Video: Former Victoria’s Secret Model Talks About ‘True Beauty’

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Hundreds are hearing the lessons of 24 year-old Kylie Bisutti.

Tupelo’s Hope Church hosted the former fashion model. She talked about how she became a Christian as a teenager, but then longed for acceptance and fulfillment in the world of high fashion.

“I started chasing after my own selfish ambitions,  and all it was doing was leading me down a path of destruction,” Bisutti said.

When she was 19, and a newlywed, Bisutti won the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Runway Model Search.

She thought the reality show win would give her self confidence, but it only made things worse.

“When we arrived backstage at the runway show, we spent about seven or eight hours changing ourselves.  It was all an illusion.  The tables just for the fake hair that went on all those heads was almost the size of this stage,” she said.

She says the lifestyle did not mesh with her faith, did not honor her husband and gave young people a false sense of beauty.

“My younger cousin, who was eight told me she wanted to start throwing up her food so she could feel beautiful like I was,” Bisutti said.

So, Bisutti walked away from her lingerie model career to reconnect with her faith and family.

Now an author and mom, Bisutti likes talking to young people and encouraging modest dressing, especially in churches.

“This is such a passion to talk about because when I was a new Christian and before I moved away to New York to pursue my modeling career, I was one of those girls at the age of 15 who dressed provocatively at church and no one pulled me aside and told me ‘You need to change your ways,'” Bisutti said.

Her roles continue to change. Her book, “I’m No Angel: From Victoria’s Secret Model to Role Model,” and clothing line are new careers inspired by her faith.

“It’s called God Inspired Fashion. It’s really for men, women and children of all ages. It’s all about getting God’s Word out into the world, all of our items have scripture on them,” she said.

The message isn’t one kids in today’s society hear but many are connecting with Bisutti.

“Beauty is real, and beauty is found within Christ,” said Tucker Carter, from Mooreville High School.

“It helped me realize that when I did pageants, I was fake, now I can do them for the right reasons and be truly happy, because I found God,” said Mooreville High School senior Caroline Hood.

Bisutti realizes her decision to quit the runway and turn down other roles has cost her millions, but she’s more content now than ever before.

That event was sponsored by Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic and FCA.

www.kyliebisutti.com

www.parkgateclinic.com