“You are beautiful, you are strong, and you are capable of everything you set your mind to, so love yourself B, start loving yourself now, because this is your world, love, love, love.”
Nowadays it seems everyone is trying to fit into some mold, Arlenne Gonzalez, is here to remind us to chill out and love ourselves, flaws and all. “You are beautiful, you are strong, and you are capable of everything you set your mind to, so love yourself B, start loving yourself now, because this is your world, love, love, love,” Arlenne declares, and she's living proof of it.
At 25, Arlenne’s confidence is contagious. This proud Mexicana is all about self-love and self-acceptance, and it shows—especially when she talks about her favorite physical feature:
“I love my booty, lol. Yes, I worked too hard for that ass. I am proud to know that I grew it on my own, the natural way.”
In case you’re wondering, Arlenne isn’t just talking about her curves; she’s talking about her journey toward embracing who she is inside and out.
While many of us reach for concealer and mascara like it’s oxygen, Arlenne has a different take: “I typically don’t wear makeup; quite frankly, I think it’s time-consuming. I preach coconut oil and some bomb rose spray.” But she wasn’t always this way. It took years of evolving from feeling incomplete without makeup to embracing her natural beauty. Her fitness journey has been a big part of that evolution. Lifting weights at the gym, Arlenne has discovered the power of feeling strong, both physically and mentally. “Weightlifting is my all-time favorite! Lifting as heavy as possible makes me feel like a beast,” she says with a grin.
Arlenne’s vegan lifestyle also plays a major role in her energy and happiness. A Latina who grew up on tacos and hearty dinners, Arlenne made a shift to plant-based living about four years ago, discovering the difference food can make in her mood and vitality. But it wasn’t easy. “Unlearning all of my habits was difficult but so worth it,” she shares. Now, she fuels her body with balanced nutrition, and she’s thriving.
Of course, like anyone, Arlenne has faced her own struggles with body image. “Some days I feel bloated; some days I feel too skinny, too flabby—it’s up and down all the time,” she admits. But through those ups and downs, Arlenne has learned to praise herself, to look in the mirror and appreciate the person she sees, beyond just appearances. “I realized that this was who the world saw—someone with a little crazy drive, a huge heart, and full of smiles,” she recalls. That realization transformed the way she sees herself and continues to shape her self-love journey.
And when it comes to self-expression, Arlenne believes in the power of feeling sexy. “It’s in our nature,” she says, “and having that taken away or being unable to tap into it is limiting. It’s important because it’s powerful, liberating, and a part of us.”
For Arlenne, taking photos in her bra and underwear isn’t something to shy away from; it’s empowering.
“Nudity can be a form of art, and if women want to embrace their skin, wear some cute underwear, then go for it,”
she says. After all, your body, your rules.
Arlenne credits SundayMorning iew (SMV) with empowering her through the lens of real women. SMV’s events and community have connected her to new friends and cheerleaders, creating a space where kindness and love thrive. “SMV has a motherly, empowering nature that makes you feel safe and loved,” Arlenne says, offering her gratitude for the community that’s helped her embrace herself fully.
So, what’s Arlenne’s advice for anyone struggling with self-love? “Don’t let your mind bully your body, babe. Remember all the beautiful things your body does for you; she can dance, run, sing, smile, love. So, love her back.”
