Veronica Pomee has been announced as a finalist in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s annual model search, making her the first Polynesian woman to appear in the magazine.
The 29-year-old plus-size model is one of six women to beat more than 10,000 others as part of the open-call competition.
Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Pomee posted a photograph from her photoshoot for the magazine, which took place on a beach in the Bahamas, alongside an inspiring caption about body positivity.
“Everyone knows I’m not the smallest girl, I don’t have the biggest boobs, I wouldn’t mind having a bigger a** and I have scars and stretch marks all over my body,” she wrote.
“My flaws have become what strengthens me the most as a model. As an underdog it’s crucial for me to highlight inner beauty qualities because for so long I didn’t feel like I measured up to society’s expectations of beauty.”
Pomee, who has more than 34,000 followers on Instagram, went on to explain how she feels a responsibility to be authentic on social media so that she is a positive role model to young girls and empowers them to feel confident in their own skin.
“Making the final six for @si_swimsuit has allowed me to inspire the same girls who don’t feel like their skinny, pretty, curvy, or even skin tone worthy enough,” she added.
“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. Thank you @mj_day and the entire team for believing in me... trust me when I say that this is only the beginning.”
“The personalities, the ambition and the untapped potential are so exciting to introduce to the world.
“Each woman is so incredibly unique and special while possessing the same identical quality. They impressed the hell out of us. We are so excited to continue this journey with these six women and watch them take it to the next level.”
