I’m Reuben Sam and I’m a fashion model, entrepreneur and social advocate. I’m passionate about raising awareness of vitiligo, as well as dedicating time to promoting mental health awareness and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).
I was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and developed vitiligo at age four. Vitiligo—a skin condition that causes patches of my skin to lose pigment—initially challenged my confidence. Growing up, I became introverted and hesitant to try new things. But, over time, my vitiligo became a source of strength. Today, it’s a positive and significant part of my identity. It’s influenced my career and my advocacy work.
I’ve learned to cope with other people’s reactions towards my difference by embracing my vitiligo as a part of who I am. Also, by educating myself on the condition, learning about the beauty of uniqueness and using my platform to educate others. The more I learnt about my condition, the more my confidence grew. This was also helped through the support of my family and friends as well as my work in the fashion industry and through my advocacy work to raise awareness of vitiligo.
Your visible difference is a strength, not a weakness. Use it to inspire others.
My visible difference has allowed me to nurture deeper connections with people who see me for who I am – especially those who already value diversity and inclusion. It has also helped me to better understand and connect with others who face challenges due to their differences. Being an empathetic person and a good listener has shaped the way that I approach people and developed lifelong friendships.
Initially, there were challenges, but my visible difference ultimately became an asset to the fashion industry. I entered late into my modelling career compared to other models, and often felt out of place. I didn’t understand clearly what the industry required at that point: the standards, having to keep myself in shape for specific industry measures, juggling this with my full-time job, and the worst part: being mocked and criticised on social media with no justification. Often this weighs heavily on my mental wellbeing.
But, on the flipside: my visible difference has set me apart from other models and allowed me to challenge stereotypes, leading to significant opportunities, like being featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair. Although it’s great that these opportunities have arisen for me, much more can be done in the fashion industry, and in society as a whole, to increase representation and visibility of differences. Diversity shouldn’t be a quota to fill in, but an integral part of the development of a global industry. The UK fashion industry seems to be making waves on being more inclusive of difference but to truly make an impact, the industry has to reassess globally the power of diversity and its social impact.
Many people with vitiligo, or other visible differences, may have skills and abilities that could truly benefit all industries, but looking different might hinder their exposure to professional or personal growth. Showing models in different areas of life who have visible differences would boost confidence for others. To feel represented and to understand that their potential and possibilities are limitless.
Ultimately, my visible difference has given me a platform to inspire others, challenge the norms, and promote diversity and inclusion in fashion and beyond. I wouldn’t be who I am today, without it.
Having a visible differences has caused moments of anxiety in my life. Especially when I was younger. I’ve managed anxious thoughts through self-care, mental health advocacy, and by surrounding myself with supportive individuals. Having a visible difference at one point made me self-conscious and affected my mental health a lot. I found myself talking to other people about how I felt and this helped me. I spent more time learning about how external and internal factors can influence our brain, which led me to greater understanding and able to become a voice for those suffering with poor mental health. I’m now a certified Mental Health First Aider England and volunteer for the Storiboard platform – a peer-to-peer certified practice for people with poor mental health. It’s a role that I’ve taken close to heart in my role as an advocate.
Tough times are meant to make us stronger and better and it’s ok to have bad days, understanding and prioritising our wellbeing means delivering a better output for the people around us.
Ultimately, my visible difference has given me a platform to inspire others, challenge the norms, and promote diversity and inclusion in fashion and beyond. I wouldn’t be who I am today, without it.
To anyone who has vitiligo and is struggling with the emotional impact, please try to embrace your uniqueness. Your visible difference is a strength, not a weakness. Use it to inspire others. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. This is important.
Halloween is coming up, which can be a difficult time of year for people who see others wear fake scars and other prosthetics and visible differences to alter their appearance to look “scary”. To my community, I say: Don’t let others’ ignorance or insensitivity diminish your confidence. Be proud of who you are. Remember that you deserve to enjoy yourself just like anyone else.
The future looks bright from here. I’ll be continuing my advocacy, growing my business, and breaking more barriers in fashion. Launching Enprise Network and Vitiligo Allies with my co-founder was a significant milestone, as well as being the first Black Italian model with vitiligo featured in major fashion publications.
But it’s not been a straight road. I would tell my younger self to believe in yourself and your journey. Your difference will be your strength, and it will open doors you never imagined. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace the unknown.
To others I say: respect your difference and other people’s difference. Seek knowledge to grow, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Your journey is unique, and it’s that uniqueness that will make a difference in the world.
If anyone reading is interested, you can follow my work and my journey on my website or my social media (@ReubenKSam).
