“She Was Bullied And Called “Too Ugly”: Years Later The Woman Fulfilled Her Dream And Got To Model At New York Fashion Week!
Melissa Blake, a passionate journalist with expertise in disability, relationships, lifestyle, and pop culture, has lived with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome since birth. This genetic condition affecting bones and muscles led to Blake undergoing 26 surgeries, yet she harbored aspirations of modeling, inspired by the pages of renowned fashion magazines that never depicted anyone like her.
During her teenage years, Blake faced discouragement when told her disability would prevent her from modeling—a statement that not only crushed her dreams but also echoed the restrictive views of the fashion and beauty industry regarding disabled individuals.
Against the odds, Blake witnessed her aspirations materialize two decades later at 42, as she graced the runway at New York Fashion Week, showcasing Zappos’ new adaptive clothing line amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This period, while challenging for disabled individuals due to healthcare access and other barriers, marked a pivotal moment for redefining beauty standards, an evolution Blake was proud to represent.
The event featured 25 models, including Blake, who shared their stories and displayed the adaptive clothing in personalized videos, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in fashion. This shift towards embracing diversity in the industry was further supported by initiatives like Runway of Dreams, founded by Mindy Scheier in response to her son’s difficulties with conventional clothing due to muscular dystrophy.
In addition to her modeling achievements, Blake advocates for love and acceptance for those with disabilities through her blog, “So About What I Said…”, and contributions to platforms like Psychology Today. Her work encourages open dialogues and corrections of past misconceptions.
Blake’s resilience against online harassment was notably demonstrated in 2019 when she responded to cruel comments about her appearance with empowering photos and messages, reaffirming her commitment to creating inclusive spaces and challenging societal norms through her blog and social media presence.
