Dec '25 Women Who Inspire!

Meet Erica Worthen:

"When the day finally came, everything changed. The environment, the energy, and the community I stepped into, from the photographer, to Lacy, to every single model on set, made my worries and insecurities fade away. I felt seen, supported, and genuinely welcomed, and that moment became the beginning of something much bigger than I ever expected... "

-Erica Worthen, SLS Model

FULL STORY HERE:

"I am a 32-year-old woman who has lived through many versions of myself, and I’m finally proud of every single one of them.

My journey has stretched across motherhood, divorce, rediscovery, and rebuilding. I’ve carried joy, heartbreak, uncertainty, and hope… sometimes all at once. Through it all, I kept moving, even when I didn’t feel strong.

I lost 120 pounds, worked with medical professionals to navigate my PCOS, and finally learned what it meant to make myself a priority. I didn’t do it to become smaller. I did it to become whole.

My body has carried me through every season of my life. Every shape. Every size. Every chapter. It has always had worth, and I honor it now more than ever.

My journey with Steven Lacy Swimwear began in the most unexpected way. I saw Lacy share a post asking for models, and I felt motivated by the simple desire to help a friend. Reaching out was completely outside my comfort zone, but I messaged her anyway and offered to fill in anywhere I was needed. I just wanted to support her and help her succeed, so I pushed past my hesitation and committed. When the day finally came, everything changed. The environment, the energy, and the community I stepped into, from the photographer, to Lacy, to every single model on set, made my worries and insecurities fade away. I felt seen, supported, and genuinely welcomed, and that moment became the beginning of something much bigger than I ever expected.

Today, I stand as a mom to an incredible 13-year-old boy, a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and a passionate businesswoman who shows up fully for the life I’m creating. I’m not perfect; I’m present. I’m intentional. I’m becoming.

This is my story: confidence earned, identity reclaimed, and a woman who realized she was allowed to take up space, make herself a priority, and rewrite her own narrative."


-Erica Worthen, SLS Model

Erica went on to represent SLS in the Cicero Fourth of July Parade:

Vendors are credited below.

Photo credit: @ Emma Waters Photography

Venue: @ Studio 18

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