocks of a revolution. Her appearances in YM magazine and a
profile by Sally Singer in Vogue in 2007 hinted at a burgeoning star that she
was destined to become.
However, it was her 2010 Lane Bryant TV commercial that
truly catapulted her into the limelight. Her breakthrough moment arrived with a
television advert for this well-known retailer. The advert which faced
unwarranted controversy, garnered over 800,000 views on YouTube alone prompting
Graham to address the issue on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’.
Despite sparking controversy, showcased her unique appeal
and ignited passionate discussions on body image. This incident not only
showcased her resilience but also highlighted the industry's often skewed
perceptions of beauty. The fashion world was initially unprepared for the fresh
energy and unapologetic authenticity that she brought to every assignment. In a
time when mainstream media celebrated only one narrow definition of beauty,
Ashley’s rise was nothing short of revolutionary.
During an interview with a popular magazine once, she had famously declared…
“I want to be the embodiment of confidence for anyone who has ever felt out of place”.
The statement was delivered with her trademark blend of determination
and humour that resonated deeply with people from all walks of life.
A historic ‘Sports Illustrated’ cover and beyond
The year 2016 marked a pivotal year for Graham. It will
forever be etched in fashion history. She became the first size-16 model to
grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue which was a global milestone.
Ashley broke new ground. This achievement wasn't just a personal victory but it
signified a broader shift towards inclusivity in fashion. As Graham aptly put
it…
"For so long, curvy women have been a token in the fashion industry...that's no longer our reality".
With a dazzling smile and a twinkle in her eye, she once
joked during an interview…
“I guess my curves decided they wanted to have a word with history and history listened’.
Her appearance on this prestigious cover did more than just celebrate her success. It paved the way for countless other models who had long been sidelined by rigid industry standards. This triumph remains a defining moment in her career and one that continues to inspire a new generation of aspiring models. Her ability to turn potential criticism into a statement of empowerment has since become a hallmark of her public persona.
Activism, advocacy, body positivity and a passion for inclusivity
Beyond her glossy photoshoots, modelling accolades or the
runway, Graham has dedicated herself to being a relentless advocate for body
positivity and the ‘Health at Every Size’ movement. Her 2015 TED Talk
titled "Plus-size? More like my size" challenged societal norms and delved
deep into self-acceptance. In a candid moment during the talk, she addressed
her body directly by saying…
"Back fat, I see you popping over my bra today. But that's all right. I'm gonna choose to love you".
Such authenticity has endeared her to millions and made her
a beacon of hope for those grappling with body image issues.
Graham's influence extends to social media where she boasts
over 20 million followers on Instagram. Her unfiltered posts showcases
everything from candid moments of motherhood to stretch marks. They have lit
crucial conversations about beauty standards and self-worth. As she once
remarked…
"I want to be a voice for those who feel like they don't belong. It's about embracing who you are, not fitting into someone else's mould".
Her dynamic engagement with millions of followers on social
media is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
She has been a tireless supporter of encouraging individuals to embrace their
bodies and celebrate self-worth. Her speeches at various conferences as well as
her involvement in global initiatives for mental health, shows her profound
understanding that beauty transcends physical appearance.
Through every interview and every public appearance, she
emphasises that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. In one memorable
conversation with a renowned talk show host, she revealed…
“I have always believed that every curve is a work of art and that society would be a far happier place if we all learned to appreciate the masterpieces we were born with’.
Her words have inspired millions of her fans and people by
offering comfort and confidence to those who have long felt overlooked.
Creative projects and entrepreneurial ventures
Not one to rest on her laurels, Graham has successfully
ventured into the business side of fashion and entrepreneurship by launching
her own lingerie line named Ashley Graham Intimates. This endeavour aims to
provide comfortable and stylish options for women of all sizes. Launching her
own lingerie collection was a natural extension of her desire to empower women
of every size.
 |
| Screenshot from Ashley website that sells Ashley Graham Intimates |
This collection is not just a commercial success but also an extension of her lifelong mission to promote inclusivity and self-love. Furthermore, she has collaborated with renowned designers on limited edition projects that celebrate bold prints and innovative designs inspired by art and culture from across the globe.
A dash of scandal and unwavering resilience
No career (especially one that disrupts the status quo) is
without it’s share of controversy. No journey to stardom is without it’s
hiccups. Ashley’s career has seen it’s fair share of controversy. Early in her
career, a widely publicised advert brought on heated debates about body size
and representation. Critics questioned the suitability of featuring a model who
did not conform to traditional expectations while supporters celebrated her for
challenging oppressive norms.
In 2010, Graham's Lane Bryant commercial faced undue censorship and caused debates about size discrimination in advertising. Instead of shying away, she confronted the controversy head-on and engaged it as a platform to advocate for change. Rather than shrink from the spotlight, she faced the criticism with unyielding candour and humour. Her forthright responses and humorous retorts during interviews have often defused tension and left audiences both enlightened and entertained. This incident underscored her unwavering commitment to challenging biases and promoting body positivity.
During a particularly fiery interview, she laughed and said…
“If my curves can make a few heads turn and start conversations, then they are doing their job”.
This ability to transform adversity into a platform for
positive change is perhaps one of Ashley’s most inspiring traits.
Behind the glam – A flourishing personal life
What many may not know is that behind the captivating
presence and the dazzling smile, lies a woman who loves to keep things
light-hearted. Ashley is known for her secret passion for baking. Ashley often keeps
experimenting with recipes in her spare time. She once recounted an impromptu
cake decorating session for her team that turned a hectic photo shoot into everyone’s
delightful laughter-filled time.
On long-haul flights, instead of scrolling endlessly on her
phone, she is often found scribbling colourful sketches, humorous observations and
quirky wit in her diary. Yes, she is said to doodle in a well-worn diary. This
endearing habit has become a private ritual that keeps her grounded amid the
whirlwind of global celebrity. These little moments of self-expression reveal a
side of Ashley that is refreshingly down-to-earth.
Ashley has also shared stories of her childhood adventures in Nebraska. She fondly recalls attending local county fairs where she would win prizes at the ring toss and share hearty laughs with friends over simple home-cooked meals. Her Midwestern roots continue to influence her even today. Stories of enjoying the simple pleasures of life, sharing hearty laughs over home-cooked meals and winning at local fair games often surface in interviews. In one such conversation, she remarked…
“I may have traded Nebraska fields for international runways but my heart still beats to the rhythm of home”.
It is this blend of genuine warmth and glamour that has
endeared her to fans worldwide.
While her professional achievements continue to grow,
Ashley’s personal life is equally fulfilling and rich. Her relationship with
videographer Justin Ervin began in the most unassuming of places – a church
service in 2009. The couple quickly bonded over shared love for life’s little
pleasures and values. They married the following year and have since built a
nurturing family.
The arrival of their son in January 2020 which was followed by the birth of twin boys in January 2022 has added new dimensions to her life. Balancing a high-octane career with the joys and challenges of parenthood, Ashley remains a role model for women who strive to excel both personally and professionally. Balancing a career with parenthood, she often muses…
“Life may throw you a few curveballs, but sometimes those curves are exactly what make the game exciting”.
Her appreciation for these modest beginnings remains evident
in her philanthropic endeavours. Whether it is supporting initiatives for young
people with learning difficulties or mentoring budding models, Ashley has never
forgotten the importance of giving back.
Ongoing influence and the road ahead
As we move through 2025, Ashley Graham continues to shape
the future of body positivity and fashion. By February 2025, Ashley Graham's
influence shows no signs of waning. She remains a sought-after figure in
fashion, media and the advocacy circles. Her mission is clear which is to
redefine beauty standards and ensure that everyone (regardless of size) feels
seen and valued. In her own words…
"We've completely disrupted the fashion industry, broadened the definition of beauty and changed the lives of so many people who felt inadequate because of size".
With her blend of authenticity, charisma and determination,
Ashley Graham continues to pave the way for a more accepting and inclusive world.
And if her journey teaches us anything, it is that beauty isn't a size but a
state of mind.
 |
| Ashley's most recent upload in February 2025 |
Her recent collaborations with sustainable fashion brands have introduced new lines that focus on eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Her ongoing dialogue on social media (where she shares everything from behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work to heartfelt personal reflections) ensures that her influence remains as potent as ever.
Upcoming projects include development of a mentorship
programme aimed at empowering the next generation of models and speaking
engagements at international conferences.
A legacy of empowerment
In every sense, Ashley Graham is more than just a model. She
is a movement. Her career has been defined by a commitment to authenticity, an
embrace of imperfection and a passion for inspiring others to live life boldly.
With every charitable initiative she undertakes, every candid post online and every
stride on the runway, Ashley redefines what it means to be beautiful.
Her story is a celebration of diversity, a challenge to outdated norms and a testament to the power of self-belief. The journey of Ashley Graham is not just a narrative about the glamour of the fashion world. It is a story of overcoming adversity, of finding humour in the face of criticism and of using personal success as a platform to ignite positive change in society. As she continues to break boundaries and redefine industry standards, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire millions for generations to come.
Now well into her remarkable journey, Ashley continues to challenge conventional norms and push boundaries. In a recent interview, she summed up her philosophy with a blend of humour and sincerity…
“I believe that beauty is not about fitting into a mould but about breaking it…one confident step at a time”.
This sentiment encapsulates not only her career but also her
life. Ashley Graham has not only redefined beauty in the world of fashion but
also has redefined what it means to be resilient, unapologetic and utterly
unique. Her legacy is built on strength, humour and a steadfast commitment to
inclusivity. She is definitely destined to echo through generations.
#ashleygraham #plussize #model #biography #nebraska #us #unitedstates #america #life #story
0 Comments