While there is still a ways to go with completely deconstructing the current standards of beauty, there have been some big-name fashion and beauty companies that are changing their views on beauty, and are now focusing more on the realistic beauty expectations.
One such company happens to be Benefit Cosmetics, who has chosen a person with Down Syndrome to be not only one of the faces of their marketing campaign but the brand as a whole.
20-year-old Kate Grant had dreams of a career in the beauty industry her whole life. She had already had a little bit of modeling experience after receiving the crown during the Teen Ultimate Beauty of the World pageant in her home country. Kate had also made an appearance on national TV during ‘This Morning’ program in 2018.
She had been aspiring to be the first professional model with Down syndrome, and as it turns out, dreams do come true.
Now that she’s one of Benefit’s new faces, Kate will be in various promotional materials as well as multiple Instagram posts.
The company of Benefit Cosmetics completely fell in love with her and didn’t hesitate to sign her after discovering what a wonderfully kind and beautiful woman she is. Kate is seen promoting their new line of roller eyeliner products. The company is worldwide, selling their products in more than 2,000 different stores.
“Her amazing energy was so infectious and we were captivated by her incredible zest for life and determination,” Benefit stated. “She embodied everything we stand for as a brand so we knew we had to find a way to work with her.”
And this isn’t a one-time occurrence either, as a representative for the company has told The Daily Mail that they’re already looking forward to working on the next project with Kate.
“We’re truly honored that Kate was able to join us, and we hope her involvement goes someway to showing that beauty and makeup shots can absolutely feature people from all walks of life. The beauty industry is changing and we love that people like Kate are leading the way. We’ll most definitely be looking to work with Kate again on another campaign.”
And Kate’s new role as the brand ambassador for Benefit has not gone unnoticed by others. The original posting on Instagram was liked thousands of times, and has accrued dozens of positive and supportive comments from others.
“You are absolutely stunning, well done Kate, you inspire so many xo,” one person wrote.
Another commented, “Congrats on the job. Let your natural beauty shine through. It’s your smile that’s the real winner.”
Kate is now hopeful that she can be a role model and inspiration to young women all over the globe, particularly those with disabilities.
“This week has been amazing, thank you @benefitscosmeticsuk,” Kate wrote on Instagram.
Kate is proving to be a major inspiration for people out there.
Her mother Deidre said to Metro, “She is paving the way for people coming behind her.”
“Kate is aware of that and wants to spread awareness about inclusion for people with disabilities and that is what she has done from the very start. She is aware that she is able to do that in a way some of her friends cannot. She is using her voice for them,” Deidre added.
Kate is known for being optimistic and always approaching the daily grind with a smile on her face. For her, there are no obstacles that she won’t overcome in order to achieve her dreams.
“She does not allow obstacles to be in the way or her disability to stand in the way. She would say Down’s syndrome does not define me – I am Kate.”
Now that the beauty world is finally changing, we’re excited to see who else will be able to break through the barriers like Kate. Regardless, we can’t wait to see what else Kate does during her career.