But today the self-proclaimed Melanin Goddess's stunning complexion has helped her forge a successful modeling career. After being spotted by the diversity-promoting campaign The Colored Girl Project, Khoudia saw her Instagram take off, quickly gathering more than 260,000 followers.
Turning a strong web presence into a platform to empower other women of color, the young model explains the reason behind her nickname:
"Because of my dark, melanin rich complexion and because I want to inspire young girls and let them know that we are all goddesses inside and out.
The message I have for my sisters is that how you look doesn't matter as long as you feel beautiful inside."
Pushing for more diversity on the catwalks, Khoudia also uses her social media accounts to share beauty tips for darker skin. As she said to French magazine Madmoizelle, "If you're lucky enough to be different, don't do anything to change that."
With over two years of modeling experience under her belt already, Khoudia lives between New York and Paris and continues to find no shortage of work.
We can't wait to see where her career takes her next.