Born with albinism, a rare condition that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, Xueli was abandoned by her parents in China because they thought she looked “too different.” Left at the entrance of an orphanage, she was given the name Xueli, meaning “snow white and beautiful.” Little did anyone know that she would go on to defy expectations and change the world’s view of beauty.
Albinism affects people of all races, but individuals with the condition often face stigma, especially in less developed regions. In some areas, people with albinism are even targeted for superstitions about their body parts having healing powers.
Xueli’s journey took a remarkable turn when, at age 11, a renowned photographer from Hong Kong discovered her. She was invited to participate in a fashion show and later featured in a campaign celebrating “perfect imperfections.”