PROJECT REAL: Ashley

Meet Ashley.

Ashley defines power. She is one of the calmest and most collected women I know; her poised manner and quiet persona overflow with maturity and elegance. Her personality is perfectly captured by her style–free flowing, but simplistic and sophisticated. “I have always loved mature and timeless styles, but really enjoy experimenting with trendy, more bohemian looks as well,” she says.

Ashley takes style inspiration from many platforms such as Pinterest and YouTube, pulling from Lauren Conrad, Lauren Elizabeth, and others. And for role models, she turns to her circle of friends: “I try my best to surround myself with people who reflect the traits I desire…I have been blessed by some really great friends and family.”

As a short girl, Ashley learned to love her height. “I used to hate it, but over time I have realized that there can be something great about every size.” She jokes that she makes up for her short stature with her sense of humor and rockin’ heels.

“The main thing to remember is that whatever insecurities you may have, so many girls have the same ones. Everything about you is special and beautiful. One thing that has been an insecurity for me is that I have super thick hair, and lots of facial and arm hair comes with the territory, so embracing that it is a natural thing and not worrying about what others think is a huge thing for me.”

Part of the purpose of Project Real and Project Maganda as a whole is to not only promote body positivity, but to also represent those who feel under-represented in today’s media. Ashley is a gorgeous reminder of the fact that you are not alone in any struggle, whether it be thick hair or a short stature. To embrace those things or to change them is completely YOUR decision and YOURS ALONE–you should never have to comply to someone else’s idea of how you should look.

Thanks for reading the third installment of Project Real! Make sure to stay updated on the next post by following the PM Facebook Page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ProjectMaganda.

Huge thanks to Ashley for modeling this shoot, Chandler for her Snapchat coverage, my mom for providing a home base in downtown and my dad for these awesome photos.

Much love,

Erin