When Melissa Lockwood entered her daughter Francesca into a Facebook contest, she never dreamed it would lead to Francesca being signed to a modeling agency. But the charming girl took the internet by storm, and now here they are.
Her mom entered a Facebook contest held by a childrenâs clothing brand, and was stunned when Francescaâs picture received 10,000 votes and won the competition.
Francesca and Melissa also participated in the viral video â50 Mums, 50 Kids, 1 Extra Chromosomeâ created in honor of World Down Syndrome Day this year.
After seeing how adorable Francesca is, modeling agency Zebedee Management signed her as a model early this year. Melissa is excited that she has this opportunity to bring inclusivity to the industry:
This isn’t about selling clothes, it’s about inclusion and showing children with Down’s syndrome how amazing they are.
For other kids too, it’s good to be exposed to diversity early. The more children see people that are different to them, the more they’ll grow up to be accepting adults.
At the moment, it seems only one specific, very prescribed version of beauty is celebrated by the modelling industry. But really, everyone is beautiful to someone.
Francesca is such a bright, determined little girl. She’s absolutely fantastic, and we’re all so proud of her. I wouldn’t change her for the world.
Weâre so proud of you Francesca â keep showing that world that Down syndrome is beautiful!
