MOVEMENT. noun [moov-muhnt], plural move·ments: actions or activities, as of a person or a body of persons.
Welcome, Ugly Ducklings!
We want to build a community of people who realize, promote and inspire everyone to embrace who they are; we are all in the process of becoming beautiful swans, regardless of who we are or what life throws at us.
The ugly duckling was never really ugly, she was simply different
We want this website to be both a resource and an inspiration to all the Ugly Ducklings out there. You will find moving stories about people’s life journeys and producks you can purchase to identify yourself as an Ugly Duckling.
We’re on Facebook and Twitter
Have you liked us yet? Click here!
Or follow us: @UDucklingsInc
BEING ‘NORMAL’
We’ve recently committed to donating a portion of our profits to Mental Fitness Inc. (Formerly NORMAL). It’s an organization that educates about self-esteem, eating disorders, body image and healthy coping mechanisms in our schools; it is safe to say this is a very needed organization. Here’s their Twitter!
And if you’d like to donate, follow this rabbit hole.
How we began
This is an initiative inspired by Jennifer Morrison of Once Upon a Time. In February, 2013, Jennifer gave her Twitter supporters the name #TheUglyDucklings, explaining: “The idea behind The Ugly Ducklings is truly about self-identity and beauty. The story shows that sometimes life gives us challenges before we discover our true selves. The Ugly Ducklings is meant to suggest beauty, love and fullness of life in the end. It’s all about the journey”. See tweets here.
In a recent InStyle interview, Jennifer had to say this about the fairy tale that inspired her character:
“The point of that story was that the swan was always a swan, and was picked on for being different, not actually being ugly”.
When we read this explanation, we realized that this message goes beyond existing as a hashtag, beyond the television show it was inspired by (Once Upon a Time) and beyond being a fan of the actress herself.
We realized this is a message that is tremendously needed in our society and culture: Many people are horrendously bullied for being different. Many people, though on the path towards becoming their true selves, don’t feel their true worth because of the mindset of our society and culture.
It is imperative that everyone realize that they are valuable and beautiful.
And it is equally important for them to value their uniqueness and realize that they are on the journey of a lifetime. This message is especially relevant for girls and young women, as these groups tend to struggle the most with their physical appearance and place a value on themselves based on this.
As #UglyDucklings, we strive to embrace life’s journey and realize that, in the end, when we are exactly where and who we are meant to be, we will indeed be…beautiful swans.
We hope to hear from you soon. Follow us on Twitter!
Marie & Erin
Or get in touch with us through our Facebook page. Right here!
The Ugly Ducklings 
I found this amazing group quite by accident and am so glad I did! I really feel that this movement will help those that feel alone find strength in the journey of others. This past month I have been so uplifted by the photos. Thank you for allowing me to join you and contribute to this wonderful group! ❤️
Hi Shannon! Thank you so much for your words. Summer has been keeping us busy but we’ll be posting new things very soon. Thank you once more!
Hey Its a great project! great idea!!! From Russia with love! Im with you!
We dearly appreciate it. Thank you very much!
Wow , really great idea! Wonderful enterprise.
Good luck :)
Thank you so much for your comment Biana. We wish you the best as well.
This was a really great idea! I’m halfway wanting to share why I’m an #UglyDuckling but it’s very difficult to talk about myself. But this is an amazing idea! This show has been so inspirational in so many ways to connect everyone and show them hope in themselves as well as family, friends, etc… Thank you :)
you’re mostly welcome :) whenever you feel like you want to tell your story to the world we’ll be here for you! Much love and thanks for your message!
What a great outreach!!! More and more of us need to understand that we are beautiful no matter what….starting from the inside out. We have purpose and are wonderfully made!!
very wise words Shannon. It’s great that you share such positive and optimistic views in life with evreyone else! xx
I am so happy with the turn out of this project, and as a proud member of the #Original10 I am very pleased to see everyone taking such an interest in this movement. Thank you so much to everyone involved!
Thank you for being one of the #Original10! It wouldn’t have been possible without your help. Love you! #UglyDucklings
I am so glad you guys are taking on such a wonderful project! I look forward to seeing it come into its own! I will support you guys as much as I can! :)
Hi Anthony. Thank you so much for your beautiful comments. This is one of the great things of #OUAT. It unites people. Xx
Great idea!!! I am so glad you are taking on this wonderful project!! A great job guys! I look forward to following its progress!!
Impressive… Great idea!! Will the t-shirts be available for theuglyducklings in Europe? Like ever?
One of the #Original10 is from UK. And we have sent the shirt to her. We’re trying to manage how to make them affordable, reducing shipping costs. Can’t wait to hear from you again and get your order!
Julia – we are working on figuring out the best way to ship shirts to International locations. With our test drive, it was very expensive, so we are just looking into other options before we can give a price on how much it will cost! If you are interested, please email your order in and we will be in touch about cost when we know (we’ll confirm you still want it once we figure out cost). Hope this helps!
– EJ