The First Woman With Down Syndrome to Land a Beauty Campaign Has a Game-Changing New Project

Summarizing Katie Meade's achievements is not easy. The Special Olympics gold medalist and ambassador for Best Buddies International (an employment program that helps people with intellectual disabilities)​ has not only overcome adversity in her life but has also accomplished more in her 32 years than some people do in a lifetime. 

Katie, who has Down syndrome and had to have two open-heart surgeries due to health issues, recently became the face of Beauty & Pin-Ups Fearless Hair Rescue Treatment, which made her the first woman with Down syndrome to ever land a beauty campaign. 

Katie wrote to Cosmopolitan.com in an email about what it's like to be a role model for other women and what the future holds for her. 

What did it feel like when you were asked to be the face of Beauty & Pin-Ups Fearless Hair Rescue Treatment? I was so excited. I love hair and makeup, and getting dressed up, so being the face of a new product is a dream come true.

How does it feel to be the first woman with Down syndrome to land a beauty campaign? I'm very proud. It's really cool to know that I'm breaking down barriers and showing everybody that I can take on anything!

Do you have plans to pursue a career in modeling? Well, I work full-time already at my county's treasury office, and I love my job already. If other jobs happen, then I'd love to keep modeling! I also work with Beauty & Pin-Ups at shows, so that's always a lot of fun.  

Do you feel pressure to be a role model for others? No, I don't feel pressure. I like knowing that other people can be inspired by me, but I only know how to be myself. It is easy to be scared, but I choose to work hard and be brave. I want people to see and know I have abilities, and not a disability.​

What does beauty mean to you? When you look good, you feel good! Everybody has a different way of looking good, so find ways to do that, and you'll always feel good.

What is the biggest misconception you think people have about people with Down syndrome? That we don't have abilities. We have lots of abilities and are very smart. I have Down syndrome, but that does not define my life.

What was it like to be a presenter on Global Beauty Masters? It was awesome! We shot the episode in Las Vegas, which was so cool. I got to present our challenge with Kenny Kahn [Beauty & Pin-Ups' CEO], and I loved seeing what the stylists did. They are very talented.

What is your next big goal you'd like to achieve? I'd like to keep working with Beauty & Pin-Ups, because I love the products. And I love the team. They are like family to me. I'd also like to travel. And my older sister just had a baby boy, so I'm an aunt! I want to show my nephew, Jack, that I'm amazing, and I want to make him proud of everything I do. 

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