Politics
I have a condition that means I have a permanent resting b*tch face, but I’ve just been signed to a modelling agency
THIS WOMAN was born with a rare condition which means she can’t smile.
Tayla Clement, 24, has a one in four million neurological disorder, there’s no cure but luckily the symptoms can be treated.
Jam PressTaya Clement rose above the hate to share her story[/caption]
Moebius syndrome means she can’t move her eyes from left to right, raise her eyebrows or her upper lip.
The condition is characterised by weakening or paralysis of muscles in the face used to control expressions.
“I’ve spent many years hating my smile, wishing I had a ‘normal’ smile, wishing I just didn’t exist because that seemed easier than being alive, but by some miracle, I’m still here,” she told Jam Press.
After undergoing facial reanimation surgery aged 12 in a bid to give her movement in her fact, the New Zealand native was left disappointed, as the procedure was unsuccessful.
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Years of brutal bullying followed, with kids even throwing sheep poo at her.
“It’s not always been easy, I now know I was born to stand out,” she confessed.
“I was born to make a difference in this world and I know that whole-heartedly.
“My syndrome and not being able to smile is the greatest gift I could have ever been given, it has allowed me to already help and inspire so many people.”
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Tayla’s positive attitude didn’t develop until years later, she was diagnosed with severe clinical depression and anxiety with PTSD and dissociative attacks at the age of 18.
She explained: “Everything that happened did play a lot on my self-confidence and my self-worth.”
She attempted to take her life six times before she found exercise as a coping mechanism.
Tayla gave up her passion for competitive swimming due to mental health issues, but fell back when she was contacted by Para-Athletics NZ.
Despite her condition, which includes a club foot, she was a natural athlete.
After breaking many records, the retired ex-Paralympic track and field athlete has decided to speak up about her condition.
Boating an Instagram following of 18,400 users, Taya’s days of being bullied in school are long behind her.
She admitted: “It’s taken me right down to below rock bottom but it has given me the opportunity to be a face and voice of hope and inspiration for others.
“It has given me a platform to share my story to empower others and ultimately, given me a purpose for being on this earth.
“I didn’t have anywhere to go to be inspired or listen to other people’s problems or hear them talking about what they had been through so openly.
“If I had I might have realised I’m not the only person going through that.
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“To be a source of inspiration, empowerment and hope for others is so amazing.
“I truly believe everything happens for a reason, whether it be good, bad, or in between.
Jam PressThe athlete turned model has a huge Instagram following[/caption]
Jam PressTaya’s childhood was darkened by constant bulling[/caption]
Jam PressDespite set backs, she broke several swimming records[/caption]
If you’re struggling with your mental health call the Samaritans 116 123
