How the 1st Plus-Size Real Housewives Star Became an Unexpected Body-Positive Advocate for Women of Every Size

Ladies First highlights women and girls who are making the world better for the rest of us.

It’s hard to believe, but since the Real Housewives franchise launched on Bravo in 2006 with its Orange County series, there has never been a plus-size housewife — that is, until now. When last season’s teaser of the spin-off Toronto series was released and featured a visibly plus-size cast member, many folks took notice both offline and online.

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Dominating billboards across The6ix.......thank u to my bestie @ashleyamandawillis for her endless love and support. She is the best friend a girl could ever ask for and the only girl I know who would show up Sunday morning and tell me we are driving around the city to find every billboard. #rideordie #RHOT #thesix

A post shared by Roxy Earle (@luxuriousroxy) on Feb 26, 2017 at 1:54pm PST

Meet Roxy Earle: the fabulous housewife of Toronto. Throughout the show’s first season, Earle took to her Instagram account, where she became an unexpected voice of inspiration for women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies. When we sat down with Earle at the Instagram Uncovered body positivity summit in Toronto, she shared with Brit + Co that, while she was a prior fan of the Housewives brand, she was mostly invested in joining the series as a way of fighting for better representation of diverse bodies.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t have someone [in media] I could identify with,” Earle said. “I think it’s great that young girls and women can see people in the media now that looks like them and they can identify with that. It feels good that I can represent for those who perhaps don’t feel represented.”

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So honoured to be speaking at the Instagram Uncovered event about #bodypositivity catch it live on my Facebook & Instagram at 2pm EST dress @eloquii shoes @oscardelarenta tan @sindysuntan placeTOconnect #instagram @instagram @facebook #LuxuriousRoxy #inspire #motivate

A post shared by Roxy Earle (@luxuriousroxy) on Sep 19, 2017 at 10:30am PDT

Since appearing on the show, Earle has started a hashtag campaign called #MySizeRox, a response to body shamers and people who have a limited ideal of what beauty is. “I stopped listening to what other people thought I should be and just started being myself and started truly loving myself. Through #MySizeRox, I hope to encourage people of all sizes to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, at whatever size they are.”

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6 months ago I was sitting by the ocean dreaming of what I wanted to achieve this year. I figured I'd always dreamt of modelling and why not have the guts to try. No guts no glory, right? I am fully aware that I don't look the way many other models look, but that didn't stop me. My size will never define my dreams. My size will never hold me back from opportunities, instead being who I am, the real me and #MySizeRox and being proud of who I am IS what will define me. Never let anyone tell you what you can be. Lead with great energy and anything can happen. Thank you to legendary evening wear designer @macduggal for believing in me in my #NYFW runway debut. Now onto the next dream #supermodelstatus #model #nyfw2017 #newyork #fashion #runway #sparkle

A post shared by Roxy Earle (@luxuriousroxy) on Sep 10, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Earle has caught the eye of many for her infectious personality and honest, refreshing take on body positivity. So much so, that she was invited to walk the runway during the MacDuggal’s Spring collection launch at New York Fashion Week in September. She’s also been featured in Addition Elle’s latest advertising campaign titled, “Fashion Democracy” where she tagged herself “unapologetic.”

“It’s ironic to think I spent all these years hating on my body only for my body to be the one thing that has encouraged me and made me have a voice,” Earle told us. “I’m done apologizing for my size. I’m no longer taking the blame for things.”

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Yes I am proud to be in an ad campaign, but maybe not for the reasons you think. I've struggled for so many years with body confidence and in the last five years I have truly learned to love myself. Not just saying I love myself, but looking in the mirror and seeing beauty and acceptance rather than things I want to change. It wasn't easy. I've cried hysterically sobbing on my floor before events as nothing fit or I felt ugly in my clothes. I didn't feel beautiful enough, or slim enough to have a handsome husband or the life I lead. But then one day I decided to stop being so mean to myself. I told myself I was beautiful. I bought jeans in a size that actually fit. I worked out for health and not calories. I spoke gently. I erased words from my vocabulary....and slowly the shackles of self loathing came off and I began to love myself. It's been a journey and now here I am in a fashion campaign. So yes I am damn proud, but I'm most proud that I can do it for all of you. I can be that little voice that tells you not to be so harsh on yourself. I am proud that my journey is OUR journey and together, campaign by campaign, photo by photo, we can change the way millions of people feel about themselves ps. #MySizeRox #bodypositive #bodyactivist #love #curves #fashion #inspire

A post shared by Roxy Earle (@luxuriousroxy) on Sep 14, 2017 at 8:19pm PDT

Roxy plans to take her #MySizeRox movement global and hopes to reach even more people in the years to come.

How do you practice body positivity? Tell us @BritandCo.