Meet Rozella Marie. She’s born with a birthmark, also known as port wine stain, and because she was ‘different’, growing up had always been a great struggle.
When Rozella was younger, she faced a lot of judgement from others. She shares with WORLD OF BUZZ,
“I didn’t actually know that I was ‘different’ until I started going to school and people started pointing out to me. It got harder as I grew older. My parents naturally wanted to protect me and they did that the best way they knew how, which was to have me try all sorts of treatments and products.”
Source: Facebook
At the very young age of 11, she got whitening injections that left her traumatised. Yet, these products and treatments never worked.
“[My parents] had the best of intentions, but I think in a way that made me feel like I needed to change my appearance so it just became ingrained in me.”
“It’s a lot for a child being told all the time that you’re not good enough and the only way you will be is if you become different.”
When she was 10 years old, she overheard an aunt telling her mom that she should get laser treatments and in another instance, a boy said,
“You’re actually pretty and have nice features, if only you didn’t have that birthmark.”
In fact, 3 guys actually said that line to her before! Rozella confessed that it made her feel very horrible about her already no-confidence self.
Source: Facebook
“I’ve always struggled with the way I look. It was such a battle that I kept to myself most of the time, especially because I was afraid of getting bullied.”
However, she learnt to love herself more and more after pushing herself to pursue the passion she’s had since she was a child – music.
“It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized how unhappy I was not being able to do what I love. I decided it was time to finally face my fears and give my dream a chance. Somehow, the more I made music and the more I performed, the more I learnt how to accept myself.”
Source: Facebook
In 2015, Rozella and a friend started a project called True Complexion, a platform intended to empower and inspire people with skin conditions or other physical, mental or emotional characteristics that aren’t really considered “socially desirable” or “acceptable”.
“I wanted to create a platform where it was okay to be different and it’s okay to celebrate that.”
Their Facebook page showcases photos and stories of unique people from all walks of life and has inspired countless Malaysians. Rozella was even invited to tell her story at TEDxYouth KL this year and True Complexion had the opportunity to collaborate with organisations like the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation.
Source: True Complexion
Source: True Complexion
Source: True Complexion
If you think it’s easier once everyone is all grown up, you can’t be any more wrong.
“I went to the TTDI market last week and this aunty (one of the vendors) actually said that I should consider getting plastic surgery. This is the first time I’m meeting this lady, and she has no idea about my condition or medical background, but she has no problems giving her opinion. I’ve grown up with comments like this my entire life, and this is the problem.”
Source: Facebook
Rozella shares that in this day and age, we as people lack real human connection – to sit down and really listen and also understand what other people are going through.
“As a society, we need to stop having impossible standards of beauty and we need to stop putting everyone in the same box. Depending on how much emotional damage has been done, it can be very hard for a person to overcome their struggles all on their own.”
“I’ve suffered from depression for a very long time and I had to get professional help because I couldn’t get out of it on my own.”
“If we can teach our children to embrace their flaws and differences, we can create a society that is more accepting and understanding.”
Ultimately, Rozella hopes her project will inspire and motivate others going through similar struggles to keep going in life.
“For me, if what we do touches even one person, our job is done. If someone who is having a bad day or is about to give up on life just reads our stories and decides to turn things around and give themselves a second chance, then we’ve achieved what we came here to do.”
Source: True Complexion
If you’re touched with her story and would love to share your own experience, you can always share it to True Complexion! Rozella hopes her project inspires people who are struggling to accept themselves, saying,
“There is no shame in admitting that you have a problem. There is no shame in reaching out to someone and getting help. We don’t have to carry the burden on our own. It takes a lot of self-work, but trust that you are worth the effort. Believe that you deserve to be happy.”
What an inspiration to everyone out there with similar struggles! More power to you, Rozella!
Also read: Sabahan Girl With Mole All Over Body Auditions for Miss Universe Malaysia, Redefines Beauty
