Raven Symone in a Bikini

For anyone looking for pictures of Raven Symone in a bikini, you'll be hard pressed to find them. Unlike many other Hollywood starlets her age, Raven seems to understand that leaving something to the imagination can actually be sexy. She may have it, but she doesn't have to flaunt it.

Raven's claim to fame came when she was just three years-old playing Olivia Kendall on the popular TV program, The Cosby Show. She seemed to avoid the common pitfalls of child stars as she grew up; sShe didn't grace the tabloids every week in some kind of trouble and she didn't become a washed-up reality TV star before the age of 18. Instead, she's found more fame and success as a singer and actress, and seems to enjoy a career that's more focused on her talent than her body.

Raven has starred in several TV shows and won numerous awards, from the NAACP to the Nickelodeon network. She's more celebrated for her wholesome image than for any scandals, so it's unlikely that you'll see her splashed across the front of any magazines accompanied by lurid headlines.

In a business where women are valued primarily on their looks, most actresses are very interested in being as thin as possible. Some celebrities such as Nicole Ritchie and Lindsey Lohan seem to have taken this interest too far, and to some, appear frighteningly underweight.

Raven is a curvy girl who dresses like someone who's proud of her shape. She even addressed the issue on an episode of her Disney television show, That's So Raven. Instead of giving in to pressure to lose weight for a fashion show, Raven's character stood firm and embraced her curvaceous shape.

Raven is known for her quirky fashion sense. She isn't afraid to wear unconventional outfits, but she also mixes it up with elegant, more subdued fashions as well. Raven seems unconcerned about any negative press about her weight, instead defining herself as "thick and fabulous." She believes in a healthy lifestyle and if it isn't realistic for her to starve herself down to a size 2, she won't do it.

As for seeing Raven Symone in a bikini, fans may have to wait on that. Raven seems to have the confidence to slip into one, but if she sunbathes privately in a string bikini, she's not telling! Raven is more concerned about helping young girls see their own inner beauty, which is why she's teamed up with the Dove campaign and is involved in self-esteem workshops which promote healthy body attitudes.

Clearly, the fact that Raven isn't plastered all over tabloids or pictured running around in a teeny bikini on the beach hasn't hurt her career at all. There's no reason for anyone to believe that the only way to fame is by wearing as little as possible, on the street or on the sand. Raven proves that a curvy girl can have a successful career in a business that's heavily invested in looks and she's done it without baring all – or anything.

Raven's mature attitude toward her figure, handling critics and moving on with her life (which includes more albums and more acting) is very positive and can be encouraging not only to growing girls, but to adult women as well. At her young age, she already understands that looks are only part of what makes a person.

Personality and talent should also figure into the equation of making anyone feel complete. Women especially, can take this message to heart and not worry about every single pound and how they look in a swimsuit. Instead, it's wise to focus more on how you feel about yourself, maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle instead of being anxious over how you look in a bathing suit, whether it's a one-piece or a skimpy two-piece.

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