The get-ready-with-me video by Kimberly Feliz started off like any other. The 29-year-old social media influencer discussed her favorite beauty products and retouched her makeup while lounging in her car. She didn’t intend for her loose-fitting, one-shoulder dress to be the center of attention until body-shamers took over her comments section. What began as an ordinary video swiftly devolved into a hate speech.
Feliz tells PEOPLE that there were many feelings after witnessing the incredibly unpleasant responses to her appearance and attire. She claims that amidst the whirlpool of emotions, she was astonished, horrified, and perplexed that a dress that made her feel strong and unabashedly herself would provoke such hostility. I couldn’t speak.
In response to @jordancrob, the entire ensemble consists of the dress I purchased in Summer 2023 from @FARM Rio and platform flip-flops from @Havaianas.#ootd #ootdinspo #summerstyle
Particularly to someone who believed she had survived breast cancer based only on the dress’s fit, the remarks became so offensive and repulsive that Kimberly felt compelled to reply. Kimberly stresses that her response was meant to deprive unpleasant remarks of strength rather than to hit back.
Woman Responds to Body-Shaming
I wanted to draw attention to the idea that we shouldn’t destroy individuals over trivial matters. “My goal is to spread positivity and demonstrate that confidence can be achieved at any size,” she says. I simply wanted to address it; I had no malicious motive or defense.
It’s odd since this isn’t the first time one of my videos has gone viral and gotten so many strange comments. Although I don’t usually reply with a video, I do occasionally respectfully defend myself in the comments.
Kimberly’s enjoyment of the vibrant, now-viral garment is indicative of her strong, maximalist, and daring style. I’m here to make a statement. “I don’t dress for other people; I wear what makes me feel comfortable and sexy,” she explains. I know that whatever I wear, I make it uniquely own, so I don’t follow what other people think I should wear.
Because she was bullied as a child, Kimberly’s path to self-confidence hasn’t been simple.
Wearing vibrant colors, designs, flowers, and what some might consider ugly apparel makes me happy, she says, even though her confidence wasn’t developed overnight. I recall hiding behind dark clothing to look thinner because I didn’t think I should be seen. I’ve gained the self-assurance to love myself, accept my physique, and value my identity over the years.
Woman Responds to Body-Shaming
Kimberly’s message of self-love is radiant, and she inspires others to follow suit.
She asserts that you don’t need to wait for a goal, alter your appearance, or live up to someone else’s ideal of beauty in order to acquire self-love. People should be reminded by my material that confidence is a daily decision. The first step is to take action now rather than waiting for a later time. No matter the season or size, your body deserves to be praised. Wear anything you choose, however you see fit, and with confidence.
