Meet Joann van den Herik, who believes that true beauty defies narrow, ‘perfect’ standards. As the cousin of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, Joann is breaking down the unrealistic images that often flood social media. A plus-size model and passionate advocate for self-love, she uses her platform to show followers that beauty isn’t in filters or edits—it shines through in our most genuine moments. Confidently embracing her unique look, Joann reminds us that beauty is diverse, embracing every shape, size, and style.
The pictures she posted vs the pictures she deleted
With 451,000 Instagram followers, Joann offers an authentic look into her life, her journey with body positivity, and, above all, her unfiltered self. She emphasizes the contrast between the ‘polished’ images we see daily and the true reality behind them. Joann openly shares insights into the editing and meticulous planning involved in curating online personas, encouraging her followers to embrace and appreciate their own unique paths.
Joann highlights that much of what we see online is curated, edited, and often distant from reality. She explains that comparing ourselves to others only steals our joy. Her message is clear: true self-worth isn’t defined by social media standards but by personal growth, self-acceptance, and embracing our imperfections.
The striking difference between posed and unposed pictures
Unposed photos capture spontaneous, authentic moments, revealing genuine, raw emotions and real interactions. This style focuses on storytelling, capturing a natural flow without aiming for perfection. In a world where it’s easy to compare ourselves to the ‘picture-perfect’ lives online, Joann reminds us of what truly matters: the power of self-love.
Joann’s unwavering commitment to self-love feels like a breath of fresh air in a world fixated on perfection. She shows us that true beauty radiates most when it’s authentic and unapologetic. Joann reminds us that every unique expression of beauty deserves to be honored—exactly as it is.
“What you see online is not reality.”
Social media rarely shows real life. Joann van den Herik points out that today’s easy-to-use editing tools lead more people than we realize to alter their photos. She shares that many influencers rely on apps to create flawless, poreless images that don’t reflect reality—often just to fit in. Joann once thought everyone naturally looked perfect, only to later realize it was mostly editing. Though she no longer edits her photos, she remembers feeling that, back then, it was necessary just to appear “good enough” as an influencer.
The takeaway is that we’re all human, with real bodies, unique textures, and imperfections—that’s what truly sets us apart. There’s no need to compare yourself to images online, as most are filtered and carefully posed. Joann also emphasizes that even when people share “real” photos, like she does, they still choose the ones where they look their best.
An essential aspect of Joann’s message is the importance of confidently embracing your authentic self. She emphasizes that photographs don’t define you. To illustrate her point, she compares it to taking pictures of a sunset or the moon. When our photos fail to capture the stunning beauty we see in real life, we don’t say the sunset or moon is ugly. Instead, we recognize that their beauty simply can’t be fully captured by the camera at that moment.
“You don’t see the way your eyes sparkle when you speak about something you’re passionate about, the way you laugh at your best friend’s jokes, the warmth in your smile when you greet someone you care about, or the kindness in your expression as you listen to someone who needs it. Remember, those unguarded moments are just as beautiful because they reveal the real you,” the model concludes.
