I got my Pilates certification as a backup plan, I got ­married, I grew out my pixie into a curly fringe, and I let my natural self shine, knowing all this goodness would guide the way! More and more I started eating what I wanted, working out and being healthy on my own terms. I truly started ­accepting who I was naturally.

Luckily for me, around this time the industry started to change. We saw a plus-size model on the cover of Vogue, and more clients were looking for curvy models. That’s when things truly fell into place organically. My clients wanted me exactly how I was: curvy, with curly hair and tons of personality! This movement in the industry was a breath of fresh air for a lot of us models with curves of any size.

Playboy came out of nowhere, and being a lifelong fan of the magazine, I knew the only answer was “Yes!” Ever since my friend Brook Power, who was 2017 Playmate of the Year, shot for playboy two months post-pregnancy, I thought, “Damn, girl! Get it! That is not only empowering but so incredibly ­badass in my book!” I wanted to feel that open, honest, confident and liberated. As Brook inspired me, I hope to inspire and empower any woman who is struggling with her natural shape or has had challenges embracing who she is. People need to know there is no such thing as “the perfect bod.”

I am proud of how far I’ve come, and though it was not easy, I believe nothing great comes easily. No matter your sex or sexual orientation, I truly believe you have every right to feel proud of your existence. Considering I am a gay boy trapped in a woman’s body, the best advice I’ve ever taken is from my fairy godmother, Ms. RuPaul Charles: “Honey, if you can’t love yo’self, how in the hell you gonna love someone else? Can I get an amen up in here?” Let’s all say it together, readers: Amen! 

ON DEEP ROOTS
I grew up in Albuquerque, a small city no one ever leaves. I’m part of the one percent who were able to get out. I love my city and the people there, but you can get stuck. I was trying to get pregnant before I left because that was the norm for a girl my age: getting married and having a family. I realized that wasn’t what I wanted.

ON KIDS
I used to be a preschool teacher. Children are so innocent; they say anything and everything. They don’t filter. They’ll tell you how you look and how they feel. They’ll tell you if you smell or if your face is crooked. It’s a genuine interaction, and I love that.

ON TRYING OUT
I watched America’s Next Top Model religiously from the age of 12 until I got on the show. Tyra Banks has ­always been my idol. I auditioned when I was still a teacher. My mom told me the show was in Phoenix and that I should try out. I was like, “I don’t think that would work.” She said, “What do you have to lose? Just do it.” And the rest is history.

ON RITUAL
I recently went to Morocco. I experienced sensory overload—the smells, the tastes, the people running in front of you—but the culture is true to its history. They have the call to prayer five times a day. Everyone quiets down and bows their heads. It’s beautiful.

ON THE FORCE
I love the Star Wars saga. Return of the Jedi is my favorite movie. I love the new movies that are coming out too, but Return of the Jedi is empowering, forceful and so good. Carrie Fisher was a bona fide badass. on fandom I was a comics nerd from the womb. I do cosplay: Princess Leia was my first character, then Storm from X-Men, Chun-Li from Street Fighter II, Gene Simmons from Kiss, Boba Fett, a full-body-painted Venom, and I was Lara Croft at least five times for Halloween growing up. Comic-Con, where are you? Who do I talk to to get in this year?

ON STYLE
I’m a huge tomboy. My favorite shoes are my low-top flame Vans. I like to say my style is Gwen Stefani. Any era, everything she wears, I’m like, Yes, yes, yes!

ON REST AND RELAXATION
My perfect day is waking up, opening a window to the elements—the ocean or a beautiful landscape—and just having my husband, my dog, a glass of wine and a joint. I’m always on the go, but I love taking time for myself.