Bloggers at Talent Management have just heard the story of an incredibly brave and positive young lady whose self-belief and general attitude quite simply sets an example to us all.

At just 8 years old Labonya Siddiqu was involved in an accident while lighting a paraffin lamp during a power cut and she was left with severe burns. Despite this life-changing incident, a strength of character rare at any age has helped her to come through smiling – and a very beautiful smile it is too.

After years of bullying and Post Traumatic Stress, Labonya made a conscious decision to turn her life around, and – aged 21 – she has just achieved her childhood dream to become a model. She was recently snapped up by British multinational company Next and she modelled at their store opening yesterday.

She told reporters: “I used to look at magazines when I was a teenager, wishing I was pretty enough to appear on the glossy pages. I was fed up of feeling sorry for myself [and] tired of letting my inferiority complex and insecurities make me vulnerable so, encouraged by my friends, I decided that modelling was the first step forward. I braced myself to face the lens and followed my childhood dream.”

But Labonya, like most budding models, didn’t find immediate success: “I signed up to a number of modelling websites, but at first I got rejected because photographers don’t like to work with models with an unusual look.”

It took time for her to realise her dream with Next, but she now she hopes to help others who have experienced challenges similar to those she has faced over the last 13 years.

“I want to represent all the burn survivors who have gone through similar experiences and I will continue to model. I hope when other people like me see my work, they will find their own confidence and strength so that they will be just as comfortable being themselves as I am with my scars.”

A Next spokesman said: “We are thrilled to have Labonya here and it gives real glamour to the opening of our new store in Burnley. She is a beautiful girl and we wish her all the best in her modelling career. It just goes to show that beauty goes much more than skin deep.”

Labonya spoke of her appreciation for the opportunity that she has earned with Next: “The fact that Next has taken a chance on me and given me this opportunity is incredible. I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to raise awareness for burns survivors around the world, as well as aspiring for my own dreams.”

We think you’re incredible Labonya, and wish you all the very best for your future career!