Society has room for growth in accepting bodies of all shapes and sizes. One shop owner in Charlotte, North Carolina, is doing her part to create positive change. Summer Lucille of Juicy Body Goddess has been gaining a steady following on TikTok as a result of this work.
That’s how 18-year-old Elyse Monroe found her and ended up driving six hours to buy her prom dress. It turned out to be worth it. Summer gifted Elyse the perfect sparkling purple gown, which would have retailed for $700. Elyse was so honored and moved to tears.
Summer does this because she remembers firsthand what it was like when she was younger and trying to find a prom dress as a bigger person.
“I know what it’s like to be a fat girl in a fatphobic world,” she told Today. “If you weren’t skinny, there weren’t many options, and it was devastating for me because I’ve always loved fashion. I went to my prom looking like a church lady in a suit dress with a jacket because it was the only thing that fit. It was a very sad period in my life. But I’m thankful for those experiences now.”
The video of Summer helping Elyse quickly went viral on TikTok, having been viewed more than 11.8 million times. In the video, Elyse tries on three dresses. Viewers can hear Summer hyping her up.
“I love that on you! It is so beautiful,” Summer gushes. Elyse beams and seems especially into a purple sequin dress, which ends up being the one she is gifted. It’s heartwarming to watch.
Elyse was so happy to have a wonderful shopping experience. “Shopping is usually pretty stressful for me, which is why I mostly shop online — but we were laughing the whole time. It was actually fun,” she said. She is so excited to wear her new dress on the big night. “Prom is a night where you want to feel beautiful. And I feel beautiful in that dress,” she gushed.
To see Elyse’s shopping experience at Juicy Body Goddess firsthand, watch this video.
