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Ah, the beauty of diversity and inclusion. When we hear this term in the modeling industry, we prepare to talk about being more open-minded or how campaigns need to show more range. But what does that mean long-term?

As a child, I remember always wanting to be a model. I had other interests in psychology, fashion and business, but my gut instinct always landed me back in the modeling industry. When I finally came of age, you can imagine how jolting it was to be told by almost every agency that I didn’t have the proper measurements, was not tall enough or my favorite, we already have a Black girl. At a young age, I didn’t understand what that meant or why I couldn’t have the chance to live my dream, all because there was (which I didn’t realize at the time) a ”lack of diversity."

The models I looked up to at the time (and still do to this day) were Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. I loved their poise, their business sense and the presence they had when they walked into a room. Everything about these women represented the dream to me. But, outside of Naomi and Tyra, there were even more white models that were winning. So how would I get this done? How would I achieve this dream? I’ll tell you, a long line of altering myself to become more like the industry standard and less like, well, myself.

I would go on crazy diets to get the perfect measurements. I would never wear my natural curls, only weaves and relaxers. I wanted to fit in, not because I didn’t feel good enough, but for the industry.

So, what happens when you’re trying to fit into a box that wasn’t built for you? You break it, as there shouldn’t be any box to begin with.

Here we are today. Once I realized that living as my authentic self was being a real model, everything changed. I went from weaves and relaxers to bald and coily. I went from a calorie counter to eating what’s best for my body and staying fit. I went from hoping and wishing, to breaking the mold and finally becoming the model I needed to see as a kid. With my newfound appreciation for my build, skin tone and ethnic features, I was able to sign with two amazing agencies: Wilhelmina and Natural Models LA. I’m also working with the infamous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. It can be done.

When we talk about diversity and inclusion, it can be beautiful colors, prints, campaigns and billboards, but it is more than that. The diversity we see now molds future generations. What we put on a pedestal curates what our kids deem as worthy. What we say is beautiful gives a little boy, girl or non-binary child a feeling of belonging in this world. The real diversity and inclusions are in our everyday talks, our friend groups, the workspace and what we see on TV.

We have come a very long way — some brands through force and some through genuinely wanting to show more inclusion in their work. But it doesn’t stop there. You can make the difference as well. I encourage you to have these uncomfortable conversations. How do you feel represented? What makes you feel special? What does that look like visually and energetically? We all need representation. We all want to feel seen and heard, and that starts with all of us.

Diversity is a beautiful all-encompassing word that describes the world. Inclusion is a word that makes sure all voices are heard. Diversity and inclusion don't have to be a “now” thing. Let’s make this a forever thing.

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Saje Nicole is a model, actress and entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida.

Saje Nicole

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed