Podcast Summary: UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE
Episode 37: I’m Not Your Symbol: Finally Being Seen on My Own Terms ft. Tabria Majors
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 37 of Unruly with Shelah Marie, host Shelah Marie welcomes renowned model, creator, and body positivity advocate Tabria Majors. The episode delves deep into Tabria's journey of visibility, self-acceptance, and navigating the complexities of the modeling industry as the first plus-size model featured in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue editorial.

Personal Insights and Icebreakers

The episode begins with light-hearted icebreaker questions, allowing listeners to connect with Tabria on a personal level:

• If Your Body Could Talk:
  Tabria ([02:06]): "It would say, mind your business and leave me alone."

• Common Misconceptions:
  Tabria ([02:21]): "Everybody who meets me in person often assumes I'm as bubbly and go-lucky as my online persona, but I'm actually very mellow most of the time."

• Reflection on Growth:
  Tabria ([03:29]): "My younger self would not even believe where I am today. I never imagined a career in modeling; I was on a pre-dental path aiming to become an orthodontist."

The Impact of Tabria's Tribute Projects

Shelah highlights Tabria's creative Halloween tribute series, which gained immense popularity:

• Balloween Tribute to Beyoncé:
  Shelah ([04:06]): "Tabria started this Halloween tribute series, beginning with Beyoncé. Her 'Balloween' video amassed over 4 million likes on Instagram, transcending social media reach."

• Ciara Siloeen Tribute:
  Shelah ([05:58]): "In 2021, Tabria paid homage to Ciara Siloeen, meticulously recreating iconic moments with attention to locations, dancers, and costumes."

Tabria ([06:31]) recounts the genesis of these projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and grassroots effort that led to their success. Despite financial strains, the projects opened doors for her and her team, including a memorable interaction with Beyoncé during an Ivy Park campaign.

Taking Risks and Overcoming Challenges

The conversation shifts to the inherent risks in creative ventures:

• Financial and Logistical Hurdles:
  Tabria ([09:33]): "Producing large-scale videos required significant investment, often stretching budgets and resources beyond initial estimates."

• Balancing Risks with Rewards:
  Shelah ([12:44]) poses a question about encouraging women to take creative risks despite uncertainties.
  Tabria ([12:53]): "You never know the outcome. Taking chances can lead to unforeseen opportunities and growth."

• Navigating COVID-19 Constraints:
  Tabria ([14:18]) discusses the added complexities of producing content during the pandemic, including safety protocols and increased expenses.

Content Creation and Authenticity

Exploring the nuances of content creation, Tabria shares her passion and challenges:

• Enjoying the Editing Process:
  Tabria ([20:13]): "Surprisingly, I enjoy editing the most. It's fulfilling to see how the final result comes together."

• Creating Value for the Audience:
  Tabria ([21:22]) emphasizes the importance of producing content that entertains, educates, or inspires, ensuring it resonates with viewers.

• Maintaining Authenticity:
  Tabria ([21:17]): "Everything can't be about you. You need to provide value, whether it's through entertainment, education, or inspiration."

Navigating Body Positivity in the Modeling Industry

A significant portion of the discussion centers on body positivity and the pressures within the modeling world:

• Facing Criticism:
  Tabria ([25:29] - [27:32]) shares experiences of negative feedback, particularly from non-American clients, and the importance of maintaining a thick skin in the industry.

• Promoting a Positive Community:
  Tabria ([27:35]): "I've fostered a pretty positive community on my page, reducing the amount of ridicule I face online."

• Reflection on Public Figures:
  Tabria ([29:19] - [33:19]) discusses the backlash against a statue in New York City representing the average Black woman, critiquing the misplaced expectations and lack of understanding around body representation.

Political Activism and Being Vocal

Tabria doesn’t shy away from using her platform for advocacy:

• Speaking Out on Social Issues:
  Shelah ([38:21]) acknowledges Tabria's active voice on issues like immigration, healthcare, and more.
  Tabria ([38:51]): "If a brand doesn't want to work with you because you're vocal about a good cause, you don't need them anyway."

• Balancing Advocacy with Content Creation:
  Tabria ([39:42]) shares methods to advocate thoughtfully, such as linking informative articles or integrating messages creatively into content.

Motherhood and Balancing Roles

Tabria opens up about her experiences as a mother and its impact on her life:

• Emotional Growth:
  Tabria ([41:37]): "I've become more emotional and compassionate. Motherhood has softened me and made me less rigid."

• Balancing Public and Private Life:
  Tabria ([23:43] - [24:54]) discusses setting boundaries on social media, ensuring her platform remains focused on her journey rather than her family's.

• Support Systems:
  Tabria ([44:37]) emphasizes the importance of having a supportive partner and community, acknowledging her privileged position with access to family support.

Unruly Toolkit: Importance of Therapy

Concluding the main discussion, Tabria contributes a valuable tool for listeners:

• Advocating for Mental Health:
  Tabria ([50:28]): "I'm in therapy for the first time ever. It has helped me unpack and address issues I wasn't even aware I had."

• Encouraging Accessible Mental Health Practices:
  Tabria ([50:28]) suggests options like medication, group therapy, or affordable therapy alternatives, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Shelah wraps up the episode by applauding Tabria's resilience and authenticity:

• Empowerment Through Visibility:
  Shelah ([52:35]): "Tabria reminded us that being seen as a symbol might come with applause, but it doesn't always come with an understanding. That's our job to create our own understanding."

• Encouragement to Listeners:
  Listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles and are encouraged to stay true to themselves and support one another.

Notable Quotes:

• Tabria on Personal Boundaries:
  "Mind your business and leave me alone." ([02:06])

• Tabria on Self-Belief:
  "You truly have to believe that." ([16:46])

• Tabria on Body Positivity:
  "Health is just so important to me and you can't, and being well, you can't just look at somebody and assess them from what they look like." ([33:19])

• Tabria on Motherhood:
  "Motherhood has been such an enjoyable experience for me." ([44:40])

• Tabria on Therapy:
  "Therapy has helped me tremendously." ([50:28])

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Unruly with Shelah Marie offers an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Tabria Majors, exploring the multifaceted journey of being a visible symbol in the modeling industry while maintaining personal authenticity and advocating for body positivity, mental health, and social justice. Tabria's experiences and wisdom provide listeners with practical tools and inspiration to navigate their own paths to self-acceptance and empowerment.