A model and body positivity advocate says she once hid her body behind oversized one-pieces, but Soph Hughes, 32, now proudly flaunts her size 16 figure – and the 18cm scar that runs across her tummy – to her 78.7K Instagram followers. “I want people to know that you don’t need to shrink yourself or wait to ‘lose a few pounds’ to start living your best life. Stop being so afraid to take up space,” she said.
Sophie was already deep into her modelling career, living and working in Sydney, Australia, when her six-month-old nephew, Oscar, was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver condition called Biliary Atresia. “As soon as I found out I was a match for his liver donation, I didn’t hesitate,” Sophie said. “I put my entire life on hold, got on a plane, and flew 17,000 km back to the UK to save him.”
The eight-hour operation left Soph with a large scar across her midriff, however, that wasn’t the only change. “The recovery was the most challenging thing I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “I gained weight quickly, about four dress sizes, and honestly, I was terrified to show my scar in public,” she admitted.
“It wasn’t just a small mark – it was bright red and very noticeable. I’d hide in one-pieces because I just wasn’t ready to face it. I wasn’t ready for people to see it and call me a hero. I was still trying to accept everything I’d been through.” As Soph navigated her way through life after the surgery, she realised the scar that once made her feel self-conscious could actually serve as a symbol of resilience and power.
“My body had saved a life,” she said. “The scar was confirmation of it. Why should I feel ashamed? That change in perspective inspired me to venture into the world of curve modelling. I was scouted by Bella in Sydney, and it felt like a fresh start. I had spent 15 years at war with my body. I never ate a meal without guilt and never felt good enough. But when I embraced my curves, I also embraced freedom. It was like a prison door had opened.”
Now Soph works with big brands like M&S, Asics, and Porsche, often posing in lingerie and bikinis. “I’ve had the most incredible career, and I’m so grateful,” she gushed.
“Clients love my scar and the diversity it represents. I love it when a brand connects with my story before we even start working together.”
The public response to Soph’s journey has also been overwhelmingly positive. “I get messages from people all around the world who have similar scars or insecurities. So many tell me that seeing my photos makes them feel more confident in their bodies,” Soph explained. “That’s what this is all about – helping others feel good about themselves, just as they are.”
But Sophie is quick to point out that the journey to self-love is ongoing. “I still have tough days, like everyone, but I remind myself that this body is powerful.” Soph’s advocacy for body positivity goes beyond social media. She’s a keynote speaker and often talks about the importance of self-love, body diversity, and social media safety.
“I want young women to know that it’s okay to be themselves. You don’t need to change who you are to fit in. You deserve to take up space,” she said.
“Representation – whether race, gender, or body size – matters. We need to see diversity in campaigns. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a lot of work to do. My goal is for us to get to a place where it’s no longer shocking to see someone with a scar or curves. I want it to just be normal.”
Sophe’s message to her followers is clear: live unapologetically. Stop shrinking yourself to fit into places you’ve outgrown. And for God’s sake, wear the damn bikini,” she concluded.