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Kimberly Feliz’s get-ready-with-me video began like any other. Seated casually in the front seat of her car, the 29-year-old social media influencer touched up her makeup while chatting about her favorite beauty products. The loose-fitted one-shoulder dress she “threw on” for the video wasn’t meant to steal the spotlight — until it drew waves of body-shaming comments. Suddenly, her comment section turned into a “hate fest.”

“There were a lot of emotions,” Feliz tells PEOPLE about seeing the “extremely offensive” reactions about the dress and her appearance. Among all her feelings, she felt “shocked, appalled and confused” that an outfit making her “feel empowered and unapologetically” herself could trigger such backlash. “I was speechless.”

The comments became so “disrespectful and distasteful” that Kimberly felt compelled to respond, especially after someone assumed she was a “breast cancer survivor” based solely on how the dress fit. Kimberly says her post wasn’t meant as a “clap back,” but as a way of “taking away power from negative comments.”

Responding to Body-Shaming

“I wanted to focus on the fact that we don’t want to tear people down over minor details. My goal is to promote positivity and show that confidence comes in every size,” she explains. “There was no ill intent or defense on my end, I just wanted to address it.”

“It’s funny because this isn’t the first video of mine to blow up and attract strange comments. I don’t usually respond with a video, but I do stand up for myself in the comments in a tasteful way when I feel it’s needed.”

Kimberly describes her style as “bold, maximalist and risky,” which is evident in her love for the colorful — and now viral — dress. “I’m here to stand out. I don’t dress for anyone else; I wear what makes me feel sexy and comfortable,” she says. “I don’t conform to other people’s expectations because I know I make any outfit my own.”

Building this self-confidence wasn’t easy. Kimberly recalls being bullied as a child.

“My confidence wasn’t built overnight, but wearing bold colors, prints, florals, and what some might call unflattering pieces brings me joy because I remember a time when I felt invisible and hid behind dark, slimming clothes,” she shares. “As I’ve grown older, I’ve found the confidence to overcome insecurities, love myself, and appreciate the body I’m in.”

Kimberly lets her self-love “shine so bright” that she doesn’t worry about making others “uncomfortable,” and she encourages everyone to adopt the same mindset.

“You don’t have to ‘earn’ self-love by changing your body, waiting for a goal, or fitting into someone else’s definition of beauty,” she says. “I want my content to remind people that confidence is a daily choice. It starts with showing up for yourself now. Your body deserves to be celebrated in every season and at any size. Wear what you want, wear it your way, and wear it with confidence.”