A 20-year-old from Malaysia is shaking up traditional beauty norms in the best way possible. Evita Delmundo, a young woman who was born with moles covering nearly every inch of her skin, just auditioned for Miss Universe 2018—and we can’t get enough of her inspiring story.
Delmundo told ELLE that years of being bullied took a toll on her and made her consider having her birth marks removed. She said that doctors later advised her not to remove her moles because it would be a health risk.
Haters no longer stop Delmundo from pursuing her dreams and supporting others. She has blossomed into an incredible young woman who is now a role model for some 43,000 (and counting) Instagram followers, posting stunning selfies and fashion and beauty snaps that reflect her contagious positivity, happiness and confidence.
Delmundo recently auditioned for Miss Universe Malaysia—a longtime dream of hers. “I feel like it’s a good way for me to showcase my uniqueness and newfound confidence, and hopefully I can also inspire others,” she told ELLE.
“Beauty is not just what’s on the outside; it’s not someone with the perfect face or the perfect body,” she reminds us. “Beauty is who you are as a person and how you love yourself. It’s never about perfection.”
Miss Universe Malaysia callbacks are set to happen at the end of July. We’ll be rooting for this beauty queen no matter what!