I was born Arti Shah, in Northampton and lived there for 18 years, until I went to University. Coming from a loving and supportive family - my parents, my brother and a very a close extended family - I feel I have been very lucky. My friends, from childhood, school, university and work have been so supportive of everything I do.

I was born 6 weeks premature and have been a fighter since day one! At the age of 2, I was diagnosed with a condition called pseudoachondroplasia, which is a long word for a small person…it just means that I am of diminutive stature, 4ft to be exact!

My diagnosis didn’t mean that I was bubble wrapped and not able to lead a normal life, far from it, I wasn’t afraid to do anything! I’ve led a normal life and have done all the usual things anyone else would have done. After studying GCSE’s, I completed my A-levels and went on to University and completed my degree. I wanted to pursue Drama, but chose business.

University in Birmingham was a turning point for me, I became the confident person I am today! Following graduating, I moved to London to pursue acting/entertainment. I have worked in the media industry since.

I have realised, being different and standing out from everyone else is an advantage. With the way I look and how people perceive me, I wanted to make a big difference. My personality brings out the best in all around me. At the age of 14, I had a small role in a pop video and a large number of people at school recognised me for that. During the same year, I was asked to be in a pantomime to take advantage of my height, but did not want to be stereotyped. As the years have gone on, I have realised that I have the potential to use my niche physique and capture and charm audiences.

My first role was in October 2003 (this was a very lucky month for me…my birth month too!) I was cast for a commercial for UKG2, a commercial to launch UKG2. I was dressed up as Calamity Jane, but better! I wore a cowgirl outfit with a blond bobbed wig and extraordinary pink eyelashes. I was to sit on a tiny horse that looked like a “my little pony”, as it had rainbow coloured hair! I had so much fun!

During the same month, I was a “little protester” in Jonathan Creek, it was an amazing opportunity to work on such an established drama.

Shortly after, I was asked to Play Rachel Grant’s Mini Me in a Tv series Zero to Hero, a Thames Television production for Channel 4. I was her sinister sidekick Mini Me – half the size but twice as evil!

This lead to more entertainment work. I was a guest list host for a Liberty X party and an entertainment host at a famous music producer’s party.

My love for dancing started at an early age. My first event was dancing on stage with Tina Moore a leading R&B artist whilst at university. I also won the Miss University contest I had to speak to the crowd for 60 seconds to win them over and came up with a line “ I love people and people love me” - it has stuck ever since!

In 2006, I was a “tiny” freestyle dancer at the final GunsNRoses concert at Wembley Arena. This summer, I was booked to dance and mingle with the guests at Ronnie Wood’s (Rolling Stones) 60th birthday. I was dressed as a gypsy and although I went for a traditional look I could have easily got away with being a belly dancer!

My acting and entertainment work has led me to work in numerous events and parties, dressing up as a tiny witch and a mini ‘Prince’ to name a few.

I want to continue to work in entertainment, films and commercials and to continue to capture and delight audiences and express myself in as many ways as possible. After all…all good things come in small packages.