In a world where much of the news happening around us seems sad and disheartening, I couldn’t help but share this story of positivity and dedication. If you haven’t heard about Jillian Mercado, she’s a model and the voice behind the well-known fashion blog Manufactured 1987, and was recently cast as one of the mainstay models for Beyonce’s merchandise line, Formation. What’s the big news there you’re wondering? Jillian Mercado is “a wheelchair-bound model with muscular dystrophy.” (via People)
Turns out Mercado has been rocking the fashion world for quite a while and, according to People Magazine, “Mercado is a blogger-turned-model whose resumé has exploded in the past two years, having landed major fashion campaigns for Nordstrom and Diesel and modeled in issue 7 of CR Fashion Book. She was signed to modeling powerhouse IMG in 2015, alongside stars including Chrissy Teigen and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.”
A photo posted by Jillian Mercado (@jilly_peppa) on
“The N.Y.C. resident has fought hard for a place in the industry. ‘It’s a harsh world to be in since, everyone is criticizing how you look, not your brain. There are people who don’t understand, who are very close-minded and don’t think before they say anything. It gets better. If you have a positive attitude and determination in life, everything gets better.’” (via People)
There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing people set out on a course to change the world, minds and shake things up – and Jillian Mercado is doing just that. She’s an inspiration to women everywhere, showing you can be a model, you can be part of the front row fashion society – you just have to do the work and put your mind to it. Keep your eye on this one – she’s certainly going to keep making headlines.
