When Angelica was born on May 6, 2018, she was a stunning baby with a button nose, radiant eyes, and a unique heart-shaped port-wine birthmark on her face. Her mother, Marianna Bowering, adored every part of her daughter’s appearance, but not everyone shared her admiration.

While many friends and family embraced Angelica’s beauty, others couldn’t resist making cruel remarks. Marianna recounted one of the harshest comments she received online: someone cruelly compared Angelica’s birthmark to a burn, asking if her face had been pressed against a skillet. Hurtful terms like “defect” and “hideous” were also thrown around, showcasing the ignorance and insensitivity that Marianna and her daughter had to endure.

Despite the negativity, Marianna is committed to ensuring Angelica grows up confident and proud of her unique features. To celebrate her daughter’s beauty and promote acceptance, the 27-year-old mom recently decided to recreate Angelica’s birthmark on her own face using makeup.

“I got the idea from vascular birthmark awareness day, where they encourage people to paint a heart on their cheeks,” Marianna explained to The Epoch Times. “At first, I only painted a small heart, but then I thought, why not go all out and recreate Angelica’s port-wine stain? I wanted to feel just as beautiful as she is.”

The act was deeply symbolic for Marianna, who felt disheartened when people suggested Angelica’s birthmark could be concealed with makeup or that it might fade over time. These remarks, though well-meaning to some, only reinforced society’s harmful beauty standards. Marianna rejected the idea that her daughter should hide her natural features, choosing instead to celebrate them.

This wasn’t the first time Marianna had highlighted Angelica’s birthmark. In the past, she adorned it with glitter to make it shine, sending the message that her daughter’s uniqueness was something to treasure. From the start, both Marianna and her husband have believed Angelica’s birthmark is a source of pride, not shame, and they’ve worked tirelessly to ensure Angelica feels the same way.

While port-wine birthmarks can sometimes be linked to other health issues, Marianna shared that Angelica has been fortunate. “Thankfully, after running tests, we know Angelica is completely healthy,” she told TODAY. “We just need regular check-ups, especially for her eyes, as there’s a risk of glaucoma.”

Through her efforts, Marianna has not only uplifted her daughter but also helped raise awareness about vascular birthmarks. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and embracing what makes each of us unique.

Angelica, you are truly stunning—never let anyone make you feel otherwise.

And Marianna, your dedication as a mother is inspiring. Thank you for constantly reminding your daughter that her birthmark is a beautiful part of who she is.