Married At First Sight's Carina Mirabile has left the experiment with a newfound confidence, even more so since starting her own podcast.
But this self-acceptance hasn't come easy, the reality star shared in a honest Instagram post.
Sharing a throwback photo of her younger self, the 31-year-old said she "felt ashamed" about who she was, as she opened up about her biggest past insecurities.
"I am so proud of my Italian heritage, my big crazy family, our culture and being part of the wog community," she began. "But it's taken me so many years to get to this point."
In the photo, a young Carina is seen in her family home, smiling with her mum Carmel who fans would recognise from the experiment.
"In school I rejected who I was, I rejected our culture and I felt ashamed because I didn't look like the other girls or feel like I fit in with them," she went on.
Carina then shared a photo from her school years as she opened up further on her podcast This is Chaos.
"I spent so long trying to be like them, bleaching my hair blonde, hiding from the sun because I'd get embarrassed how much darker I'd get," she revealed.
The star explained she found it so hard to accept her heritage, often feeling like "the minority" in a "surfy, Australian" town.
"Now every time I see comments now about my appearance, saying I'm not the right size or shade to wear something or I'm trying to be a Kardashian, those people have no idea about the journey I've been on just to accept and love myself," she said.
Surprisingly, it was the rise of the Kardashians that really helped Carina first learn to love and accept herself.
"When they [the Kardashians] first started getting famous that was the first time I'd felt seen in a weird way and that it was okay to have darker features, curves and a big family full of constant chaos and love," continued.
Fans and co-stars jumped to the comments section to both show their support and thank Carina for sharing her story.
"When I was in high school I tried so hard to not be European but I now love it 🙌 Wouldn't want it any other way 🧡," one follower related.
"Love my Croatian/Macedonian roots. I can understand why it might have been difficult in adolescence but amazing that you're embracing your heritage now. These cultures are rich with tradition and love for family. Sending love," wrote another.
"Love this 🤍 always absolutely beautiful but so relatable darlin ⚡️ look at you standing in ALL your power now girl 👊," wrote Season 12 bride Ashleigh Ackerman.
Carina burst onto screens during Season 12 of the experiment when she was matched with then husband Paul Antoine.
Carina and Paul started off as one of the strongest in the experiment, their relationship however faced some huge challenges along the way.
Carina split up with Paul at Final Vows after he declared he wanted a future with her.
