A
s a fashion influencer,
it was my personal
style – playing with
oversized, masculine
tailoring – that initially
caught people’s attention. It wasn’t
the full story, though. It took me
a little while to find my voice and
speak my truth.
I was born with neurofibromatosis.
It’s a condition where visible tumours
grow along my nerves. I didn’t tellmy followers about it for four years- but I’m so glad that I did. I’d been
feeling like a fraud and it was as if
a weight had been lifted off my
shoulders. I made a documentary
about it for the BBC and so many
people got in touch thanking me
for being honest.
That thing you hate about yourself,
everyone else probably loves. Embrace
it and make a virtue of it. Work with
Style and beauty lover, campaigner and social media
star Arooj Aftab is on a mission to raise awareness
about body disfigurement using the power of
fashion. Because being “different” is a strengthArooj used Schwarzkopf LIVE Precious
Metals in Golden Glimmer. Head to
Superdrug to shop the look and to
livecolour.com for more inspirationit, not against it, whatever that
negative voice in your head is telling
you. I wouldn’t say I’ve completely
“overcome” all my insecurities.
I may have accepted them, but it’s an
ongoing journey – and that’s OK.
Now, when I look in the mirror,
I don’t see my neurofibromatosis. I
see strength. I see personal growth.
I see me. And I hope that’s what you
see when you look at me, too.
We all have insecurities, big andsmall. They’re part of our story,
identity and individuality.
Confidence isn’t about being
perfect – it’s about seeing perfection
in imperfection.
I’m different. So are you. It’s
what makes us... us.Work with it, not against it