Get to Know Katie Meade, the Badass Professional Model With Down Syndrome

Updated on 4/24/2016 at 11:00 AM

Kara Zelman

Model Katie Meade has a favorite word, and that word is "fearless." The 32-year-old model with Down syndrome has conquered many fears: from undergoing heart surgery to winning the gold medal at the Special Olympics and being the International Global Ambassador for Best Buddies, an organization that hopes to end the stigma toward people living with disabilities.

Katie is currently making headlines as one of the first models with Down syndrome to be named the face of a major beauty campaign. Fittingly, she is the face of hair-care brand Beauty and Pin-Ups' newest product, dubbed the Fearless Hair Rescue Masque. This venture has not only brought her success but also more confidence.

Katie follows in the footsteps of Madeline Stuart, another woman with Down syndrome who became a Fashion Week runway model. These extraordinary ladies are breaking barriers for people living with disabilities who dream of breaking into the fashion and beauty biz.

Now Katie's empowering life mottos are making it to the small screen with her appearance in an upcoming episode of TLC's reality show competition Global Beauty Masters. Never shy of sharing her secret to living a bold life, Katie spoke to us about how we too should all live every day to the fullest.

And don't forget to check out Katie on Global Beauty Masters, airing Tuesday, April 19, at 11 a.m. on Discovery Life.

On What "Fearless" Means to Her

POPSUGAR: I know from your campaign the word fearless comes up a lot — you're even wearing a shirt that says fearless! So I'm curious, what does fearless mean to you?

Katie Meade: Well, fearless means to be brave and have confidence.

PS: When do you feel fearless?

KM: I feel fearless every day, actually. I work hard at it. When I went up on stage — like, five times — and talked to thousands of people, I overcame fears. I love talking to people. I overcame a couple of fears when I was on a vacation. My first time was snorkeling in the ocean to look for sharks. I'm really afraid of sharks. My dad was with me, and I overcame that.

PS: How do you feel when you talk to so many people?

KM: I just go up there and be myself. I relax, take a deep breath, and let it go. I love talking to that amount of people. I do get a little nervous, but I get used to it.

PS: So obviously you had to be fearless for the Fearless Hair Mask Campaign for your photo shoot. How did that go?

KM: Good! I had a good turnout and had fun with it. I love doing my hair and makeup. It's fun to look good. And I love to try on awesome clothes. There were themes for the clothes, so one was All American Girl, another was Breakfast at Tiffany's. And it was awesome. I had an action-packed day!

On the Beauty Icons Who Inspire Her the Most

PS: Do you have a beauty icon?

KM: I do. Jennifer Lopez. She's one of my icons.

PS: Why Jennifer?

KM: Whenever I look at her on [American] Idol, I always look at her outfits and her eyes. She has different types of makeup on and types of clothes, so it's really cool to see that.

On How the Beauty Industry Is Changing

PS: I'm sure you've been asked this before, but you and Madeline Stuart are creating the path for people with Down syndrome to become fashion and beauty models. What do you think that says about the changing face of beauty?

KM: Well, beauty belongs to everyone. It's being brave and having confidence in yourself. We were just normal and having fun, telling people, "Hey, this is what we are!" And we like to show that people with or without disabilities deserve the chance to be beautiful.

PS: Do you have any words of advice for someone who is living with Down syndrome and has a dream?

KM: To chase after and follow your dreams. Having Down syndrome hasn't changed me. I've always been in normal classes like my sisters. I've always been active with them, because they do a lot of activities. So I've always fit in with them. It's been hard, a little bit, but I actually overcame my challenges. I've had my family and friends who've always had my back and supported me with everything I do.

On What Everyone Should Know About What It's Like Living With Down Syndrome

PS: What's one thing you wish everyone knew about what it's like living with Down syndrome?

KM: Just be who you are. To work hard and always be brave and stay strong and chase your dreams. Be a hard worker.

PS: At POPSUGAR, we love receiving advice from strong women. Do you have a motto that you live by?

KM: Beauty belongs to everyone and everybody. Always look good and stay beautiful. And be yourself. That's what I'm doing.