Interview: Abby Fashion Icon Extraordinaire
After months of blood, sweat, and tears, I’m thrilled to have a sit down with the one and only Abigale (Abby). If you’re new to Bold Blind Beauty, Abby came on the scene back in the fall of 2015. You can read about how she evolved in “This Dazzling Dame Needs A Name.”
A lot has happened since the time of Abby’s inception. She’s managed to:
- empower blind and VI (vision impaired) women from all over to embrace their beauty and walk in confidence,
- connect sighted and non-sighted communities to build awareness of blindness while eliminating stereotypes,
- open her online boutique Abby’s Swag,
- graduate law school,
- become managing partner at a renowned law firm,
- travel the world on numerous adventures,
- as a talented singer, she even found time to perform in quite a few venues.
In the interest of time, you can read more about her adventures in her Meet Abby. But right now let’s dive in and get to know a little more about this dynamic woman.
Thank you, Abby, for allowing us to get to know you a little better before you take on a more significant role here at Bold Blind Beauty.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your position within our commUNITY ?
Thank you and sure, I’d be happy to talk about a few of my responsibilities. Since one of our goals is to change perceptions on how blind people who are viewed I can think of no better way than walking the talk.
Through highlighting the achievements of my blind and VI sisters this helps shift the conversation. Instead of the emphasis being on what we “can’t do” the focus is placed on what we “are doing.” I believe as a society we are making some strides in areas of accessibility and inclusion. However, where equity is concerned we still have a very long way to go.
It’s unfortunate when many people meet a blind or VI person the first comments made are typically about Helen Keller. Helen Keller was an extraordinary advocate, suffragist, civil rights trailblazer, and political activist who was a voice for many. However, it should be noted there are many exceptional blind people who are teachers, doctors, lawyers, dancers, astrophysicists, musicians, artists, authors, scientists, runners, cyclists, adventurers, and the list goes on.
I have a thing for advocacy and given my experiences, working with Bold Blind Beauty will let me tap into my fashion sense. Extending advocacy into beauty made sense to me because there are limited resources in this area for blind women.
I’m eager to begin getting to know and building relationships with the
Q. After serving in a prestigious position at your previous firm how will this new post fulfill your drive?
Becoming involved with and growing this
My braille picture included with this post is one example of making art tactile so that blind and VI people can experience its beauty. As a matter of fact, there are a number of artists and designers create their works in various tactile formats. The thing is, pieces are also appreciated by people with sight so it’s a win-win.
Also, I think it will be a real hoot attending then reporting back my findings from the upcoming 2018 fashion shows in the fashion capitals of the world. I love to travel so this piece will appeal to my globe-trotting nature. Who knows? Perhaps a book or two may be in my future?
Q. What is your must-have item of clothing or accessory?
That’s easy. Shoes, and more specifically heels. Scratch that. There’s two things, heels and a blinged out white cane. With a great pair of shoes, you can go anywhere. The only time you’ll see me in anything other than heels is when I’m hiking, running, cycling, boating or any kind of sporting activity only because it just wouldn’t be practical.
Okay, Abby, I get that you’re a little mysterious but there’s one thing I simply must know.
Q. Can you tell us what the B. stands for in your last name?
Hahaha!! If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me that question… Nah, I cannot divulge that information, at least not now. Perhaps down the road, we’ll have to see.
Awe, it was worth a try folks. Abby, thank you for joining us today and we look forward to you sharing your insight from a fashion and beauty viewpoint.
To close out today’s interview I leave you with an upbeat song from Jess Glynne. Enjoy, and when you have a spare moment check out Abby’s Swag!!