Plus-size mannequin reveals the horrendous feedback she obtained from sharing a photograph of herself (and the intelligent method she obtained the final giggle!)

A plus-sized model has transformed hate messages on TikTok into securing a major billboard deal with a skincare brand.

UK-based influencer and model Megan Bradley from Cumbria, who boasts over 17 thousand followers on TikTok, regularly spreads body positivity sentiments on her profile, sharing statements, such as ‘fat people can be happy and confident in their bodies’.

Despite the 23-year-old’s stance, she recently attracted floods negativity on the platform after sharing images of herself alongside the writing, ‘If I were on a billboard, what brand would it be for?’

Megan received an immense level of trolling after posting the clip, which received over nine million views, with viewers taking to the comment section with cruel comments.

For instance, one told her ‘Weightwatchers’ was the most suitable brand, while another listed fast-food companies, including ‘ Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, Taco Bell, and Dunkin’ Donuts’, while a third told her ‘Any brand related to fat loss’.

Talking exclusively to Femail, Megan said: ‘At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of comments. My phone was glitching, and I physically couldn’t keep up with all the responses.

‘I’ve always been aware that when you put yourself out there, not everyone is going to be positive, but I had never experienced it on this scale.’

However, nestled among the negativity was beauty brand Kanzen Skincare, who offered Megan the opportunity to achieve her dream of landing a billboard campaign.

‘It all started with a viral TikTok post where I asked, ‘If I were on a billboard, what brand would it be for?’ alongside photos of myself,’ Megan explained.

While trolls took over the comment section with spiteful suggestions, such as the ‘Michelin tire guy’, one beauty brand was prepared to make Megan’s dream materialise.

She continued: ‘That post reached nine and a half million views, and in the midst of all the reactions, Kanzen saw an opportunity to be a positive force.

‘They reached out to me with, ‘When are we shooting, bestie?’ which was such an amazing moment.

‘From there, we worked together, and within a week of my original post, we were already shooting the campaign. It all happened so quickly, but it just proved to me how powerful it is to put yourself out there and take up space.’

In a full circle moment, Megan has now become the face Kanzen Skincare’s latest product launch, proving how a single post can be career-defining.

Now, the 23-year-old is focusing on her newfound, ‘amazing’ success, saying: ‘It would be easy to dwell on the negative comments, but at the end of the day, I’ve always believed that if you don’t take a chance, you’ll never know what’s possible.

‘That one TikTok post led to an incredible opportunity, and working with Kanzen has been a dream.

‘It’s also reinforced my passion for pushing the industry forward – there’s still so much work to be done in terms of expanding beauty standards and making sure everyone feels seen.’

Improving representation in the beauty industry and beyond is a pursuit Megan intends to continue throughout her career.

‘Representation real, authentic representation,’ she clarified, adding, ‘Not just because it ‘looks good’ for a brand, but because brands should genuinely want everyone to feel their best.

‘It’s not about ticking a diversity box; it’s about reflecting the real world and making people feel valued.

‘When people see someone who looks like them thriving in spaces they never thought they could exist in, it’s life-changing. That’s the kind of change I want to be part of.’ 

While negativity has persisted in Meghan’s comment section, she has also seen a rise in kind messages after sharing her new role with Kanzen skincare on TikTok.

She said: ‘It really just showed me how much I’ve grown. A few years ago, this kind of reaction would have crushed me, but now I understand that negativity often comes from a place of insecurity.

‘It’s upsetting for some people to see others, especially those who don’t fit the typical beauty standard, like myself, being confident in themselves.

‘So instead of letting it get to me, I took it as proof of my own growth. I don’t allow other people’s voices to overshadow my own confidence and self-worth.’

Now, Megan is set on continuing her modelling journey, adding: ‘I hope to have a long career in this industry.

‘Growing up, I needed to see people like me taking up space, and now I have the opportunity to be that representation for someone else. The world is changing, and I want to be part of that shift.’

She continued: ‘If my younger self could see me now, she would be so proud. And I hope that years from now, I’ll be able to look back and feel the same way. This journey has already been incredible, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

‘And if you’re reading this, thinking about taking a leap but fear is holding you back just do it.

‘The only voice that truly matters when it comes to your life is your own. Don’t let doubt or outside noise stop you from becoming everything you’re meant to be.’