Ashley Graham: Body Confidence, Boob Contouring & Getting Hotter With Age

Summary

House of Maher: “Ashley Graham: Body Confidence, Boob Contouring & Getting Hotter With Age” (Nov 11, 2025)

Host: Wave
Sisters/Co-hosts: Ilona Maher, Olivia Maher, Adrianna "Dre Baby" Maher
Guest: Ashley Graham

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Episode Overview

This lively and candid episode of House of Maher welcomes supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham for a wide-ranging, laughter-filled discussion with the Maher sisters. Together, they tackle topics like body confidence, the real story behind viral Victoria's Secret moments, building personal and professional confidence with age, boob contouring, the challenges of inclusivity in fashion, dating advice and “girl dinner” sisterhood. True to the show’s spirit, the tone is empowering, supportive, irreverent, and joyfully honest.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reading Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Smart is Smart! ([02:00]–[05:30])

• The sisters debunk a Twitter myth claiming “people who read fiction are not as smart as nonfiction readers.”
• Ashley and the sisters assert the value of imagination, empathy, and cognitive skills gained from fiction — supported by AI-powered research (“Perplexity”).
• Quote:

  “Reading fiction can make you smarter by improving cognitive abilities, verbal intelligence, empathy, memory, and analytical thinking...” – Adriana Maher, reading Perplexity response [03:52]

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2. Getting Hotter With Age: Evolving Confidence ([06:16]–[07:40])

• The group reflects on personal style and growth; Ashley shares how she really “found herself” after having kids.
• Quote:

  “You suck. You’re so confused in your 20s... just remember: it gets better. I’m getting better and I’m really excited to turn 40 in a couple years.” – Ashley Graham [07:03]

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3. Speaking Up & Setting Boundaries ([07:40]–[08:40])

• Discussion about gaining confidence to speak your mind as you age, whether in restaurants or business settings.
• Ashley confesses she once found it awkward to send food back but now embraces advocating for herself and her husband.

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4. Bra Sizes, Boob Contouring, and Lingerie Realness ([08:40]–[12:17])

• Entertaining banter on not wearing bras, fitting issues, sisterly jealousy, and Ashley’s tips on choosing bras for “the swell.”
• Ashley dishes on “boob contouring” during runway spray tans (“they will contour you!”) and runway prep for Victoria’s Secret.
• Memorable moment: Detailed story about negotiating backstage, rejecting outfits she wasn’t comfortable in, and actually getting to decide details on the Victoria’s Secret runway.
• Quote:

  “I’m the one having to rock it down the runway.” – Ashley Graham [12:07]

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5. Behind-the-Scenes at Victoria’s Secret: Pushing Inclusivity ([12:18]–[14:25])

• Ashley recounts her journey advocating for real size inclusivity — refusing to participate unless Victoria’s Secret genuinely expanded size offerings.
• She describes meetings with the CEO, the importance of not being a token, and how her participation ensures real change. Adam Selman’s creative direction is lauded for bringing vibrance and fantasy back.
• Quote:

  “I can’t say yes to a brand... as the token, curvy, plus-size... unless you tell me you’re really going to go into extended size.” – Ashley Graham [13:17]

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6. Social Media, Representation & Responsibility ([14:25]–[16:06])

• Ashley discusses the burden of being “the face” of body diversity for major campaigns and the importance of careful brand alignment.
• The Maher sisters bond over the power of having a strong team — especially women — and the comfort it brings to public figures.

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7. Relationships, Dating & Girl Energy ([16:32]–[23:41])

• Lively segment about dating in the modern age; Ashley’s wingwoman skills, her mom’s epic year of 70 dates cross-country, and advice on finding meaningful connections versus “job interview” dates.
• Ashley’s own story: meeting her husband in an elevator at church, dating a year with no sex, and building on shared values.
• Quote:

  “I’m tired of giving my power away. Let me hold on to it a little bit.” – Ashley Graham, describing dating with new boundaries [19:08]

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8. Sisterhood, Affirmations & Raising Boys ([26:02]–[28:43])

• Ashley calls herself a “girls’ girl,” always willing to share contacts and advice.
• On raising three boys: hopes to raise kind, respectful sons whose partners will someday thank her; describes the “WWE” chaos at home, and ambitions for sons’ future careers (“tradesmen, plumbers, contractors”).
• Quote:

  “One of my goals in life is to have my son’s partners come up to me and say thank you because I want to raise respectful, responsible, sweet, kind, awesome young men.” – Ashley Graham [26:47]

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9. Affirmations, Manifestation & Spiritual Foundations ([28:44]–[30:58])

• Ashley shares how affirmations, rooted initially in her religious upbringing, evolved into conscious self-talk and manifestation strategies.
• Affirms the power of words: “your words have power,” describing affirmations done solo, with family, or even while driving.

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10. Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality ([31:05]–[33:53])

• Ilona discusses grappling with changing identity post-Olympic training.
• Ashley introduces the realness of “body neutrality” over toxic positivity—sometimes it’s enough just to thank your body for working.
• Quote:

  “It’s okay to not really like what you see in the mirror, but to know that your body is strong and powerful and it’s working today.” – Ashley Graham [33:19]

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11. The Changing Body Image Landscape & “Fighting the Fight” ([33:54]–[36:49])

• The pressure and exhaustion of being a leading voice on body acceptance, especially when trends shift and “skinny” comes back.
• Ashley admits she’s accepted she’ll always be asked about her body but reframes it through the lens of helping “middle school Ashley.”
• Adrianna credits Ashley for positive representation:

  “It was the first time really, I saw someone that I was like, oh, I look like that.” – Adrianna Maher [35:27]

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12. On Online Comments and Resilience ([36:26]–[36:51])

• Honest talk about hateful messages on social media (“You look like a man,” “You’re so brave”) and the healthy perspective needed to handle them.
• Quote:

  “It’s exhausting... It’s not nice. We don’t like not nice people.” – Ashley Graham [36:49–36:51]

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13. JCPenney Line: Fashion for Curvy Women ([41:16]–[45:46])

• Ashley shares the joy and sense of “coming home” as creative director for Ashley Graham at JCPenney—focused exclusively on curvy girls and sized for realism, style, and inclusion.
• Highlights: unique grading (fit), intentional ruching, sexy and nostalgic pieces, rejection of stereotypical “cold-shoulder” or “safari” looks for larger women.
• Quote:

  “The grading system is not made for us. The in-store experience is not made for us. So... I went in guns a blazing and said... this is based off what does this fashion-forward chick really want to wear?” – Ashley Graham [42:53–43:59]

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14. Advice for Strong Women – Especially in Dating ([47:03]–[47:44])

• Ashley’s closing gems:

  “Don’t get advice from people that you don’t like the decisions that they’ve made.” [47:16]
  “Just don’t have sex on the first date, and then maybe you’ll figure out if you like him.” [47:35]

• Encouragement for all to own their strength and standards.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Victoria’s Secret Show:

  “I’m the one wearing it. I’m the one having to rock it down the runway.”
  — Ashley Graham [12:07]

• On Representation:

  “Hopefully anything and everything that I say can be that for the younger girl watching... The days I don’t want to do it, I just tell myself to get over it.”
  — Ashley Graham [34:45]

• On Self-Compassion:

  “Thank you, body, for working. Thank you, body, for waking up.”
  — Ashley Graham [32:35]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:00] – Fiction vs. Nonfiction Reading Debate
• [06:16] – Growing Confidence With Age
• [08:40] – Bra Fitting, Boob Contouring, Runway Realities
• [12:18] – Victoria’s Secret, Size Advocacy, Brand Responsibility
• [16:32] – Girl Teams, Sisterhood, and Dating Real Talk
• [19:08] – Ashley’s Personal Dating Philosophy
• [26:44] – Girls’ Girl Energy, Raising Boys
• [28:44] – Affirmations and Manifesting Confidence
• [31:05] – Body Neutrality vs. Positivity
• [33:54] – The Burden and Joy of Being a Body Positive Icon
• [41:16] – Curvy Fashion and New JCPenney Line
• [47:03] – Ashley’s Advice for Strong Women in Dating

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Overall Tone

Friendly, unfiltered, supportive, and full of wit. The vibe is one of confidence-building, sisterly encouragement, and radical honesty. The group blends iconic guests with real-world, relatable talk — delivering both laughs and life lessons.

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For Further Exploration

• Ashley Graham at JCPenney: Curvy-focused fashion line made for real bodies.
• Body Positivity/Neutrality: Importance of representation, self-compassion, and community.
• Sisterhood: Leaning into supportive relationships, professionally and personally.

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This episode is a must-listen for fans of Ashley Graham, conversations about modern confidence and self-worth, and anyone interested in the messy, real transition from self-doubt to self-celebration.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Ashley Graham]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Ashley Graham]

You find or create the perfect gift in store or online. Book your appointment today and unwrap Love.

[Alona Mar]

This season only at K. I'm getting better at it, but there's some things when I don't like something. Just say it. There's stuff in life too. Where Even business. Business where I want to be clothes.

[Ashley Graham]

Not wearing bras. Like the three of you. Oh, you have a bra in here.

[Olivia Mar]

And you're technically not right too. Or does this count as one?

[Ashley Graham]

Well, I. I don't know. The boost Ta. Doesn't that kind of count as that? I admit, yes. They're a little jiggly. They're not like. Like, they're not secure.

[Alona Mar]

They're not like, stop putting these boobs in my face. I'm so jealous. Welcome back to House of Mar, A Wave original. Kick your shoes off and help yourself to whatever in the fridge. The WI Fi password is supermodel. All caps. We have a few house rules here.

[Olivia Mar]

Girls are magic.

[Adriana Mar]

Reading is hot.

[Alona Mar]

And so are you. I am the middle sister, Alona.

[Olivia Mar]

I am the eldest, Olivia. Mar.

[Adriana Mar]

And I'm the baby, Adriana.

[Ashley Graham]

Mar.

[Alona Mar]

Make sure to subscribe to us on YouTube. We are wearing cute outfits today, and our guest is just an icon, a supermodel herself. So you want to see this with your own two eyes?

[Olivia Mar]

You want to lay eyeballs on this right now?

[Alona Mar]

We all get caught up in the Internet from time to time, but some people need to head to the backyard of Mar and touch some grass. Today's Touch grass is brought to you by perplexity.

[Olivia Mar]

Ladies, what is something you've been overthinking lately?

[Adriana Mar]

Oh, you know, I saw this tweet the other day saying that people who read fiction are just not as smart as people who read only nonfiction.

[Alona Mar]

What?

[Ashley Graham]

What?

[Olivia Mar]

Why do they think this?

[Alona Mar]

I guess I can, like, kind of understand. I just think it's wrong. Yeah, so, like, if you read, like, because we just watch Lord of the Rings. So if, like, people who read Lord of the Ring.

[Olivia Mar]

Sorry, your face.

[Alona Mar]

That was the funniest thing ever seen. So I guess if you, like, they're saying, like, if you read Lord of the Rings or other things, you're not as smart. But it just feels like the smartest people I know read those books because it's a break from how much maybe how much smarts they have.

[Ashley Graham]

Because they are smart.

[Alona Mar]

Right. Because they are so smart.

[Adriana Mar]

And you can learn things from fiction books. I think people also have that stereotype just because, like, yeah, a textbook's nonfiction.

[Ashley Graham]

You know, I don't always need to.

[Adriana Mar]

Be reading these, like, educational books. Like, you can find educational things in fiction and stories and things that have a little bit more fun to them.

[Olivia Mar]

Absolutely. Reading is reading. If you're reading article, like dad loves to say, he's a short form. He reads short form that he's reading so many articles.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

That makes him really smart. We read books. I take so much from the fiction books that I read. Whether it's something funny new to say or a new way to think about something or just, like, enjoyment. Sorry. That also betters me as a person.

[Adriana Mar]

Absolutely. I started Babbel. I'm learning.

[Olivia Mar]

She's learning.

[Adriana Mar]

She's clocked in all this. It's fiction.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, it's fiction.

[Adriana Mar]

There's ways to incorporate educational themes in fiction. Absolutely.

[Olivia Mar]

So people should touch some grass. You can absolutely be smart and get smarter from reading fiction. We're gonna have Perplexity weigh in on this one and tell these people whether they need to touch some grass or not. Okay. So we've asked Perplexity, can reading fiction books make you smarter?

[Adriana Mar]

Reading fiction can make you smarter by improving cognitive abilities, verbal intelligence, empathy, memory, and analytical thinking, as supported by scientific studies and neuroscientific research.

[Alona Mar]

That's a lot of big words. I believe it.

[Olivia Mar]

That sounds far right there.

[Alona Mar]

Boom. Regular. And here we go. Cognitive and neural results. Some bigger words are cognitive and neural benefits. Regular fiction reading increases neural connectivity in the brain. Okay, very cool. I've always wanted to be connected up there, especially in areas related to language, imagination, abstract thinking. Us fiction readers are just imaginative. That's right. Abstractly. Our brains are so big, some of us. Well, these changes. These changes persist beyond immediate reading sessions and enhance complex thought and reasoning, which are crucial for intelligence as problem solving. I mean, that's all we need to know.

[Ashley Graham]

Boh, my.

[Alona Mar]

Keep reading your nonfiction. We're still getting smarter.

[Olivia Mar]

We're getting smarter than the people that aren't Reading. Having more fun while doing it.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, we're having a lot more fun.

[Ashley Graham]

A lot more fun.

[Alona Mar]

We're in worlds you wouldn't even imagine.

[Olivia Mar]

You wouldn't. You couldn't even.

[Alona Mar]

I'm building this world. We're building characters.

[Olivia Mar]

I literally have to, like, pick the location of a book in my house. Like, I have to, like, scroll, you know you guys do that in your imagination. Just me. All right.

[Adriana Mar]

You what? You gotta pick it.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, like when, like, the characters are like, it's the house that is the main set in the book. I pick out in my head, like, what kind of architectural structure are we working with here that I picture them in?

[Alona Mar]

The whole time I thought I was talking about your house.

[Adriana Mar]

I read it and my mind just does it.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, like.

[Adriana Mar]

Or I hear a name and I'm like, well, that's what Annabeth looks like.

[Olivia Mar]

That's of course what an Annabeth looks like, right?

[Adriana Mar]

Of course.

[Olivia Mar]

That's funny.

[Adriana Mar]

Oh, they've got white hair. No, I've already. I've already put brown hair on them.

[Olivia Mar]

Perplexity says touch grass Freaks.

[Adriana Mar]

They said the freaks part.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Adriana Mar]

That does it for touch grass. Brought to you by Perplexity. Next, we're going to dive deeper with our amazing guests.

[Olivia Mar]

It's tea time, y'.

[Alona Mar]

All.

[Olivia Mar]

And this week we're serving our tea piping hot with a thriving supermodel and entrepreneur. Today's tea time is sponsored by Peloton.

[Alona Mar]

Let me intro our amazing guest, our fourth March sister. Today is a cultural force who didn't just break the mold, she shattered it. She was the first i16 model to land the COVID of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She kicked down the door at Vogue, and she starred on Broadway as Roxy. She's an author and entrepreneur, a TV host, and as of this month, the creative force behind a game changing new collection at JCPenney. She's a supermodel, a super mom, and proof that confidence is the best accessory. Please give a massive house of Mar welcome to the one and only Ashley Graham.

[Olivia Mar]

God, that was a lot.

[Adriana Mar]

Longest accolades.

[Ashley Graham]

Well, I. Did you guys get dressed up for me? Yeah. Cute outfits for. I'm really appreciative.

[Alona Mar]

Thank you so much.

[Ashley Graham]

And I feel like we can all fit in together.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

When you look like this, we have to look a little better too. If you came in with sweats, we'd be like, all right, you know what? Hey, hey.

[Ashley Graham]

But I watched and I like you guys do get dressed up a little bit. You throw yourselves together. So I knew what I was getting myself into.

[Olivia Mar]

We're trying to figure it out. I think we're figuring out our personal styles a little bit through this.

[Ashley Graham]

Well, how old are you guys? Because it does take a minute.

[Alona Mar]

31, 31? 29, 26.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. I feel like I didn't really, like, get my personal style to, like, after kids, and that was, like, recent. Yeah, I've just. It's been a journey.

[Alona Mar]

No, for sure. I feel like I'm also getting hotter.

[Ashley Graham]

Yes.

[Alona Mar]

With age. I think people like, oh, your 20s are the best. I don't know. I really feel like I'm understanding.

[Ashley Graham]

Said that to you, like, society.

[Alona Mar]

I remember society saying, younger, maybe.

[Ashley Graham]

No, it's not. You suck. You're so confused in your 20s. You don't make, like, a lot of decisions you make are irrational. There's. There's a lot of things that can go down in your 20s. Just remember it. It gets better. I'm getting better, and I'm really excited to turn 40 in a couple years. I think that one's going to be really good.

[Adriana Mar]

Why?

[Olivia Mar]

So you just feel, oh, well, I'm.

[Ashley Graham]

Already a confident person, but we all have our not confident days, so I can only imagine how much better it's just even going to get and just more life experience. With maturity comes wisdom.

[Alona Mar]

Do you speak your mind even more. Like, when you're at a restaurant, will you be like, I hate this drink. Send it back.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

Yep.

[Olivia Mar]

Did you ever have a problem with that, or.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, of course. Like, I was always. My husband, he's very much like, when we go. You said restaurant. He's all about, where are we sitting in the restaurant?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

It'll ruin his whole night if we're not in the right. In the right table. So he'll. We'll sit down. He'll be like, this isn't correct. And I'll say, we have to get up. And I'm like, no, please, I don't want to be this. Oh, my God. But now I'm like, whatever. You know what? Whatever makes you happy, babe.

[Olivia Mar]

Absolutely.

[Ashley Graham]

And I'll get up and we'll move.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, that's our mom, too. If they put us in a restaurant, like, it'll be an empty restaurant, and they'll put us right next to another table of people.

[Ashley Graham]

She's like, why can't we just sit over there?

[Alona Mar]

Why can't we just go over there?

[Ashley Graham]

We don't want to be crowded right now.

[Alona Mar]

The woman's speaking her mind, you know? I'm like, let her do it. And I'm excited to get to that point because even now, I'm getting better at it. But there's some things when I don't like something just say it. Or. I know restaurants are a good thing, but there's stuff in life too, where even business. Business where I want to be clothes.

[Ashley Graham]

Not wearing bras. Like the three of you. Oh, you have a bra, and you're.

[Alona Mar]

Technically not right too.

[Olivia Mar]

Or does this count as one?

[Ashley Graham]

Well, I. I don't know. The boost ta. Does that kind of count?

[Olivia Mar]

As I may.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, they're a little tightly. They're not like. Like, they're not secure.

[Alona Mar]

They're not like, stop putting me.

[Olivia Mar]

She's showing my face.

[Alona Mar]

I'm so jealous.

[Adriana Mar]

I might just unbutton this top one.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, you gotta get. Give us a little bit more. Come on, girl.

[Alona Mar]

I'm not even filling out this cup.

[Olivia Mar]

This morning. It was sitting on her such a way that it was. There was a little. I was like, why don't we shift this? We can push that up a little bit.

[Alona Mar]

And that's what we're getting. Oh, wait, you're able to tell sizes?

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. You're. You're a 36.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

You probably thought you were 38, but you're not. You're definitely a 36. And I would, if I were you, I'd be like an A. Yeah, yeah. Because in the A, we could just have a little padding, and then you can make a swell.

[Alona Mar]

I need that.

[Ashley Graham]

Do you know what the swell is? It's like this part. This part of your boob that's called the swell. Yeah, but a little. A cup with a little cushion at the bottom will just give you a little bleep.

[Alona Mar]

One time I had that in a dress.

[Ashley Graham]

This one time.

[Alona Mar]

This one time.

[Olivia Mar]

She remembers it fondly.

[Adriana Mar]

She remembers it.

[Alona Mar]

It was great.

[Olivia Mar]

You're dancing with stars. Dr. Though, too, did a good job of.

[Alona Mar]

Like, if they really put.

[Adriana Mar]

Do you ever contour Alona? I got to.

[Ashley Graham]

You could. When you get a spray tan, though, they will do that. They'll contour you.

[Olivia Mar]

Yes.

[Ashley Graham]

When I just walked the versus show, she was contouring abs on me.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, my.

[Ashley Graham]

I don't have. She was like, okay, now, like, suck in and go like. And like, just get a vision of something. She's like. So if you zoom in, you can see the contour.

[Alona Mar]

Oh, my God. Okay, I'll take a look. Cuz we saw you on that Runway. One of the better outfits out there, I would say.

[Ashley Graham]

Well, you can't go wrong with Black lingerie, like, lace lingerie.

[Olivia Mar]

How much of a hand do you get to have in what you're wearing? Do you get anything? Or they just tell you they kind of.

[Ashley Graham]

Okay, so this is how this fitting way I went. I was doing. I did it last year. And last year was very in how that the process of getting the outfit was similar. Last year was my twins were 2 years old, so I was like, you know, postpartum twin mom life. Like, we have to cover everything, but happy to be here. So at first it was a string thong, and I said, ma', am, this is going to be a no for me. Do you have any bodysuits? So then it was a string thong with a bodysuit over it.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay.

[Ashley Graham]

And then this year, they put on a string thong with a big granny panty, like a see through granny panty over it. But then they wanted these stockings that came up the thigh. And I don't know if you guys have ever worn those, but I had this, like, major fat roll just right here. And, like, if I went to go wipe, like, I wouldn't even be able to get there unless if I, like, lifted. It was just. Huh?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

So I said, I'm not wearing these. That's just how I said it. Speaking of confidence.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. So she said, take them off. I don't want you to wear them then.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

And that's. That's. That's how I got the outfit that I have. Then when I went out to put my wings on, they had also made this headdress thing for me. Like, it was kind of like a showgirl. Some of the girls had them on. Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

I was saying some of them.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. And it was the same, like, material as my wings. Like feathers, black feathers. But it's kind of fell, like, almost in front of my face a little bit. And Adam Settleman, who's the fashion designer and creator there, I said, adam, kind of covering my face. Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

I was like the moneymaker.

[Ashley Graham]

And he goes, take it off, honey.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay.

[Ashley Graham]

And, you know, with reason, you can kind of, you know, say what you want, because it's. I'm the one wearing it.

[Alona Mar]

Right.

[Ashley Graham]

I'm the one having to rock it down the Runway. But everything else I loved. I mean, I had two bras on, so, you know, those girls are secure. They're in there. They're under the chin. And I was living. It was fun.

[Alona Mar]

It sure was.

[Ashley Graham]

Really?

[Olivia Mar]

Why?

[Ashley Graham]

So it was just. It was a different energy backstage. Adam really, like, brought something to the Victoria's Secret Runway show, and I Think to the whole company that they haven't had for a long time, which is just like, young Vibrance and this idea of fantasy. And Victoria's Secret has always been known for that fantasy bra. And there was something that was really, like, upbeat, fantasy and inspirational about this show that I think they just need it. It was like a breath of fresh air.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah. There's a lot of buzz around it.

[Ashley Graham]

There was.

[Olivia Mar]

It was awesome.

[Ashley Graham]

They still have a ways to go. I think the Victoria Secret just, like, with inclusivity and keeping, like, an honest grip of, like, sizes and continuing to go up and, like, what does that look like for the campaigns and everything? But I think, like, it's always. They're always making another step forward.

[Alona Mar]

And you've been into these spaces kind of like the first into a lot of them. Like, even Victoria's Secret, the first into that space showing your body. Were you ever, like, hesitant to do the show or did it just feel natural, like, oh, I'm gonna do this and show that?

[Ashley Graham]

No. Last year, it took a lot for me to say yes. I actually had, like, a zoom with the CEO and a few of the people who are a part of the casting as a whole. And they were like, please, we just, you know, we want to be able to showcase every different type of body and size. And I said, but I can't say yes unless if you tell me that you're really going to go into extended size. I actually do that because anytime I put my name on something, the expectation is in that, like, you can get extended sizes. That's. That's what you get when you get me, myself, and I and everything that I bring along with it. And I can't say yes to a brand, which I have said yes to many brands as the token, curvy, plus size, voluptuous, curvy, sexalicious, whatever you want to call us, because there's so many stupid labels. Yeah. Anyways, so they made it very clear, like, yes, we're going up into the G's and the H's. We're going up into the 40B. 40, 42 bands. And that's really what mattered to me. And so that's why I said yes last year. And then again this year. Adam was really, like, a big thing for me this year. It was fun.

[Olivia Mar]

Did he do last year, too?

[Ashley Graham]

No, he's. It's all brand new this year. Wow.

[Olivia Mar]

So when you say, like, you put your name on something, so then it's assumed that they will have these sizes, do people ever. Then Come for you. When you said yes to things in the past, they make it your fault when it's not.

[Ashley Graham]

It's. It's your face. I always go back to this, like, legalese. It's like your name, image and likeness.

[Olivia Mar]

Right?

[Ashley Graham]

And. And that's what happens on socials, you know? That's what people see. They don't know, you know, who. Whether it's a new brand or an old house or whatever it is, everything in between. They see you, and then they assume X, Y, and Z comes along with it.

[Olivia Mar]

Right? That's a lot of. A lot of power you hold.

[Ashley Graham]

That's why you gotta be careful.

[Alona Mar]

And you have a great team around you. I see a team of ladies.

[Olivia Mar]

Ladies.

[Alona Mar]

That's my team too.

[Adriana Mar]

Ladies.

[Alona Mar]

My agent, Little five two Punching. She's ready to go at me. I'm like, this big rugby. I don't know. You gotta talk to my agent, to.

[Olivia Mar]

The big lady next to me.

[Ashley Graham]

And she's.

[Alona Mar]

She's my manager over there. And I just think, like, you're the manager? Yes.

[Ashley Graham]

Wait, I didn't know this. That's made. How does that work?

[Alona Mar]

I Venmo her each month. It was really weird. She was actually.

[Ashley Graham]

Are you on salary or are you, like, on commission?

[Olivia Mar]

I'm like a expense. Like a contracted worker, essentially.

[Ashley Graham]

Oh, okay.

[Alona Mar]

I now have my team, my financial advisor, also a lady. She used to be a D1 basketball player. Columbia. She's our tall baddie. But where is the men's in my team? I got a tax guy.

[Ashley Graham]

My lawyer is amazing.

[Alona Mar]

Oh, my lawyer's my lawyer.

[Olivia Mar]

Love, Nate.

[Alona Mar]

Nate. Shout out. Nate. Rates are crazy, but I love you, man.

[Olivia Mar]

You know, really good.

[Alona Mar]

No, it's been, I think, having that team. And also, like, when I go to shoots with my team, they'll, like, look at me and be like, fix things up. Or we'll go to fittings, and they just are there to help. Whereas if I had a male agent be like, yeah, perfect. Let's do it.

[Ashley Graham]

Who doesn't know anything. I have male agents, and I think that they have a good say in some stuff too. Even, like, designing my clothing line with JCPenney. Funny. It was. I have a male agent, and he was asking, like, really good questions. He's got daughters and a wife that would definitely be interested in the line. It was like. I was like, thank you. That I didn't think about that. That's why we need. We need everybody.

[Adriana Mar]

We do.

[Alona Mar]

We do. Maybe I'll bring somebody else.

[Ashley Graham]

Nobody's married, right? You guys aren't married. No.

[Alona Mar]

No.

[Olivia Mar]

But everybody's single.

[Alona Mar]

Very single and attempting to date.

[Ashley Graham]

But I went ready to mingle. Yeah, it's hard out here. I've got a lot of single girlfriends. Very weird.

[Alona Mar]

Are you helping them? Are you setting them up?

[Ashley Graham]

Are you kidding? I'm everything in my power.

[Olivia Mar]

Can we get added to that roster?

[Adriana Mar]

Women on that, please.

[Ashley Graham]

You guys, I am the best wing woman you ever meet for men and women, by the way. I have some of my straight guy friends calling me, asking me for advice on a consistent basis. But my best girlfriends, I will take their phones and swipe for them and get them dates. Like I get it in the back now. I had an agent once tell me, I will open up the doors for you, but it's your job to get invited back in. Right? That's my same sentiment with my girlfriend. I will open every door for you, but it's your job to show up on that first date and win.

[Olivia Mar]

Right.

[Ashley Graham]

I really like that.

[Olivia Mar]

My problem is I can get myself dates. And then I'm on a date. I'm like, what am I doing here? It feels like a job interview. I'm the only one asking questions.

[Ashley Graham]

That's not your person.

[Alona Mar]

Exactly.

[Ashley Graham]

You have to date a lot. My mom in her like one year of dating nightmare. She. My mom and dad got a divorce. She was single for five years and then she dated for a whole year. She dated almost, almost 70 people, like over the course of a year. I don't know if that's a part.

[Adriana Mar]

Time, full time job for her.

[Ashley Graham]

This is what she did. She was on Bumble. This is not an ad for Bumble. She was on Bumble and she took like a cross country trip with her girlfriends driving and opened up Bumble in every city and went on dates in every city, multiple dates, and just dated across the country. Then was on a flight going home and that's where she met her fiance together five years later.

[Olivia Mar]

Because she was putting that energy out there, you know, she's put giving out.

[Ashley Graham]

You're giving me some kind of blockage, I think.

[Olivia Mar]

I am. You're blocked. You guys, we've got to figure out this vlog.

[Alona Mar]

Weird. You met your husband in an elevator.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. At church. That's another good place. Or like whatever you like.

[Alona Mar]

A social setting.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. So community setting or like not even just social setting, like religious social setting. Like, are you going to synagogue? Are you going to church? You're going to like Buddhist temple, Like whatever that is. There's a baseline there that is really helpful when you have the same morals and integrity and belief system that really, like, you can knock that out. You're like, well, we already got that. We know. We know that you love Jesus and so do I, so. Right, yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, that's a good point.

[Alona Mar]

How long did you date?

[Ashley Graham]

A year. And we didn't have sex the whole time.

[Alona Mar]

Good job. If that's what you wanted.

[Olivia Mar]

Wow.

[Ashley Graham]

Oh, you can say good job. I just thought it was like, more of, like, a drum roll, please.

[Alona Mar]

No. That is amazing.

[Ashley Graham]

Also not having been a virgin. It was.

[Alona Mar]

Whoa.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, but you guys made that decision together.

[Ashley Graham]

We did. That was a tough one. But it was, like, so necessary. Because as you all know, you're out in these streets and you're doing exactly what I was doing, and you're trying to find the right gentleman to do life with. And I realized I'm doing this the incorrect way. I'm giving so much of my power away, and I'm tired of giving my power away. Let me hold on to it a little bit. And then when I met Justin, I was like, I just want to, like, break you the news. You're not going to get any of the kitty cat ever.

[Alona Mar]

I'm so sorry.

[Ashley Graham]

And he was like, oh, this is great. I don't want to do that, too, until I'm married. And I was like, what? I found somebody that's, like, on the same page as me. And. And so things progressed quickly. And next thing you know, we're saying, I love you. Next thing you know, it's, the parents are meeting, and he. Yeah. Then we got married.

[Olivia Mar]

Unreal. Foundation for yourselves.

[Ashley Graham]

Yes.

[Olivia Mar]

Just. Wow.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah. Everything was based off of friendship.

[Olivia Mar]

Whereas if, like, I told a man, I'm not gonna have sex with you, and he's like, that's fine. I'd be like, now I gotta have sex with him. Because he was so cool with me not having sex with him.

[Alona Mar]

No, Olivia, learn from Ashley.

[Ashley Graham]

Then you don't have sex with him. This is the thing. Like, if it's, like, fine, like, if you want to have sex with me before you're married, go for it. But, like, make him work for it. Make him wait for something. Because then you're actually, like, getting through the nitty gritty of, like, do you like each other? Do you enjoy each other's company? Like, do you think. Not, like, jumping to marriage on the first date, but it's like, could you see yourself, like, building something with this person? That's all.

[Olivia Mar]

Write that down.

[Ashley Graham]

I mean, when you have sex with somebody, you're, like, binding Yourself to them in a way where you're like, we're emotional. Like, we're women. We're like. We're like, oh, I really like them. I mean, we can all have like, non emotional sex, sure. But like, really, like when you're looking and hunting.

[Alona Mar]

How old were you when you decided this?

[Ashley Graham]

We got married when I was 22. We met when I was 21. Yes. I dated half in New York City when I moved to New York at 17.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay, good for you.

[Adriana Mar]

That.

[Alona Mar]

There you go.

[Ashley Graham]

There you go. Yeah, that was my. That's the caveat.

[Alona Mar]

I'm like, all right, okay.

[Olivia Mar]

That's your right as a woman.

[Alona Mar]

I feel that way as well. There is some time, I think there's so many people that I gave access to myself and to my body that I'm like, they. They don't deserve that. They didn't deserve it anymore. Now you can say you've had that part of me. And we have a mom who's like, kind of what's. What did she say? Like, you know, when you're having sex with somebody, you're having sex with all people he's had sex with before, which is, like, true in some ways.

[Ashley Graham]

But there's like, soul ties.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

And think about that too. I mean, not to get spiritual or anything.

[Olivia Mar]

Right.

[Ashley Graham]

But like, it's all deep. And then also when you're going deep.

[Adriana Mar]

She was kind of sharing it more also with the STD point of view. So that also really affected us too. Of like, I don't trust anybody. Like, I'm gonna need to see the test results. Like, I'm almost too protective.

[Olivia Mar]

Right.

[Adriana Mar]

And I'm like, sometimes I think it hurts me more because I'm not putting myself out there. Because I'm like, I don't know what you guys have. You're having sex with everybody and who they're having sex with.

[Ashley Graham]

But that's the whole point of, like, just dating and then figuring it out. Because then you build, like a trust and a relationship with someone and then you're like, hey, let's go get tested together.

[Olivia Mar]

I have a fun date idea.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, I know, I know. Go do shots in, like, the clinic.

[Olivia Mar]

That's funny.

[Ashley Graham]

But, like, whatever your thing, giving access to yourself.

[Olivia Mar]

That was even me on the date where he's not asking me a single question. Like, he. I'm like, you know what? Actually, I don't want him to know anything about me. You don't get. You don't. You're not interested. You don't get any bit of Me, I'm not going to supply the information myself. As simple as that.

[Ashley Graham]

Like, dating is not easy.

[Alona Mar]

But she's trying. She's got some more lined up.

[Olivia Mar]

Trying.

[Ashley Graham]

When's your next date?

[Alona Mar]

Soon. She canceled one recently to hang out with friends.

[Ashley Graham]

Okay, but that's one of my girlfriends. She'll make dates and then she'll forget that she made the date.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh.

[Ashley Graham]

What? Yes. She's not really trying. She acts like she is.

[Olivia Mar]

She acts like she is. No, I just like, I have this weird thing where it's like my female friendships are so fulfilling and they keep me going and they like, why would I go see a man who probably won't ask me questions when I could have this unbelievable joyous night of like women and girlhood and sharing and seeing somebody eye to eye and into each other's souls? You know, I'm like, yeah, I'm gonna do that instead over a dirty martini then.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, that's great.

[Ashley Graham]

Are they weren't a lesbian?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah. Are those great ladies gonna.

[Ashley Graham]

I don't know. She said, looking deep into each other's eyes and soul.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, yeah. Wait a second.

[Olivia Mar]

You were like. May I also predict something else?

[Alona Mar]

Well, well, that's funny.

[Olivia Mar]

Charge. I love women, my friends in that way. I wear a shirt.

[Ashley Graham]

I love my ladies.

[Adriana Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

Peloton IQ takes the guesswork out of your workout so you can train safer, lift smarter and make every rep count.

[Olivia Mar]

And you could do a 45 minute run on the tread plus, then a five minute stretch with one smooth spin of the swivel screen.

[Alona Mar]

And I need to be stretching more.

[Olivia Mar]

Yep, we all do.

[Alona Mar]

I would need that because then I'm like done and then I just. Oh, I'm so. I. That's. That's been really helpful.

[Olivia Mar]

You gotta lock in on that.

[Adriana Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and go explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail] Guys, who do you go.

[Adriana Mar]

To when you have a question? You just need the answer.

[Alona Mar]

People sitting around this, this area right now. Your sisters.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay, Right, right.

[Adriana Mar]

What happens when we really don't know?

[Olivia Mar]

Perplexity is an AI powered answer engine that searches the Internet in real time to give you fast, high quality answers with sources. It' a chatbot.

[Alona Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

I mean, you really are for the girls.

[Ashley Graham]

I'm such a girls girl. I actually like. I'll judge you sideways if you're not a girls girl. Like we all know them and we don't trust them.

[Olivia Mar]

What's it, have you ever. What's a certain thing you've noticed when somebody's not a girls girl?

[Ashley Graham]

I don't know. It comes in all different styles in my opinion. I'm just like, I'm the girl that's like, you want the contact? I'll give you the contact. You want to know where to get a facial? Like here, use my name. I don't know. Just also like, you want to grab a drink? Let me tell you, I don't know. Mommy advice, like, I'm just an open book, but I'm. But I'm all, I don't know. I just, I also just like having girls around. Girl energy is the best. I also live in a house. House full of boys. I was about to ask, how does.

[Adriana Mar]

Being a girl's girl affect raising three boys?

[Ashley Graham]

Well, I know that one of my goals in life is to have my kid, my son's partners come up to me and say thank you because I want to raise respectful, responsible, sweet, kind, awesome young men. And they're still so little. They're three, three and five but you know, it starts now. The foundation of like what kind of amazing kid I'm going to get. But it's crazy up in there. It's like WWE every night. I'm like, no, no headshots, only body shots. Oh, my 14 year old's already lost 5 teeth. No 3 year old, he's already lost 5 teeth because of fighting. Like, these are straight up rugby boys. Oh, you know, maybe they did they.

[Alona Mar]

Pick each other up.

[Ashley Graham]

I don't know anything about rugby. I just know you guys pick each other up at some point.

[Alona Mar]

Yes. Yep.

[Ashley Graham]

By like shorts right here. I've been seeing those thighs on tv.

[Alona Mar]

I know.

[Olivia Mar]

Sweet, sweet thighs out there.

[Ashley Graham]

Any hoot. I love my voice. You know, your parents just want you to be happy, but also like they are thinking about your future the moment you're born. Yeah, I know this now. And I'm like, what field will I put my children in? I just want some plumbers and contractors. Yeah, I really do.

[Alona Mar]

Electricians in there.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, Tradesmen. And I'm like, let's start the business now. I'll build the llc.

[Olivia Mar]

Yes.

[Ashley Graham]

And we already bring them to Home Depot sometimes and we do these like crafty things like in the back in the workshops and nice, really great programs for kids there. But I'm already like mapping it out.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah, right, right.

[Olivia Mar]

I just saw a girl posted something that she's trying to date this man and she asked him what time Home Depot opens and he goes, I don't know, probably 10. She's like, that's not the man for me. He's never been to a Home Depot in his life.

[Ashley Graham]

Literally.

[Olivia Mar]

Never mind.

[Ashley Graham]

Literally. I love that actually. That should be in your bio for dating. Thanks. What time does Home Depot open?

[Olivia Mar]

What time does Home Depot open? If you don't know, you're not the man for me.

[Adriana Mar]

Sorry.

[Ashley Graham]

She hates me.

[Alona Mar]

In your book you talk about affirmations.

[Ashley Graham]

Yes.

[Alona Mar]

Did your mom have affirmations or is that something you started later on? Like, was there something that she always said?

[Ashley Graham]

So she didn't know that she had affirmations, but she did. And we grew. I grew up very religious and so everything was like Bible in our house. And it was like we always went back to the Proverbs and to the psalms and it was like the things that were spoken over your life. And so that's like how I was raised. But it wasn't like this like shoveling it down your throat kind of religion. It was just more like, these are the good things. And so having that baseline and Then kind of growing up in a weird world on social media, it was just like I would put little blurbs on social media like, I am bold and then I am brilliant. I am beautiful and realizing, oh, I need this stuff.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

And it was kind of around the same time that I started realizing what affirmations were, was when the secret book came out. And even though it was like all this hype and then it kind of went away and whatever, there is a real thing as manifestation. Like it does exist. Like you can, can manifest whatever you want in your life. And although it all happened at a youngish age, I guess like 17, 18, 19, I was manifesting the things that I wanted in my life and had no idea like what these affirmations, these manifestations were really going to do for my future. But the baseline truly was being at home, my mom reciting Bible verses over me and my sisters and not even really like correlating the two until much later. Yeah, yeah. Crazy, right?

[Olivia Mar]

And when you do them now, are you looking in the mirror?

[Ashley Graham]

Is it just looking in the mirror? I'm driving my car, I'm saying it to my kids faces, we're saying them back and forth to each other. My husband and I do it to each other too. Like, your words have power. Like everything that comes out of your mouth is. You need to be careful because it has, there's so much intention that goes into it. But yes, a lot of like my body talk has been. The affirmations have come in handy because I've had so many, so many jobs not happen because I was too, too this or to that, whether I'm too big or too small or, you know, anything in between. And I've had to really talk myself off the ledge a few times, just fight through the fluff of not fitting into an industry that just wasn't, quote, unquote made for me. Sorry, I feel like I was just like on a podium.

[Alona Mar]

No, that was good. I. I need to start doing that because sometimes I can be pretty negative to myself.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah, it's hard.

[Alona Mar]

Like, I'll think about things and I'll be like, they'll even hear it sometimes. I'll sometimes mumble it out and they're.

[Ashley Graham]

Like, what did you say?

[Olivia Mar]

Are you talking about my friend? Don't do that.

[Alona Mar]

Talk about my friend. Yeah, it's gotten like, I say I'll say something bad and then I'm okay, hold on. And then it's like almost what I say next that I try to like, more focus on. But it has been it's, it, maybe it is more about being in a spotlight or whatnot, but I think that's something I'm trying to do even more. Being like kinder when I think something that, you know, you're human, you're, you're beautiful and all that because I, I'm going through a ph right now where usually I'm an Olympic athlete. I'm training constantly and so now I'm taking some time off. I'm not working out as much. So not. My body hasn't changed much, it's just changed a little bit. It's still amazing and powerful. But it's like when you go from that really unrealistic lifestyle of just training, training, training to what I think is more my normal body. It's been kind of a journey now and I think I need to be kinder to myself and to my body as I go through these.

[Ashley Graham]

Yes. And then popping out kids was like a whole. I don't recognize my stomach. I'm like, I don't, I still don't know you. The whole body positivity and body neutrality conversation really became interesting to me when I had my kids because of how my body had changed so much. And I said, ah, I get it. I understand the difference of, of being like, I am so great, I am so wonderful. I love you body to thank you body for working.

[Alona Mar]

Right.

[Ashley Graham]

Thank you body for waking up. Because the difference really is, is there. And I think the both are needed. And some days I'm more body neutrality and some days I'm more body positivity and, and that I think that the two can go hand in hand to a degree as long as you understand the differences. But I'm never not going to tell my body, like, you're so weak and you suck. Like, no, I'm gonna remind it like, thank you for, for working and thank you for waking up and, and not having like, you know, issues. So that, that was something that was really interesting to me about body neutrality and having people start talking about that. That's why I have this like love hate with social media because like there's so much expectations on social media. But then I get so much education on it too. Because I would have never known about body neutrality.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

For like some tick tocks or something.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah.

[Ashley Graham]

But I, I think that there's really something to having that body neutrality over yourself and being like, it's okay to not really like what you see in the mirror, but to know that your body is strong and powerful and it's working today.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah. Because people love asking alone are like, oh, you're so muscular. What's your body positivity like? You. You're a warrior. And she's like, but I'm body appreciative. I appreciate what my body does.

[Ashley Graham]

Is that the same thing as body neutrality?

[Olivia Mar]

I mean, I think they're similar.

[Alona Mar]

I just, they. It's. I think we're very similar that they always say I'm body positive. I'm like actually sometimes I really don't like my stomach but I'm very happy. Like I'm a professional athlete and I still don't like it.

[Ashley Graham]

So.

[Alona Mar]

So it's definitely been a journey and I, I'm interested also with you this age we're seeing as well with skinny coming back. Does it feel like you're always constantly fighting the fight?

[Ashley Graham]

Where, where, where is.

[Alona Mar]

Well, you're right, you're right, you're right. No, thank you. Actually the. It's just like.

[Ashley Graham]

No, I hear you though. I hear I'm in the middle of it. I get it. Yeah. What was your question?

[Alona Mar]

Do you just feel like you're constantly having. Cause you were at the forefront of it.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

And it's like never ending now. Like you are just constantly having to it put, put yourself out there, put your message out there.

[Ashley Graham]

There's never. I've come to terms with this and I've actually even had to talk to my therapist about it. I'm never not going to be in a place in my career where I'm not talking about my body. And I just have to be okay with that because being the first and having in many things and having my body be the biggest and the most forefront part of my career, it's just always going to be there.

[Olivia Mar]

Right.

[Ashley Graham]

And it sucks because I have days where I don't want to talk about my body. I don't want to discuss the fact that I have cellulite. I don't want to discuss inclus and inclusion. But guess what? That's my job and I have to. And I always go back to middle school Ashley and I think about who does she have to look up to? Who does she have to be inspired by and feel encouraged by? And that actually didn't have anybody. So hopefully this is anything and everything that I say and I talk about can be that for the younger girl watching. And that's why I do it. And the days that I don't want to do it, I just tell myself to get over it.

[Olivia Mar]

Thank you.

[Alona Mar]

We do need that.

[Adriana Mar]

We do need that. And I will say I'm 26. And so when I was going through middle and high school, more high school, I was seeing you in the modeling sphere, and it was the first time really, I saw someone that I was like, oh, I look like that. And it was an incredible source for me to have you. Thank you. You know, and it's just. It's so amazing. I also grew up very lucky if I've got these two older sisters who have similar body types to me. And I'm like, if I think they're beautiful, then, like, how come I don't think I'm beautiful? And so I just think it's important to kind of keep that and push. And, you know, now I get some comments like, I love how br. When you get the. You're so brave. And I was like, oh, my God.

[Olivia Mar]

I just posted one photo of my alien bikini.

[Alona Mar]

Wow. Right, right, right.

[Adriana Mar]

So let's.

[Ashley Graham]

They don't really know because it's them saying, like, I would never do that.

[Olivia Mar]

I know it would take them to be brave to do something.

[Ashley Graham]

I know social. That's like, the comments are so funny.

[Adriana Mar]

I don't know. And I'm. I don't know how you guys do it. Like, I get like, maybe like two and I'm like.

[Alona Mar]

And there's you.

[Adriana Mar]

You just deal with so much.

[Alona Mar]

At that point. They need to start thinking of new comments. I mean, I imagine it's the same for. It's the same for me constantly. It's like, you. You look like a man. You mask. All right, here we go. Yeah, that's not hitting me anymore. Something else. Give me something new.

[Ashley Graham]

It's exhausting.

[Alona Mar]

It's exhausting. Like, I hear. I've seen that one 20 other times. Seriously, say it in a different way.

[Ashley Graham]

It's not.

[Alona Mar]

Get creative, people.

[Ashley Graham]

It's not nice. We don't like not nice people.

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

Well, I want to say you have served as a creative director for an exclusive collection with JCP.

[Alona Mar]

Hello JCPenney. She walked in celebrating curvy women.

[Olivia Mar]

Can you talk to us about that? Tell us what's, tell us what's hot, Tell us what's good.

[Ashley Graham]

She said.

[Olivia Mar]

Tell me everything.

[Ashley Graham]

Yes, I am now the creative director of my own line, Ashley Graham at JCPenney. It's such like a pinch me moment for me. Like I have had collaborations and, and done the things like in swim lingerie and custom denim out of Italy. And it's been really fun in those moments. But this is like, this is a lot bigger in the sense of I grew up going to JCPenney. I was also a catalog model for JCPenney. And so when I walked back into the offices to start the design process, I was was like, smells the same in here.

[Olivia Mar]

You're like ratatouille when you Taste the food.

[Alona Mar]

You're back.

[Ashley Graham]

It was so weird. And they had renovated everything, but yet that same distinct smell. So anyways, it was just. It felt like, ah, you know, like when things feel like home to you, that's like when I get really comfortable and I can like ease into something and it feels just like natural. And then like, you know, no, no guard is up and you can really like, be successful. And that's exactly what it felt like with JCPenney. It was just like walking into like a family office. Office where I could go and just be free. The thing that I'm most excited about is that it's just for my curvy girls. And I think when you go shopping and you guys know, like, you guys are curvy girls, but you're on that cusp where you can go into a store and they may not have your size.

[Alona Mar]

Yes.

[Ashley Graham]

And they may. And they may say their body included. Included. Inclusion. And like go up to a double XL or something and you're like, you're probably putting a double XL on and you're like, how am I a double xl? Right. And it's just not fair. Like, the grading system is not made for us. The in store experience is not made for us. So this I really wanted to make. And grading is like how you're making the sizes bigger or smaller and for your clothing line. So I really wanted to make this collection. I wanted to make it tailored, like, actually tailored. I'm like, I need a nipple dart. I need a back, you know, in your back. Where the pants gap in the back. I need darts, right?

[Adriana Mar]

Yes.

[Ashley Graham]

And I wanted long jeans. I got long legs. I know all you short girls at JCPenney, it's okay. But like, there's stuff for them too. But the thing is, there's just not stuff made for us. So I really went in guns a blazing and said, okay, this is not based off of a size chart. This is based off of like, what does this fashion forward chick really want to wear? And I feel like we did it successfully.

[Alona Mar]

We took a look at some of the pieces you did. Audiana bought some. And then my mom I know will love it.

[Ashley Graham]

I loved Is mommy curvy?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, Mama's curvy. Mama's curvy lady. I loved the. There was like long dresses that were still tight. But I imagine you being creative director, have created in such a way that it's gonna make them like being tight. It's gonna make women feel just sexy as well. Because it was shapely, it was, you Know not. I think sometimes, like, I just give them loose clothing.

[Adriana Mar]

Give.

[Alona Mar]

Give the big girls everything's like a.

[Ashley Graham]

Lower neckline, a higher hem. No.

[Adriana Mar]

Shoulder cutout.

[Ashley Graham]

No. Oh, don't do a shirt shoulder. The cold shoulder. You know, another one that they really love. Like, not they as in J.C. benny, but like, they is like a blanket statement. Is a safari look for a full sized girl. What the hell? Why are we going on a safari every day?

[Alona Mar]

I'm done.

[Ashley Graham]

Safari with our shoulders out for what's happening. No, like, look at this pinstripe set and also a little sexy bustier. Come on, let's make it hot.

[Olivia Mar]

Let's make it hot.

[Ashley Graham]

It's like everything from, like, I just want to hang out in my baggy jeans to I'm going to the office and I want to have a power suit and everything in between. I was really intentional about ruching as well. Like, to your point. Tight, tight dresses. But, like, I put the ruching in the right place. I gave you a double mesh. Like, I'm. I don't love prints, so the prints that were made are prints that are from my closet prior that I know a size 3X could never find. That feels chic. So. So, yeah, some of it's fairly nostalgic for me too.

[Alona Mar]

The tight red one was nice.

[Ashley Graham]

Thank you.

[Adriana Mar]

Little.

[Alona Mar]

A little bit of design on there.

[Ashley Graham]

Well, if you put on like 10 to 20 pounds, like, come on over. Okay.

[Alona Mar]

That would be a great challenge. I'm down. Well, when it opens up again, if you do other sizes, I'm there.

[Adriana Mar]

All right.

[Alona Mar]

I'll be your muscular model.

[Adriana Mar]

Okay.

[Ashley Graham]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

Do you see like, like this brand building? Do you see also having a store of your own or something like that, or.

[Ashley Graham]

I am building a business right now that has nothing to do with fashion or beauty or anything. And. And it's. It's. It's a very exciting business, and there is a lot that goes into it. So when it comes to, like, clothing, it's like a whole other beast. Also, I think that it's not a hard. No, I would definitely start something from the ground up. But as of right now, like, being able to walk in to a fully, fully formed department store, like a JCPenney that already has a. The clientele that has all the manufacturers that has the designers. It's been really refreshing for them to say, okay, we want fresh eyes. We want all of you creatively to come in with all your ideas and to be able to march in and say, and demand exactly what I want. And for it to Be able to be executed correctly without me having to go fundraise and build and find, you know, operators. And all of this has been really a blessing.

[Alona Mar]

Before we close out, can you give us the best piece of advice? Just as strong big women who are entering the dating scene who want have you to look up to. What can you tell us?

[Olivia Mar]

No pressure.

[Ashley Graham]

Don't get advice from people that you don't like, the decisions that they've made. Oh, you're quick with that.

[Adriana Mar]

That's a good one.

[Ashley Graham]

But that's what I live by. Like, I'm not going to ask you a question when you don't have, like, real solid foundational experience that I also like, appreciate or look up to. Also, just don't have sex on the first date, and then maybe you'll figure out if you like it.

[Alona Mar]

That's good too.

[Ashley Graham]

We've all had one night's date. I mean, we all. But I'm just saying, just try not to.

[Alona Mar]

And I'm serious about dating. Think we can.

[Olivia Mar]

We can do it.

[Ashley Graham]

I think I can. I think I can.

[Alona Mar]

Where's my chastity belt?

[Olivia Mar]

I believe in me, Dre.

[Alona Mar]

We all got this. Thank you so much.

[Ashley Graham]

This was fabulous.

[Olivia Mar]

Thank you for coming on.

[Ashley Graham]

So nice to hang out with the. The sisters. The girls. The sister.

[Adriana Mar]

Sister.

[Olivia Mar]

Sisters.

[Alona Mar]

God, we are good at that.

[Ashley Graham]

I'm just glad you guys aren't too young to know what that song is. Oh, yeah. Oh, no.

[Adriana Mar]

Our dad had all the VHS tapes of like, all. Every MGM movie.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, we were raised right. A lot of old stuff.

[Adriana Mar]

All right, well, thank you so much for coming over to the house of Mar Wave original. Follow Ashley Graham on all the socials. Is it just Ashley Graham? Is there a dot?

[Ashley Graham]

No, it's just me.

[Alona Mar]

She got that.

[Ashley Graham]

She got that, paid for that.

[Alona Mar]

Be sure to watch and subscribe on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Olivia Mar]

Plus, follow the show on social media at HouseOfMar for clips and behind the scenes content. See you next time. You guys get out of here.

[Alona Mar]

Bye. Ashley, you haven't seen this. The kids are doing this.

[Olivia Mar]

Sam.