When lifestyle influencer Uma Ram started her social media handle 'Dazzler' in 2017, she was subjected to extreme colourism, with comments such as 'you're black', 'blackie', and 'you're ugly' being thrown her way. When she relaunched herself as an influencer two years later, she used a handle that projected her insecurity, so @proud_brown_girl was born. Today, she says she feels confident enough to discuss her challenges and also dismiss trolls nonchalantly.
'Most Tamil women are dark, and we are constantly made aware and insecure of this through the media and people around us, even our own family members. And to combat these insecurities, we start using fairness creams. When I was in school, I've succumbed to using them myself, and it took a long time before I realised that my skin colour was just fine.' She recalls an early fashion show around five years ago, where her face alone was made up to look fairer, and stood out in stark contrast on stage to the rest of her body. 'When I was feeling insecure in my early twenties, there was no one to tell me that I was beautiful just as I am or give me the confidence to accept and love myself. I hope, through my handle, I can make young girls feel confident about themselves. I think inclusivity is where it all begins - for people of fair skin and brown skin or dark skin and people who are healthy, and thin, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, anywhere, and in any field.'
CEO & Editor-in-Chief: Tanya Chaitanya
Content Creator: Neeti Jaychander
Video Editor: Sameer More
Photographer: Steven AJ
Hair & Makeup: Wink Salon
Styling: The Dress Shop
Location: The Raintree Hotel