This adorable little girl with vitiligo is empowering others to love themselves
Maya Johnson is a 6-year-old aspiring model, whose fierceness, confidence, and unique look do not go unnoticed on Instagram.
About
a year ago she was diagnosed with vitiligo, but not without being
uncertain of what her condition was for a few months first. On a family
vacation to California, her mother, Sh’nae Johnson,
noticed her little girl had a skin decoloration in her chest. Upon
returning to their hometown of Ohio the diligent mother took her to the
doctor, who at first misdiagnosed the spot as tinea versicolor. Despite
taking medicines, Maya continued to get more spots, and then, for a
second time, Maya was misdiagnosed — this time, with eczema.
Finally, after visiting a dermatologist Maya was diagnosed with vitiligo, a chronic skin condition that causes skin to lose its pigmentation.
“My
heart was broken knowing how cruel the world can be, and especially
kids. I hated that Maya was going into kindergarten while recently being
diagnosed with this skin condition,” says Sh’nae
Maya and her family decided to embrace this unique trait and saw it as an opportunity to bring diversity into the modeling world.
In
a recent post where she is modeling, Maya wrote, “I’m 6 years old and
have been diagnosed with Vitiligo for over a year and in my short time
of life, this past year has been my best year. My mother taught me that
God isn’t finished creating his most favorite masterpiece. People stare
because they are uneducated and unaware. I’m always open to telling my
story but the catch is my story is just beginning.”
Sh’nae
and Maya’s grandparents have built up her confidence. “She is very
knowledgeable on her condition. If we are out or at the park and a kid
asks me what happened or what’s wrong with her skin I encourage them to
ask her themselves, as well as encourage Maya to be very vocal about it.
I generally explain to adults who ask without a problem,” says Sh’nae.
People
have voiced their support for Maya on Instagram: “You are beautiful!
And when people stare they’re just shocked because they’re looking at a
beautiful masterpiece,” wrote a commenter.
Another commenter added, “Your Mom is the bomb! Keep on preaching and teaching young lady. You are beautiful inside and out.”
Maya’s aunt suggested making her an Instagram page for modeling. Maya’s Instagram went viral quickly.
Her bigger-than-life confidence is resonating within the vitiligo community as well. Even model Winnie Harlow showed Maya love and support. In one of her photos, the model wrote, “Baby girl you bettttaaaa.”
“I
had moments where I questioned supporting her dreams of being a model
because I felt like I was putting her in harm’s way. Her Instagram was
supposed to be for networking, spreading vitiligo awareness, and
positivity. People are so cruel and would comment hurtful things,” says
Sh’nae. “Just when I thought about deleting it Winnie Harlow featured
her on her page and made a few comments under some of Maya’s pictures. I
felt that was a sign from God not to give up.”
And at such a young age, Maya is inspiring others to embrace and love themselves.
A
commenter wrote, “You are an inspiration to me! I too was diagnosed
with vitiligo, and seeing how proud you are in your skin and at such a
young age makes me embrace this condition even more. It makes me look at
it as a blessing to be a part of the 1 percent of people who are
diagnosed with it.
You’re such a beautiful girl and always remember that
in our skin we win!”
The
little diva is making her mark in the fashion industry already. She
landed her first campaign. Maya is now the face of KidRaq Luxury Eyewear
for Kids.
Raquel Smith,
the founder of KidRaq, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, “I was so happy to have
Maya as my ambassador for my brand; she is a confident young girl and I
just adore her.”
On
what her daily advice to Maya is, Sh’nae says, “I tell my daughter
ultimately beauty comes from within and she is no better than the next
person. The world is not a nice place but if everyone played their part
in simply being positive and just treating others how you expect to be
treated, it could be a better place. God made everyone in His liking, so
I feel everyone should look in the mirror and love the person they
see.”
Regardless
of what career path she might pursue, It’s clear Ohio native Maya has a
bright future ahead of her and has an amazing support system
rallying behind her.
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