Bullied mercilessly at school for her distinctive birthmarks, Marika never believed that she’d be able to accomplish her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress. Throughout her childhood, she suffered cruel taunts from school bullies, who said she looked like a ‘cow’ and was ‘splattered with mud’. After undergoing seven painful surgeries to remove the largest of her birthmarks – which cover 60% of her body – Marika says she has finally decided to embrace her unique look. She now hopes to become a Hollywood actress to inspire body confidence in other girls. “I will never look like a typical movie star,” she explains. “But I’m glad. My birthmarks make me who I am. It’s taken me 19 years, but I finally love and respect myself.”
Marika’s story has appeared in Good Housekeeping, and the Mail Online.
Charlotte Brazier 