People told Melanie Gaydos she didn’t have the face to become a model. Instead of changing herself to fit the industry, she built a career by proving its definition of beauty didn’t have to stay the same.
Keep reading to learn more.
Growing up, Melanie Gaydos heard plenty of reasons why modeling wasn’t a realistic dream. Loved ones doubted she could succeed because of her appearance, but she refused to let those opinions define her future.
Today, Gaydos, who has now appeared in top magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan, has become one of the most recognizable faces challenging traditional beauty standards, showing that confidence and determination can be just as powerful as convention.
Born with genetic disorder
Gaydos was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a rare group of genetic disorders that affects the development of hair, teeth, nails and skin. She also has alopecia and is partially blind after her eyelashes damaged her eyes.
“I can’t remember when I first became aware of my condition. Of course, there were instances where I knew I was different from other people, but I didn’t understand why or how,” she said in an interview with MAC Cosmetics. “I’m surprised people have a strong reaction to the way I look. I’ve been this way my whole life, and as a child didn’t have any sense of who I was on the outside. I always thought of my body as a vehicle, and it certainly doesn’t affect who I am.”
Encouraged to ‘walk tall’
Despite the physical challenges, she says her biggest obstacle wasn’t her condition.
“Taken outside of any judgment-based situation such as school or peer interaction activities, it had never bothered me,” she told People. “It took me a few years to understand why other people had treated me differently or reacted to me the way that they had, which was always out of curiosity, judgment or fear.”
As a child, Gaydos threw herself into dance classes and school plays, developing a love of performing long before modeling seemed like a realistic option.
“Modeling was kind of a taboo topic for me because even though I ‘had the body’ I did not have the face,” she said.
Even so, she says one person never let her lose confidence.
“[But] my grandmother had always encouraged me to walk tall, be strong and embrace my femininity.”
Refused enhancements
While studying art in New York City in 2011, Gaydos decided it was time to take a chance on modeling despite the doubts surrounding her. She also made another decision that would shape her career – she rejected enhancements, including dentures and wigs, and refused to hide the features that made her different.
“I had just stopped wearing wigs, through a combination of not having enough money and realizing that it wasn’t my style anymore. I had chosen to take a more minimalistic approach to life,” she said in an interview with MAC. “I have tried to connect with society, and I want people to see me as I see myself.”
‘Doesn’t want to be rejected’
That mindset helped her carve out a place in an industry that had often celebrated a much narrower definition of beauty.
The first time I felt beautiful was probably at my first proper photoshoot…But there are times, even today, when I don’t feel beautiful.” she said. “I feel very accepted and loved for who I am, but I suppose there is a small part of me that doesn’t want to be rejected.”
As she built up her confidence, others continued to doubt her potential.
“I’ve had many people tell me I would never be able to do runway, or commercial work and that I was forever niched into a certain category. I don’t believe that the world or the human mind works this way because mine doesn’t,” she shared.
“Even though society is limited, the human mind has so much potential and possibility that it is not even aware of.”
Challenging beauty standards
Rather than viewing her success as something unique, Gaydos – who has strutted the runway of New York Fashion Week several times – said she hopes it encourages others to believe they don’t have to fit into anyone else’s expectations.
“More and more, people are coming together to challenge previously accepted ideals of beauty,” she said, adding that people “can change the ‘rules’ that exist in society today.”
“So, take the time to learn about who you are and what you like and don’t like. You don’t have to be anyone, anywhere or anything you don’t want to be.”
“Realize that and don’t be afraid to accept change. The fear of the unknown holds a lot of people back, there is so much power we each can hold – it is time to start exercising that,” she added.
What do you think of this stunning woman and her determination to succeed? Please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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