I was born in 1996 in Senegal, a country where most people have lighter skin tones than mine. From my earliest memories, I knew I stood out. 🖤 My skin was darker than most around me, and although dark skin is not unusual in my homeland, my shade was so deep that it became a constant topic of attention—often not the kind anyone would want. I faced teasing, ridicule, and sometimes outright discrimination.

People would tell me I should use skin-lightening products, something common in the region. But even as a young girl, I felt a strong voice inside me saying, No. ✊ I refused to change who I was just to meet someone else’s definition of beauty.

That decision wasn’t easy. Every day I faced comments, stares, and even pressure from those close to me to blend in, to conform. But instead of giving in, I started to see my skin as my crown—a gift that made me unique. I didn’t always have confidence, but I was determined to find it and hold onto it.

When I turned 15, my life changed. I moved to Paris to continue my education. 🎓 Leaving home was hard, but it opened the door to new possibilities. People in Paris noticed my look, and soon modeling offers began to appear. At first, I was cautious. I wanted to focus on my studies before diving into that world. But the more I learned, the more I realized I could use modeling as a way to share my story and inspire others.

Once I was ready, I began working with major advertising agencies. My unique appearance, the very thing people once mocked, became my strength. From Paris, I moved to New York, where I continued modeling while studying business. 🌍 Balancing school and a growing career was challenging, but it taught me discipline and resilience.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built more than just a modeling career. 📱 With over half a million followers on Instagram, I use my platform to spread a message of self-love and acceptance. I’ve even lent my voice to an animated film, which was such an exciting and creative experience. Through every project I take on, I try to show people—especially young girls—that their uniqueness is their power. 💖

I know how hard it can be to love yourself when the world tries to convince you to change. I’ve been there. But I also know that true beauty doesn’t come from meeting society’s standards—it comes from within. 🌈 It’s about accepting yourself fully, with all the things that make you different. It’s about carrying yourself with confidence, no matter what anyone says.

There were times when I doubted myself. There were moments when I wondered if life would have been easier had I just blended in. But those moments never lasted, because I realized that every challenge I faced was shaping me into the person I am today. 🌱 My journey taught me persistence, self-respect, and the importance of knowing my worth.

Now, when I speak to young people, I tell them this: don’t let anyone’s opinion define you. 💪 Whether it’s about your skin, your body, your voice, or your dreams—hold onto them. Nurture them. And never be afraid to stand out.

I’ve learned that embracing who we truly are is one of the bravest things we can do. ✨ Society might try to put you in a box, but you don’t have to stay there. Your identity, your culture, your differences—they’re not things to hide. They’re your light.

I see my work not just as modeling but as a mission. 🌟 Every photo, every post, every public appearance is a chance to show someone that they are enough just as they are. I want my story to be proof that no matter where you come from, no matter what others say, you can succeed by staying true to yourself.

Looking back, I’m grateful for every hardship, because they shaped my courage. 💖 They taught me that love—especially self-love—is the foundation for everything good in life. And they showed me that the things people may see as flaws can, in fact, become your greatest strengths.

This is why I will always stand by my message: love yourself completely, embrace your uniqueness, and never apologize for being you. The world needs your light. And it needs it to shine exactly as it is.