Kelly Hughes on Creating Beauty From Her Scars!

Namita Nayyar:

It is a dream for a model to work with Sports Illustrated. You broke barriers in this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue being the first model to highlight your c-section scar, which has never happened in the magazine’s 58-year history. Along with being one of these year’s most talked about swimsuit models. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours.

Kelly Hughes:

This was so incredible because it was so much more than just a photo-shoot for me. There’s such a huge stigma around C-sections and the fact that Sports Illustrated partnered with Frida Mom to do this photo-shoot to normalize our scars truly impacted so many people including myself and I feel so honored to be a part of it. I was very open about my difficult birth story and my struggle embracing all of the changes my body went through after becoming a mom and accepting my new scar however I never realized how many other women felt the same way. I got 100’s of dm’s from women all over the world that felt so empowered by this photo-shoot and I realized how underrepresented C-sections were in the market because I was not alone, yet it felt like such a lonely journey while I was navigating my emotions and the healing process.

I think because a C-section scar is a scar that of course you get from childbirth which is one of the biggest blessings and happiest moments in your life that you don’t feel you’re allowed to feel “bad” or complain about it or struggle accepting it or the changes you are experiencing in yourself. However, hiding our pain leads to shame which turns to insecurities and fear. So many women wrote me that they were uncomfortable if their scar shows in a bikini because what will people say. If we don’t normalize these things and share our experiences and show how beautiful our scars are there will never be a change and something very small can lead us to a place of struggle in more areas of our lives and there’s no one that should feel alone in this process no matter what kind of scar it is mentally, physically or both. it.

Namita Nayyar:

You were born in Miami. Where did you have your early education and training to become a leading model? You have been modeling for the last twenty years with your parent agency Next Models. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance.

Kelly Hughes:

I was a student and working at a salon when I was introduced to the modeling industry for the first time. I didn’t know anything about the business, but I have a very determined spirit and quickly realized it wasn’t an easy career. I heard many no’s before I got an opportunity to travel to Milan with an agency called Riccardo Gay. Like many young models I never had any formal training for modeling however being based in Milan for 6 months was my training in motion. I came back a different person. I grew up per say, gained a sense of style and confidence and experience in the industry with some of the best. When I got back from Milan was when I sent my pictures to NEXT modeling agency, and they took me on which was the catalyst of my career. There are many things you can’t learn from someone telling you how to do it, you just need to jump in and try it.

Namita Nayyar:

You are the leading entrepreneur, model, social media personality, and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?

Kelly Hughes:

Some days everything works out perfectly and other days it’s a juggle for sure. I have learned most important to take one thing at a time and whatever you don’t finish that day you can do tomorrow. Before I became a mom, I would make a daily to-do list and now I still make lists but I’m happy to accomplish 1/3 of it. Time management is key to success and it’s definitely something I’m still trying to master.

Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?

Kelly Hughes:

I love athlete training or HIIT exercises. I do mega former machine Pilates sometimes as well because it’s so great for lengthening and leaning but I definitely love high energy classes for my workouts.

Namita Nayyar:

You are the founder and designer of the jewelry brand, HÜES! Your designs have been worn by JBalvin, Ricky Martin, Chayenne, Zion y Lennox, Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Young Thug, and many more. Elaborate more about this endeavor of yours.

Kelly Hughes:

In 2009, the economy was in a panic due to the mortgage crisis so modeling work slowed down and I was proactive not knowing what was to come by getting a job in a restaurant one day a week. Little did I know that it was there I discovered this God given talent to make jewelry. I always loved accessories and I didn’t want the brand to be gender specific because I wanted it to be for everyone. With a lot of dedication, I was fortunate that so many people liked the styles that not long after I got into stores like The Edition Hotel (Limited Edition), 1 Hotel (Violet & Grace), Base and Patron of the New to name a few. The brand is also available on my website www.byhues.com where you can choose from one of our existing collections or create your own style “made for you” and our Instagram is @byhues. All of the pieces are still handmade by me, and I have a few jewelers that make the molds for the clasps etc. However, I still assemble. I feel this brand is my baby and being a part of every step of the way makes all the difference.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.