Picture this: a teenage boy, struggling with confidence, bullied and ridiculed for something beyond his control—his skin. This boy was me, Kamal Jahid, and my journey through those dark years shaped who I am today. It’s why I’m so passionate about my work at Acie, and why our mission to revolutionize skincare is deeply personal to me. Let me take you back to those years, and share my story.
The Shadows of My Teenage Years
Growing up, I was an average teenager with one significant burden—severe acne. My skin was my enemy, and every new breakout felt like a blow to my self-esteem. I remember mornings when I dreaded going to school, knowing that my peers would point, laugh, and call me names. They didn’t understand the pain they caused, and I didn’t have the words or the courage to fight back.
The Bathroom Lights Stayed Off
The bathroom became my sanctuary and my prison. I developed a habit that might seem odd to others—I never turned on the lights. I couldn’t bear to look at my reflection, to see the red, swollen pimples and the scars that marred my face. In the dark, I could pretend that my skin wasn’t a problem, that I was just like everyone else. But as soon as I stepped out, reality hit hard.
I vividly remember one particular morning. I had spent hours the night before, trying every home remedy I could find to clear my skin. I woke up with hope, but as I turned on the bathroom light and saw my face, that hope shattered. The sight of my own reflection brought tears to my eyes. I quickly turned off the light and vowed never to look again. It was easier to face the world if I couldn’t see the truth myself.
Bullying and Isolation
School was a battleground. The teasing was relentless, and I often found myself alone, eating lunch in the bathroom or the library to avoid the cruel remarks. Teachers saw the bullying but did little to stop it, and my parents, despite their best efforts, couldn’t shield me from the world’s harshness.
Every laugh, every whisper, felt like a dagger. I started to withdraw, my grades slipping as I lost the will to participate. I became a shadow of my former self, hiding behind long bangs and oversized hoodies. The emotional scars ran deeper than any physical blemish, and the isolation was suffocating.
A Ray of Hope: Discovering My Passion
Amidst the darkness, I found solace in an unlikely place—science. I became fascinated with biology, particularly dermatology. Understanding the mechanisms behind my skin condition gave me a sense of control, and a dream began to take shape. I wanted to find a solution, not just for myself, but for everyone who felt the same pain I did.
Joining Acie: A Personal Mission
Years later, when Flora Bui, the CEO of Acie, reached out to me, I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for. During our meeting, as she demonstrated the Acie device and explained its mission, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. I shared my story with her, the struggles, the tears, and the dream that had kept me going. She listened with empathy and understanding, and I knew that Acie was where I belonged.
My Mission at Acie
At Acie, we’re not just developing a skincare device; we’re creating a lifeline. Our advanced biosensors and AI technology are designed to provide personalized, effective solutions, tailored to each individual’s unique skin needs. It’s about more than clear skin—it’s about restoring confidence and giving people the freedom to thrive without fear of judgment.
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My journey from the shadows of my teenage years to the light of today’s mission at Acie is a testament to resilience and hope. I want every person who struggles with their skin to know that they are not alone, and that there is a solution that sees and understands them.
Join us on this journey. Follow Acie on social media, support our crowdfunding campaign, and be part of a movement that aims to abolish skin problems and build a future where everyone can shine with confidence.
Together, we can turn the lights back on.
