Sofia has always dreamed of being a model. She says being a brown skin girl she struggled with being accepted, especially at school. It was subtle but evident that the colour of her skin had played a part in how people treated her at times.
She struggled to be comfortable in her appearance. When attempting to apply to modelling agencies. She couldn’t understand what it was that she didn’t have, until realising that her skin was a couple shades darker than the ones who were on the agencies modelling page.
But through knowing God she was able to find that love and acceptance, realising she is beautiful because she is made in the image of the creator. This helped her realise that the colour of her skin was indeed something to be more than proud of as it was a representation of her heritage and culture. The way she was intended to be.
After visiting one of her home countries, India, for the first time in December 2024, she felt a sense of belongingness and realised what a privilege it was to be a brown skin girl.
Sofia loves Australia for its diversity, however hopes that one day the standard of beauty will be accepting of all people. That starting in schools, we can have a space that is safe for kids to express their true selves and not be judged for it. That they can embrace their natural features and not feel pressure to conform to an unattainable beauty standard.
