Have you heard about Mayah Aziz Oliveira, the girl born with a distinctive streak of white hair? Due to her piebaldism, a condition affecting melanin production inherited from her mother, Talyta Youssef, 41, has garnered significant online attention.
“When my baby was born, it was incredibly cool,” shared Talyta’s mother. In the maternity ward where Mayah was born, there was a lot of excitement among the staff. “The doctor reported that her hair had highlights when she was born. We noticed the light coming from a keyhole in the Greek cloth blocking our view,” Talyta added.
Mayah was photographed in the maternity ward, and photographer Paula Beltro decided to gift the family a photo session. Shortly after Talyta left motherhood, Paula proposed the idea. Now, at just 5 months old, Mayah has become a symbol of charm and beauty, captivating people wherever she goes with her distinctive cuteness.
The decision to capture an essay about Mayah came from Paula's immediate excitement upon seeing the unique baby. “I had never seen a baby like her. I thought she was really in love. She slept quite a bit during the rehearsal. I told Talyta as soon as I saw her, ‘I need to photograph your daughter,’” Paula shared.
Mayah's story goes beyond her distinctive appeal. As the family sought support for her, many individuals with similar conditions found solace in her story, learning to embrace and love themselves.
Talyta mentioned, “I received many responses from people with similar traits, indicating that their self-perception had changed. They began to accept their differences with more tolerance.”
Mayah has become recognizable on the streets, with passersby exclaiming, "That's her! The girl with the unique hair is there." Talyta proudly responds, "Yes, it's her! She is excellent, beyond description."
Observing Mayah's impact, Talyta notes, “Many wonderful people are passing through our lives. She is a very kind little girl who seems to participate in these efforts as if they are for her. She is acting very calmly.”
