In a world where beauty standards are often dictated by social norms and superficial expectations, one woman’s story challenges these perceptions in the most unexpected way.
Imagine getting into an Uber only to have your driver drop unsolicited advice about your skin that not only catches you by surprise but sparks a conversation about self-acceptance and the intricacies of beauty.
That was the reality for Nyakim Gatwech, a woman who turned her struggle with self-image into a powerful message of empowerment and pride.
The fashion icon, also known as the ‘Queen of Darkness’, hugged her striking beauty and laughed and shrugged off his remarks. Read on to find out what this Uber driver told her and how she turned it into a teachable moment!
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One woman was completely amazed when an Uber driver gave her unsolicited advice on how to take care of her beautiful skin.
The fashion icon, renowned for her captivating beauty and referred to as the “Queen of Darkness”, responded with a laugh and dismissed his remarks.
Read on to find out what this Uber driver brought up and how she turned it into a learning opportunity!
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After spending her formative years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, Nyakim Gatwech assumed that being in America would be like “heaven.”
After her arrival in Buffalo at around age 14, Gatwech often found herself alone and complained about criticism directed at her darkly pigmented skin.
The Minnesota model, originally from South Sudan, has endured years of bullying because of her jet black skin with comments such as: “You don’t shower.” Your skin is impure. Alternatively, “Smile so we can see you, Nyakim.” We are unable to perceive your presence.
During the lesson, the teacher asked a question and asked, “Oh Nyakim, can you answer?” A child may ask, “Who are you addressing?” Her presence is not visible to us. She is absent.
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The whole class would burst out laughing, while I would just cry,” the 31-year-old lady tells Cosmopolitan today.
A naïve young girl seeks acceptance but faces challenges as random strangers place bets on whether she’s wearing leggings or if her skin color is really that dark.
“At one point I thought about bleaching my skin. After my arrival in America from a refugee camp in Africa at the age of 14, I lived in Buffalo, New York. “I would cry myself to sleep after being harassed about my skin,” says the beauty.
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“Many aesthetically pleasing dark-skinned Sudanese women undergo skin bleaching.”
The model subsequently revealed that her sister was among the Sudanese women who bleached their skin. “My sister did the deed. However, when I informed her of my desire to leave after a few months in America, she refused my request. I will not let this happen to my daughter, you, or anyone else.
Monarch of the Abyss
Now referred to as the Queen of Darkness, the woman has faced discrimination from designers, make-up artists, and other models, yet she feels empowered by overcoming the hostility.
Gatwech’s confidence and deep admiration for her rich, chocolate-hued skin is fueled by her 962,000 devoted followers on Instagram.
“My chocolate is sophisticated. “What I embody is a nation of warriors,” he says in the post.
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Fans seem insatiable in their admiration for the remarkably beautiful woman.
“I admire your complexion and melanin,” comments one fan, while another expresses, “I really appreciate your beautiful skin tone!” God creates beautiful beings like you to remind us of His greatness.
In response to the considerable support, Gatwech states, “I came to learn to love myself.” Criticism doesn’t affect me anymore. I embrace my skin, I love myself, and I no longer suffer from insecurities about my skin. I no longer see myself as unattractive. I have confidence
“Stupidest Questions”
A few years ago, Gatwech recounts an interaction with an Uber driver who asked if she had ever considered lightening her strong skin tone.
Recounting his conversation with the driver, Gatwech says, “He remarked, ‘Wow, you’re dark.'” I just laughed. I tried to understand his reasons for thinking I should. He declared that life would be more viable for me. My relationship prospects would improve and men would find me more attractive if I were lighter-skinned. If I were to attend a job interview, I would secure my job prospects because of my lighter skin. I said, “Even if being lighter made my life easier, I’d rather take the harder road.”
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She says, “I’m used to individuals asking me the most ridiculous questions about my skin.”
Subsequently, Gatwech shared the story on Instagram, accompanied by a stunning photo of herself and three other dark-skinned Sudanese women.
He adds, “A nation inhabited by individuals with skin so dark it’s hard to fathom…skin so deep and teeth so bright.” I have a deep respect for my nation, my fellow citizens, and all that it entails.
She then recounts her encounter with an Uber driver: “[SIC] I once asked my Uber driver, he said, no offense, but if you were offered ten thousand dollars, would you bleach your skin for that amount? I couldn’t answer as I started laughing uncontrollably. He said no, and I emphatically agreed, questioning why I would ever bleach the beautiful melanin God blessed me with. He then asked, “Do you see it as a blessing?”
Her admirers immediately expressed their admiration and expressed their support for Gatwech.
“Looks like he didn’t get the message… black is beautiful,” says one admirer.
“I value you for your ability to love,” he expresses a second. A third participant asks, “Why would we wish to disturb something so wonderful?”
Asked by Yahoo Beauty for advice for young black girls struggling with similar issues, she said, “You’re beautiful, you’re unique, and there are individuals who appreciate you for who you are.” It is said that the deeper the shade of the cherry, the more saccharine the juice. Embrace your shadows!
Nyakim Gatwech’s journey from the depths of self-doubt to become a beacon of confidence and empowerment is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her experiences, marked by bullying and social pressure, reflect a larger story that many dark-skinned individuals face in a world that is often skewed toward Eurocentric standards of beauty. Yet through her strength and determination, Gatwech has not only embraced her rich, deep skin but has also used her platform to uplift others who may struggle with similar issues.
By mocking the Uber driver’s misguided comments and turning what could have been a hurtful interaction into an educational moment, she emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance. Gatwech’s message to young black girls is both clear and empowering: beauty comes in all shades and each individual has a unique charm that should be celebrated, not changed.
As Gatwech continues to inspire her followers with her unapologetic self-acceptance, she reinforces the idea that confidence in one’s own skin is an important part of embracing one’s identity. Her story serves as a reminder that true beauty is not defined by society’s standards, but by the ability to love yourself wholeheartedly.
After all, Gatwech is not just a model; she is a movement—a voice for those who have felt marginalized, encouraging them to stand tall, proud, and unapologetic. In a world that can sometimes seem unkind, her journey reminds us all to value and celebrate our uniqueness because that is where our true beauty lies.