11 people who were bullied during their childhood and later exacted a sweet revenge

But over the years numerous models who defy the classic idea of beauty have blasted onto the scene. Whether it's a skin condition, ample curves or physical disabilities, they've breathed much-needed new life into the modelling world.

Individuality has hit the catwalk! Here are 11 people who were cruelly teased as children, but went on to forge incredibly successful careers.

1. Sara Geurts

This young woman is only 26 years old, but suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affects collagen production, leaving her skin looking stretched and saggy.
She was so badly bullied at school that she always covered up. In 2015, she decided to face her demons by stripping off and showing the world that all women are beautiful and not to be judged according to society's pre-defined criteria.

2. Duckie

Sudanese Duckie Thot was often compared to 'Black Barbie' and her stunning looks made her the target of bullies when she was only 17 years old.
She took part in and won Australia's Next Top Model, but her problems didn't stop there when she was accused of having had cosmetic surgery.

Duckie, however, stood her ground by saying that people will always find an excuse to put others down, but that what they think does not define who we are.

3. Caitin Stickels

Caitin was born with Cat Eye Syndrome, which gives her her unique look. She was spotted by a V Nick Knight photographer who immediately asked her to feature in a shoot.

Caitin had never considered modelling before, but this lucky encounter means she now works for some of the biggest names in the fashion scene.

4. Cassandra Bankson

Cassandra has suffered from outbreaks of acne since her teenage years, with spots on her face, back and torso. She was so badly treated by her classmates that she eventually dropped out of school. .

Despite all the odds, she decided to create a a YouTube channel where she appears make-up free and openly talks about her skin condition. Her videos quickly went viral and she was approached by various make-up manufacturers. An inspiration to us all, Cassandra has shown the world that you don't need to be perfect in order to succeed in life.

5. Souffrant Ralph

Souffrant is from Haiti. He's a readhead whose face and body is covered in freckles, which is extremely rare for someone with black skin. Cruel jibes during his youth included calling him a giraffe or leopard.
Souffrant admits that he hated his freckles for a long time, but is now proud of his appearance. It's thanks to them that he was able to save his family from a life of poverty.

6. Natalia Castellar Calvani

Born in Puerto Rico, Natalia is now an American citizen and top model. During her childhood, however, she was often teased for having bushy eyebrows.

She was spotted by Next Models and her rise up the modelling ladder boosted her self-confidence. Her eyebrows are her trademark and her only regret is that she didn't begin to love them sooner!

7. Devon Aoki

At 1.65m, Devon Aoki is the shortest top model in the world. She began her career in fashion during the 90s and her small size didn't prevent her from becoming a stellar success. She's since made appearances in blockbusters such as 2 Fast 2 Furious and Sin City.

Of Asian descent, Devon's unusual red hair, freckles and plump lips make her one of the most stunning women in the world.

8. Rain Dove

Rain Dove is a 26 year-old androgynous model whose equally at ease being a woman or a man - something that professional photographers love!

She says that a lot of people believe she's a man whose had breast implants, something that she finds hysterically funny! Although she is a woman, she hated her looks until she finally realised that her striking appearance has allowed her to become the success that she is today.

9. Erika Linder

Erika Linder is another androgynous model. She doesn't look particularly like a man, but her features can be made to look masculine depending on the shoot. It was this that caught the eye of the modelling world and many people have remarked on her striking resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio.

Erika has an inventive side to her personality and when she's made up as a man, she'll throw herself into the role by using masculine poses.

10. Darius Vernon

Darius Vernon has vitiligo and was frequently mocked during his childhood. The bullying got so bad that he contemplated suicide. Luckily, he began to accept his appearance and realized that you simply can't please everyone.

Today Darius is a highly successful model who uses his fame to spread the message that beauty comes in all forms, shapes and sizes.

11. Xing Ye Zhi Jian

Xing Ye Zhi Jian is Chinese and owes his fame to the internet. His mind-blowing flawless features, perfect skin and symmetrical face turned him into an internet sensation.

Some people, however, continue to give him a hard time by saying he is too feminine - something that he's happy to shrug off and quite rightly so!