A Model With Down Syndrome Is Breaking Stereotypes and Teaches People to Believe in Themselves

Beth Mathews is not a typical model. She has Down syndrome, but that never stopped her from pursuing her dream of being a fashion model and inspiring us all with her positive attitude and radiant smile. We’ve spoken to Beth about her life and career, and she’s truly an inspiration.

Her modeling career started organically.

Beth has lived in Wales almost all her life, along with a loving family who has always supported her dreams. While a flair for fashion might’ve always been there, her modeling career started unexpectedly.

• Beth told us it all happened naturally, “We had a fun photoshoot in the house, and everyone said that I was a natural.” Her mom then sent the photos to Zebedee, a modeling agency that prides itself in inclusivity and in showing beauty no matter how different everyone is. “They offered me a contract. It was amazing.”

“Everyone I know loves that I have become a model.”

Beth tells us that the support of her family and friends has been essential for her, as the love of everyone around her has helped to mitigate any challenges that being a model could bring.

• When we asked her about the challenges she might have faced as a model with Down syndrome, this is what she had to say about it: “I am very lucky because I have so much love & support from my family, so I haven’t faced too many challenges so far.” “My family always keeps me safe and loves me very much.” It’s not just her family that supports her. Her friends “have said they always knew she would do something special.”

Beth’s life outside of modeling

Beth’s life has evolved since she started modeling, she tells us she feels more confident now, even if she’s “not always confident.”

• She gave us some insight into her life and who she surrounds herself with. “I love spending time with my friends & family, I love my dog, and I really enjoy cooking and then eating what we’ve made!! I really enjoy my life, and I know that I am very lucky.”

Down syndrome does not define her.

Besides the messages of inclusivity and positivity that we can take from her work and her Instagram, there’s more that Beth would like to tell the world and her followers.

• “I just want people to see that I am just like everyone else. I have lots of fun, I love to look my best and I just love eating out & drinking cocktails!! I want people to realize that having Down syndrome is only a very small part of who I am and if I can change some people’s opinions, I will be very happy.”