American-based South Sudanese model Nyakim Gatwech has captivated social media users with her strikingly rich, dark complexion and undeniable beauty. While “Black is beautiful” has always been a powerful truth, Nyakim takes it to extraordinary new heights—her skin is so richly pigmented that some have mistaken it for being digitally altered.
But her journey wasn’t always filled with confidence and admiration. During her middle school years, Nyakim often cried herself to sleep, haunted by the belief that she wasn’t beautiful enough. Fast forward to today, and the now 24-year-old model has become an international symbol of self-love and empowerment. Her secret? Embracing who she is, unapologetically.
Nyakim’s unwavering self-confidence shines in a world where many still resort to harmful skin-lightening products in an attempt to conform to narrow beauty ideals.
“It takes time to love who you are,” she says. “Be confident in whatever the situation is. If you love yourself, other people will see it. It will shine through you—and then they can either accept you or walk away.”
Lovingly dubbed the ‘Queen of Dark’, Nyakim wears the title with pride. She uses it as a platform to encourage self-acceptance and challenge societal standards of beauty. Her radiant confidence has turned her into a role model for countless young girls navigating their own self-worth.
Nyakim first went viral after sharing a powerful story on Instagram. She recounted a conversation with a curious Uber driver who asked if she would bleach her skin for $10,000. Her response was swift and bold:
“Why on earth would I ever bleach this beautiful melanin God blessed me with?”
Her answer left the driver stunned—but Nyakim wasn’t. She’s long been familiar with puzzled stares and intrusive questions about her skin every time she steps outside.
Despite it all, Nyakim has chosen to rise above. She continues to inspire by being true to herself and using her platform to uplift others.
“I empower dark-skinned little girls who are bullied for having skin they can’t change,” she shared. “One little girl wrote me a paragraph thanking me for loving myself. She said that because I love myself, she’s learned to love herself too.”
