My Life, My Beauty!
Our Life, Our Decision, Our beauty… Today we are celebrating diversity, fairness and acceptance of people who were born what the society presumes “different”.
In fact, aren’t we all different? The difference between the “so called” regular people and people with Down Syndrome is just one single extra chromosome. This extra chromosome contributes to more happiness than average, to the love of hugging and showing affection, to a lovely appearance and to a unique personality….Let’s celebrate this day in the happiest way possible!
We, at the Inclusion Factory, are lucky to have 4 colleagues with extra chromosomes! Here is to them, to their happy and beautiful self. Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Day to all of us!
Jiyiran
Ji Yiran is an adult living with Down syndrome. She lives a happy and worthwhile life, proud of her work and secure in the love of her family. Employed, participating in volunteering activities, engaging in sports and dance, a music lover and a fashionist at heart; those are only a few of Ji Yiran’s talents and interests in life.
JiYiran, also known as Ran Ran, was born 20 years ago in Liuhe town. From a very young age, she had a strong connection to music and fashion. As a child, she used to wear dresses, sing and dance around the house all the time. Music has become a close companion in her life, wherever she goes, she always takes her music along.
Ranran also has a big wardrobe filled with dresses and skirts that she loves to wear in house and out.
Ranran’s in the shoot
After graduating from high school in 2018, Ranran started working at the Inclusion Factory in Taicang, where she works in an automotive production line; she really likes her job and colleagues.
Ranran is working
The only small issue she has is the requirement to wear pants at the work place, a standard safety measure; the first day on the job Ranran came all dressed up, wearing a skirt and the look on her face when she was required to change to pants was priceless!
Ranran’s in the shoot
As her mother told us, the moment Ranran came home from work, the first thing she did, was taking off her work clothes and putting on a dress and then singing and dancing!Of course! Music, this great companion is also present at the Inclusion Factory – Every day during break time, Ran ran puts her headphones on and listens to her favorite music, usually it is TF Boys; and she dances to the beat. She has also been very engaged in morning exercise as it involves the opportunity to dance during work time!
In March 2019, Ranran participated in ‘Designed for Success’ a Fashion Campaign organized by Zurita (a Spanish Fashion brand) in a cooperation with the Inclusion Factory, the aim of this Fashion campaign is showing the world that beauty does not see ability, gender or age; beauty belongs to all!
Besides this great purpose, it was a great opportunity for our Ranran to combine her love for fashion and beauty; the possibility to wear beautiful clothes and to ‘be famous’ were appealing to her.
Ranran’s in the shoot
When the day of the photo shooting arrived, the excitement was in the air, there was a hair designer, a makeup artist and a fashion stylist that made this days pecial for Ranran and the other models.
You have never witnessed happiness if you have not seen Ranran that day: looking at her beautiful self in the mirror, feeling proud and self-confident, and just simply happy！
They say that ‘You go as far as your dreams are…’ and Ranran has some big dreams to fulfill! If we are lucky enough, we might have the chance to see her dancing in some famous show one day or maybe becoming a presenter of a fashion brand, you never know.
What is your impression after reading Ranran’s story? Everyone is welcome to share ideas and leave a comment.
