Winnie Harlow, born Chantelle Brown-Young, grew up in Canada facing constant bullying because of her vitiligo—a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. Called cruel names like “cow” and “zebra,” the teasing eventually drove her to leave high school.

But Winnie didn’t let it break her. She leaned into what made her different and began sharing her story online. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she appeared on America’s Next Top Model. Her confidence, beauty, and bold individuality instantly stood out.

Modeling wasn’t always the dream—Winnie wanted to be an entertainment journalist. But an encouraging photographer, social media support, and her little sister creating a Facebook page helped launch her into the spotlight. Tyra Banks took notice, and Winnie landed on the show’s 21st season.

Since then, she’s worked with top designers, walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, launched her own skincare brand, Cay Skin, and even helped bring vitiligo representation to The Sims 4. That move was deeply personal: “I really worked for the little Winnie, who’d never seen herself represented,” she said.

Through all her success, Winnie remains grounded. She’s vocal about the challenges of being treated like a “token” in fashion, but continues to break barriers with grace and honesty.

Her fans show up in full force, flooding her Instagram with admiration. One comment says it all: “They need to make a cartoon about you—little girls everywhere should see this beauty and be inspired.”

Winnie Harlow turned her difference into her superpower—and changed the face of beauty along the way.