Natalia Castellar: 17-year-old model bullied for bushy brows lands deal with leading agency
'I wish I would have embraced them sooner'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 17-year-old girl has spoken frankly about her battle with bullies who ridiculed her for having thick eyebrows - before winning a modelling contract.
While models like Cara Delevingne and Georgia May Jagger have paved the way for girls with stand-out features, Natalia Castellar says she knows exactly how it feels to be insecure about your appearance.
"When I was younger they were all anyone would point out," the young model told W Magazine.
"I was bullied terribly because of how thick and long they were, so I wanted to shave them down."
She added: "Now I don't care if they stay trendy or not, I love my eyebrows. They set me aside from other models.
"They're my trademark, and I wish I would have embraced them sooner."
Thanks to her sister, who is a photographer, Natalia gained an impressive following on Tumblr and Instagram and earned a contract with NEXT Models as a result.
"I just finalised my paperwork for my contract," she said in an interview with Urban Outfitters’ blog.
"I’m very excited about becoming a part of their family. I can’t wait to travel and work. I’m the type of person that’s content when they’re constantly doing something."
Despite earning model status, Natalia still receives abuse from commenters online but says she doesn’t care what people think anymore.
"A lot of trolls leave nasty comments about my eyebrows, but I don’t give in and respond, because that’s what they want."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments