FORGETTING INSECURITIES AND FINDING CONFIDENCE
Growing up I was always a pretty confident kid despite the fact that no matter what country I was living in I was always the only one in my grade or school with a physical disability. I was known by my peers as someone who was exceptionally outgoing and friendly, and I took pride in that. However, one thing I was never confident about or comfortable doing was taking photos in my wheelchair. Although I was not and never will be ashamed of being in a wheelchair, throughout high school I distinctly remember cropping my photos on Facebook to ensure that I was only visible from the waist up.
Fast forward 8 years and here I am with a career in the fashion industry, something that I only could have dreamed of as a high school senior. Throughout my career, I have had to face situations where I let the negative perceptions surrounding my disability get the better of me. From being cut out of photos at events to being laughed at and looked down upon by people within my industry who think I don't belong, I have proudly overcome adversity with a smile on my face. However, It wasn't until recently that I realized through my work in this industry I have also overcome an insecurity that I forgot I had.
This realization came about by reading the hundreds of amazing comments left by viewers of both my social experiment with Korean content creator Jaykeeout ( watch here) and my ABC7 Inspire series Interview with Michelle Marsh (watch here). Reading how I have given confidence to and inspired people with and without disabilities to live their lives to the fullest and embrace every moment in life was truly heartwarming. I can't believe that by simply being true to myself and doing what I love has enabled me to touch the hearts of so many people around the world.
Creating this fashion website and its Instagram allowed me to fully embrace my wheelchair as an extended part of my body that I see as beautiful. I have always said that one of the main reasons I launched this platform was to break the negative perceptions surrounding people with disabilities, and as I continue to advance in my career as a fashion consultant and influencer It is very hard to imagine that just eight years ago I didn't have the confidence to share all of who I am on an online platform that was made up of mostly peers. I have no other excuse than teenagers will be teenagers.
Don't get me wrong, I have always felt comfortable in front of the camera but now I am as confident than ever and loving every minute of it, especially when I am wearing XY 😛
"Beauty has so many forms, and I think the most beautiful thing is confidence and loving yourself. "- Kiesza
