Having parents around during childhood often gives children a crucial sense of safety, belonging, and stability that shapes their emotional development. When that presence is missing, children may face lasting emotional challenges such as insecurity, confusion, and feelings of rejection. Such was the beginning of Xueli Abbing’s life: she was born in China and abandoned as a baby at the doorstep of an orphanage, with no information about her biological parents and no connection to them. The absence of parental protection in those formative months left an imprint on her story, though it did not define her future success. The orphanage staff named her Xue Li — combining “Xue” meaning snow and “Li” meaning beautiful — an early symbol of her distinct identity rooted in both vulnerability and potential.

Xueli’s life changed dramatically when she was adopted by a family in the Netherlands at age three, providing the loving support and stability she lacked at the start of her life . Growing up in her adoptive home offered her a sense of belonging and acceptance that helped cultivate resilience and self‑confidence. Her adoptive family encouraged her individuality and embraced her differences rather than hiding or correcting them, which was crucial in helping Xueli build a strong sense of self. For children who have experienced abandonment, this kind of supportive environment can be transformative, opening doors to emotional growth, self‑worth, and the belief that their beginnings do not determine their destiny.

At age 11, Xueli’s life took an unexpected turn when a fashion designer in Hong Kong invited her to model in a campaign called “Perfect Imperfections”, a project celebrating diverse forms of beauty This opportunity gave her early exposure to modeling and helped shift her self‑perception from someone defined by difference to someone whose uniqueness could be celebrated. In an interview, Xueli described the experience as “an amazing experience,” marking the beginning of a new path where her appearance — once the reason for abandonment — became a source of empowerment.

Albinism is a genetic condition that results in reduced melanin, leading to pale skin, light hair, and vision impairments — in Xueli’s case, she has only about 8–10 % visiont. People with albinism often face serious discrimination and dangerous beliefs in parts of the world, where false myths portray them as cursed or as possessing magical properties, leading in some countries to kidnapping or even violence. Even within fashion, individuals with albinism may be stereotyped as ethereal figures like angels or ghosts, reinforcing harmful tropes instead of seeing them as fully human. Xueli has spoken openly about how such portrayals “make me sad,” and about her desire to shift public perceptions toward a more respectful and accurate understanding.

Despite these challenges, Xueli persevered in the modeling world and achieved noteworthy recognition. One of her photos taken by a London photographer was purchased by Vogue Italia for its June 2019 issue, significantly raising her visibility and influence . Her growing platform enabled her not only to advance her modeling career but also to speak publicly about broader issues — the diversity of beauty, inclusivity, and acceptance of people with differences. Xueli has said she wants to educate others about albinism as a genetic condition rather than a defining curse, emphasizing respectful language like “a person with albinism” rather than labels that reduce individuals to their appearance . Through modeling, interviews, and social media, she uses her voice to influence public perceptions and create space for people who have been marginalized.

Xueli’s story transcends fashion; it has become a platform for advocacy and education about albinism and inclusivity. She actively works to combat stereotypes, raise awareness, and challenge societal norms that value narrow standards of beauty. Her journey from abandoned baby to international model demonstrates how resilience, opportunity, and supportive environments can help overcome even the most difficult beginnings. Xueli stands as an inspiration not just for those with albinism but for anyone who has faced adversity, showing that identity and worth are not defined by early hardship or the misconceptions of others. Today she continues to use her visibility to promote understanding, compassion, and acceptance across cultures and communities