26-Year-Old Born With Extremely Rare Facial Defect Is Breaking Beauty Standards With Her Modeling Career (100 Pics)

"Remind the world that everyone is beautiful." These are the words of Ilka Brühl - a 26-year-old woman from Germany, who took it upon herself to spread positivity and empowerment by telling her own story.

Since the day she was born, Ilka has lived a troublesome life. "I was born with a facial cleft and my nose airways were not properly formed," she told Project Grenzenlos. "In addition, I lacked on the right side of the tear duct, so that the permanent natural moistening of the eye has led to me right tears have always run out of the eye."

Now, after countless operations, Ilka is a strong, confident woman, sharing her story and experiences, with hope to encourage people to love themselves. Two years ago, she has begun posing for some of her photographer friends. "There was so much positive feedback, that I got more and more courage to show myself as I am. Pure and unaffected," she told.

Ilka shares her images, motivating people to come out of their shells and to show their true beauty. "There is only one way to be ugly: by having an ugly character. No one has to hide because of their appearance!"