• Ashley Graham stepped out at Create & Cultivate in New York on May 4, and discussed the body positivity movement.
• The prolific model opened up about having cellulite, and taking social media trolls to task.
• Also speaking at the conference were Amber Heard, Martha Stewart, Michelle Lee, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

If you're coming for Ashley Graham, then you best be prepared. Speaking at Create & Cultivate's New York conference presented by Mastercard this weekend, the accomplished model opened about the abuse she faces as a plus-size model, and how she deals with trolls.

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Speaking to Jaclyn Johnson, Graham revealed, "I really think that it doesn't matter what size or shape you are. You can be healthy, and it's really about getting up off the couch, moving your body, choosing healthy options, and knowing that your body is yours."

As for being targeted by so many trolls, Graham revealed:

"I was wearing a really short, denim dress, and I had really high, thigh-high sock boots on. I had a lot of cellulite hanging out. I had a little chug roll hanging out. It's life, right? A girl wrote on my page and said, 'Girl, your thighs are busting out of your pants. That cellulite is just kicking. I can't believe you actually wore something like that.'"Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Create & Cultivate//Getty Images

Ashley Graham at Create & Cultivate New York, presented by Mastercard.

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Create & Cultivate//Getty Images

Ashley Graham at Create & Cultivate New York, presented by Mastercard.

Understandably, Graham wasn't about to let a troll's opinion get to her. As she told the audience at Create & Cultivate, she responded to the unwanted criticism by saying:

"I make these moments teachable moments." She continued, "I am not going to come at you and be like, 'F you, B,' because why? That's just so much energy. So I said, 'You're right, ma'am. My cellulite and fat is hanging out of my pants and I am sexy AF.' Because, why are we going to give room for trolls? I don't have time for that."

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Basically, next time someone comes for your outfit, your body, or your self-esteem, take a leaf out of Graham's book.

Graham also explained that, despite having moments early in her career when she wanted to give up, "My mom told me my body was going to change someone’s life. And here we are, with so many different women saying, I am represented," which is more than a little inspiring.

Graham was joined by other celebs including Amber Heard, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Martha Stewart:

Becki Smith of Smith House Photo

Amber Heard, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Michelle Lee, Jaclyn Johnson, and Martha Stewart at Create & Cultivate New York, presented by Mastercard.

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Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.

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