I grew up in the U.K. and now reside in the United States, and my family is from Ghana. — Philomena Kwao Family Copy Share Image
I think that we need to allow words to be words. If my self-esteem and my self-worth linger on words that are… — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
It's refreshing when plus-size styling is exciting and pushes boundaries rather than safe and boring. — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
I think that the plus-size industry has been great with size diversity, but it hasn't really been great for skin tone diversity. — Philomena Kwao Diversity Copy Share Image
Torrid has given me an amazing opportunity. I can reach out to different girls and help them realize that they are beautiful,… — Philomena Kwao Amazing Copy Share Image
My hair is extremely dry and fragile, so moisture is key. I love black castor oil, shea butter, and lots of water. — Philomena Kwao Fragile Copy Share Image
It's refreshing to see plus women being treated as part of the fashion community as a whole and not just a separate… — Philomena Kwao Community Copy Share Image
When you model, you don't really have control over your image. It can be a good thing, it can be a bad… — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
I hope to show people everywhere that you can be unapologetically you and still succeed. I also hope that by using more… — Philomena Kwao Diversity Copy Share Image
My best advice is to celebrate your own unique features and never put them down. There is beauty in individuality, and it's… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
In Ghana, most of the women I know do not identify as sexy, and the reason may be cultural. With imported beauty… — Philomena Kwao African women Copy Share Image
I try and work out as much as I can because when you exercise, it releases endorphins and makes you feel really… — Philomena Kwao Endorphins Copy Share Image
'Sports Illustrated' has set the standard for what a swimsuit model should be. For a magazine that has that much influence to… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
We have spent so many years looking at images of another beauty ideal and so many years taking in magazine covers and… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
There is beauty everywhere. But if I had to narrow it down, I absolutely adore Beyonce. She's the ultimate icon for me.… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
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… — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
I try my best to stay healthy by paying attention to the ingredients in foods and trying to make sure my food… — Philomena Kwao Attention Copy Share Image
Women need to be empowered to shape their own livelihoods and become CEOs of their own lives. They must be allowed to… — Philomena Kwao Control Copy Share Image
War and armed conflict disproportionately affect women and can turn what is supposed to be a joyous and beautiful experience - childbirth… — Philomena Kwao Beautiful Copy Share Image
My goal is always to help other women with programs that help them live better lives, especially is areas where health care… — Philomena Kwao Goals Copy Share Image
There's not many models in the U.S. that have my depth - like, really dark skin - that are also plus size.… — Philomena Kwao Color Copy Share Image
I try not to assign labels to myself. Sometimes I shop in the plus section, and sometimes I don't. I feel we… — Philomena Kwao Labels Copy Share Image
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… — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
When I started, there was only one other girl that I could name that was even close to my shade. I didn't… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
One misconception I think is wrong is that being a larger size means, somehow, that you're neglecting your body, or you don't… — Philomena Kwao Body Copy Share Image
Because of social media, it's bridged the gap between the advertisers and fashion and allowed people to find their group. It really… — Philomena Kwao Fashion Copy Share Image
When I finally discovered the 'Sports Illustrated' swimsuit issue, I browsed through archives and saw a picture of an incredibly stunning model,… — Philomena Kwao Archives Copy Share Image
Women of all ethnicities, complexions, and sizes want to be able to wear makeup and nice clothes. No one wants to go… — Philomena Kwao Clothes Copy Share Image
I believe I'm beautiful because I'm me. I also believe that if you can find beauty in everything, you can allow that… — Philomena Kwao Beautiful Copy Share Image
Plus-sized women have been told for so long to cover up. Whether it's with a one-piece, a tankini, a bikini with a… — Philomena Kwao Copy Share Image
I think the real problem is all the negative connotations people have with that term. They think, 'Oh my God! I don't… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
I think the fashion industry and the media industry in general have a responsibility to make sure that they celebrate the rich… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
I think, for so long, women of different sizes have been pigeonholed, and with every campaign, it's always an adaptation of making… — Philomena Kwao Fashion Copy Share Image
The #SwimSexy campaign is redefining standards of beauty, and I'm proud to be a part of it. My hope is that this… — Philomena Kwao Beauty Copy Share Image
