14 Women Share Their Stories On What It Means To Be Dark-Skinned And It’s The Most Inspiring Thing You’ll Read

4. Megha Ramesh (28) – Copywriter

I was teased in school. And sure, the boy who made up the mean names eventually ended up asking me out. But I remember feeling so dramatically awful in school that I think it has to some extent bruised my self-confidence permanently. I want to tell my younger self, that it’s okay. It could have been much worse, kids are born fighting through a lot more. I was stupid to cry in the shower; feeling ugly – all because someone said I was. There have been times when I thought it’ll be easier to be fair, but I’ve gotten used to myself and grown to love myself. I like that blemishes don’t show up that easy on my skin. I like that turquoise eyeliner really pops and red lipstick stands out. Yes some things look really gaudy against my skin, but unless you’re a VS model, not everything is going to look fabulous on you! I’m lucky that I’m in advertising. Dark skin is a lot more accepted and celebrated. I meet photographers, stylists, designers, models and they’re all clued into what’s happening in the outside world. White skin is normal and over. Chocolate, caramel, toffee – it’s all in.