Grace Doty used to struggle with low self-esteem in her teen years but after shedding 7st 2lbs she feels more body confident than ever before.
The 26-year-old New Yorker has made it to the final of Curvy Kate's American Star in a Bra modelling competition and now wants to inspire other ladies to “love the skin they’re in”.
She said: “I still have stretch marks and a different looking stomach, but I think it's beautiful because it's real life.
“I’d love to see more models with bodies like mine – bodies with a story.”
The musician started her weight loss journey at the age of 15. Over time, Grace has learnt how to balance her diet and exercise regime to lose the pounds.
She said: “The real wake-up call moment for me was when I realised that I couldn't go to the mall with my friends and wear any of the clothes there.
“This was also around the time I started to pursue music as a career and I hated standing on stage feeling insecure about my body when all I wanted was for people to focus on the music.
“I desperately wanted to feel comfortable, secure and healthy in my own skin.
“I decided to immerse myself into learning about nutrition and fitness. I learned that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and that's what makes it so hard.
“I finally designed a sustainable lifestyle of nutrition and exercise that worked for me personally.
"It took a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication – literal blood, sweat and tears. But it has been so worth it.”
But her drastic transformation wasn’t all plain-sailing, after losing such a considerable amount of weight she was left with excess skin on her stomach.
To regain her confidence Grace opted for a tummy tuck to remove 7lbs of loose flesh.
Speaking about her surgery, Grace explained: “I’ve never talked about this and I'm not sure why.
“I think there's a stigma surrounding plastic surgery as though it would ‘unauthenticate’ my hard work. I got surgery as a result of my hard work. The only surgery I had is an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck).
“This is a corrective surgery where they remove excess skin from your abdomen – it is not a weight loss surgery."
She continued: "Nobody really talks about the sagging skin you're left with after major weight loss.
“It can be worse than the weight itself.
"The excess skin on my stomach eventually prevented me from exercising, playing sports, enjoying social events, even wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
“Getting dressed in the morning became a new type of nightmare.
"I'm so glad I took control and allowed myself to reap the benefits of all of my hard work.”
Grace is one of seven finalists who are set to battle it out to become the new face and body of the D-K cup lingerie retailer.
She’s also hoping to sign a year-long contract with TRUE model management and receive a year’s supply of underwear if she bags the prize.
Curvy Kate is passionate about promoting body positivity and the busty brand has never used professional models to represent their lingerie. Instead they hope to pick everyday girls to promote their inclusive message.
The winner will be chosen by the public and her identity will be revealed on 15 November.
