24-year-old Nyakim Gatwech is making waves in the fashion industry with her sumptuously dark skin
Before the South Sudanese model found success, though, her unique beauty wasn’t celebrated by all
In 2016, an Uber driver suggested she bleach her skin, implying that her deep complexion was nothing to love
She simply responded with laughter, and has fully embraced her striking appearance ever since
“My chocolate is elegant. So is what I represent… A nation of warriors,” she captioned an Instagram photo
Now living in Minneapolis, Nyakim is a voice of encouragement for the Black community
“You are beyond beautiful and the love I have for you is unconditional because you are me,” she wrote
“Let’s show the world how beautiful and intelligent we are apart from just being dark skinned”
The burgeoning fashion icon has now gone viral, with over 100 thousand followers on Instagram
Though she still receives discouraging messages now and then, she refuses to give up her radiant self-love
She has even been dubbed the “Queen of the Dark,” a title she happily accepts
“My skin absorbs the suns rays and my hair defies gravity. Now you can’t tell me I’m not magical!”