Quotes from Khoudia Diop

I wanted to express myself using visuals and also celebrate the beauty of black women, travel, and have amazing opportunities. I also wanted to be a living example of inspiration for other women and girls.

We need more women of colour in fashion, period.

Personally, it was always very difficult to find complexion products that match my shade.

When I was in high school in Paris, some photographers wanted my photos and asked if I was interested in modeling. I wasn't interested because I wanted to get my education first. I was scared because I didn't know what I was getting into.

I was so ashamed of it that I would spend hours in the shower crying and trying to wash my skin off.

Negative energy is wasteful.

A tip that I got from my mom that really helps keep my skin fresh is to wash my face with ice water in the morning. I love it. Just splash with water - cold water. That's the first thing I do every morning.

There were times I wouldn't leave my room for weeks and sometimes missed school because I hated how people would look at me. But my older sister helped me find the positive: She used to show me pictures of Alek Wek to say, 'See! You can be a model if you want!'

Even though I was very young, it was traumatizing seeing someone try weird things on their skin all for the sake of being lighter. It's as common as relaxing your hair or maybe even brushing your teeth. I had friends not wanting to do it, but their moms gave them creams to help lighten their skin. That's how accessible it is.

I wanted to show girls it's not bad to be dark, that different is beautiful.

I would get so angry whenever I'd notice people looking at me weirdly. They'd even stop me on the street and ask questions about my skin color.

Diversity is what makes life interesting.

Kids used to tease me and call me 'fille des etoiles,' which translates to 'daughter of the stars.'

I hear a lot from women in Africa. And not just from dark-skinned women but from all women struggling because of insecurity. They thank me and tell me that I inspire them. And that makes me feel really, really proud.

It makes me proud to help girls realize that they don't have to change who they are.

I learned to find things to love about myself and to celebrate them.

As I grew, I learned to love myself more every day and not pay attention to the negative people, which helped a lot.

I was teased a lot, growing up, because of my skin tone.

For those who feel the need to be bullies, I ignore them.

Having support from family, friends - and now fans - definitely helps to affirm that I am worthy, loved, and beautiful. I hope everyone can see that in themselves and feel this way.

The message I have for my sisters is that how you look doesn't matter as long as you feel beautiful inside.

My skin is dark and glows. It almost seems blue, and it's supersoft.

I wanted to bleach my skin so bad, but my sister always discouraged me. She'd say, 'This is a bad thing. Don't try it.'

My sister was the one person who told me not to change, that my skin was beautiful. She really helped me feel good about myself.