Melanie Gaydos, a 27-year-old, full-time model stands out in the crowd and makes heads turn for all the right reasons. Her distinct appearance will smash your stereotypical idea of beauty and grace. Melanie suffers from a rare genetic disorder, Ectodermal D ysplasia that affects her teeth, hair and skin. In spite of  being bullied as a kid for being ‘different’, she has now become a symbol of hope and courage for people battling with self-esteem issues.

Her career took off, after she started replying to Craigslist ads, ‘Looking for unique models’. And now she’s storming the fashion industry!

Source: examiner

Modelling for her, was knowing and empowering herself to live life sans the wig. In her own body, as herself.

Source: twitter

This extra-ordinary woman, is not just a model but also an arts graduate.

Source: vogue

For all those who know Rammstein- She featured in their ‘Mein Herz Brennt’ video.

Source: pinterest

She’s fierce and fearless. So much that she refused to have any enhancements done on her.

Source: vogue

She’s sassy, she’s goofy and she’s crazy about her pet gecko!

#therealkhaleesi #motherofdragons @liberatedheart

A photo posted by Melanie Gaydos (@melaniegaydos) on

She’s also a part of ‘The What’s Underneath’ series that seeks to change the way people perceive ‘beauty’ and ‘style’.

Source: cosmopolitan

Watch the full video here:

Fighting all odds, this lady is sure an inspiration.