View to a thrill
People would always stare, so I turned their attention into my super power
My dream is to be the face of my fave makeup brand
Michaela Davert, 20
Taking a final look in the mirror, I opened the front door and stepped outside.
It was September 2014 and the first day back at school.
It meant back to early mornings and homework.
But this year, I had a secret weapon to help me through the day.
‘Come on, Chloe!’ I called over my shoulder.
My gorgeous golden retriever-Labrador mix service dog padded over.
Wherever I went, Chloe came, too!
As I reached the school gates, heads turned.
I knew not all of those sets of eyes were admiring Chloe. A handful were staring at me.
Born with rare osteogenesis imperfecta, my bones lacked protein to keep them strong.
It meant I was a lot smaller than other 16-year-old girls. Only 2ft 6in, in fact. As a child, my bones were like chalk, crumbling easily.
I suffered 100 fractures. Had 25 operations to insert metal rods into my arms and legs.
I brushed off the curious glances and headed into school, clinging to Chloe’s lead. I was used to it. It wasn’t that bad at school, but whenever I went shopping in town, I’d hear mutterings.
‘Look at that poor girl,’ someone would whisper.
But, over time, I built up a wall against them.
Yes, I was physically different – but otherwise, I was like every other teenager.
Worrying if I’d finished my homework, thinking about what new lipstick I wanted to buy and planning my future.
I took the comments and curious looks on the chin.
But when it came to sports or dance clubs, I was left behind. They were too risky for my fragile bones.
It made it harder to strike up
friendships... While the other girls huddled together at break, giggling and joking, Chloe kept me company.
But I didn’t dwell on it. Ploughed my energy into my hobbies – make-up and fashion.
Though finding clothes was a challenge... I had to shop in the kids’ section, forced to choose between tops with Disney characters or glittery jumpers.
I scoured the web for outfits that fitted both me and my style.
Eyeshadow and lipstick, on the other hand, always fitted. But even here, I found I wasn’t represented.
One evening, after scrolling through dozens of Youtube tutorials, I let out a groan.
I’d searched high and low for a video featuring someone with a disability.
Nothing.
Surely I wasn’t the only person with a disability who was interested in make-up? It gave me an idea. ‘I’m going to start my own channel,’ I told my mum.
Posting make-up reviews and tutorials online, while highlighting my condition...
Win-win!
‘Your biggest fan is awaiting your first post!’ Mum smiled. I called my Youtube channel Funsized-style. Some might find it scary to be in front of the camera. Not me. I’d had people stare at me my whole life – why not use it for good? After a year, girls began reaching out over social media. Your confidence is so inspiring, they’d say. It felt wonderful to know I was making a real impact, no matter how small. In June 2016, I left school, then started an online college course in Business Studies. I was able to spend more time on my videos, and my subscribers slowly crept up. By 2017, I had 38,000 followers and a whopping 1.5 million views!
Unbelievable.
Positive comments streamed in, only driving me forward.
Now, I’m spreading my message far and wide.
My dream is to one day be the face of one of my favourite make-up brands, Covergirl. It’d inspire other girls like me. But until then, I’ll keep working hard. Raising awareness that my condition is not who I am, just a part of me.
I was tough enough to deal with the whispered comments and curious looks at school, but I know many others aren’t.
Now, with just a click of a mouse, I can be a role model for the next generation of kids with a disability.
Who knows where it might lead..?