I’m a tiny human with a bright personality! Hi! I’m Shirvani. Like every young girl, I had dreams of gracing stages, walking runways and wearing pretty dresses, but for longest time I could not understand why I never got picked for anything that wasn’t academically related. Although I had the confidence and the personality, I didn’t fit any brief. I was born with a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa. It’s an actively deteriorating condition for which there is no cure. The condition has left me with disabilities. I live in bandages and spend four hours a day tending to wound care, Despite all that this disease has taken from me, I continue to thrive. I have 3 children and a wonderful husband who allows me the space to follow my dreams. At 36 I still have ambitions about modelling, and now more than ever I wish to set an example of what realistic beauty looks like. After being told I look too disabled, and also being told I’m not disabled enough as I’m not in a wheelchair, I am more determined than ever to break stereotypes and get rid of the boxes we’re put into and the labels we get slapped with. I’m here to showcase confidence and real body positivity. The world needs it!

I love the concept and the idea of showcasing talent from all walks of life, regardless of physical appearances and attributes. I’m here for it honey! A new kind of beauty has arrived!

Last year I broke boundaries by being the first person like me to enter a beauty pageant as a competing finalist. I’ve just won the Emerge Africa “inspirational Woman of the Year 2023” Award. At 36 I still have ambitions about modelling, and now more than ever I wish to set an example of what realistic beauty looks like. After being told I look too disabled, and also being told I’m not disabled enough as I’m not in a wheelchair, I am more determined than ever to break stereotypes and get rid of the boxes we’re put into and the labels we get slapped with. I’m here to showcase confidence and real body positivity. The world needs it!