Ramouna Shipunda
Being plus-size doesn’t necessarily equate to being unhealthy. Some plus-size women exercise regularly but don’t lose weight because of their bone structure, while others have health conditions that prevent them from losing weight, says plus-size model Michelle Mushimba.
“It’s simply genetics. I wish more people were aware of this and that plus-size people aren’t so stigmatised in society. If we had more public support from large entities, it would be a good start to raising awareness,” she told VIBEZ!
Also known as ‘Fyn China’, Mushimba said she too was body-shamed in the past, especially as a teenager, but she is working constantly to get body-shamers to change their ways and for those struggling with weight-loss challenges to come to terms with their size.
She recently was crowned the first princess in the 2022 Miss Plus Size competition, an experience she treasures.
“When I got on stage, seeing the judges and audiences’ facial expressions and not caring about that made me feel like I’m on top of the world! Fearless and carefree!” said an excited Mushimba. She started modelling in 2020 when she became her own muse for her body painting art because she did not want to put her models in uncomfortable situations as her art is a “little too revealing”. Putting herself out there by posting pictures of herself that other plus-size women wouldn’t dare to, forced her to become courageous and put her insecurities behind her, Mushimba said, adding: “It emboldened me and helped me break out of my shell”.
“Due to your body size, whatever outfit you wear is never good enough. You wear a legging – your cellulite is showing. It’s just never good enough! But at the same time, you want to look good so you constantly need to block out the voices from the outside and focus on what makes you happy and comfortable,” said the model.
Mushimba lives to see more plus-size models feature at shows such as MTC Windhoek Fashion Week and Katutura Fashion Week but most importantly, she hopes government, companies and other large entities recognise and support the Miss Plus Size Namibia beauty pageant.
She said the platform encourages women of all body types to live, practice a healthy lifestyle, and build inner confidence.
The 27-year-old Mushimba grew up in a loving supportive family who helped her realise her true beauty – both inside and out. She, nowadays, does not get body-shamed anymore because she has built great confidence in herself.
“It is important to surround yourself with people who help build your confidence. I might sound like a broken record but my family, especially my sisters, when it comes to my physical, mental and emotional well-being, encourage me and support me in everything I do.” Mushimba wants anyone being body-shamed to remember that they are beautiful no matter what shape or size they are, and nobody but themselves can define that beauty.
To fashion designers who prefer to work with thinner models because they show their designs better, she said “if your design is that beautiful, it will look good on any body type”.
Mushimba said she is open to collaborating with other artists and even companies since painting is one of her art forms and she likes making things look beautiful.