In this episode of What It's Really Like, host Molly Burke sits down with quadriplegic makeup artist and content creator Steph Aiello (known online as @uwalk_iglide). Steph shares her powerful story of surviving a devastating car crash at age 20—the night before she was set to start cosmetology school—which left her a quadriplegic and claimed the life of one of her friends. She opens up about processing survivor's guilt, relearning independence from scratch, and confronting additional life hurdles, including a second car accident and a cancer diagnosis.
Molly and Steph dive into what it really takes to pursue a dream when life forces you to adapt, detailing how Steph adapted her techniques to continue doing makeup despite limited hand and arm movement. They discuss authentic disability representation versus tokenism in the beauty industry, her experience working with major brands like Fenty, Maybelline, and Ulta Beauty, and the importance of accessible design. They also talk about navigating societal expectations, letting go of people-pleasing habits, unlearning internalized ableism, and finding empowerment and humor in everyday life.
Follow Steph Aiello:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwalk_iglide
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uwalk_iglide
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StephSCI
Pre-order my children's book, Eltie Takes the Lead! A heartwarming story inspired by the journey of a guide dog puppy, perfect for young readers who love animals and big hearts.
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eltie-takes-the-lead-molly-burke/1149412262?ean=9781419778230
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419778234?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
???? ORDER MY MEMOIR: UNSEEN: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice — available now! Tap the link in bio to get your copy.
???? Support My GoFundMe for The Mira Foundation (guide dogs for the blind): https://gofund.me/5d8fc57f
???? Shop My Amazon Favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/mollyburke
(Find my go-to vision boarding book, motivational stickers, and more in the Health & Wellness section!)
???? Join the Killer Bee Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mollyburke
???? Listen to my audiobook “It’s Not What It Looks Like” on Audible: https://audible.com/mollyburke
???? FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @mollyburkeofficial
TikTok: @mollyburkeofficial
Twitter: @mollybofficial
Facebook: Molly Burke Official
???? Learn more about me: http://mollyburkeofficial.com
Hi! I’m Molly Burke — a fashion-loving, sushi-obsessed, makeup-wearing millennial who just so happens to be blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 4 years old, I began public speaking at age 5 and haven’t stopped since. From motivational talks to modeling, I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Even though I can’t see, I believe there’s always a bright side — and I’m here to help you find it. ????
Molly and Steph dive into what it really takes to pursue a dream when life forces you to adapt, detailing how Steph adapted her techniques to continue doing makeup despite limited hand and arm movement. They discuss authentic disability representation versus tokenism in the beauty industry, her experience working with major brands like Fenty, Maybelline, and Ulta Beauty, and the importance of accessible design. They also talk about navigating societal expectations, letting go of people-pleasing habits, unlearning internalized ableism, and finding empowerment and humor in everyday life.
Follow Steph Aiello:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwalk_iglide
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uwalk_iglide
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StephSCI
Pre-order my children's book, Eltie Takes the Lead! A heartwarming story inspired by the journey of a guide dog puppy, perfect for young readers who love animals and big hearts.
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eltie-takes-the-lead-molly-burke/1149412262?ean=9781419778230
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419778234?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
???? ORDER MY MEMOIR: UNSEEN: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice — available now! Tap the link in bio to get your copy.
???? Support My GoFundMe for The Mira Foundation (guide dogs for the blind): https://gofund.me/5d8fc57f
???? Shop My Amazon Favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/mollyburke
(Find my go-to vision boarding book, motivational stickers, and more in the Health & Wellness section!)
???? Join the Killer Bee Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mollyburke
???? Listen to my audiobook “It’s Not What It Looks Like” on Audible: https://audible.com/mollyburke
???? FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @mollyburkeofficial
TikTok: @mollyburkeofficial
Twitter: @mollybofficial
Facebook: Molly Burke Official
???? Learn more about me: http://mollyburkeofficial.com
Hi! I’m Molly Burke — a fashion-loving, sushi-obsessed, makeup-wearing millennial who just so happens to be blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 4 years old, I began public speaking at age 5 and haven’t stopped since. From motivational talks to modeling, I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Even though I can’t see, I believe there’s always a bright side — and I’m here to help you find it. ????
- Category
- Las Vegas Pool Party
- Tags
- blind, blind girl, retinitis pigmentosa
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