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Nicki Minaj/Instagram

A former teen mom started a body-positive swimsuit line—and it’s absolutely adorable

Nicki Minaj is a huge fan.

 

Nayomi Reghay

IRL

Posted on Jun 17, 2015   Updated on May 28, 2021, 1:43 pm CDT

Swimsuit season can wreak all kinds of havoc on a woman’s body image. But where some women see frustration and pressure to obtain the perfect “beach body,” swimsuit designer Altrichia “A.Lekay” Cook saw a creative opportunity.

Following her pregnancy, A.Lekay was left with some scarring on her midsection. Frustrated by the lack of high-waisted swimwear that sufficiently covered her scarring, she decided to work with a local tailor to create the look she wanted. After posting a photo of herself in the swimsuit on Instagram, people immediately wanted to know where she’d gotten it.

The result was Allusions by A.Lekay, her very own line of sexy, body-positive swimwear. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/3UqQs2L8Yl/

https://www.instagram.com/p/3d9XNjihYk/

“Whether I’m helping those who are in need of direction with [my] Masters of Social Work degree, [or] helping a mother with abdominal imperfections gain confidence in an Allusions by A.Lekay piece, [my] vision is to inspire & empower others,” she said.

And unlike store brands that might not accommodate all bodies, these suits are available to everyone. Determined to offer options and choices to all women, A. Lekay fills custom orders in all sizes, no matter how big or small.

She told Bustle that she’s in the process of developing an online store. But in the meantime, you can order her designs via email at info@allusionsbyalekay.com.

H/T Buzzfeed | Photo via Nicki Minaj/Instagram 

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*First Published: Jun 17, 2015, 11:46 am CDT