Megababe Founder Katie Sturino On Women's' Body Acceptance

Forbes

6 days ago

Katie Sturino, creator of Kitty & Vibe's Sunny Side Up swimsuit collection, on Beach in the Sunny ... More Print.
Hollywood has long sold a narrow definition of beauty, where being thin equals being wanted. And, sometimes, perfection comes with a surgeon's touch. Women are expected to chase an illusion.
However, more women are now rejecting the outdated status quo; they are embracing who they are, whether tall or short, curvy or lean, barefaced or bold. Authenticity is replacing conformity.
The National Organization for Women reported that by age 60, 28.7% of women feel dissatisfied and 32.6% feel self-conscious about their bodies—additionally, 43.7% of women over 60 report considering cosmetic surgery.
The new age body positivity movement challenges the notion that only certain bodies are worthy of love and success. It encourages people of all shapes, sizes and abilities to accept themselves without shame or apology. What began as a grassroots movement for inclusion has evolved into a cultural shift that's reshaping the fashion and media industries.
'It's a really interesting thing,' Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, shares about women accepting their bodies, 'because once you realize that you may be the one holding the key to the mental freedom you want to feel around your body, the mindset shift of acceptance happens.'
In 2017, Sturino launched the digital platform Megababe to solve a problem. What began as a way to help curvy women feel comfortable in their own skin has evolved. It's a rallying cry for all women to reclaim their bodies and their confidence on their own terms.
In a culture that still profits from shame, Sturino has become a sharp, savvy counterforce. Her debut novel, Sunny Side Up, has helped shift the narrative around women's bodies. And now, she's brought that message to the beach.
Body Acceptance Isn't a Size. It's a Shift.
Body acceptance isn't about loving every inch of yourself every day. It's about no longer letting your body image dictate your life. 'It just means that you're not ruled by your body image,' she says. 'Your life is focused on your passions, your relationships, what you're putting out into the world, not what size you are in jeans.'
This mental freedom is revolutionary. For many women, something as simple as buying a bikini becomes an act of defiance. 'We've heard from so many women who bought bikinis for the first time because they realized they could,' she says. 'They realized no one's going to say anything about their body, and they just want to have fun.'
Cameron Armstrong, founder of Kitty & Vibe, and Katie Sturino, author of "Sunny Side Up."
A Collaboration That Lets You 'Wear the Story'
Sturino's latest collaboration with Kitty & Vibe, a body-positive swimwear brand, is an extension of her recent novel, which features a main character who goes through heartbreak, healing and—most importantly—learns to accept herself without shrinking.
Together with Kitty & Vibe's founder Cameron Armstrong, Sturino co-designed a line of swimsuits, Sunny Side Up, inspired by the book. The collaboration marked the first time a fictional narrative has been translated into a fashion line.
'You can actually wear the story,' says Armstrong. For both creatives, the process was built on trust, creative freedom and shared values around authenticity and representation.
The First Step? Notice Your Inner Voice
When asked for advice on body image struggles, Sturino emphasizes the importance of awareness. 'Just noticing what you say to yourself is powerful,' she says. 'You might not even realize that you start your morning by looking in the mirror and saying something negative.'
That awareness, she explains, is the first step toward rewiring the internal narrative. It's a small shift, but one that creates big waves.
When Women Accept Themselves, They Lead Differently
Body acceptance has a ripple effect, especially in the workplace. 'Finding peace with yourself allows you to bring a different energy to your job, your team,' she says. 'It makes you a better leader.'
And maybe that's the real takeaway: body confidence isn't just about bikinis. It's about showing up, standing tall and rewriting the rules without waiting for permission.
'I just keep going back to our message, which has not changed,' Armstrong concludes. 'It is rooted in this kindness. It's rooted in helping people feel comfortable and confident in a swimsuit.'