Meet Briya

I developed vitiligo at 11, the same year Michael Jackson passed away. Growing up around domestic violence took a toll on my mental health. I was devastated when diagnosed, convinced I’d never live a normal life. In Louisiana summers, I wore jeans to hide my spots, but the makeup made me look orange, so I stopped hiding. I was forced to accept my skin. People said I was pretty, but I never understood what they saw. I walked with grace, projecting confidence I didn’t feel.

In 2019, I deployed to Niger, Africa, with the US Air Force as a civil engineer. The sub-Saharan sun forced me to stay fully covered, if I got burned, I could be written up for “damaging government property.” The stress, isolation, and fear weighed on me.

One day, after undoing my braids, I stared at myself in the mirror for what felt VERY long, and felt an overwhelming wave of happiness. For the first time, I truly saw myself.

With a fistful of tears, I was overcome with joy, but also frustration for ever believing I was anything less than a work of art.

After returning home, I landed a modeling offer in New Jersey, and I traveled across the country to pursue it. I was chosen by Walmart to be a virtual doll in their app, helping people with similar skin tones try on clothes. Within a year, I worked with Revlon, Nike, R.E.M. Beauty, and more, while juggling the military and real estate. It was overwhelming, and I lost sight of myself.

After my Air Force career, my best friend Vastia challenged my beliefs and helped me realize I’d only scratched the surface of healing. Together, we created Colorful Connections; a 5-city tour empowering people with vitiligo. In 2024, we hosted discussions on how your condition doesn’t define you, you can be and do anything. We led mental health workshops, educated allies, and uncovered gaps in care.

Today, @colorfulconnections24 amplifies stories, celebrates experiences, and fights stigma. No matter our size, our focus remains on human-centred care, because everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and beautiful.