Photo 6/16
Melanie Gaydos
Born with ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that can prevent pores, teeth and small bones from developing normally, this 28-year-old didn't let her condition prevent her from pursuing modeling. She also didn't let the fact that she has alopecia and is partially blind slow her down either, deciding to take to Craigslist to look for potential modeling gigs. Since then, she's gone on to pose for i-D and Galore and walk the runway at New York Fashion Week -- as well as wow us with stunning IG pics that have helped her pick up an impressive 132K followers.
Image via Instagram @melaniegaydos
Photo 7/16
Brunette Moffy
This cross-eyed model got the fashion world to start seeing so-called physical imperfections in a new light -- and she might do the same for you, too. A friend helped launch Moffy's modeling career when she recommended the London-born gal to Pop Magazine's editor, who was looking to shoot non-models. The result? Not only did Moffy land the cover, but she snagged a contract with Storm Models (that's the agency that signed such mega-models as Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, in case you're keeping track.) Peep her Insta for fashion-forward shots from her campaigns, as well as a friendly reminder that the things that set us apart from others can, in fact, be beautiful.
Image via Instagram @moffygathornehardy
Photo 8/16
Shalice Ader
"Just be yourself," is the tagline that greets Instagrammers who stumble upon Ader's account. And it doesn't take much scrolling to realize that this tenacious teen, who is bald due to alopecia, heeds her own advice. She forgoes wearing a wig but rarely poses without a smile as she strolls Hawaiian beaches and doles out the occasional inspirational quote in keeping with her oh-so-positive no hair, don't care attitude
Image via Instagram @heyshalice
Photo 9/16
Morgan Mikenas
This body positive fitness blogger may motivate you to pick up some weights -- and put down the razor. Scroll through Mikenas' Instagram feed and you'll find just as many shots of her flashing her fit physique as you will full underarm and leg hair. But that doesn't mean she necessarily wants you to follow in her hirsute and healthy footsteps. Instead, Mikenas, who recently took to YouTube to explain her decision to give up shaving, encourages followers to embrace whatever perceived misgivings they may have about their appearance. "The purpose of this video is not to shame people who do shave, I just want to speak on how its helped me become more comfortable within myself, and maybe inspire others to do something that makes them feel confident."
Image via Instagram @i_am_morgie
Photo 10/16
Mama Càx
The loss of her leg didn't translate into loss of spirit for this 26-year-old "(role) model," whose body positive attitude is just as covetable as her flawless sense of style (even her prosthetic leg is covered with beautiful designs). "...my goal is to show you images and stories that you wouldn't otherwise encounter and without even knowing it, change how you see people like me," writes the Brooklynite, who had to have her leg amputated at the age of 14 while fighting bone cancer. Oh, and your bikini body hang-ups or issues with things like your lip size? Yeah, she addresses those and other insecurities too in an effort to get you to see yourself in a more positive light, as well. Excuse us while we hit "Follow."
Image via Instagram @mamacaxx
