Reuben Sam: Vitiligo Awareness and Finding Purpose (Deep Dive)

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, Krish dives deep into the inspiring journey of Reuben Sam, a full-time model and advocate for vitiligo awareness. Reuben shares his experiences growing up with vitiligo and the impact it had on his identity, along with his multicultural background and the profound gratitude he feels towards his parents for their sacrifices. He reflects on his transformative move from Italy to the UK at the age of 21, discussing personal challenges, including a serious football injury, and his transition from a corporate career to modelling. Emphasising the importance of self-understanding and the power of community, Reuben encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones to foster acceptance, positivity, and personal growth. Family Background: Reuben recounts his parents’ decision to move to Italy in the 90s for a better future for their children, highlighting their determination and love. Understanding Vitiligo: Krish and Reuben delve into what vitiligo is—a condition where the immune system attacks melanin-producing cells. Reuben shares his personal experience with this condition, which he developed at the age of three. Coping with Bullying: The conversation shifts to the challenges Reuben faced in school, where he encountered name-calling and bullying. He discusses how he responded to these challenges. The Importance of Family Support: Reuben emphasises the role of his family in his life and how their struggles shaped his resilience. Gratitude for the Journey: Despite the hardships, Reuben expresses gratitude for his journey and the lessons learned along the way. Decision to Move: An invitation from a family friend leads him to embrace the challenge of moving to the UK. Cultural Shock: Reuben describes his arrival in Stoke-on-Trent and the adjustments he faced in a new environment. Unexpected Opportunities: A chance direct message led him to a modelling agency, turning a casual interest into a full-time career. From Part-time to Full-time: After modelling part-time for several years, he made the leap to full-time in 2023 to raise awareness for vitiligo. Inspiring Others: Reuben aims to help others embrace their identities, drawing inspiration from individuals who overcame significant challenges. Importance of Cultural Exposure: He believes every child should have the opportunity to live outside their home country to understand diversity and multiculturalism. Life Achievements: He expresses that his greatest achievement would be knowing he made a small difference in someone's life, particularly for his younger brothers facing their own challenges. Thanks for tuning in to this episode. We hope you enjoyed Reuben Sam's inspiring story. Be sure to subscribe for more uplifting conversations! Resources: Changing Faces: The Vitiligo Society UK:  Instagram - LinkedIn: