Toddler With Down Syndrome Makes Modeling Debut

BUFORD, GA — Not even 2 years old yet, Buford's Asher Nash has made his modeling debut.

And according to his mom, the campaign, for Oshkosh B'Gosh, is just the first step for the toddler with Down syndrome.

Asher's first photos for the children's clothing line appeared on its website Friday. One was sent out on the Oshkosh Instagram account on Saturday, and more are planned for the company's website and social media accounts.

"I feel so many emotions after seeing the ad ...," said Meagan Nash, Asher's mother, who had campaigned for her son to be featured by the brand after he was initially turned down by a modeling agency.

"I set out to spread awareness on an issue we face in the world today, and people actually not only took notice, but they are also wanting to spread awareness and make a change like Oshkosh did."

After that initial snub, Meagan took to social media to tell Asher's story as a way of promoting the inclusion of special needs children in advertising and media.

A blurb about Asher's story, along with photos of him, shared by the popular Kids With Down Syndrome Facebook page has more than 104,000 "likes" and had been shared more than 126,000 times as of Monday.

And his own Facebook page, Asher's Down Right Perfect, has more than 12,000 people who either like or follow it.

Meagan also has begun working with Changing The Face of Beauty, a nonprofit group that is committed to the equal representation of people with disabilities in advertising and other media.

All that publicity, which included a "Good Morning America" appearance, paid off and a meeting with Oshkosh — owned by Atlanta-based Carter Inc. — led to his inclusion in the company's campaign.

For the young model, who mom says clearly enjoys his sessions in front of a camera, that may just be the beginning.

Meagan said Asher has been asked to work with several other brands, including Toys 'R' Us, Oball, Ingenuity, Happy Family Brand and NumNum.

Photo via Oshkosh B'Gosh