I had become disabled after a rare childhood stroke at ten years old. I had quickly fallen into a severe depression and OCD that would last me the rest of my life, and one of the only things that pulled me out of that hole was art- more specifically photography and videography. If my hands were imperfect or permanently damaged, or I had a mess up at school ,my illnesses would have me spiraling for months. In my darkest months, photography and testing new camera gear kept me motivated. In a lifetime that had robbed me of an able-bodied childhood and any hope of living, capturing photos and concerts made me feel alive again. I believe in my heart, that photography- due to it having no rules or rigid structure or way to be “correct” is what was a freeing element to me. My whole adolescence, I was stuck with a limp and a drooping face, a scattered memory after brain damage. I stuck out like a sore thumb- but behind the camera, I got to let go of any rules or predispositions of what it means to create art. Photography was something that wasn’t just an art form to me, but an escape- a testament to the fact that happiness does exist and I was actually capable of feeling that when I hit that shutter button. To me, getting my dad's worn, old camera was an expression of trust in my artistic vision and of the passing of time. My dad was an incredible artist and traditional artist, with hyperrealism in his portfolio that shocked most of us. Photography and albums, scrapbooking to me has been a means of preserving the joy around me in my life and allowing me to fully flex my creative muscles in the most healing way possible. Knowing that I always have more concerts, backyard concerts to photograph and capture is something that inspires me to keep living and keep creating. I’ve been told I have a great eye for this art, I even wanted to be a freelance wedding photographer at one point. I find joy in the happiness in others' lives, in the imperfections of the light flares and in the smiles of every person I have ever been able to capture. My disability has tested me, made me fatigued, yes, but it's also taught me a lot about how accessible photography is and how many ways there is to play with a camera- across budgets, across different mentalities. Everyone’s vision is so different and that is the fun part about art! No rules means no one to judge. No one can tell me I am living or creating the wrong way and I’m inspired to always find new ways to splice memories and colors together. My disability doesn’t hold me back, because art carries me to research lightweight cameras, to push me to get stronger and to overall live a life filled with happiness and a hunger to create more.

The legacy I hope to create is one of inclusivity and financial empowerment for women everywhere. I suffered a stroke at ten years old and the medical trauma and the costs essentially bankrupted my family and had trapped me in a life and body that felt helpless for years. Only now through social media, making my own income and building our savings did I feel fully empowered and capable again. I have felt more inspired than ever seeing fellow disabled women thriving online creatively through makeup and photography, sewing and more. My big ambitious dream would be to create something that inspires others to push through the impossible and create their dream life for themselves. I dream of a world that not only includes disabled women in the narrative but actually pushes to empower and inspire any of those who feel the most hopeless. I envision this as an in-depth life coaching business and general educational path for myself in my future. I believe financial security is something that is often gatekept from women who need it the most and in my future I hope to teach women creative ways to make money and build their savings responsibly and to be able to share my personal anecdotes too. I've always wanted to be an author and writing about my financial struggles and later success is a huge ambition of mine that I will work hard to achieve one day. In this current economy, the most accessible way for me to share my story has been on social media- where I've since gone viral for many times speaking about stroke awareness, invisible disabilities and my financial journey as a creator. I want to share all my tips and my story with the world and I see that as a future comprehensive business sharing my tips and realistic approach to finances. I regularly speak on politics and news policy, and how feminism is so important to our collective community wellness and growth that is possible for us all. I will create my future business to be a testament to the art of persevering and how diligence around money can be the most rewarding act of all. To confront our pasts and current selves while saving money is something I want to teach to others through the next few decades. Businesses that center around empathy and people’s external hurdles in this economy and lifetime is something I want to always be aware of and highlight through my work. I believe in a future business, where women around the globe can be inspired to push through with their goals and create a financially stable, and joyful future for themselves.