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Tamera McLaughlin, 25, bravely walked the runway at Miami Swim Week, making history as the first little person to do so. Born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, she faces challenges with shortened limbs, making everyday tasks difficult and sometimes painful.
Normally involved in print modeling, which is less physically demanding, the prospect of walking the runway with high-heeled shoes filled her with anxiety. Worried about falling and facing the physical strain, she took a leap of faith.
However, as she heard the applause from the crowd, her nerves dissipated, and she felt a sense of excitement and accomplishment. Tamera hopes that her casting will inspire others who have felt excluded from the world of modeling. Watch below.
She emphasizes that you don’t have to conform to societal norms to be a model; instead, being true to oneself is what matters. Tamera acknowledges the importance of having someone believe in you, and she credits designer Justin Houpe of Naava Swim for advocating and pushing for her inclusion in the show.
This wasn’t Tamera’s first milestone in the modeling industry. In 2021, she became the first little person ambassador for Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.
Reflecting on her journey, Tamera admits that her younger self would be surprised at her modeling success. Now, with various brand deals and groundbreaking debuts, she aims to inspire people from all walks of life to pursue their passions without reservation.
Tamera firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their appearance or how they were born. Her courage and determination serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking to break barriers and challenge conventions.
