This Model Refused To Have Her Birthmark Removed And We’re All Inspired

Mariana Mendes has set out to empower women in a way few other people can. The 24-year-old Brazilian was born with a large black birthmark in the middle of her face. She could have had it removed, but chose to keep it and wear it like a badge of honor instead. Mariana went for treatment, but in the end, chose to forgo the process, and her reason has us feeling super proud of her!

Tuning Out The Hate

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For her entire life, people have been telling her large congenital melanocytic nevus was an ugly defect. Mariana has silenced her haters through an inspiring photo shoot. Mariana said her birthmark, which covers part of her nose, her forehead, and her right cheek, makes he look different than other models, but that’s what she loves about it.