Hi, my name is Yasmine, and for the past eight years, I’ve carried the same quiet hope: to finally get braces. I love to laugh and smile, but behind that joy has always been insecurity. I’ve spent years covering my mouth, overthinking photos, and worrying that people will notice my overcrowding before they notice me. Something as small as a smile has felt heavy when it should feel free.

Throughout these years, I’ve gone to many orthodontic consultations, each time hoping this would be the one that was affordable. Every time, it wasn’t. As the years passed, prices only increased along with the cost of living, making that dream feel further and further away. Still, I kept hoping.

Now, as a senior in high school, I’ve realized I don’t want to keep waiting for a moment that may never come. I don’t want my confidence, opportunities, or self-expression to be limited by something that can be changed with the right support. I want to feel proud of my smile without hesitation or fear.

That’s why I created this GoFundMe. Every single dollar raised will go directly toward my braces treatment and toward something much bigger than appearance — confidence, self-love, and the freedom to smile without holding back. I’ve also started a henna business to do everything I can on my own to help cover the cost. If you’d like to support me that way, you can DM me on Instagram at @ymi.designs for henna.

Whether you’re able to donate or simply share my story, your support means more than I can put into words. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me take a step toward a smile I’ve been dreaming of for nearly a decade. Every dollar truly matters.