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How I Found Confidence Through Beauty, Fitness, and Self-Love

My story of learning to feel good in my skin and helping others do the same.

By GallinaPublished 8 months ago 5 min read

Hi, I’m Gallina — but a lot of people know me online as babiigee. I’ve always had a love for beauty and self-expression, even from a young age. What started out as taking pictures for fun turned into something that helped me grow not just outside, but inside too.

When I was a teenager, I got into modeling. It wasn’t anything huge, just me experimenting in front of a camera. I loved how it made me feel — strong, confident, and in control. For someone who didn’t always feel that way growing up, it was powerful. I learned that posing, dressing up, and creating a look could actually boost how I felt about myself.

What really pushed me toward fitness and confidence was something more personal. When I was younger, I was bullied. I remember the names, the stares, the feeling like I wasn’t enough. That kind of thing sticks with you. It made me feel small and insecure for a long time. But instead of letting it ruin me, I used it to push myself.

I started working out, not to impress anyone — just to feel strong in my own skin. It wasn’t just about how I looked. It was about proving to myself that I could change, grow, and feel good again. Slowly, I started sharing that journey online. First it was just gym selfies and little updates. Then people started reaching out, saying they felt inspired. That meant everything to me.

I didn’t plan to be a content creator. I was just being real. I’d post beauty routines, modeling shots, fitness tips, or just thoughts about confidence and healing. Sometimes I post in a full glam look, and sometimes it’s just me in a bikini feeling proud of my body. I don’t do it for likes — I do it because I want to show other women that it’s okay to love yourself out loud.

Over time, I’ve built a little community of people who get it. Some are starting their own fitness journey. Some are learning to love their natural look. Some are just trying to feel okay in their skin. Knowing that I help even one person feel stronger makes it all worth it.

Not everyone has been kind along the way. I’ve gotten judgment and rude comments — people making assumptions just based on a picture. But I don’t let it stop me. I’ve been through worse, and I’m still here. That’s why I share what I share. Not to be perfect, but to be honest.

If someone asks me how I got here, I tell them the truth: It took time. I had to work through the hurt, find what made me feel powerful, and keep showing up even when it was hard. Modeling, fitness, and beauty gave me tools to rebuild myself. They’re not about vanity — they’re about taking ownership of who I am.

If I could say one thing to other women or girls out there, it would be this: Confidence is something you create. You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect. You just have to start showing up as you — fully, unapologetically, and with love.

Hi, I’m Gallina — but a lot of people know me online as babiigee. I’ve always had a love for beauty and self-expression, even from a young age. What started out as taking pictures for fun turned into something that helped me grow not just outside, but inside too.

When I was a teenager, I got into modeling. It wasn’t anything huge, just me experimenting in front of a camera. I loved how it made me feel — strong, confident, and in control. For someone who didn’t always feel that way growing up, it was powerful. I learned that posing, dressing up, and creating a look could actually boost how I felt about myself.

What really pushed me toward fitness and confidence was something more personal. When I was younger, I was bullied. I remember the names, the stares, the feeling like I wasn’t enough. That kind of thing sticks with you. It made me feel small and insecure for a long time. But instead of letting it ruin me, I used it to push myself.

I started working out, not to impress anyone — just to feel strong in my own skin. It wasn’t just about how I looked. It was about proving to myself that I could change, grow, and feel good again. Slowly, I started sharing that journey online. First it was just gym selfies and little updates. Then people started reaching out, saying they felt inspired. That meant everything to me.

I didn’t plan to be a content creator. I was just being real. I’d post beauty routines, modeling shots, fitness tips, or just thoughts about confidence and healing. Sometimes I post in a full glam look, and sometimes it’s just me in a bikini feeling proud of my body. I don’t do it for likes — I do it because I want to show other women that it’s okay to love yourself out loud.

Over time, I’ve built a little community of people who get it. Some are starting their own fitness journey. Some are learning to love their natural look. Some are just trying to feel okay in their skin. Knowing that I help even one person feel stronger makes it all worth it.

Not everyone has been kind along the way. I’ve gotten judgment and rude comments — people making assumptions just based on a picture. But I don’t let it stop me. I’ve been through worse, and I’m still here. That’s why I share what I share. Not to be perfect, but to be honest.

If someone asks me how I got here, I tell them the truth: It took time. I had to work through the hurt, find what made me feel powerful, and keep showing up even when it was hard. Modeling, fitness, and beauty gave me tools to rebuild myself. They’re not about vanity — they’re about taking ownership of who I am.

If I could say one thing to other women or girls out there, it would be this: Confidence is something you create. You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect. You just have to start showing up as you — fully, unapologetically, and with love.

You can find me on Instagram at @babiigee2021, TikTok at @babiigee_gallina_, and Twitter at @babiigee6. If my story helps you in any way, just know — I’ve been where you are. And I’m still growing, learning, and pushing forward every day. This journey isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being real and showing up anyway. If you ever feel like giving up on yourself, don’t. You’re capable of more than you think, and your glow-up starts the moment you decide to believe in yourself.

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