Meet Kelly Miyar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Miyar.

Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born with a rare medical condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). I was never expected to live, let alone turn 5, 10 or 18 years old. I am now 28 and having life experiences that no one could have dreamed possible. Due to CDH, I was left with scars on my abdomen. Growing up, I constantly compared my body to the media’s standard of beauty. I rarely saw women with scars in magazines or on television. Due to the lack of visibility, it became ingrained in my head that scars were not attractive. I constantly feared the judgments of others and I felt like my body wasn’t good enough. I was tired of hiding such an important part of myself, so in 2017 I challenged myself by posting a photo on Instagram in a bikini.

It sounds silly, but at the time, I had never worn a bikini in public and I most certainly didn’t pose for any photos with my scars showing. It was a step towards living freely and overcoming my insecurities. Through posting that photo, I learned the importance of body positivity. I learned to greet my differences and unapologetically embrace the parts of myself that are unique. Today I continue to celebrate my truth, not only for myself but also to encourage others with different body types. I might not make much of a difference, but at least I can say that I am trying.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As does everyone else, I still struggle with insecurities. From time to time, I find myself wanting to hide, but if I’ve learned anything these past few years, it is to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. It might take me a bit, but I get through those moments by taking one step at a time. I just try to remind myself that my scars represent a gift of life and that beauty is so much more than having a “perfect” body.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I try to encourage others to proudly claim their existence. We are all beautiful and we shouldn’t be wasting time hating our differences. I post body positivity content on social media to promote visibility and empowerment.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Looking back there is nothing I would change. I might not know what else is in store, but what I do know is this: If it weren’t for my experiences/differences, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. I have grown and stretched farther than I dreamed I could.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kellymiyar
• Twitter: @kellymiyar

Image Credit:
Mar Perez

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