Amy Elsegood, a 29-year-old woman from Leeds, has overcome the hurtful comments of strangers to become a successful model. Amy was born with a large port wine birthmark on her face, and throughout her life, she has faced negativity because of it. However, she has now turned her unique feature into a source of pride and empowerment.
Port wine birthmarks are caused by abnormally formed blood vessels in the skin. Although they can deepen in color or develop lumps over time, laser treatment is available on the NHS to reduce their appearance. Amy underwent several rounds of laser treatment as a child, but the discomfort made her hesitant to continue.
As a teenager, Amy struggled with insecurity and started using makeup to conceal her birthmark. She found solace in sharing tips and techniques with other women who faced similar challenges, using Instagram as a platform. Her account, @amyelsegood, gained over 6,000 followers in 2020.
Amy’s growing online presence caught the attention of a modeling agency, leading to exciting opportunities. She has since been booked for several modeling jobs, including one with QVC. Modeling has become Amy’s passion and allows her to be herself while spreading the message that it’s okay to be different.
However, the road to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Amy still encounters backlash and rejection from certain modeling jobs because she doesn’t fit the industry’s narrow criteria. Hurtful comments like being called “ugly” and being told that someone would need to “take her swimming on the first date” still affect her. Yet, Amy remains resilient and focuses on her journey.
Amy’s determination to make a difference goes beyond the modeling industry. She appeared in a BBC documentary called “Skin,” which documented the experiences of individuals with various skin conditions. Amy hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire and empower young girls to embrace their uniqueness and practice self-acceptance.
Through her online presence, Amy receives messages from people who appreciate her makeup tips and seek advice on dealing with birthmarks. She encourages others to accept themselves and find confidence in their appearance. Amy wants people to know that visible differences are common, and no one should feel alone.
Today, Amy is proud of her journey and happy with the skin she’s in. Although it’s still a new experience for her, she looks forward to making a positive impact on others and continuing her personal growth.
If Amy’s story has taught us anything, it’s that embracing our differences and finding confidence within ourselves can lead to incredible opportunities and personal fulfillment.
