Vitiligo won’t keep Mikyle off the runway

16-year-old Mikyle Sewchara is not allowing Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition, to stop him from strutting down the local runways.

Mikyle, an Alexandra High School learner, always had an interest in modelling and wanted to grow his self confidence.

After doing some research for modelling schools in the city, he came across Irene’s Modelling and joined classes in 2018.

However, a few months prior to starting his modelling classes, he found out he had Vitiligo when he noticed a few spots on his hand that were not going away.

A dermatologist informed him that he had the rare skin condition that causes the loss of pigmentation in the skin, resulting in discolouration of patches of skin.

Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, including the mouth, hair and eyes.

While treatment may improve the skin’s condition, there is no cure.

Mikyle said he never allowed his skin condition to stop him from continuing his modelling, instead he is using his story to educate others.

“I never allowed Vitiligo to bring me down. I have never been in a situation where I was teased or bullied for the way that I look; instead, people have come up to me and asked me about Vitiligo so that they can find out more.

“It feels good when people want to be more informed about the condition,” said Mikyle.

Mikyle said his confidence has grown through embracing his condition and he loves encouraging his peers.

“Now I can speak without fear whenever I have to do a speech for school or speak on public platforms. My confidence has grown and I want to use my story to motivate and encourage others.

“At times, I cannot believe that it is me in those pictures. I use my story and I tell people that, if we put our mind to what we want to achieve, then we can do it. We must never allow things to take us away from our goals. Never give up,” said Mikyle.

He added that sharing his story on social media has helped him to get more offers in the modelling industry.

“I want other children who have this condition to realise that nothing can stop them from achieving their goals. With lots of hard work they can fulfil their dreams.

“I am also able to encourage children younger than myself. Instead of indulging in harmful elements that surround us, modelling can open doors and opportunities for youth,” said Mikyle.

Besides modelling, Mikyle also enjoys modifying the bodies of vehicles – a hobby he developed a passion for while watching and assisting his father as a child.

Mikyle said he is extremely thankful to his parents and his modelling coach for all the support so far.

“I have to thank my parents and my coach, Irene Olivier, as she has seen my potential to someday become an international model, whereby my skin condition does not obstruct my future,” said Mikyle.