Category: Monthly Beauties

Representation Matters! A monthly “Beyond Sight” cover feature published every third Monday. “Meet The Faces of Bold Blind Beautiful Accomplished Women.”

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Living Blind: Ariana Dewberry’s Journey of Empowerment

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.

Bold Blind Beauty understands the importance of representation, and we believe real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our July cover model, Ariana Dewberry, embodies this belief. It is our mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

There is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments.

~Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie

Editor’s Note

A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.

This July, Bold Blind Beauty proudly features Ariana Dewberry—known to many as Professor Blindie—as our Monthly Beauty. Ariana’s story exemplifies the resilience, vision, and authenticity that lie at the heart of true representation.

As Ariana shares, searching for a ready-made blueprint to achieve a thriving life with blindness often reveals a difficult but empowering truth: there is no one-size-fits-all path. Each journey is unique, molded by personal triumphs, struggles, and the willingness to rise time and again. Ariana’s honesty reminds us that comparison can diminish the value of our accomplishments, while courage and self-acceptance allow us to celebrate every hard-earned milestone.

Ariana’s evolution from seeking external examples to embodying the representation she craved is a lesson in empowerment for all. Her advocacy, unwavering commitment to education, and vibrant leadership through Blind Intelligence challenge stereotypes and open doors for countless others.

In highlighting Ariana, we hope her story ignites confidence for every reader: embrace your individuality, share your journey, and remember that your story—stumbles, victories, and all—holds immeasurable power. Congratulations to Ariana Dewberry for lighting the way and showing us all how to blaze our blueprint.

With pride and gratitude,

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | July 2025 Monthly Beauty

Blaze Your Blueprint: Discovering the Power Within

A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: "My eye sight doesn’t determine my future." She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
Graduation

For a long time, I searched for myself in other people’s journeys. I was just looking for a blueprint—a guide to living a prosperous and successful blind life. Eventually, I realized that the representation I longed to see was within me. I had to become what I was searching for.

At first, it felt like a harsh truth: there is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments. Your milestones, your victories—they matter more when they’re earned through your own grit, perseverance, and strength.

It’s okay to blaze your own path, to stumble, to fall, to rise again—and to stride at your own pace. This is your life to live and your story to tell.

A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection. The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

Ariana Dewberry’s Biography

Ariana Dewberry, known professionally as Professor Blindie, is an ambitious mother, entrepreneur, and college student from Dallas, Texas. She is the founder of Blind Intelligence, a platform dedicated to educating, empowering, and disability advocacy. After being diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri, Ariana turned her challenges into purpose, raising awareness through events, merchandise, and public speaking. Now on the path to becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, she continues to inspire others by embodying the representation she once searched for.

Connect With Ariana Dewberry

Image Description

  • Header: Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm.
    • She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • Graduation: A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. 
    • Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: “My eye sight doesn’t determine my future.” She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
  • A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a  playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.
  • A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection.
    • The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to  The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

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When Games Perpetuate Myths: Disability Isn’t a Card to Play

“Seek, Discover, Enjoy:” Marie Elise, wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and a long black sweater, is standing in front of a large sign at Amsterdam Airport that reads: “Seek, Discover, Enjoy.” She has her right arm raised in the air, and in her left hand, she’s holding her symbol cane. The letters on the board are white, set against an orange and pink background.

We understand the importance of representation, and that’s why at Bold Blind Beauty, we believe that real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our April cover model, Marie Elise, embodies this belief wholeheartedly. We want to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

Advocacy work is still so necessary, to help ensure disability becomes seen not as a disaster,
but simply as a natural and neutral part of human diversity.

~Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur

Editor’s Note

A half-body shot of Marie Elise smiling straight at the camera with her hands in her pockets, standing against a beige-colored background. Marie Elise has her brown hair up and is wearing fiery red lipstick. She has on a green t-shirt with a drawing of a mountain range and a silver necklace with an eternity symbol pendant filled with the ashes of her dog. She is also carrying a backpack, of which the straps are tied around her chest and waist.
Fiery Red Lip 💪🏾

At Bold Blind Beauty, our mission is rooted in Access, Inclusion, and Representation—values that challenge stereotypes and amplify the authentic voices of those on the blind spectrum. This month, our April Monthly Beauty, Marie Elise @beyondmyblur, takes on a topic that strikes at the heart of how society perceives disability: the party game ‘Shit Happens.’

As I shared in response to Elie’s Instagram post, none of us can truly know how we would react in a disability-related situation unless we experience it firsthand. Games like ‘Shit Happens,’ along with many disability simulations, can be misleading and even harmful. They risk reinforcing misconceptions and perpetuating the idea that disability is only about hardship or tragedy. This idea continues to fuel high unemployment rates and social exclusion within our community.

When people “think” they understand disability based on a game or a brief simulation, they often walk away with a skewed perspective, believing they’ve grasped what it means to live with a disability. In reality, these experiences rarely capture the complexity, resilience, and richness of disabled lives. Worse, they can set us back by spreading inaccurate information and deepening societal barriers.

Part 1 of Marie Elise’s thoughtful response is included below. Don’t miss Part 2—“Blindness and Betrayals: A Miserable Game”—now available on YouTube. Marie Elise’s voice is a powerful reminder that the lived experiences of people with disabilities cannot be reduced to a game or a momentary exercise in empathy. True understanding comes from listening to real stories, challenging our assumptions, and centering the voices of those who know disability best—the people who live it every day.

Let’s continue to break down barriers by seeking genuine connection and understanding, not shortcuts or simulations. Together, we can reshape perceptions and build a world where everyone is valued for who they are.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Marie Elise, standing on top of a hill at Schönbrunn Palace, is posing for a photo with her arms raised in the air. She is wearing red shorts and a red lace crop top, and she has her symbol cane in her left hand. She’s also wearing a large black sunhat. Behind her is the famous yellow palace, Schönbrunn, located in Vienna, as well as some grass from the hill she is standing on. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | April 2025 | Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Marie Elise | April 2025 Monthly Beauty

The Blind Spot: Rating Life’s Challenges

Marie Elise asks: How would you rank losing your sight?

During a recent trip to Spain, I played the game ‘Shit Happens’ with some
friends. In this card game, featuring 200 everyday and outrageous misfortunes,
Players are challenged to rank each scenario on a “misery index” from 0 to 100.
To my surprise, one of the highest-ranking cards was ‘going blind’, scored at a
staggering 99.5 — only 0.5 points below ‘being buried alive’, which topped the
scale at 100.

As someone living with vision loss, I couldn’t help but pause at that number. Is
going blind, truly that close to the worst thing imaginable, or do we — as a
society — still have a lot to learn about what it actually means to lose one’s
vision?

Marie Elise, wearing a long-sleeve black top with caramel-colored dots, is looking down at a card she is holding in her right hand. The card reads “Going Blind” in yellow letters and features a white symbol of a person holding a cane.
“Going Blind”

Surely, the latter. Ranking it this high, in my opinion, says more about our
collective fear of disability than about disability itself. That fear is rooted in a
lack of knowledge, in ableism — and yes, even in games like this one, however
silly or deceptively insignificant they may seem.

As one of my followers, @rex_and_ayo, commented so insightfully: many
factors can influence how someone experiences vision loss, from access to social security and emotional support, to their country of residence, ability to
work, and much more. And yes, at the beginning of someone’s vision loss
journey, it can absolutely feel like a 100.

But that doesn’t change the fact that games like Shit Happens fuel the narrative
that blindness is nothing but a tragedy, one that apparently leaves little room
for a full and meaningful life.

To me, that 99.5 is more than just a number on a card. It’s a reminder of why
advocacy work is still so necessary, to help ensure disability becomes seen not
as a disaster, but simply as a natural and neutral part of human diversity.

Marie Elise’s Bio

Marie Elise (32) is a travel writer, speaker, and content creator from the
Netherlands. At the age of 16, she was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, a
condition that causes progressive loss of central vision. A passionate explorer,
she founded Beyond My Blur, a platform for visually impaired travelers. On her
website and social media, Marie Elise shares non-visual travel stories – rich in
sounds, scents, textures, and flavors – alongside accessibility insights for each
destination. Through her work, she aims to inspire people of all visual abilities
to consciously connect with their senses and push for a more inclusive travel
industry.

Connect With Marie Elise

Image Description

  • “Seek, Discover, Enjoy:” Marie Elise, wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and a long black sweater, is standing in front of a large sign at Amsterdam Airport that reads: “Seek, Discover, Enjoy.” She has her right arm raised in the air, and in her left hand, she’s holding her symbol cane. The letters on the board are white, set against an orange and pink background.
  • Fiery Red Lip: A half-body shot of Marie Elise smiling straight at the camera with her hands in her pockets, standing against a beige-colored background. Marie Elise has her brown hair up and is wearing fiery red lipstick. She has on a green t-shirt with a drawing of a mountain range and a silver necklace with an eternity symbol pendant filled with the ashes of her dog. She is also carrying a backpack, of which the straps are tied around her chest and waist.
  • Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Marie Elise, standing on top of a hill at Schönbrunn Palace, is posing for a photo with her arms raised in the air. She is wearing red shorts and a red lace crop top, and she has her symbol cane in her left hand. She’s also wearing a large black sunhat. Behind her is the famous yellow palace, Schönbrunn, located in Vienna, as well as some grass from the hill she is standing on. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | April 2025 | Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • “Going Blind:” Marie Elise, wearing a long-sleeve black top with caramel-colored dots, is looking down at a card she is holding in her right hand. The card reads “Going Blind” in yellow letters and features a white symbol of a person holding a cane.

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Josselyn Sosa: Redefining Beauty Through Resilience

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.

We understand the importance of representation, and that’s why at Bold Blind Beauty, we believe that real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our March cover model, Josselyn Sosa embodies this belief wholeheartedly. We want to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

For years, I shrank from using my cane, afraid it announced my difference too loudly. But I learned that resilience isn’t in hiding, it’s in standing tall, taking up space, and moving forward anyway. I learned that true beauty lies in how you embrace your essence, not how the world sees you.

~Josselyn Sosa

Editor’s Note

Photo 2: Pink-tinted sunglasses

This month, we celebrate Josselyn Sosa, a remarkable disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster whose story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of community. Josselyn is a cohost of the Babies Down, Bottles Up podcast, where she, alongside two other blind moms, shares the joys and challenges of parenting with sight loss. Through candid conversations, they empower others in the disability community, creating a sense of belonging and understanding.

Her journey also includes a memorable internship with the Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival in 2013, where she worked tirelessly on outreach and publicity, leaving a lasting impression on the team. Accompanied by her Seeing Eye dog, Nasha, Josselyn’s enthusiasm and dedication were evident in every task she undertook.

Josselyn Sosa embodies—living boldly, authentically, and unapologetically. Her story reminds us that disability is not a limitation but a unique perspective that enriches the world. We are honored to feature her as our March Monthly Beauty and celebrate her empowering contributions to the blind and parenting communities.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Josselyn Sosa | March 2025 Monthly Beauty

Blind is Beautiful, and So is the Journey

Josselyn is standing on a staircase indoors, holding a white cane. She has long wavy hair and is wearing a red dress with a floral pattern. Behind her, there is a large window with a view of a cityscape. Colorful, decorative glass pieces in various shapes and colors, such as red, yellow, blue, and purple, are hanging in front of the window.
Photo 3: Josslyn standing on a staircase

Josselyn Sosa, a resilient disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster, transforms challenges into empowerment. Losing her sight at 12, she mastered new skills and now co-hosts “Babies Down, Bottles Up,” supporting parents with disabilities. An adaptive athlete and mother of two, she defies societal expectations of blindness. Josselyn emphasizes self-acceptance and courage, stating, “Resilience isn’t in hiding, it’s in standing tall.” She inspires others to embrace their identities and live confidently.

Josslyn Sosa’s Bio

Josselyn is a disability advocate, athlete, and podcaster on a mission to challenge perceptions of blindness and parenthood. Originally from El Salvador, she lost her sight at 12 due to congenital glaucoma, but that hasn’t stopped her from living life to the fullest. Now living in Texas with her husband and two young children, ages eight and three, Josselyn thrives as both a mother and a trailblazer in the blind community. As a cohost of the Babies Down, Bottles Up podcast, alongside two other blind moms, she discusses the joys and challenges of parenting with vision loss, while offering empowering insights and fostering a community for parents with disabilities. An athlete, Josselyn plays adaptive sports like beep baseball and goalball, demonstrating that determination and resilience know no bounds. Through her advocacy, podcast, and athletic pursuits, she’s proving that being blind is just another way to live boldly and unapologetically.

Connect With Josselyn

Image Description

  • Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows Josselyn descending a staircase using a white cane with a red tip. She is wearing a long red dress with a floral pattern and a light blue denim jacket. She has long, wavy brown hair and is smiling. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | March 2025 | Josselyn Sosa | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • Photo 2: Josselyn has long, wavy hair and is wearing pink-tinted sunglasses and smiling. She is holding a black microphone on a stand. Her white t-shirt has pink glittery text that reads “Babies Down, Bottles Up” with an image of a champagne bottle.
  • Photo 3: Josselyn is standing on a staircase indoors, holding a white cane. She has long wavy hair and is wearing a red dress with a floral pattern. Behind her, there is a large window with a view of a cityscape. Colorful, decorative glass pieces in various shapes and colors, such as red, yellow, blue, and purple, are hanging in front of the window.