Katie Meade: Meet the model with Down's syndrome that’s changing the face of beauty

“I want the world to see people with disabilities have abilities”

The young model hopes to open doors for other people with disabilities

When it comes to modelling, we’re typically faced with one narrow and often-unrealistic type of beauty but Katie Meade is helping to change all that.

The first model with Down's syndrome to become the face of a beauty campaign, Meade has always loved putting on different outfits and experimenting with makeup but says that she never imagined she could become a model.

As a child, the now 33-year-old struggled with her health after undergoing two open heart surgeries and suffered at the hand of bullies at school.

But despite this, she has busted stereotypes, overcome her obstacles and entered the career of her dreams.

Working as an ambassador for Best Buddies - a charity that helps people who have disabilities find work and make friends – Meade was spotted by the CEO of Beauty & Pin-Ups who decided to make her the face of the brand’s “Fearless” hair products.

On their website, Beauty & Pin Ups highlight how Meade, who has Down's Syndrome, has defied stigma and even competed in the Special Olympics.

“When we hear the word fearless, we think of Katie Meade,” they said.

But, she’s only just getting started. Meade hopes that her work will inspire other people with disabilities and help open doors for them in the modelling industry.

“I haven’t seen anybody with Down's syndrome be models and now is the time to see more people with disabilities can have a chance, too,” she told Barcroft TV.

Katie was chosen as the face of Beauty & Pin-Ups "Fearless" hair product range

“I was given a chance to shine. I want the world to see people with disabilities have abilities and beauty belongs to everyone.”