"I keep my twisted grill, just to show them kids it's real. We ain't picture perfect but we worth the picture still." - "Crooked Smile" x J. Cole
Some may think that gaps between your teeth is a flaw, but over here, we believe it's a unique trait that should be celebrated. This quirky aesthetic makes for a smile full of charisma and persona. The French are actually ahead of the game because they dubbed beauties with gapped teeth les dents du bonheur, meaning "lucky teeth."
We had the chance to kiki with some women who embrace their gorgeous grins no matter who's looking and we can't stop smiling from ear to ear. Check out their journey to embracing the smiles they were born with by clicking through the gallery below.
1.Pamela Holmes
The definition of "embrace" is having a knowledge of the good, bad, and the ugly, then accepting every aspect that comes with it. That's what it took for me to embrace my smile.
I had to be faced with the ugly and the bad to humbly embrace the good. It's no secret that I have a gap and overbite. I mean it's not like I haven't tried to fix my teeth. I had to wear braces throughout my entire high school career. So being called "brace-face," "track-mouth," and even "mush-mouth" and still no perfect teeth, it was a sign that I should maybe keep it. So instead of trying to get rid of it, I embraced it.
I started showing my gap more during a photo shoot and sooner than later it became a trademark. Now it's one of the reasons I get booked as a model. So if it's any advice I could give to anyone who's struggling with a feature that may not fit "society's norm," remember society's norm does not have to be a norm for you.
Do not be shaped by society and its perception of beauty. Set your own beauty marks in this world, and let the world be forced to embrace it.
What's one thing that you love about your smile?
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THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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