Turn Your “Disadvantage” into Your Superpower

Ever felt like something about you is holding you back? Maybe it’s not just self-doubt—it’s the industry, the standards, or the expectations that make you feel like you don’t belong.

I get it because I’ve been there.

When I was starting out in photography, I applied for an internship at a big studio. I was excited, eager to learn, and ready to prove myself. But I was rejected. The reason? I was too small to carry heavy equipment all day long.

That could have been the end of it. I could have told myself I wasn’t cut out for this industry. But instead, I found my way into a different space—working with influencers. And guess what? My "disadvantage" turned into my biggest asset. Being a young female made it easier to connect with them, to create a comfortable and fun environment that allowed their personalities to shine on camera. That’s something no amount of physical strength could have replaced.

And where did this path take me? To Milan Fashion Week, to the Maldives, to capturing stunning shots in luxurious hotels in Venice. If I had listened to that initial rejection, I would have never had those opportunities.

And I’m not the only one who has turned rejection into power.

When the Industry Says “No,” Find a New Way

I have a friend who’s an actress. She’s incredibly talented, but she was constantly overlooked for roles because of her height—she was considered too small. But instead of giving up, she carved out a unique path for herself. She became a specialist in stunt work for battle scenes and special effects. The very thing that was seen as a limitation in traditional acting roles became the key to a successful career.

Then there’s Christine Ha, the first blind winner of MasterChef. Many would assume that being blind would make cooking impossible at a professional level, yet she not only competed but won, proving that skill and passion outweigh physical limitations.

Or Viktoria Modesta, a pop singer who lost her leg but didn’t let that stop her from making a name for herself. Instead, she turned her prosthetic into a statement piece—sometimes even wearing it as jewelry—making her one of the most visually unique performers in the industry.

How to Identify Your “Disadvantage” (And Flip It!)

Not sure what your so-called disadvantage is? Here are some questions to help you figure it out:

• What have you been told is a reason you can’t do something?
• Have you been rejected for an opportunity because of something about you?
• Is there something about yourself that makes you feel like you don’t belong in your industry?
• What makes you different from most people in your field?

Once you identify it, here’s how to start flipping it into an advantage:

? Find a space where your difference is an asset. If the industry keeps shutting you out, look for the gap where your unique perspective or skills are needed. (Like me shifting from studio work to influencer photography!)

? Leverage your story. People connect with authenticity. Instead of hiding your difference, make it part of your brand story. (Like Christine Ha proving that taste and technique matter more than sight in cooking.)

? Turn it into a signature element. If you can’t change it, amplify it! Viktoria Modesta didn’t try to blend in—she made her prosthetic leg a fashion statement. What can you turn into your unique selling point?

What About You?

I see this with my clients all the time. One woman told me she had lost a significant amount of weight and now had excess skin. She wanted to hide it. Another client was in a wheelchair and wasn’t sure how to pose for branding photos.

And my advice to them? Don’t hide it—own it.

Your story, your journey, your so-called "flaw"—those are what make you memorable. They are what make you you. And in a world full of polished, generic, and forgettable images, what makes you different is what makes you stand out.

Turn Your Difference into Your Brand

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit into the mold, maybe it’s time to stop trying to fit in and start creating your own space. Whether it’s through how you show up on camera, the story you tell, or the way you position yourself in your industry, your “disadvantage” could be the very thing that makes your brand iconic.

I know at first it might be hard to determine whether your current visuals are resonating with your ideal audience. To help you, I created an audit checklist—the same one I use for my own brand to make sure my visual message is on point.

Download the checklist here

Because the world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter brand. It needs you.