The Fearless Model with Muscular Dystrophy Challenging Stereotypes

It can’t be denied that people with disabilities (PWD) are often perceived as the object of pity. They are most of the time referred as dependent victims of the society. But it doesn’t stop a certain model named Jillian Mercado, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, in challenging many of those stereotypes.

Who is Jillian Mercado?

The life of a model is what everybody dreams of for sure. If given the chance, would anyone decline the chance of meeting the highest-paid models around the world and at the same time, wear the topmost and sought-after designer’s dress? Definitely no! It is the reality.

Despite the popularity of being a model, most don’t know that it is one of the hardest tasks on earth for girls. Why? Just imagine that you are in the middle of the Sahara desert, and then you are told to pose for a winter article of the magazine. How was that?

Jillian knew that she was a dreamer. Jillian was once an ordinary girl who wanted to be a part of fashion world, although she knew it wouldn’t be an easy road due to her condition. She told CBS News correspondent Vinita Fair that she took this seriously as a challenge, making sure that she’ll represent all girls who don’t have the guts to enter the industry.

As the eldest girl from her Dominican family, her family was afraid that muscular dystrophy would restrict their girl from achieving her goals. Jillian proved them wrong. She studied merchandising management at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In the school, she maximized her learning resources. After knowing everything about fashion business, curiosity starts knocking in her head. She started wondering if she could try posing in front of the lens. With that, she decided to give it a shot applying to an open casting call exclusive for Diesel jeans. Without hesitation, she gave her photo and then, wrote her goal to modify the today’s modeling industry.  

Jillian's Career

As Jillian recalled, Diesel sent an email to her saying she’s one of many people who signed up to be part of the campaign. At first, she thought it was just another spam email. However, that email had resulted in an ad campaign that was introduced all over the world. This drew the attention of the president of IMG models known as Ivan Bart. The president further added that he was struck by how gorgeous and beautiful Jillian’s face was.

It has been known that Bart discovered and signed few of the biggest names in the industry of fashion that includes Karlie Kloss and Miranda Kerr. Last summer, he just signed Jillian to a specific deal. He told that when they brought Mercado into his office, there was a bit of discomfort. But as soon as she opened her mouth and started talking, it seemed everyone got comfortable. He insisted that the young model is indeed a star and that is exactly what a star is. He also implied that Jillian has a great personality and someone who can work a room.

Aside from modeling, Jillian has a part-time job too. She is a creative consultant of a certain design company. Believe it or not, she wanders the busy streets of New York as well just like other average people out there.

Finally, Queen Bey Noticed Her

Her perseverance and efforts all paid out. She announced on her Instagram account that she’ll be wearing Beyonce’s new merchandise. She now models the newest line of this merchandise at shop.beyonce.com.

In this modern world, the instance to bloom for different talent buds is possible. Modeling is an easy word, right? But what really the important things needed to be a famous model? Is that counted through the number of fans? Modeling opportunities? Popularities? Or the ability itself?

To be a model, you need to do a lot of training, modeling sessions, and classes. Some need to make many adjustments like having different make-up, dressing up in a different clothing, etc. However, these adjustments do not matter as long as you like what you do. That’s what Jillian Mercado is trying to make us understand, and she never failed to do that.

As a matter of fact, she made lots of headlines. She already modeled in the ad campaign of Nordstrom along with the famous Alex Minsky, a retired marine who lost his leg while in Afghanistan. She also collaborated with Heather Taguchi, a young kid with Down syndrome and Shaholly Ayers, naturally born without her right arm right below her elbow in 2014. After that,  she appeared in ‘What’s Underneath Project,’ a series of video interviews.  

There’s No Need to Feel Hindered

Nowadays, modeling is applicable to any ages including newborn babies, adults, teenagers, oldies, etc. If you have the looks, potential, and charisma, then you can be a model. Thousands of talented personalities are now appearing most probably in the fashion and modeling world. There’s no hindrance or physical limitation for you to be a model. Even a mute, blind, and deaf can be a model.

It truly shows that if it is truly destined for you, there’s no way you can stay away from it even your health condition. It does not mean that the world will just end on what it brings to you. It is because of the fact that you are breathing chances and opportunity hanging around the corner. Pursue your desire and for sure, a slot is waiting for your turn to be recognized.

There are so many agencies in the world that can train and give pieces of advice to build your own career in modeling. It has never been easy to be on this field, but if you have the fashion and you are open to being trained, nothing is impossible. The only key to becoming a good and famous fashion model is for you to claim it to yourself. Neglect that you are old enough, mute, blind etc. Because what can a natural person do, you can also do it better.

There is always a way to be a model. In connection to this, there are many modeling searches which can give you breaks. There is always an agency that can form you to a remarkable model. You just need to have the confidence and the guts!

Be courteous, respectful, punctual, and proficient. Take modeling seriously, most of those who are just taking it for granted are those who do not succeed in this field. Modeling is a job that needs constant attention. Learn to respect others because having s good attitude can bring you on top. A good model must be beautiful inside and out.

It is said to be that for you to become a model you must have the perfect body figure, height, and face. But because of the different areas that modeling has, all sizes and shapes are important and useful. The true models must embody a good well-being. Take it from Jillian Mercado who change the world of fashion.