Our Perfect Model
Soon everyone would see what Asher’s mum already had…
Pottering around the kitchen, I did the dishes as my lovely 12-month-old baby sat up in his high chair. I’d given Asher some of his favourite musical toys, and he was in his element marvelling at all the different sounds.
As I gazed down at him, his gorgeous smile lit up the whole house and I suddenly had a wonderful idea.
People always commented on his cute face, so I made a decision then and there to submit some pictures of him for child modelling.
‘What you doing babes?’ asked my husband David, 31, after the kids were in bed one night.
‘Just looking through some clothes to use for Asher’s portfolio pics,’ I beamed. ‘I’m really excited!’ looking slightly concerned, he said: ‘I know you are but don’t build it up too much, these agencies might not be open minded enough to see what we see in Asher.’ deflated, I carried on with what I was doing anyway. I figured there was no way that Asher would be discriminated against purely because he has Down’s Syndrome. But I came down to earth with a bump when I received an email from the agency saying that they ‘were not looking for a baby with special needs.’ I was really hurt that the agency wouldn’t even consider him. Shouldn’t he get a chance to be submitted just like any other baby? Annoyed, I trawled the internet looking for any information, and I quickly found the Changing the Face of Beauty Facebook page. I posed a cute
picture of Asher and wrote about our experiences so far.
David and I couldn’t believe how much attention the post got!
It went viral which meant we were then contacted by lots of news outlets wanting interviews. Asher’s face appeared all over the world.
‘This is crazy,’ David kept saying, bursting with pride.
‘I know, it’s incredible,’ I beamed, ‘I can’t believe how much Asher’s story is helping to raise awareness!’
Amidst all of the media attention, I got Facebook message from children’s brand Oshkosh B’gosh. They wanted to meet with us to discuss potentially using Asher in one of their campaigns! I was totally bowled over. It felt like a triumph for my little one, but also for the Changing the Face of Beauty generally. We celebrated with a family meal out.
The happiest was Asher’s big sister, Addison – his biggest fan. She’s his best friend and even got her entire school to wear blue and yellow one day to support the cause!
Snuggling up into David’s chest that night, I felt happy.
‘I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved,’ I said with a big smile.
‘Babes, it was all you. I can’t believe how well you’ve done,’ he replied. It was an exciting day when we met with Oshkosh in early November last year.
Asher and I met with the CEO, someone in HR, the marketing department and the creative department with photography.
It was an intimidating environment, with pictures of child models lining the walls, but we were made to feel so welcome.
They thanked us for raising awareness, and then invited us to
come to shoot for the spring and summer shoot in six weeks. A week later the phone rang when Asher was napping.
It was Oshkosh - they asked if Asher wanted to come in sooner and do a shoot for their holiday ads!
Getting off the phone to them, I was so excited I could barely dial the numbers to call David.
‘Honey, they want him for the Christmas adverts! We’re shooting next week!’ I welled up as the words came from my lips.
Hearing the cracking in David’s own voice as he rejoiced on the other end of the phone brought the tears streaming down my cheeks.
I had of course brought along all his favourite toys to keep him happy and entertained. But I need not have worried as he was in his element all day long. He was being fussed over and had lots of cute clothes to try on. He is such a natural in front of the cameras! Being at the shoot was so inspirational for me, I felt so much happiness watching him smile for that camera and it made me so proud to know that I am his mother. Asher, of course, did exactly what he always does, and that was light up the room and make everyone in it smile from ear to ear! Since this has all happened, Asher has been asked to work with several brands and has a flourishing little career. Not just as a model but as an advocate for Changing the Face of Beauty. Anytime the camera is around he always gets a big grin on his face like he knows it’s time to smile! He’s such a professional. I knew when Asher was born that he was destined to do great things. I am so proud to share his beauty with the world. Asher’s success means we are able to spread so much awareness and for that, I am so thankful.