After Years Of Hiding - I'm Ready To Embrace My Birthmark | SHAKE MY BEAUTY

Jul 27 2021

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A MUM has embraced her birthmark after years of hiding away and refusing to leave the house without makeup on. Riana Botha, 36, was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of blood cells. As a result, she has a large port-wine stain birthmark on her face. In her younger years, the makeup artist, who lives in South Africa with her husband Hendrik, 33, and daughter Mia-Mari, eight, struggled with her confidence. But becoming a mother changed everything, and now, she feels happy in her own skin. She still has to deal with thoughtless comments from strangers, who ask if her birthmark is the result of a burn or car crash injury. But she hopes that by putting herself out there on social media, she will educate people about birthmarks, and inspire those living with them. She said: "When I look into the mirror, I see a strong individual that doesn't allow other people's opinions to get her down."