Malaysian teacher shares journey to body acceptance through her embroidery

Syaeeza has come to love her "flabby arms, fat belly and thunder thighs". Photos: SYAEEZA RAMLI

For years, teacher and craft enthusiast Syaeeza Liana Ramli, 30, struggled with negative body image because of her problems with acne, body weight and hormonal imbalance. It took the Sarawakian over a decade to come to accept these issues and embrace herself.

"For someone who struggles with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), I have always had concerns about my body image. It took me 15 years to accept my skin condition, especially the 'bumpy' skin texture on my back, shoulders and upper arms. For years, I covered up my skin and hid my body from the world. But, I recently got the courage to, finally, let my skin be," said Syaeeza from Miri, Sarawak.