From Wizard to Warrior
At 16, Selena Gomez was already a Disney star on "Wizards of Waverly Place." She had the role, the fame, the life millions dreamed of. But nobody knew what was coming.
In 2013, at the height of her career, Selena was diagnosed with lupus—an autoimmune disease that forces your body to attack itself. She underwent chemotherapy. She battled kidney disease. In 2017, she received a kidney transplant from her best friend.
But the physical battles were only part of her story. Selena publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She checked into mental health facilities. She spoke openly about depression, anxiety, and the darkness no amount of fame could fix.
While everyone doubted she could build anything beyond her music career, Selena did something radical: she turned her vulnerability into a $1.3 billion business. Rare Beauty wasn't just a cosmetics brand—it was a mental health movement. Every product came with the message that you are rare, you matter, and your flaws are what make you powerful.
She became a billionaire. She became the most-followed woman on Instagram. But more importantly, she became a voice for everyone who felt broken. Selena proved that you don't have to be "fixed" to be extraordinary.