Model, 21, with a rare condition that leaves her covered in rough skin that looks like SCALES poses in a bikini for her first ever campaign - an ad for Target's swimwear line

  • Jeyza Gary was born with a rare skin condition called lamellar ichthyosis
  • The condition causes the body to shed it's skin every two weeks, leaving behind a rougher and dryer surface
  • Target hired the North Carolina native to star in its latest swimsuit campaign 
  • 'I can’t imagine a more perfect first booking,' Gary wrote on Instagram 
  • The model previously said she is hoping people seeing her modeling for different brands will encourage them to go out and follow their dreams 

By Danielle Zoellner For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

A woman with a rare skin condition that leaves the surface of her body with dry patches has landed a swimwear campaign for Target. 

Model Jeyza Gary, 21, was born with a rare skin condition called lamellar ichthyosis, which causes the body to shed its skin every two weeks. What is left behind is rougher and dryer skin across the surface of one's body. 

But the North Carolina native is not letting her skin condition stop her from accomplishing her dreams, as she lands her first campaign with Target. 

Making her mark: Model Jeyza Gary was born with a rare skin condition called lamellar ichthyosis, which causes the body to shed its skin every two weeks

Making her mark: Model Jeyza Gary was born with a rare skin condition called lamellar ichthyosis, which causes the body to shed its skin every two weeks

Stunning: Target hired the model to star in its latest swimsuit campaign

Stunning: Target hired the model to star in its latest swimsuit campaign

'I’m legit shaking typing this... New work featuring ME for @target swimwear,' Gary wrote on Instagram while sharing shots from the photoshoot. 

The model is pictured in a two-piece yellow swimsuit from the Target collection, all while serving looks to the camera. 

'My spicy skin and I went to Cali on a moments notice and showed out! I can’t imagine a more perfect first booking,' she exclaimed on social media. 'Starting the new year off like this!! Thanks to everyone on set who made my first job so memorable.' 

Her post ended with the model expressing how much it meant to her to have the opportunity to star in a campaign for Target.   

'I’m so full of gratitude omg...Everyone should go to target and buy this swim suit,' she wrote. 

Target is one brand in recent years that has focused on being more inclusive with the models they select when displaying their clothes. Model Kiara Marshall, who has  a prosthetic leg, is another woman who's worked for the brand. 

When speaking to Refinery 29, Gary revealed it was a high school classmate who actually put the idea in her head about modeling.  

Exciting times: 'I can’t imagine a more perfect first booking,' Gary wrote on Instagram

Exciting times: 'I can’t imagine a more perfect first booking,' Gary wrote on Instagram

Building her brand: The model officially signed with We Speak Model Management in May 2018. Her Target campaign is her first one

Building her brand: The model officially signed with We Speak Model Management in May 2018. Her Target campaign is her first one 

Her message: 'It’s not about me. It’s about allowing other people to see me and be encouraged,' she previously said about paving her way in the industry

Her message: 'It’s not about me. It’s about allowing other people to see me and be encouraged,' she previously said about paving her way in the industry 

'My senior year in high school, a classmate wrote in my senior yearbook: “Dear Jeyza, I am going to miss you so much. You always find a way to make a smile. I wish the best for you truly…P.S. You need to model,"' she told the publication. 

This encouragement from a classmate inspired Gary to go out and get headshots. She then submitted the shots to multiple agencies before going to college. 

We Speak Model Management got back to Gary in September 2018 to inquire about her joining their cast of models. Unfortunately, Gary had to push back meeting with them due to a natural disaster in North Carolina. But she later signed with the agency in May 2019. 

'I walked into my first casting with a yellow shirt, overall bell-bottoms, and high-top sneakers, and I did feel a little different,' she detailed. 

'There were people that looked like they were models for agencies, but at the end of the day, I am too. I have to focus on positive self-talk. I don’t have to compare myself to anyone else.'

Ultimately, Gary said her goal was to be the best model she can be, with aims to one day star in Vogue, while offering encouragement to others who are looking up to her. 

'It’s not about me. It’s about allowing other people to see me and be encouraged,' she said. 

Landing the Target campaign is one of Gary's first steps in taking over the modeling industry.   

Most watched News videos

Comments 1

Share what you think

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.