Model Who Can’t Smile Turned Her Unique Look Into Success — Proving That Beauty Has No Rules

The moment you meet Tayla, her eyes captivate you — radiant, warm, and full of kindness. But her smile might not be what you expect. Born with an exceptionally rare condition, Tayla faced challenges most could never imagine. Yet she refused to let anything hold her back. Defying the odds, she became a successful model, proving that true beauty goes far beyond appearances. Explore Tayla’s remarkable and inspiring journey.

Tayla has discovered ways to manage her symptoms and lead a full, meaningful life.

Meet Tayla Clement, a 27-year-old model from New Zealand, who has lived her entire life unable to move her eyes side to side or convey expressions with her eyebrows and upper lip. Tayla was born with Moebius syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that weakens — or in some cases partially paralyzes — the facial muscles responsible for eye movements and facial expressions.

Sadly, Tayla’s condition made her a target of ridicule during her school years. She yearned for a “normal smile” but learned to embrace her uniqueness as she grew older. Tayla believes she was “born to stand out” and has advocated for people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and body positivity. Despite her challenges, Tayla’s unwavering spirit and positive attitude can inspire us all.

But the journey toward embracing herself fully was anything but easy.

With nearly 32K Instagram followers, Tayla’s journey has been anything but easy. She spent years struggling with self-doubt, wishing her smile looked “normal.” Yet today, against all odds, she stands tall and proud.

Through every challenge, Tayla has discovered her true purpose: to embrace her uniqueness and make a positive impact on the world. Her syndrome and her unconventional smile have given her a rare perspective — one that has already inspired and touched countless lives.

At just 12 years old, Tayla underwent a transformative corrective surgery to regain some voluntary movement in her face. Known as the “smile operation,” the procedure involved transplanting soft tissue from her thigh to both sides of her face.

The goal was to grant Tayla the ability to clench her mouth in a way that resembled a smile. But despite the grueling 8-hour surgery, it proved to be unsuccessful. Nevertheless, Tayla’s resilience shone through as she refused to let this setback define her. Despite the disappointment, she remains determined to make a difference in the world and continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering spirit.

And when we say she refused to let her condition hold her back, we truly mean it.

Tayla is breaking barriers and inspiring others with her natural “resting face,” thanks to Zebedee Talent. This pioneering modeling agency champions diversity, representing individuals with disabilities, visible differences, and alternative appearances.

With her recent international modeling contract, Tayla is living her best life and sharing her unique story. As one of only a few people in the world with the rare condition known as Moebius disorder, she’s determined to use her platform to inspire others and bring awareness to her community.

Through sheer grit and determination, Tayla is redefining the modeling world and championing inclusivity and representation in fashion. “I hope you know that no matter what, YOU can be, do, and achieve anything in this life ... you are here for a reason, don’t squish your dreams, achieve them,” Clement encourages.

In another article, we covered the story of a young woman nicknamed “Hulk” because of a rare condition, who delivered the perfect response to her trolls.