Anuska Jose

I am Anuska Jose

AKA Nuk - I am a Technical Program Manager, Frontend Developer,
cat(s) mum and learning to love myself!

More about me

Where it all began

I'm a British Filipino and grew up in London, UK. I moved to the states end of 2016 - first New York and now Los Angeles 📍

I'm holding on to my accent "innit".
People around the world think we sound like this

When it first appeared (2014)

The first signs of my vitiligo appeared under my armpits and then my hands (tiny spots to then patches).

I personally ignored it. It was a friend that first mentioned the word "Vitiligo" to me and sent me articles.

The Progression

From that point on, more patches started to appear more and more on my hands, feet, arms, legs and face.

I would have days where I'm okay with it and days when I'm not. Make up would do the trick.
The common question that popped up over and over in your mind was
"Why did this happen to me?"

I would think about how I used to look and the confidence I had. I would look at photos, see myself in the mirror ("Oh look there's a new patch" - sadness sets in).

I would hide behind my smile and bubbly personality pretending I'm okay.

Where I am now

My mindset has changed. I am now accepting.

I now see the beauty and uniqueness in my skin. I no longer look back at myself in the mirror and see patches, I see me.

With the help of loved ones, a community of acceptance and seeing so many like me out there confident in their skin, taking photos and sharing it with the world - I want spread love and awareness. I am not alone and you're not alone as well.

I love myself!
If you ever need to talk, feel free to contact me. I know what you're going through.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

—MARGARET MEAD
Anthropologist