For International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating ambition in its truest form – the kind built through challenges, faith, and determination. Zuriya’s journey began with a search for the perfect prom heels. What unfolded was something much deeper: a story of confidence, resilience, and stepping boldly into her future.
This is her story, in her own words.
This is her story, in her own words.
HER STORY
Can you take us back to the moment when your mom first reached out to Wydr? What was that time in your life like?
The first time my mom reached out to Wydr was in 2024, during my senior year of high school. She wanted to surprise me with the perfect pair of heels to match my prom dress – we dreamed of something stylish, confidence-boosting, and memorable for such a special milestone. Up until we found Wydr finding shoes that truly fit felt like a dream.
Can you share what it’s been like finding shoes that truly fit and how that’s shaped your relationship with fashion or comfort?
Finding shoes that truly fit has always been a challenge for me, and for a long time, it shaped the way I thought about fashion and comfort. I used to have to compromise style for wearability, or skip out on shoes I loved because they just didn’t work for me. Since discovering Wydr that’s completely changed. Now, I can finally enjoy shoes that make me feel confident, stylish, and comfortable all at once. It’s given me the freedom to express myself through fashion without sacrificing comfort and that has made me fall in love with shoes all over again.
Since that first pair of heels, how has your relationship with style, confidence, or self-expression changed?
What started as a search for prom shoes turned into an experience that made me feel celebrated and supported. Those heels weren’t just an accessory; they were part of a moment I’ll always remember, stepping into one of the most exciting chapters of my life feeling confident, empowered, and ready to shine.
HER NOW
What’s something you’re proud of that people might not know about you?
One thing I’m proud of that people might not know about me is my resilience. I was born with a rare genetic condition called Hypomelanosis of Ito, which has affected different areas of my body, including my mobility and hearing. Before I was six years old, I underwent five major surgeries, and at one point doctors warned that I could lose the ability to walk without intervention.
Life has presented me with many different challenges since birth, but I’ve chosen to push forward and overcome most of the obstacles that have come my way. I don’t speak about this part of my story often, not because I’m ashamed, but because I’ve never allowed it to define me. Each experience has shaped my strength, perspective, and determination, and I carry that with me in everything I do.
When you think about 2026, what feels exciting — and what feels a little daunting?
When I think about 2026, I feel genuinely excited to begin my career as an aesthetician and step into a field I’m passionate about. At the same time, starting something completely new and fully stepping into adulthood feels a little daunting. It’s a season of growth, learning, and finding my footing, but one I’m looking forward to embracing.
HER AMBITION
What’s one thing you really want to do this year, but haven’t had the space, access, or support to fully pursue until now?
One thing I’ve been wanting to do this year is set up my own studio and officially begin my career as an aesthetician. Until now, I didn’t have the support to fully pursue it because I wasn’t Licensed. However, as of last week, I became officially licensed, which makes this goal feel real and attainable. I’m excited to finally step into this next chapter and start building something of my own.
Why does that goal matter to you?
This goal matters to me because it’s not just something I want to try – it’s what I’m choosing to make a career out of. Building my own studio is a meaningful step toward long-term growth, independence, and doing work I’m truly passionate about.
HER VOICE
What does it mean to you to have someone say “we believe in you” and mean it?
Having someone say “we believe in you” and truly mean it means everything to me. I thank God I’ve always had a family that truly believes in me and constantly encourages me. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey and that my hard work, growth, and dreams are seen and valued. That kind of belief gives me confidence to keep going, especially when I’m stepping into something new.
If you could tell your younger self anything now, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self anything now, I would say to trust the process. To be patient with where she is and enjoy the moment. Not everything needs to be figured out right away.
The hospital visits, the surgeries, the moments of uncertainty, they were shaping her into someone stronger and more capable than she realizes. The challenges, delays, and detours are all part of the story. They don’t limit you, they build you.
What do you hope someone else reading your story this year feels?
I hope my story helps someone feel hopeful and confident in their own journey. If they’re facing uncertainty or working toward a dream, I want them to know that resilience, patience, and believing in yourself truly matter. Sometimes progress happens fast and sometimes it takes a lot of time. You only fail when you stop trying.
Zuriya’s journey reminds us that ambition doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like perseverance. Sometimes it looks like patience. And sometimes, it looks like a young woman deciding her story will be defined by strength, not circumstance.
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to stand behind women who step forward – in their own time, in their own way.
Here’s to backing her ambition. Always.
If you have questions about sizing, or are interested to explore our custom line, please email our team at support@wydrstudios.com