2NSPR is committed to ensuring that both plus-size women and women with disabilities can participate in beauty pageants. What are the reasons for you to compete in these pageants?
I would like more attention to diversity in all aspects of the world. People with disabilities or disorders are often excluded or judged in advance without being able to say or do anything about it. There is such a stigma on people with disabilities and I hope that my participation in the beauty pageants will remove prejudice and fear because it can be a big blow to your confidence. In addition, to me personally it is also important to show that having a disability and being plus size are not reasons to keep you from following your heart.
Since last July, I have been a plus size wheelchair model and I noticed that as long as they don’t see my wheelchair people and modeling agencies are super enthusiastic, but as soon as my wheelchair comes out I often never hear from them again. I find that very unfortunate. My wheelchair is not who I am as a person, but how I move around. They are my “legs”; in the moments when my own legs are not working or when I do not have the energy to walk or stand.
While getting dressed we noticed that you had a beautiful waist in the wedding dress. You told us then that you had never worn a dress that created a waist for you. Do you find it difficult to find dresses that fit well?
Yes unfortunately I do. Often the dress fits, but it is impossible to wear it as a wheelchair user. The most common problem is that there are too many layers of fabric. It gets between or under the wheels. On the other hand, if you were to cut it shorter the dress is often too short when you get out of your wheelchair.
During the photo shoot you wore our plus size wedding dress Grace. What did you think of this Bridalstar dress?
Amazing! Dress Grace, lived up to its name. I felt like a princess! If you look at it practically for me as a wheelchair user, there was too much fabric so I had to fold the dress and put the layers between my knees. I thought that was a minor inconvenience but luckily this can be adjusted upon purchase.
Furthermore, it was a beautifully fitting dress that didn’t have to be adjusted much that day. I also really liked the supple fabric.
Bridalstar makes and designs dresses that everyone should feel good in. That is why we would like to hear from our audience what they think is important in the (wedding) dresses that they wear. What are the most important aspects of a dress for you?
What is important to me is that it is made out of a supple fabric, does not have too many layers of fabric or tulle and not too many sharp stones or pearls on the side and back of the dress. These can cause chafing spots on the inside of my arms because I make a back and forth movement with my arms to move myself in my wheelchair or it creates pressure spots on my back through the backrest.
Finally, what would you like to o say to people who also want to participate in the election, but may not dare to do so?
Follow your dreams and follow your heart. If you want something you have to fight for it to achieve your goal. Sometimes that can be difficult, but when it does eventually work it gives such a good feeling. As for the people who don’t dare to participate or are reluctant for whatever reason; believe in yourself!
There is only one person like you. We all have moments of insecurity or care too much about what other people think of us. It is about what YOU want. You are unique, be the best version of yourself and go for it. Believe in yourself, never give up and fight for what is important to you. Your self-esteem has nothing to do with your weight or limitations, but with the love you have for yourself.You can get strength from that and it will help to build a stronger self and future!
