We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Esther Cluff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Esther below.
Esther, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
During my time in this profession I feel I am most misunderstand when people wrongfully assume the reason why I do this work is for selfish reasons. I have been told that I only step in front of a camera for attention, and that I glorify diabetes for not hiding my condition in any of my photos. But to me its about being able to put myself on display, no flaws excluded, and allowing myself to feel like a work of art despite being “imperfect”. It’s about showing people that I’m not ashamed of the way I was born and that no one needs permission to accept the only body they have.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been in the profession for nearly a decade as a Type 1 diabetic with psoriasis creating boudoir, editorial, and bridal content on multiple platforms. Back in 2016 I began modeling for personal reasons as a way to build my confidence despite growing up always feeling different. As a Type 1 I need an external insulin pump to stay alive and back then it didn’t help also having a constantly visible skin condition that few people understand, but now I use my platform to show women everywhere that beauty doesn’t only have one image. I pride myself on being living proof that no matter how you’re born or what issues you have, you can still love your body and be feminine. And now after 9 years I’ve been published 3 times, worked with over 200 photographers, became a Ms. Kansas Petite pageant queen, and gained 6.7 thousand followers on Instagram alone; just to show the world that what someone is medically does not define them and it won’t stop me from achieving my dreams.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As much as we talk about body acceptance in the modeling community, it comes as no surprise that it’s not a perfect world. On more than one occasion, people have felt the need to express nasty opinions as to why they think I’m not good enough to have the spotlight that I do. Whether it’s the idea that I’m not skinny enough, not young enough, not busty enough, etc. It’s upsetting to hear sometimes, especially when all you’re trying to do is make your own way. I’m not going to lie, there have been times that I have taken breaks from modeling since it does tear me down whenever I happen to be doubting myself at the same time. And every time I do I always consider quitting and moving on to something different, and every time I never end up following through after counting my accomplishments and remembering that I love what I do too much to stop now.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I would have to say there’s no better sensation than getting messages from other people with Type 1 diabetes sharing how wonderful it is to see someone represent the community in the world of beauty. I also appreciate when photographers tell me that seeing me be so brave and showing my diabetes so proudly has made them more open to working with people like me. In short, what I’m saying is knowing that I am make a difference is the most rewarding aspect of being a model.
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Contact Info:
Image Credits
@joieimagery, @javi.takes.pics, @glamourvampmua