Symphorosa GabrielBeing born in Tanzania, East Africa, I was surrounded by women who looked like me. I was confident about the way I looked. However, coming to Canada at the age of 9, seeing people who reflected my image was rare. I felt different from the other childen. It wasn't only that my skin was different, but my hair was different too. There was not just a lack of black girls and women in my neighbourhood, but also in the media; As a result, I felt less beautiful.

Being an adult now, I have been able to get past that belief and embrace myself completely. However, a few months ago, my four little nieces came to Canada and I began to recognize the same insecurity in them. Seeing them going through the same thing that I went through broke my heart. Therefore, I made it my mission and goal to make them feel beautiful too. Read More Read Less