November 13, 2017

Empowering Women - Madeline Stuart



Every month I am highlighting an empowering woman. This month it is:



Madeline Stuart

Madeline Stuart is a young woman who became known for being the first person with Down Syndrome to model, which was always her dream.

In 2014, she saw a fashion show in Brisbane with her mother. and that’s where her dream began. After struggling with her weight, she lost 44 pounds. A year later, her mother started an online campaign to help Madeline land the coveted modeling contract, which led to not one, but two modeling contracts for Manifesta Fitness Wear and EverMaya Handbags.

Later, she participated in a bridal photoshoot for Rixey Manor and also appeared in Vogue. Since then, she’s been on the catwalk for New York Fashion Week twice, “becoming the second model with Down Syndrome at the event after Jamie Brewer. She also became the face of GlossiGirl (a cosmetic company).

All of this has led to Madeline being known at the first professional model with Down Syndrome in the world. If that’s not enough, she even had a bag named after her: The Madeline by Evermaya. All of its sales are donated to National Down Syndrome Society.

And her pictures are just stunning.

From her website:

“Maddy really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability through gaining attention through social media. She wants people to know that Down Syndrome is a blessing, something to be celebrated.” 


QUESTION: Have you seen Madeline's photos on Facebook or elsewhere?



44 comments:

  1. That's wonderful she followed her dream.

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    1. It is wonderful. And I’m glad she was able to realize it, that people in the fashion industry embraced her.

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  2. This is the first I've heard of Madeline. But wow, you go girl!

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  3. I didn't recognize her name, but I knew her the moment I saw her photo. She's absolutely fantastic.

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    1. I had forgotten her name until I Googled her for this post. She’s beautiful.

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  4. I'm not sure if I've seen her pictures before, though it's great people with Down Syndrome have so many more opportunities these days than they did even a few decades ago.

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    1. It is great, and they should have many opportunities.

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  5. It just proves that dreams should never be limited!

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  6. I think that's really cool, and I think that a person like her gives hope to other people, this idea that they can make their dreams come true despite all the obstacles in front of them.

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    1. She gives hope to so many who want to be models but may not be the traditional model.

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  7. Awesome that she saw what she wanted and made it happen.

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  8. What a beautiful story that should inspire other young people, girls and boys, to never give up and go for what they want to do with their lives. Thanks for the inspiring post.

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  9. So awesome that Madeline followed her dream and didn't give up. That's a very inspiring story.

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  10. I had not heard of her. Cool story.

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  11. Hi Chrys - so good to see Madeline - I think I might have heard about her - but am so glad you highlighted her achievements .. brilliant - cheers Hilary

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    1. Some years ago she was all over Facebook. That’s how I first heard about her.

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  12. Another great Woman Chrys, good to read.

    Yvonne.

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  13. It's people like her that change the world.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  14. I have seen her photos. It's about time, is all I can say.

    Thanks for sharing her inspiring story.

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    1. Yes, it is about time. I look forward to more models like her or who aren’t the norm, like Victoria Modesta.

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  15. Goes to prove all we need is a dream and determination. ;-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  16. Great story! Glad to see that inspiration strikes everywhere:)

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  17. This is so inspiring. Thanks for telling her story!

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  18. How wonderful! She is so inspiring. :)

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  19. Madeline Stuart is a success story that's very interesting. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to Madeline moving forward!

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