This is How We Roll was created by Jenny Addis in 2013. Her aim was to highlight the importance of medical research, wheelchair accessibility and inclusion within the community by breaking down barriers and changing stereotypes. It also provides each model with a life-changing experience by promoting positivity, self-worth and life skills.
When I found out about the opportunity, I quickly applied, even though it was near Milwaukee, which is around 1.5 hours north of where I live.
The inclusive fashion show for wheelchair users
Each model was assigned a specific retailer to get their outfit from, and mine was Maurices. I went to Maurices by myself – man was that a mistake. I spent almost three hours in the store making the manager absolutely crazy as I tried to decide on an outfit.
After burning a couple of hundred calories from trying on outfit after outfit, and shedding a few silent tears in the dressing room, I finally found the winning look. Cropped, fitted grey pants, paired with a light pink floral print top and a navy blue blazer. STYLIN’!
A week later it was the big day! I arrived at the venue in the early afternoon to get my hair and make-up done. Because my hair is as thick as a horsetail, I had not one but three people working on it at once. After admiring my freshly curled locks, I went on to get my headshots taken and then began socialising with the other models.
