Philomena Kwao

“It isn't hard to see how the lack of representation affects the self esteem of many women world wide.”

“Much noise has been about size diversity but not enough about skin tone diversity. It's time for this to change.”

“I think it's just that the fashion industry can only accept one thing at a time. It's like, 'OK, well, if we're going to add plus, then let's keep it hourglass and white.'”

“There is beauty everywhere. But if I had to narrow it down, I absolutely adore Beyonce. She's the ultimate icon for me. I also love Naomi CampbelI, Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls, Daria Werbowy, and Genevieve Nnaji.”

“I want to use my voice to better health care for pregnant women.”

“New York City is one of the best cities in the world for walking: it's virtually impossible to get lost.”

“No woman anywhere should be denied access to quality healthcare because of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.”

“'Sports Illustrated' has set the standard for what a swimsuit model should be. For a magazine that has that much influence to include models of different body types on their pages shows that they're breaking down old beauty ideals while opening the doors of diversity and inclusivity.”

“I've been lucky enough to do a few editorials in the U.K., but I've never even been on a casting for mainstream commercial work. When I try to understand it, I think people are scared to try something new.”

“You cannot determine someone's health by the BMI alone. There are many factors that contribute to the health on an individual. If we're going to start using BMI to police straight size models, what's next? The plus size industry? To be honest, if it was down to BMI alone, most plus size models - including myself - wouldn't be working.”

“Fast fashion, whilst having increased the accessibility of stylish clothes for millions, has unfortunately resulted in many horrific practises, such as child labour, that exploit millions of people around the world in poorer, developing countries. This something that has to change, and we can all start by reflecting on where our clothes come from.”

“The brands that choose to use me, my agency and social media have given me a face and a voice.”

“If a brand wants a specific girl, they want a specific girl, wherever you are.”

“My mom and my sisters have helped me to be comfortable with who I am. It's a process of loving yourself as you are. I can say that it's been a journey. I see the changes little by little.”

“My hair is extremely dry and fragile, so moisture is key. I love black castor oil, shea butter, and lots of water.”

“Torrid has given me an amazing opportunity. I can reach out to different girls and help them realize that they are beautiful, too.”

“I believe I'm beautiful because I'm me. I also believe that if you can find beauty in everything, you can allow that to change your mind-set, and doing so makes you a happier person.”

“For me, less is more. I don't often wear makeup, but when I do, a little concealer and some powder go a long way.”

“I have a green juice every day because it makes me feel more awake; it makes my skin healthier.”

“When you model, you don't really have control over your image. It can be a good thing, it can be a bad thing. It can be a good thing in the sense that, actually, you have to get reintroduced to yourself. You don't always get that opportunity in your normal life. You can kind of hide from yourself.”