Harnaam Kaur: A Bearded Model Redefining Beauty Standards
Harnaam Kaur is impossible to miss. This English-Indian model and motivational speaker has embraced her naturally grown beard, a result of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diagnosed when she was just 12. This hormonal condition leads to excessive hair growth, but instead of hiding, Kaur has embraced her unique appearance.
Her journey to self-love wasn’t easy. The cruel teasing she endured pushed her to the brink, but she emerged stronger. Now a trailblazer, Kaur made history as the first bearded model to walk at London Fashion Week, proving self-acceptance can be life-changing. “This is my body,” she says, “so I choose to love it wholeheartedly.”
Sara Geurts: From Insecurity to Inspiration
At first glance, Sara Geurts’s skin may seem unconventional for a 30-year-old. Her rare condition, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, limits collagen production, resulting in soft, wrinkled skin. Once her greatest insecurity, it has since become her badge of honor.
Geurts has embraced her unique beauty and now advocates for inclusivity. She encourages everyone to celebrate their individuality, stating, “Your imperfections tell your story—they make you, you.”
Jillian Mercado: Defying Limits in Fashion
Jillian Mercado grew up with two constants: her love of fashion and her wheelchair, a necessity due to muscular dystrophy. Frustrated by the lack of representation in fashion, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Today, Mercado is a professional model with campaigns for Target, Nordstrom, and Beyoncé’s fashion line. “My wheelchair doesn’t define me,” she says proudly, “and nothing can stop me from pursuing my passion.
Tess Holliday: Advocating Body Positivity in Style
As a size 22 model, Tess Holliday has shattered stereotypes by signing with a major modeling agency. Her journey began in a dental office where she worked as a receptionist, dreaming of breaking into the industry.
Guess what? She did. At size 22, she was the largest model to sign with a prominent modeling agency. Now a bona fide professional model, she uses her fame to advocate for body positivity – and women feeling beautiful regardless of size.
Sophia Hadjipanteli: Championing the Unibrow Movement
Sophia Hadjipanteli, born to Greek-Cypriot parents, is known for her striking unibrow. Bullied as a child for her bold appearance, she refused to conform to societal beauty norms.
Her #UnibrowMovement celebrates individuality, challenging what society dictates women should change or hide. Hadjipanteli proudly states, “Our differences are what make us beautiful.”
Shalom Nchom: Embracing Her Scars and Redefining Beauty
At just nine years old, Shalom Nchom’s life changed forever after an accident with hot cooking oil left her with severe burns across her face and body. Moving to the U.S. for reconstructive surgery, she discovered makeup as a tool to transform her confidence.
Today, Shalom shares tutorials with over a million YouTube followers, teaching others how to embrace their own beauty. “Makeup isn’t why I’m happy,” she explains. “I’m happy because I love myself just the way I am.”
Shaun Ross: Redefining Fashion Through Albinism
Shaun Ross has turned his albinism into a defining strength in the fashion industry. Teased as a child with names like “Wite-Out,” Ross used his unique appearance to challenge conventional beauty norms.
Now a prominent model featured in campaigns for Givenchy and spreads in Vogue, Ross advocates for inclusivity in fashion. “The world is finally beginning to see beauty in many forms,” he says.
Ashley Graham: Breaking Barriers for Plus-Size Models
Ashley Graham made history as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition. The following year, she broke another barrier by appearing on Vogue.
Graham’s mission extends beyond modeling. She promotes body positivity, encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty and reject unrealistic standards. “It starts with being your own role model,” she says.
