Jeyza Gary from Fayetteville, North Carolina, was born with rare skin disorder lamellar ichthyosis, which causes her skin to shed every two weeks. Rather than allowing it to define her, Jeyza has taken the condition in her stride and formed a successful career as the first ichthyosis model.
For over the past sixty six weeks since creating her Instagram account, Jeyza, 21, has been spending time sharing uplifting messages and photos with her growing 30 thousand followers.
“Growing up I had no idea I’d be as resilient as I am today. Shame, embarrassment and insecurities embraced me the way I wished my peers would. I never seen anyone like myself growing up. So, I decided to become an example without a guide. My skin encompasses the strength of all the pain ridicule provides. It’s something so beautiful, so unique and so authentic. I couldn’t ever imagine a life where I wasn’t myself, I’m glad I don’t have to. I’m grateful to be me.” Jeyza said.
“I’ve received so many No’s that I’ve diminished the significance of the word yes. No, we didn’t choose you. No, you’re not what we’re looking for. My favorite no is the one I have to infer… No, not because you’re not promising but because we aren’t ready to introduce someone as diverse as you.”
“Nonetheless, I can only rise when I make the choice to do so. It is easy to interpret my reality by way of social media. I share things that are uplifting, encouraging, relatable and maybe a bit funny. It’s not often I share this side of my truth. I decided to model because it makes me feel empowered. I didn’t know the burden ”denial” carried until now. I believe it is essential to acknowledge the sadness and let it go. It is never my intent to stay down, I hate how it feels. I just needed to acknowledge it was present so I can actively refute it.”
“As this year comes to a close, I realize that God has made some amazing things happen for me! I signed with an agency I love! I’ve done interviews with some of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I’ve met amazing friends, I’ve built my confidence! I have met more people with Ichthyosis than I can count and that has been so rewarding!! I’ve taken a few steps. Although I don’t prefer the word ”no” it’s the only reason I refuse to stop walking. This year has blown my mind! I haven’t even seen a glimpse of what’s to come and that’s okay with me.”
“I’ve never hidden my Ichthyosis from social media. I have days where it’s essentially untraceable and days it’s all you see. Both days I’m myself unapologetically. I Challenge you to question every norm that’s been set, If you don’t fit in make your own lane. Why follow when you have the potential to lead?”
“If I’m being honest, every time I get comments about what I could do for my skin, I’m like. They come by way of social media and even out in public. I’m so understanding and aware of the things I say to others but I feel like I’m not afforded the same liberty. Let this serve as a public announcement of contentment in my skin. I don’t personally believe I need changes or adaptations to what society deems acceptable.”
“What I use for my skin works just fine. We can’t fix what we don’t know, so, here I am letting everyone know I don’t prefer “advice” especially in the spirit of trying to fix “imperfections”. Because let’s face it, I’m not the one uncomfortable with my reality others are. Getting advice I never asked for isn’t warranted, it’s intrusive and it’s unnecessary. When I get all this unwanted energy my face is definitely like the first picture.”
“There are two things I don’t prefer in life relating to my skin: complimentary pity and more than one dermatologist. I debated hard on whether or not I should even talk about this but I believe in expressing discomfort. I have to stand in my truth, I can’t negate things that rub me the wrong way forever and I owe it to myself to cut those things off at the root. I hope everyone understands my heart and where I’m coming from in this instance. Let’s create an atmosphere of mindfulness for everyone moving forward. I’m fully aware this post won’t amass many “likes” but that’s okay because I said what I said. It won’t be removed either.”
Gary has appeared in Vogue Italia, Glamour UK, Refinery29 and in January this year, secured a high-profile campaign with Target Swimwear.
For those who don’t know, my name is Jeyza. I’m a 21 year old career student (or at least it feels like It! working on degree 2 1/2) . My feed is currently an interesting mix of mirror selfies and actual work…. Blame quarantine. I am a Virgo. I love to sing, meditate and journal as often as possible. These things keep me grounded. I hope you all are practicing self care amid all of the protests, quarantine and reform that will/has take(n) place.
