Content creator and former *I’m A Celebrity* campmate GK Barry,
whose real name is Grace Keeling, has candidly shared her experiences with feeling the pressure to alter her appearance.
The 25-year-old social media sensation, who rose to fame on TikTok with over 4 million followers,
recently spoke out about the expectations placed on her and how she’s learning to embrace her natural self, despite the pressures of fame.
GK Barry, who gained even more public attention after appearing on the latest series of *I’m A Celebrity* in Australia, opened up in an interview with *The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine*.
In her conversation, she reflected on her sense of responsibility to her predominantly young audience, who look up to her as a role model.
Despite the constant scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye, GK emphasized that she strives to set a positive example for her followers.
The content creator discussed the emotional impact of the online commentary she received during her time in the jungle, especially regarding her acne. “It was quite bad,” she admitted, recalling how she feared viewers would criticize her skin condition. However, she was relieved to find that after leaving the show, she received an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom shared how GK had made them feel more comfortable about their own skin. This response was particularly meaningful for GK, who noted that her experience helped her become more appreciative of her natural appearance.
As someone with a platform, GK feels the need to uphold certain values, particularly when it comes to body image and beauty standards. “Saying ‘I won’t have work done’ is important,” she explained. GK wants to be a figure who can show young people that they can be confident without resorting to cosmetic procedures because of external pressures. She admitted, though, that she has felt the weight of such expectations, especially regarding her nose, adding, “I’ve felt pressure to get stuff done.” Despite this, GK stressed that cosmetic surgery should be a personal choice, not something driven by others’ opinions.
A large part of GK Barry’s appeal lies in her authenticity and humor, which she’s built her brand around on social media. “I want people to see someone in this industry who looks how they’ve always looked,” she said. Emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, she explained that her brand is rooted in being “natural” and “myself,” which is why she doesn’t want to contradict this message by undergoing surgery.
During her time on *I’m A Celebrity*, GK’s skin underwent noticeable improvements, which she humorously attributed to the simple diet of rice and beans that she followed while in the jungle. “So if you’ve got acne, just eat rice and beans,” she joked in a TikTok post after returning home, hinting that the strict diet had a surprisingly positive effect on her skin. Though she acknowledged the humor, she also mentioned that her skin has cleared up significantly since her time on the show, which encouraged her to reduce her makeup usage.
GK’s new approach to beauty includes wearing less makeup, especially when she’s not on television. She said she now feels more comfortable showing off her natural skin, a shift that has been part of her personal growth and response to the overwhelming pressures of the beauty standards often imposed on social media influencers. “The symptoms of the skin condition have cleared up so much,” she added, reflecting on the positive changes in her skin and overall outlook on beauty.
In a previous interview with *The Express*, GK had also discussed the possibility of getting cosmetic surgery, stating that such a decision would go against the essence of her social media persona. “My brand is so much about being natural and being myself,” she remarked. The idea of altering her appearance through surgery seemed contradictory to the message of self-love and authenticity that she wants to promote.
GK Barry’s openness about her struggles with acne and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards has resonated with many of her followers. By sharing her personal journey and standing firm in her commitment to staying true to herself, she’s continued to inspire young people to embrace their natural beauty, proving that authenticity is always in style.
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