The face of women in the media usually have a certain look- some variation of tall, thin, and prominent features.
Some groups have been working to push the boundaries of what America views as the ideal woman.
A San-Francisco based cosmetics company stepped outside the box to make one beautiful Irish girl a star; and we are so glad they did!
Twenty year-old model Kate Grant poses for Roller Liner Eyeliner ads on social media, sporting a glittery black sweater with perfectly placed blonde hair and a smile.
The description seems pretty typical of a model advertising for make-up, but Grant isn’t your average beauty for hire.
Kate Grant has Down syndrome, and a large fan base that can’t get enough of her sweet disposition.
Cosmetics company Benefit, which began with two sisters with a dream, is getting praised for their efforts to include all shapes and sizes of beauty for their make-up line.
A woman on Instagram wrote:
“As the mum of a child with Down syndrome, I can’t tell you how much it means to us that you have featured this beautiful girl! Thank you so very much for your awesome gesture of inclusiveness, hope to see more of Kate.”
How did this young girl with Down syndrome become the face for Benefit’s new eyeliner? She sold them with her drive to reach her dreams.
Benefit raved about Grant to Today Style, saying in a statement that they “instantly fell in love” with her after viewing a video on her “journey to becoming a model”.
The company had more to say to Today Style, adding:
“Her amazing energy was so infectious and we were captivated by her incredible zest for life and determination. She embodied everything we stand for as a brand so we knew we had to find a way to work with her.”
Not only did Grant do her job she was hired for, getting all the shots they need for a successful launch of their product, but she amazed all who saw her.
Benefit hopes that her success with their eyeliner ads can show other companies “that beauty and makeup shots can absolutely feature people from all walks of life.”
The young woman from Northern Ireland could not be more excited about her first step in a long modeling career.
Grant wrote on Instagram, “This week has been amazing. Make sure you all get this amazing liner!”
Grant is looking to “inspire other people who have disabilities”, according to Today. She is certainly doing that and more.
Down syndrome has not got this young lady down. She has accomplished more than most girls her age who are hoping to make it in the competitive field of modeling.
Grants mom, who is understandably proud of her daughter and her accomplishments, said according to Today:
“She is paving the way for people coming behind her. Kate is aware of that and wants to spread awareness about inclusion for people with disabilities and that is what she has done from the very start.”
This is not the end of the fashion road for “Bene babe”, as Grant likes to call herself, posting her 2019 goals on her Instagram page.
Hoping to appear at London and Paris’ fashion week, and to be featured on a magazine cover, Grant wants to let others with disabilities know that it’s okay to dream big against the odds.
Benefits actions are a testament to their companies values. Many brands like to give the inclusivity speeches, without the actions to back up their so-called position.
Along with many users cross social media platforms, we hope this isn’t the last we see of Kate Grant, her big dreams, and her contagious smile.
Please let us know in the comments section what you think about Grant’s modeling gig, and how it opens the door for others with disabilities.