Inside Jessica Judah’s Journey: Curves, Confidence, and Kicking Body Negativity to the Curb

Apr 19, 2020
Written by
Jennifer P.
Photographed by
Karlo Gomez
"Forget what other people have to say and appreciate your body for what it is."

On a lazy Sunday morning, we sat down with Judah—a beautiful force of nature with a body that speaks volumes and a spirit that’s all about self-love. Over coffee and a few laughs, Judah opened up about her journey to loving her unique beauty, and trust us, her story will make you feel like you just got a pep talk from your best friend.

At 27, Judah is a stunning blend of Black and Puerto Rican heritage, a combo that gives her both cultural flair and unshakeable confidence. But that confidence didn’t always come easy. Growing up, she struggled with her hips, which she humorously described as “two big basketballs attached” to her. No amount of exercise could shrink them, and for the longest time, she fought against her natural shape. It wasn’t until later in life that she realized the problem wasn’t her body—it was her perception of it. Today, she fully embraces her curves, especially her strong, powerful legs, which she lovingly calls her "thunder thighs."

Judah believes society plays a big role in why so many women develop negative relationships with their bodies. We’re constantly bombarded with shifting standards of beauty, and she likened it to chasing a trend that never sticks around long enough. One day, it's all about slim waists, and the next, it's about voluptuous curves. Who can keep up? But Judah learned the secret to overcoming that negativity: stop caring about what others think. She came to realize that her unique body was exactly that—hers—and that’s what made her beautiful.

When asked what could help future generations of women feel more confident in their own skin, Judah didn’t hesitate: stop glorifying specific body types, period. “It’s okay to be yourself,” she says, adding that the media has made strides in representing all shapes and sizes, but there’s still work to be done. To Judah, it’s all about teaching self-love from an early age, so women stop feeling the need to fit into molds that aren’t meant for them.

As she reflects on her journey, one thing is clear: Judah loves her curves, particularly her legs. They’re a physical testament to her strength, both inside and out. Her recent photoshoot with photographer Karlo Gomez, where she posed makeup-free, was a freeing experience. No filters, no touch-ups—just Judah, in all her natural glory. Though she admits to wearing makeup on a night out for some extra sparkle, it’s never about covering up. For her, makeup is just a fun way to enhance what’s already there.

Judah’s approach to health is just as down-to-earth as she is. With a weekly routine that includes gym sessions, Zumba, and yoga, she makes sure to keep both her mind and body strong. And when it comes to food, it’s all about balance—veggies, protein, and a little bit of mindfulness in what she eats.

Her message to women struggling with body image? Forget what society says. Your body is your own, and it’s what makes you stand out. It’s unique, it’s beautiful, and it deserves to be appreciated for exactly what it is. For Judah, feeling sexy is directly tied to confidence, and confidence opens doors to daring new adventures. It’s not about conforming to anyone else’s idea of beauty but embracing your own with all the power that comes with it.

Taking photos in underwear? For Judah, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about empowerment. Every time she poses in front of the camera in her bra and underwear, she feels like she’s sending a message to the world: love yourself as you are. Her involvement with Sunday Morning View has only deepened her appreciation for this message, as she’s been inspired by the stories of other women who, like her, are learning to love their bodies in a world that often tells them otherwise.

In the end, Judah’s journey is a perfect example to the power of self-love. She reminds us that we’re all a work in progress, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to embrace our bodies for what they are—unique, strong, and beautifully ours.

Want more Judah in your life? Follow her at @judah.c for curve love, leg-day inspiration, and a whole lot of confidence.