Born with rare congenital condition, NJ woman teaches others about beauty

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- A young New Jersey woman is turning her facial differences and disabilities into helping inspire others with an important life lesson.

Different is beautiful! Aaliyah Booker ran for Miss New Jersey. Now she is a motivational speaker helping inspire hundreds of young women.

Booker says in a society where appearances are everything, she wants to be the change she wants to see in beauty standards. She's doing it with a sense of humor and a whole lot of positivity.

Booker made history as the first woman with a facial difference to compete in the Miss New Jersey USA beauty pageant. Now she’s the CEO of her own business and was selected to be part of the Wonder Girls, a nonprofit where they have more than 200 professional mentors, women like Booker, helping inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Booker said it’s been a long journey to get here. She was born with a rare congenital condition called Goldenhar syndrome, which affects both or one side of your face and body.

Booker has had 26 surgeries in her 23 years of life. She said all the pain made her stronger. Her biggest cheerleader is her mother. 

Booker launched her own business, "Born to Stand Out," which promotes self-love and acceptance. She is a guest on the Monica Makes It Happen podcast, which drops every Friday on YouTube.