Model and Entrepreneur Ninu Galot on ‘Vitiligo’, a skin disease.

London-based fitness model and entrepreneur Ninu Galot spoke about ‘Vitiligo’, a long-term, chronic medical condition that results in loss of pigmentation, in white patches, visible on the skin across the body, hair and eyes. Ninu Galot is a patient herself. With about 1% of the world’s population suffering from Vitiligo, approximately 65 million people suffer from the skin disorder globally. Many Indians suffer from Vitiligo too, along with the social stigmas attached to it, making those affected less confident and less social.

WHAT is it?

It is a skin condition where pale white patches appear on the skin. It’s a loss of melanin pigment in the skin.

WHY is it a problem that needs addressing?

From my experience, I believe it needs addressing as it’s something people suffer in silence. The doctors don’t consider it as something which need addressing as it’s not life threatening

HOW is it created/medical story?

It just appears… It is medically said to be hereditary and can also occur because of stress.

WHAT are the stats?

It affects about 1% of Worlds population.

WHY are people hiding it?

Well it depends where people have it. When I had it on parts of my body, which I covered with clothing, everything was fine.  However, when it’s on hands or face it becomes harder to hide. There is cover up available, however it didn’t work for me. When I went on the beach or was wearing a swimsuit, it would reveal my vitiligo.

HOW does it play out in people’s lives?

It can cause a lack of self esteem and confidence. It can also cause people to be less sociable.

YOUR background story in general?

When I decided to do the fitness competition to raise awareness for vitiligo, the support I got from family and friends to do this was fantastic. After I chose to start speaking about my challenges with vitiligo, I found everyone around me to be very supportive. People always saw me as someone whose got everything, and is both confident and successful. But within myself I wasn’t happy even though I kept smiling for the people around me. I used to cover it up and didn’t want to go out or meet people. I’ve always been a perfectionist and vitiligo was something that was out of my control. I found it hard to handle.  I spent a lot of money travelling to Milan for treatment. Money can’t buy happiness, but it gives you options. I read a lot of books, and found information on the internet. This helped me change my diet, to try and eliminate viltigo. Now I’m happy and smiling for me as I’ve set myself free by being open about it. Books really helped power of now and quantum healing.. I love the work of Louis Hay the most. She taught me to love myself!  I learnt to accept it as a gift from god and changed my way of thinking. I’m very blessed to have a great family and group of friends who have been very supportive in everything I’ve done. This is not a topic that is widely spoken about.

WHAT made you speak up about it NOW?

I felt the time was right. It wasn’t an easy decision to make as I’ve opened up about something very close to my heart. Even before deciding to go on stage and discussing it in media, I thought about what would people say. Then I thought to myself that they will be proud, and in turn it could help others who are also affected. The decision to not cover my vitiligo is to display self love, and that I am now proud to show off that same thing that scared me for 15 years! I consider it as my trademark! I want to make a difference. It’s not about blending in, but about standing out! I’ve learnt to accept my flaws and realized it’s my trademark and fashion statement.  Just like a great physique can’t be bought, but takes hard work and commitment. Discipline is something I’ve learnt the last 6 months.
I went travelling last year for 6 weeks on my own and realised that no one noticed the vitiligo. It was only me. People love me for who I am. The only person who didn’t love me was me.

WHAT exact concepts and methodologies have you used to overcome the pain of living with it?

I’ve tried so many different things. I Started off on a young democate cream called doctor Higgins. The doctor suggested seeing homeopathic which spread the vitiligo. Then a friend found treatment in Milan, which I went through from October 2004 to October 2017. I found the vitiligo getting better and worse. In between that I saw a nutritionist and had lots of blood tests done to see if I was lacking anything in my body which was causing it. I then had personal development seminars with tony Robbins, Richard bandler and Paul mc kenna. Lastly, I read lots of books, both health and non health related. Louise hay taught me to love myself and gain acceptance by doing affirmations. Deepak chopra quantum healing helped as well. I read many inspirational books.

WHAT treatments worked for you and what was a waste of time/money?
Uv treatment worked for me. The fitness competition made me stronger to speak about this, both physically and emotionally. Robert Holden says exercise releases happy endorphins, and highly recommends people to incorporate it into there daily life.

WHERE did you find support?

I didn’t find support available apart from family. What I’m looking to do is create vitiligo awareness month.

HOW does the future look?

The future is what we make of it. Some people might be ok with the Vitiligo. Those who aren’t should speak to there fiends and family about how they’re feeling. Let it go and be present and enjoy life! I’m not going to say it’s easy.  It’s taken me 15 years to speak about it, but now I feel free after doing so!

Journey of doing the fitness competition, your challenges and highlights?

I entered fitness competition as a bit of fun! Little did I know how challenging it would be. I have so much respect for anyone who’s ever entered a fitness competition, because it takes so much discipline! It’s life changing. I’ve learnt so much about healthy eating and training! It’s a lifestyle change! I’m so grateful to Sav at muscleworks for training me. When all the other trainers said I couldn’t do it, he had faith in me! He’s been training me 6 days a week for the last 16 weeks. For 3 weeks I was ill, and this was 2 weeks before the competition.  I was so close to giving up. One thing I’ve realised over the last 6 months since I’ve signed up for the competition is that when I shifted my focus away from Vitiligo and stopped thinking about it, my condition started getting a lot better. I’m now talking about my skin condition as opposed to hiding/covering it up.

What makes a successful business woman ?

Believe in your work, play hard, dream big and never give up! When people think I can’t do it, I prove them wrong.

How did I start my business?

At the age of 19, when I was studying, the idea sparked.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love traveling, shopping, and chilling out with friends.

What challenges you?

When someone says I can’t do it.

What inspires you?

Other inspirational women, such as Priyanka Chopra.

What does ninu stand for?

It stands for being unique, confident, and a successful Indian woman.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as having made a change, and leaving a legacy! I want my parents to be proud of me.