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So we took LOVEauthentic to the JHB NEON RUN 2015 last weekend. It was a blast and a half. We painted LOVE signs on all our peeps. Thanks guys for spreading the LOVE. Our tshirts made their appearance again, looked so cool. Got to get more made so all our fans can join in the LOVEauthentic initiative - LOVE THE AUTHENTIC YOU. #loveauthentic #loveauthenticsa #lovetheauthenticyou #neonrun2015 #neonrunjhb #neonrunjhb2015 #baveeshaphotography #marlenephotography #glowinthedark #funtimes                Photography by Marlene Photography & Baveesha Photography CLICK ON PICTURE TO VIEW LARGER IMAGES
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Photography by Baveesha Photography and Marlene Photography Story by Baveesha Naran       Last year October when LOVEauthentic was still just an idea. I went to Durban to meet up with the beautiful Aunt Preshiela. Preshiela Pillay is so empowering, such a beautiful, confident, warm and loving woman. It was such a delightful experience as she and her family were so warm and loving. For a perfect stranger(myself), they prepared the heartiest meal ever. I enjoyed every minute of that amazing spread. Oh how I love it when Durban mums cook. They’re all so brilliant. I could not believe how amazing these people were. We sat and chatted, she told me all about her journey, what it was like growing up with vitiligo, she shared stories from the past, some were hilarious and others were so intense. She also advised me on what products to use for my skin and how to care for my skin in the heat. She tried and tested many products, but Vichy worked best for her. Preshiela Pillay also had Vitiligo her entire life. Before she got married her vitiligo was also patchy and she used to hide it. But when it started appearing on your face and hands, there was nothing more she could do. She could not start covering her hands and blocking her face, she had to be exposed. She told a funny story of how in the Apartheid era, her husband would always be questioned and interrogated by police as they mistook her for a white woman. She also talked about how if she put on her white accent, people would not know any different. It was so cute to hear these stories.
I asked her what advice she would give to people out there: They should not be ashamed of their Vitiligo because they didn’t put it onto themselves. It’s God’s creation. It doesn’t harm anybody else. People should not feel embarrassed because of it. It is not contagious and it’s not a disease. It’s just a skin condition. This is who we are and we should not feel embarrassed about living with Vitiligo. Her final advice was that you should always walk with your head up high. Don’t let anyone put you down, hurt you and make you cry. If you’re struggling at any point tell yourself, that you will be ok one day, and you’ll see you will be. Just be strong, you are not alone. When asked who has been her biggest strength, she advised that she herself was her biggest strength; her strong character and happy personality always helped her stay positive. Thank you Aunt Preshiela for meeting with me, you’re so so amazing. Love you loads, you’re a true inspiration. Thanks for joining our campaign. We totally appreciate it. LOVEauthentic LOVES you.   HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Of late I feel grateful that i was gifted with my Vitiligo. The minute I embraced it... it literally changed my life. Today I have LOVEauthentic and am able to help so many people. It's made life so worthwhile...and I love it. We chose each other to be mum and daughter cos we were suppose to get right here. We only have amazing things that are still coming our way. On this mothers day.. I wanna tell my mummy thanks for sharing your Vitiligo. You rock. Love you sooo much. #happymothersday #appreciation #ourjourneytogether #vitiligosa #vitiligo #soulmate #lovetheauthenticyou #loveauthenticsa #lovetheskinyouin #artinmotion #spottingbeauty Photography by Tejal Naran
Message by Baveesha Naran |
