Gisele Says She Was Criticized For Her Appearance Growing Up

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen was the highest-paid model last year. But if you can believe it, some people told her she would never be successful.

“I remember some people telling me my nose was too big or my eyes were too small, that I could never be on a magazine cover,” Bündchen tells PEOPLE in its May 9 issue, which hits newsstands Friday. “It wasn’t easy to be 14 and hear that kind of criticism. It made me feel insecure.”

Bündchen was able to bounce back from the negative comments, thanks to some helpful advice from her father. He told her, “Next time, tell them, ‘I have a big nose, and that comes with a big personality.'”

Learning how to overcome insecurities is important for a model, said Bündchen, who notes that her appearance tends to reflect her emotions:”I have learned that when you are feeling good in that moment, it’s the most important thing. The lenses don’t lie, and usually if you feel good, you will look good.”