By: Victoria Talbot

The Tuli brand speaks out for Models of Disabilities. The brand represents diversity and challenges for all who matter. The face of the brand tells her story as a woman of color overcoming an injury that ended her high fashion modeling career.

Q. Tell us about yourself: Share your background, interests, and what motivates

you in your chosen field or passions.

A little about me. I’ve been in the fashion industry since I was a teen. I’ve always loved performing, modeling. However, what changed for me, was when I became physically disabled and I realized I wanted to be more than just a pretty face. So, I started combining my gift of modeling, performing & combining & creating beauty looks for various causes & disabilities.

Q. How did you begin your journey in your field or interest? Could you take us

through the key moments that have shaped your path so far?

I began my journey when I became physically disabled from a work-related accident. I realized I wanted to advocate & raise awareness, especially in a community that is so forgotten and misunderstood. However, given my own limitations, I had to find a way to do so; that’s when I decided to combine my love for beauty and modelling and use that to raise awareness & advocate.

Q. What inspired you to pursue your field or interest, and why is it your chosen

path? 

Modeling has always been my love, especially runway. But God had a different purpose for me, that I do my best to fully embrace! So now I get to do the two things I love! Model and help others also.

Q. Are there specific individuals, mentors, or role models who have had a

significant influence on your journey?

I would have to say my passion for advocating started young; my mom was always immunocompromised, and my nephew was an amputee from a boating accident, so even early on, I saw the unfairness the disabled had to experience. And most recently, my 9-year-old niece, who is a Prader Willis Syndrome survivor and warrior, has special needs, and that really opened my eyes. So, a combination of everything, including my own experience, sort of catapulted me into this path.

Q. Could you share some of your significant or memorable achievements or

experiences in your field or area of interest?

I would have to say, just the love & messages I receive from others thanking me for speaking up about various disabilities and causes. I often hear, wow you’re an angel to raise awareness on disabilities that don’t pertain to you.  But I see it as, the more awareness we raise, the more resources and tools can be provided to those in need. And if I have the platform and the voice to contribute to that change, then why wouldn’t I.

Q. Looking back, what do you consider your most important work or contribution

to date, and why?

I’m just getting started, but again the positive messages I receive. Even creating safe spaces for others to feel validated & heard is what matters most to me!

Future Plans and Aspirations

Q. What exciting projects, goals, or plans do you have for the future in your career

or area of interest?

Let’s see, I plan on being on more podcasts and really speaking up on my own experiences as well as being a voice for others. I know the sky’s the limit and I intend to reach as many as I can with education in regards to disabilities and causes that are very close to me, especially the stigmas surrounding mental health.

Q. How do you see your field evolving or changing in the coming years, and how

Do you aim to adapt or contribute to those changes?

I can only hope and pray that through my advocacy it will raise more awareness and educate others to jump on board with me to help make the changes we all need as a whole.

Personal Details

Q. If applicable, could you provide us with some relevant personal details or characteristics that define you or your work?

I am very transparent in my own journeys. So, I use them to uplift, inspire and empower others, that no matter what life throws at you, you can in fact overcome it! You may have to take the scenic route, but anything is possible!

Professional Details

Q. Could you share your current professional status and location? 

Currently, due to my own physical disabilities, I am unemployed. However, when my body allows, I use my spare time to use my platform to raise awareness, educate and advocate by modeling.

Q. If relevant, do you have a willingness to relocate or travel for your work or interests? 

Even though I’m from Chicago originally and currently reside in Wisconsin, New York will always be home to me, and I do hope when I’m physically and financially ready to. I’d love to move back or visit as often as I possibly can! But I also walk in faith and go with God’s plan for me.

Principles and Values

Q. What core principles or values guide you in your profession or area of

interest?

I would have to say my genuine love for helping others. I’ve always been very strong in my faith and believe kindness goes a long way. And that’s what motivates me to keep going, knowing I’m making a change and hopefully saving someone from ever feeling they’re alone.

Q. How do you approach your work or passions on a day-to-day basis? 

Well, when I’m able to, I create content. I do my best to be as active on my platforms as possible, however, there are some days I do have to listen to my body and take my own rest days.

Q. Do you follow specific philosophies or practices?

Again, I can’t stress enough how far being kind and a good human to others goes. I love them all, and at the end of the day, I hope that through my contributions, every single individual will know they do, in fact, matter and, most importantly, how loved and valued they are! Because I love you all!

For more information, you may visit: Instagram.

Published by Nicholas A.