In a world where advertising campaigns are beginning to reflect the diversity of society, one mom’s experience with her son’s rejection as a model highlights just how far we still have to go. Meagan Nash, a devoted mother from Georgia, was left heartbroken and frustrated when her 15-month-old son, Asher, was turned down by a modeling agency representing children’s clothing brand Oshkosh B’Gosh.
The reason for the rejection? Asher has Down syndrome.
A Perfect Fit, Yet Rejected
When Oshkosh B’Gosh announced a search for child models, Meagan was thrilled. Her son Asher perfectly fit the requirements: his height, hair color, and eye color were all a match. Confident in her son’s charm and potential, Meagan submitted his photos.
Yet, days turned into weeks, and Meagan heard nothing back. Curious and concerned, she reached out to the agency, only to be told that they weren’t interested in casting a baby with special needs.
“They said they were not casting a baby with special needs,” Meagan shared in disbelief. Her frustration quickly turned to determination as she realized the opportunity Asher was denied wasn’t based on his abilities or appearance, but simply on an outdated bias.
Turning Frustration into Advocacy
Instead of backing down, Meagan decided to take action. She turned to social media, sharing professional photos of Asher—donning a blue denim shirt and bow tie—in the Facebook group “Kids with Down’s Syndrome.”
In her post, Meagan called on the world to see her son for who he truly is: a happy, vibrant child with the ability to “change the face of beauty.”
“Let’s make a difference—share so they see Asher!” Meagan wrote. “This handsome boy is ready to show the world what Changing the Face of Beauty is really about.”
Her post struck a chord. Asher’s radiant smile and undeniable charm quickly captured hearts, with his photos garnering over 100,000 likes and shares. Comments flooded in, with people praising Meagan’s courage and Asher’s undeniable star quality.
A Larger Movement for Representation
Meagan partnered with the organization Changing the Face of Beauty, which advocates for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. The goal was simple: to convince Oshkosh B’Gosh to reconsider and include Asher in their campaigns.
While it was later clarified that the rejection came from an agency, not Oshkosh B’Gosh directly, the message was clear: brands and their representatives need to do better in recognizing and embracing diversity.
“We just want him to have the same opportunities as every other child,” Meagan told The Independent. “We’re not asking for special treatment—we’re asking for equal treatment.”
A New Face of Beauty
Asher’s story is a powerful reminder of the work still needed to create a world that truly celebrates diversity and inclusion. Thanks to Meagan’s advocacy, his radiant photos continue to inspire families and organizations alike, shining a spotlight on the beauty of every child—regardless of abilities.
This story isn’t just about a missed modeling opportunity. It’s about challenging outdated standards and pushing for a future where every child, like Asher, is seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Share this story to help spread awareness and show your support for Meagan, Asher, and the fight to make advertising inclusive for all. 
