Over the past week I have received many emails and postings containing your video “Selfie”.

As I watched the video it immediately took me back to the days of high school when I would have run from a project like this.  Although I would have embraced it once it was completed.  You are touching on a subject that is a problem for not only our teens but for women in general.  In fact I just wrote about my own insecurities and feelings of inadequateness earlier this week.

4Q3B6070 copy

You are right by using imagery to comminicate self confidence and open the door to the conversation of beauty.  What is beauty?  I think every women asks herself that exact question every day.  How is it defined in this big world of ours?  The connection you made with mothers and daughters was brilliant because that is where the definition begins.  I see it in my four year old daughter as she brushes her golden hair and looks up for approval.  You tried to represent as many people as possible so that they too could relate to the message you were sending.  Unfortunately you forgot Grace, my little girl.  The girl who has been using your products since she was a toddler.  The girl who looks in the mirror with a twinkle of pride and a sweet little smile.  You forgot her.

4Q3B6058 copy

Growing up in a media heavy society, I am used to these over sites.  That is why I am writing you.  I believe in your campaign and even though you forgot my daughter and the 54 million people living with a disability I know you didn’t mean to.  Your campaign is exactly what I push for and believe in my heart is needed.  This campaign confirms to me that our voice needs to be a little louder.  We need to stop segregating ourselves and start participating.  You forgot because the majority of the advertisers in this country forgot too.  54 million people just not on the radar.

4Q3B6047 copy

This breaks my heart because my daughter is just 1 of those 54 million people that turn on the tv, social media or open a magazine and rarely run into anyone that actually represents who she is.  I made a promise to my little girl the moment I received the confirmation that she had Down syndrome.  I promised her that I would share her valuable beauty with others.  My hope is that when she is old enough to see the differences she will celebrate being who she is.  She will know she is valued by the media because there will be people representing her, along with the 54 million others who just happen to have a disability. You can be part of that change.

4Q3B5971 copy

Redefining beauty is needed and wanted just hop over the instagram and see the thousands of beautiful girls participating in your hashtag #BeautyIs.  I have read the blogs saying that talking about beauty is just making the women of our world less of a person.  They say things like women are more then their bodies and their outside beauty.  I would have to agree with that.  Unfortunately the media that drives the perceptions believes differently.  Their images define every day exactly what matters and that is PERFECTION.

4Q3B6014 copy

It is a breath of fresh air that a company like yours would step up and give the platform to real women to share the truth.  The real life behind advertising images.  The real people.  Unfortunately no one informed you that the same insecurities are felt by those 54 million people that continue to be left out.  They feel the same way.  I know that if you knew what this meant to these individuals, to my daughter, you would have included her because you believe in the human race and you celebrate the people running in it.

So I am asking you to step up.  Continue to educate our world on what beauty CAN define.  We were all created to be a part of this world.  There is a reason we are all put on this earth and it is time for our advertisers to be encouraged to change the definition of who is worthy of being represented and who isn’t.

4Q3B5897 copy

I believe with your help we can “Change the Face of Beauty” by sharing the platform with everyone.  There is no need for “special” product advertisements.  People are people and should be represented together.  Your customers consist of people of all shapes, sizes and abilities.  Let them know that you are aware of who they are and that they matter.  I know that is the heart behind this campaign so lets make this happen!

Much Love – Katie

To all my readers! I am so excited to announce the date of the

“Every Star Shines” Champagne Fashion Benefit

August 9th, 2014 at NAVY PIER right here in Chicago!

10-1pm

We are looking for sponsors to stand along side with International Down Syndrome Coalition and Changing the Face of Beauty to celebrate inclusion in advertising and fashion.  This is an event you will not want to miss!

There will be models who happen to have a disability and models who do not walking together on the same platform modeling designs from top designers!  This is the way beauty should be communicated all the time.

Feel free to email me if you would like more details! katie@changingthefaceofbeauty.org

1512663_10202862698907655_426964897_n