Meet 29 year-old Cary Velazquez — make-up artist in Puerto Rico with the rare disease osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), (also known as “brittle bone disease” and “glass bones disease”) who has lit up the Internet with her skills and infectious personality.

What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

OI is a group of rare genetic disorders that are characterized by bones that easily break, often from little or no apparent cause. OI can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms vary from person to person.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is caused by defective genes. These genes affect how the body makes collagen, a protein that helps strengthen bones.

To learn more about OI, click here!

‘Talented, Awesome, and in a Wheelchair’

Cary began professionally doing makeup three years ago, after feeling inspired by beauty videos on YouTube. She initially began practicing makeup on herself, mother, and siblings before realizing just how good she was!

Today, she works with clients all throughout the city of Ponce in Puerto Rico. 

“I want to open the door to other women with different conditions. I know that my story will change other people’s perspectives and I’m not afraid to show myself to the world.”

She’s been working as a make-up artist for 3 years now, fueled by a message she keeps at the center of her work and her life:

“I am showing that someone in a wheelchair can still be pretty, talented and awesome.”  

Where Can I Learn More About Cary?

Click here to follow Cary’s Facebook page! And click here for her Instagram page!

You can find her on both of her accounts with the handle @beautybycary 

There, you can keep up to date with her work and with her indomitable spirit. Her biggest ambition is to pave the way for better representation of disabled women in the fashion world. 

“I’m not afraid to show myself to the world anymore because I know I’m worth it. I know my story will change other people’s perspectives and change other people’s hearts.”