Khoudia Diop

"create their own rules of diversity"

"For me, it’s more than just a product, it’s the idea behind the product"

"There are so many types of beauty that all deserve to be celebrated"

"There are still people who make comments occasionally, but they’re in the minority"

"Most of the response has been and is hugely positive. For those who feel the need to be bullies, I ignore them. Negative energy is wasteful"

"I would tell her to be more patient, and spend less energy on bullies, although it is very hard keep in mind that they just want to glow like you"

"Look at your skin. Look at your teeth and your smile. You are beautiful."

"I Want to Show Girls It’s Not Bad to Be Dark—Different Is Beautiful"

"Where I grew up, we had light skinned models, but not dark. Every time I would talk about being a model with my friends, they would start laughing out loud"

"I was so ashamed of it that I would spend hours in the shower crying and trying to wash my skin off"

"Self-love is not something that you get in one day or two days. It’s an ongoing process and I go through it every day."

"I really want to be an inspiration for young girls,” she said. “I don’t want anybody to feel the way I felt when I was younger"