Ebony Fashion Fair model Jada Collins reveals the ugly story behind her pretty face in her new book, Be-You-Tiful: The Three Fold Process to Becoming You (ISBN: 0-9795856-0-0; $16.00 SLRP; 200 pages; Jada Collins Publishing). The book has received praise ranging from Pastor Paula White and Ebony magazine CEO Linda Johnson Rice to the New York Times Book Review. In the book, Collins argues that beauty is only skin deep and recounts her own story of childhood molestation, abandonment and fear. She recalls her father sneering, "You're just like your ugly momma."  She didn't realize that those nasty words would eventually damage her self-esteem. By the age of eight, Collins hated her life, and wanted to run away from home but stuck around to protect her younger sister, whom she felt was the only person who genuinely loved her.

Then, in the sixth grade, a boy walked up to Collins and said: "You're pretty like a model." This compliment revolutionized her life and changed her self-image from self-loathing to self-love. From that day on, she set out on a mission to encourage other women to pursue their purpose over pain. Ms. Collins's advice for the young women pursuing their dreams is:  1) Be who you are without force or strain , 2) Pursue your purpose despite your pains, negative influences, or lack of resources. 3) Don't lose focus of your own identity by compromising your beliefs 4) Take responsibility for harnessing hurt and pain but also take ownership of your happiness and joy.

A born-again Christian, Collins is now sharing that message in between her Fashion Fair modeling showcases with book signings that will continue through next spring. Jada Collins is the commentator and spokeswoman for the largest traveling fashion show in the world, Ebony Fashion Fair. She and her husband, Gospel artist and minister, Ernest Collins, Jr., reside in Orlando, Florida, where they are building upon their strong Christian foundation to impact the world with a powerful message of hope through fashion, music, dance and ministry. Visit www.jadacollins.info for more information on her work.

Collins' Ebony Fashion Fair dates can be viewed online at:
http://www.ebonyfashionfair.com/assembled/schedule.html