56-Year-Old Model Champions Body Acceptance

Rachel Peru, now 56, has transitioned from struggling with body image as a teenager to becoming a successful curve model and a vocal proponent of body confidence. Her youth was characterized by attempts to fit in through fad diets, leading to an eating disorder that lasted until her mid-twenties. Even later, during a divorce at age 40, weight loss due to stress was met with external praise, though Peru was privately struggling with her mental well-being.

A pivotal moment occurred when she participated in a fashion show, which ignited a passion for modeling. This led to her being signed by a London agency, and unexpectedly, she began securing swimwear and lingerie campaigns. Her first major job took her to the Bahamas, where she worked alongside influential figures like Ashley Graham and Lizzo, an experience that significantly boosted her self-assurance.

Inspired by her own journey and the positive responses from other women, Peru co-founded workshops with Tina Boden through their organization, Accepting Who We Are (AWWA). These events provide a safe space for women to connect, share experiences, and build confidence, often including activities like sea dips and discussions. They also conduct live lingerie mannequin tours to address issues like improper bra fitting, aiming to improve women's feelings about themselves.