November 11, 2024 • 27 mins
This week, Peta chats with Rosie Anderson, an ambulatory wheelchair user, model, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion. Rosie shares her experiences navigating the modelling industry with a disability, from tokenism to authentic representation, openly embracing her feeding tube and championing accessible sets. She sheds light on what true inclusivity looks like and the meaningful changes still needed in today’s media landscape.
Join us as we explore fashion inclusivity, disability representation, and the push for a more inclusive future in fashion.
Connect with Rosie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rosieanderson/
Book Rosie via Zebedee Talent: https://www.zebedeetalent.com/aus/mainboard/she/
Connect with Peta:
Instagram: @petahooke
Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com
Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com
Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hello, and welcome to the I Can't Stand Podcast. The
podcast answering your questions on what life is like when
you have a disability. My name is Peter, I had
cerebral palsy, and I'm your host this week. I have
the amazing Rosie Anderson. Rosie is a model. She's an
(00:27):
ambulance wheelchair user, and I was really keen to hear
her perspective of what it's like to work in an
industry that doesn't necessarily see us as consumers and understand
us when interacting with us. We, of course, because it's me,
talk clothes a little bit, but we also talk about
(00:50):
the importance of good access, inclusion, representation, and feeling a
part of an industry rather than token. I hope you
enjoy this episode, because I certainly did enjoy talking to Rosie. So,
without any further ado, let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Yeah, my name's Rosie Anderson. I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user
and I'm also a model with ZBD Talent. So my
primary job is I work in the renewable energy sector,
and then my advocacy work pairs with my modeling. So
I've been doing that for about two and a half
(01:40):
years now. And it's just been it's just been wonderful.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Oh that's so fantastic to hear. And I'm a bit
of a broken record. I talk about the importance of
disability representation basically every week on this podcast, and I'm
sure this conversation is going to be no different. But
I want to start but first and foremost, what drew
you to the world of fashion and modeling.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
I never envisioned that I would become a model. I've
never been a very confident person in that regard. I
was always confident in theater where I was pretending to
be someone else, but never Rosie and I got scouted
through Instagram. A friend who was signed shared something on
(02:28):
their story, and of course I thought it was a
scam because like it's Instagram, but turned out it was
real and that was when I kind of thought, maybe
there's something here. Because a few years prior to that,
Carli Findley hosted the first ever all disabled Melbourne fashion
(02:51):
Week show called Access to Fashion, and I was hoted
to be a part of that. But I'd never seen
a wheelchair user proper integrated into the Melbourne fashion scene,
which was terrifying to think maybe I will, maybe I'll
enter that space.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
When I was younger, I never saw myself illustrated in
beauty standards. So it's fantastic to have people like yourself
opening up what beauty is and what beauty can be,
not only for disabled people watching you, but the greater public.
I think it's really really important. What was your perception
of what it would be like before you entered it.
(03:32):
Did you feel hesitant, did you feel confident? How did
you feel?
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, I was really concerned with the fact that I
would be a token that any job I get is
because I have mobility AIDS, not because of me and
my wonderful mentor at the time. You know, she's in
Los Angeles, she's in that world of entertainment, like surrounded
(03:59):
by it. And I asked her, how do you reconcile
the fact that they want you for the wheelchair not
for yourself, and she kind of said, look, number one,
you could use the money. Number two, representation is still
good representation. And lastly, just do such a good job
(04:20):
that they're going to go, oh shoot, and next time
hire you for Rosie, not the wheelchair. And I've definitely
felt that shift as I've been doing more jobs than
in the scene. More people know me as Rosie, they
don't know me as wheelchair user number three.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
So true, and I'm so happy that's the case, because
you are really good at your job and you're very memorable.
Like disabled people, we're used to being memorable in some ways.
I used to think it was my unique selling point
that I was so memorable, but you, in particular, really memorable.
Thinking about where you were and where you are now,
has your perception of what the fashion industry is actually
(05:02):
like to work in changed or do you still find
it difficult and sometimes feel like you are a token
even though none of us listening to this podcast certainly
think of that or want that.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Thank you. It's look, it's both, and I think to
a certain extent it will always be both. I often
feel that people with a disability tend to get type cast,
as for myself, maybe along the lines of fun, happy
aunt rather than no, I'm beyond that. I'm actually I'm
(05:40):
recently a wife, I have two successful careers. I have
a degree behind me in psychology. Like, we're serious people,
we do serious things. And I think that that token
type cast mentality does still exist today. It's something that
I've been noticing more at as of late with social
(06:03):
media's rise. It's so saturated with this so called perfection
that people are searching for authenticity. And I think we
see that in media the rise of TikTok and low
quality videos. People are searching for something tangible. It's not
people who look perfect, whether they're disabled or not. It's
people with pale skin, or blemishes or crooked teeth. People
(06:27):
want that tangibility of representation in all forms, beyond just
being a wheelchair user or things like that.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
I have to say I was giggling to myself, and
I don't know whether it'll come across in my audio,
but I was giggling because I do feel like people
see me as the fun aren't And look, I'm happy
with that. It's a nice role to have. But I
would love to speak to you and question without notice.
But I would love to speak to you about the
perception of disability actually being sexy, and I think it's
(07:01):
really a frontier that we need to push forward. I'd
love to your perspective.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Yeah, that's certainly a shift that I've noticed in the
last I would say two years. There's been some major
campaigns to show where sexy like, we're not just being
a fun happy aren't is actually one of my greatest
life joys to my beautiful little ones running the round,
But we are sexy. Victoria's Secret did a campaign with
(07:31):
Briscalise from a model in New York who's a wheelchair user,
and I think it's Hannah is featuring in the SBS
show which is coming out soon, which shows about disabled
relationships in a sexy, authentic way. I think it's tied
(07:51):
to the notion that if disabled people aren't just being
happy and inspirational, then we don't really want to talk
about it. We don't really want to acknowledge the really
cracky parts of it and the inaccessible world and people
who aren't you know, who would have disabilities, and we're
just living normal lives, you know, we don't all need
(08:14):
to be Paralympians. Correct.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Yeah, And it's so true what you say. And I
can't wait to watch Hannah Diviney's show either. I think
it'll be really great. But you spoke about big campaigns
and the Victoria's Secret campaign just then one of the
biggest campaigns I've ever seen you in was go to Skincare,
which is such an amazing brand to be a part
(08:38):
of How did it feel to be represented in such
a mainstream way. Did you feel an impact and was
your presence sort of positively felt on the shoot? What
was that experience like?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
It was really surreal because it was such a major campaign.
I was like, I don't know what I'm doing, and
I didn't even know how to use half the skincare
products that they were getting me to use at the time.
But it was really lovely to arrive at a set
as big as that and be equal with the other
(09:18):
models in terms of what we were actually doing in
showcasing the products. My wheelchair didn't come into it in
any way, shape or form in discussion apart from accessibility
to set, but at the forefront was rosy and for
a campaign as big as that, that was just words
(09:41):
can't explain. And that was early in my career as well,
so I was quite shocked that they were willing to
give me that chance.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
It's such an amazing thing, and yeah, it makes me
so happy. I think, I don't want to diminish the
importance of disability representation, but overall, when I deceive a
disabled person, you know, kicking goals, particularly career wise, because
I'm so creer minded. It just makes me so happy
to be like, they're right rosies in this campaign. She
(10:14):
deserves to be there, you know.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Yeah, absolutely, And I think that was one of the
things was at the time I didn't I didn't have
the confidence yet because it was early on, I didn't
feel that that I did deserve to be there, as
opposed to now when I feel I suppose it's outside
of disability that side. It's with any new career you
(10:39):
feel you have to earn your stripes and prove yourself.
If it was to come around now, I would be like,
that's amazing. Let's go. Let's show that disabled people use
skincare where sexy were multifaceted.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Yeah, absolutely, I totally agree with you. You've already touched on
my next question, which gives me a great way to
sort of move on the subject. But I want to
talk to you about what makes a good accessible set. So,
if there are people listening today who are part of
the marketing, fashion industry, or any creative industry that have
(11:19):
talent quote unquote talent, come on set. What for you,
in your opinion, is a good accessible, inclusive.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Set, willingness to listen to what our needs are and
to work the problem because the reality is it's if
it's an on site shoot, it will be difficult for
them to accommodate. But it is part of hiring disabled talent.
(11:47):
So we have an access writer, which is a quite
comprehensive document that goes through what your access needs are
and can be sent to them, and there's always a
phone call or to for the day that There was
one shoot where I didn't think it was very well
thought out. The bathroom wasn't an accessible bathroom. And I'm
(12:12):
luckily an ambulatory wheelchair user, so I was able to
walk from the door to the bathroom. But I did
have that moment of if it wasn't me, or if
it's someone who uses a power chair, it's a vastly
different story.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Yeah, for sure, like somebody in my position, I wouldn't
be able to go to the loo. And you know,
it's not very chic to be busting for the loo.
It must be very hard to make your face look
beautiful when you're busting for the loo. So everybody deserves
to have good access and be able to use the
loob when it work.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Absolutely, and I think that is something that I've noticed
is the industry as a whole is a lot more
accepting and willing for manual chair users. I think they've
got quite a way to go for people with electric wheelchairs,
(13:08):
they're not prepared for it, and that is a massive
learning curve I think the industry still needs to go through.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
Like, obviously, you're a very busy person, as you've already
touched on, You're very accomplished, and you know you do
lots of amazing things, as many of people I've had
on this podcast do, how do you manage the day
to day life as far as like fatigue, mental health
and all the physical demands that modeling does put on
(13:38):
your body in relation to your disability.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
It's quite a juggling act, one which is certainly not
yet perfected. Because I do have my primary job in
marketing in the renewable energy sector, which is a nine
to five, so thankfully that is a balance of work
from home and work in the office. It's really challenging,
(14:05):
to be honest, I think about what we need because
we don't want to be perceived as negative or too
much trouble. But I think that if people are willing
to work with you, then they'll respect it because I
found when I haven't been honest and suffer in silence,
the fallout isn't worth the uncomfortableness that would have come
(14:27):
with speaking up in the first place. At one time
or another, I'll probably hop out of my wheelchair and
lay on the floor with my legs up on a seat,
or stretch or just do whatever I need to do
to feel my best self. With regards to mental health,
it's therapy because being disabled is really challenging and there's
(14:53):
a lot of trauma that comes with navigating the world
and the experiences and the healthcare systems. Therapy and my
faith in the Lord gets me through. On shoot days,
I have my phone with me. When I start feeling
like I don't belong, I message my husband, my mum,
(15:14):
a friend, and just touch baits with someone who knows
my worth, knows that I should be there and can
encourage me to just stay present, not catastrophize, just be.
And I think leaning into your support network on high
(15:34):
stress job days and in general is vital.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
You mentioned there that you reach out to your loved ones,
which I certainly do when I'm feeling overwhelmed. That really
resonates with me. But you said there, and I don't
know whether it was a Flaudian slip that you often
feel like you're alone on set. Does that mean that
often you're the only person with an obvious disability on set.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Yes, yeah, There's only been a handful of times where
I've been with another person with a disability, especially another
wheelchair user. But I think the feeling alone also goes
to just the space. You know, people will be talking together,
(16:25):
but they'll be in a part of the room that
I can't actually enter without blocking a walkway, or they're
talking about going for drinks afterwards, but not somewhere accessible,
And it's just that realization that our worlds aren't quite
matching up.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
That's triggered a memory for me, Rosie. It's funny how
you sort of I forget things a lot and sort
of just move on. But I can remember standing at
a party and surrounded by a hundred people, and all
the people I wanted to talk to were down some
steps and I couldn't get their attention, and I didn't
(17:04):
know anybody else at the party, and I was trying
to like nudge someone to go, hey, can you bring
them up to me? So I really understand that feeling
of being like, oh no, I'll just check social media.
I'll just check my phone. You know, it's you can
feel isolated in a space even when they're trying to
(17:24):
make you feel comfortable and like you're included. It's just
something that only I think disabled people really understand.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
I think people understand the analogy of like feeling alone
in a crowded room, but you're alone and the stairs
and there's no bathroom nearby, and you can't eat the
food that's provided at a party. It's that multi layered. Yeah,
just that multi layered aspect of it that, like you said,
(17:56):
I don't think people can can truly understand.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Do you feel like there's ever a pressure to look
a certain way with all the body image that comes
with fashion and marketing. How do you approach that for yourself?
How do you navigate it, especially considering your disabilities are
intertwined with those aspects.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
From my experience, I think the industry doesn't enter that
space with disabled talent because I think they're scared to ask, because,
as you said, it's integrated with our disabilities. You know,
often we can't exercise the same as other people, or
we have weight for luctuations or water attention, or it
(18:44):
can be anything. But the industry is changing in that
body positivity movement, so I think there is a general
positive shift there.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
What have been the best, both either physical or emotion
and more support somebody has given you? Have you found
it challenging for people to understand your disabilities?
Speaker 2 (19:09):
I have found it challenging as an ambulatory wheelchair user.
I can walk a little bit with my cane, but
not well and not very far. I think that has
been a very big challenge with regards to people understanding
ambulatory wheelchair use. The first day that I had to
(19:33):
use a wheelchair in a public space was going to
school and it was halfway three year twelve, and I
entered the VC area absolutely petrified because people know I
can walk, so how will they understand this? And I
(19:53):
went into the room physically shaking, and one of my
wonderful friends just called out across the room, hate hot
wheels over here, and it was just like it was
the most natural thing. And so I think the biggest
supports for me have just been normalization. It's not a
(20:16):
big deal, it is what it is. Let's live life.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
So good and I like being called hot wheels too,
So I'm glad you've experienced that. That's really great. You've
been really open about showing your disability on social media,
particularly in and around your feeding tube, and I think
it's great to have that education and that representation on
social media because not many people show it, and I,
(20:44):
you know, I really think it's a powerful thing that
can be shown if you feel comfortable talk to me.
Is that your soul form of nutrition? And do you
miss the taste of all the sensory experience of food.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
So I'm very fortunate in that I can eat small amounts.
There are certain foods that would absolutely cook me if
I eat them, so I tend to stay away from them.
I'm very lucky that my tube is used to bridge
the gap between what I can eat or what does
(21:20):
get processed and health. Before I got my feeding tube,
I was very, very sick and I actually couldn't work
at all. I remember saying with my faith, I said
to the Lord, I'm ready, and then from there it
just went. My life just took off. This last fashion
(21:43):
Week was the first time that it was visible on
the runway, and I had zero thoughts about it, because
why is something that so many people around the world
have you just wouldn't know it and something that keeps
us alive. Why would that be shameful? Like, at the
end of the day, it's just a little button in
(22:06):
your stomach. It doesn't have to be this incredibly heightened
medical device, which which I felt it was. When I
had to get it, it felt like a piece of
my world was ending, but instead it really let me
(22:27):
start living.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
I haven't preempted this question, but I'm just frankly nosy,
and I really want to ask you. As a model,
you've clearly tried on lots of different clothes and shapes. What,
in your perspective is the most flattering or accessible clothing
that you've either worn or felt comfortable in. I just
(22:52):
love to hear your expertise.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
The pieces that I've felt most comfortable in have been
only things that are form fitting, which I never thought
I would say, because when you're next to other models
with the most incredible bodies and they're tanned and they're toned,
you can still feel so beautiful even if your body
(23:18):
does look a bit different. I think bringing that energy
into fittings as well has really benefited me because when
I started my career if they say, for example, they
went to give me a small bag that I can't
put on my shoulder because it will fall off when
I'm wheeling, and if it's sitting on my lap, it
(23:40):
will cover up the outfit. So they go, oh, we'll
just pull the bag, or oh, we won't do this dress.
But finding my confidence to say, hey, if I was
wearing this in public, I would hang it off my knee.
Or yes, this dress is too long, it'll get caught
under my chair. So what I'll do, actually, if you're happy,
(24:00):
will tuck it underneath me. And they go, oh, never
would have thought of that. That looks fantastic. And those
are the things that I'm most comfortable in. Is styling
it how I would wear it in real life. When
certain clothes are on walking models, they'll have a nice
flow and it'll really sit nicely. It doesn't necessarily translate,
(24:24):
and I think that that is something that some stylists
have realized and some are still working on it.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
I just can't wait for boxy blazers to not bear
thing anymore, because Gollie, they look awful on me.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
A good a good crop blazer correct correct.
Speaker 1 (24:46):
Well, it's been such a pleasure talking to you today, Rosie.
My final question for anybody listening who's thinking, you know what,
I want to have a go, I want to enter
this industry. What advice would you have for them if
they wanted to pursue a career in fashion and modeling.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Firstly, I would encourage them and say, the world really
is your oyster, like, give it a go, because what
the worst that can happen? I would say, research the
different agencies and see what you feel drawn to. CBD
Talent is a wonderful starting point, especially for anyone with
a disability. I would recommend checking them out because they
(25:31):
specialize in in disabled talent. Know what you have to
offer going into it, beyond just the fact that you're
disabled and that you have a mobility aid. Bring yourself
into it because at the end of the day, people
are searching for that authenticity and pasting directors and stylists
(25:53):
are looking for people. So know your worth, know who
you are and what you bring to thee, and be
willing to have fun with it because at the end
of the day, it's not that serious. It's fashion.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Thank you for listening to this week's episode. I hope
you enjoyed it. If you did, can I encourage you
to leave a rating and review in whatever platform you
listen on or share the show with a friend. It
helps more people find the podcast. As always, you can
follow me over on Instagram. My handle is at Peterhook
(26:35):
spelt p e t a h ok, or you can
send me an email I Can't stand podcast at gmail
dot com. Thank you so much for listening, and thank
you Rosie for your time. Until next week, have a
good one guys bye. I would like to respect fully
(27:00):
acknowledged they were wondery and bun wrong people of the
Coulan nation of which I record the podcast to day,
and I pay my respects to both elders past and present,
along with and especially to those in the first nation's
communities who are disabled themselves
Hello, and welcome to the I Can't Stand Podcast. The
podcast answering your questions on what life is like when
you have a disability. My name is Peter, I had
cerebral palsy, and I'm your host this week. I have
the amazing Rosie Anderson. Rosie is a model. She's an
(00:27):
ambulance wheelchair user, and I was really keen to hear
her perspective of what it's like to work in an
industry that doesn't necessarily see us as consumers and understand
us when interacting with us. We, of course, because it's me,
talk clothes a little bit, but we also talk about
(00:50):
the importance of good access, inclusion, representation, and feeling a
part of an industry rather than token. I hope you
enjoy this episode, because I certainly did enjoy talking to Rosie. So,
without any further ado, let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Yeah, my name's Rosie Anderson. I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user
and I'm also a model with ZBD Talent. So my
primary job is I work in the renewable energy sector,
and then my advocacy work pairs with my modeling. So
I've been doing that for about two and a half
(01:40):
years now. And it's just been it's just been wonderful.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Oh that's so fantastic to hear. And I'm a bit
of a broken record. I talk about the importance of
disability representation basically every week on this podcast, and I'm
sure this conversation is going to be no different. But
I want to start but first and foremost, what drew
you to the world of fashion and modeling.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
I never envisioned that I would become a model. I've
never been a very confident person in that regard. I
was always confident in theater where I was pretending to
be someone else, but never Rosie and I got scouted
through Instagram. A friend who was signed shared something on
(02:28):
their story, and of course I thought it was a
scam because like it's Instagram, but turned out it was
real and that was when I kind of thought, maybe
there's something here. Because a few years prior to that,
Carli Findley hosted the first ever all disabled Melbourne fashion
(02:51):
Week show called Access to Fashion, and I was hoted
to be a part of that. But I'd never seen
a wheelchair user proper integrated into the Melbourne fashion scene,
which was terrifying to think maybe I will, maybe I'll
enter that space.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
When I was younger, I never saw myself illustrated in
beauty standards. So it's fantastic to have people like yourself
opening up what beauty is and what beauty can be,
not only for disabled people watching you, but the greater public.
I think it's really really important. What was your perception
of what it would be like before you entered it.
(03:32):
Did you feel hesitant, did you feel confident? How did
you feel?
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, I was really concerned with the fact that I
would be a token that any job I get is
because I have mobility AIDS, not because of me and
my wonderful mentor at the time. You know, she's in
Los Angeles, she's in that world of entertainment, like surrounded
(03:59):
by it. And I asked her, how do you reconcile
the fact that they want you for the wheelchair not
for yourself, and she kind of said, look, number one,
you could use the money. Number two, representation is still
good representation. And lastly, just do such a good job
(04:20):
that they're going to go, oh shoot, and next time
hire you for Rosie, not the wheelchair. And I've definitely
felt that shift as I've been doing more jobs than
in the scene. More people know me as Rosie, they
don't know me as wheelchair user number three.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
So true, and I'm so happy that's the case, because
you are really good at your job and you're very memorable.
Like disabled people, we're used to being memorable in some ways.
I used to think it was my unique selling point
that I was so memorable, but you, in particular, really memorable.
Thinking about where you were and where you are now,
has your perception of what the fashion industry is actually
(05:02):
like to work in changed or do you still find
it difficult and sometimes feel like you are a token
even though none of us listening to this podcast certainly
think of that or want that.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Thank you. It's look, it's both, and I think to
a certain extent it will always be both. I often
feel that people with a disability tend to get type cast,
as for myself, maybe along the lines of fun, happy
aunt rather than no, I'm beyond that. I'm actually I'm
(05:40):
recently a wife, I have two successful careers. I have
a degree behind me in psychology. Like, we're serious people,
we do serious things. And I think that that token
type cast mentality does still exist today. It's something that
I've been noticing more at as of late with social
(06:03):
media's rise. It's so saturated with this so called perfection
that people are searching for authenticity. And I think we
see that in media the rise of TikTok and low
quality videos. People are searching for something tangible. It's not
people who look perfect, whether they're disabled or not. It's
people with pale skin, or blemishes or crooked teeth. People
(06:27):
want that tangibility of representation in all forms, beyond just
being a wheelchair user or things like that.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
I have to say I was giggling to myself, and
I don't know whether it'll come across in my audio,
but I was giggling because I do feel like people
see me as the fun aren't And look, I'm happy
with that. It's a nice role to have. But I
would love to speak to you and question without notice.
But I would love to speak to you about the
perception of disability actually being sexy, and I think it's
(07:01):
really a frontier that we need to push forward. I'd
love to your perspective.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Yeah, that's certainly a shift that I've noticed in the
last I would say two years. There's been some major
campaigns to show where sexy like, we're not just being
a fun happy aren't is actually one of my greatest
life joys to my beautiful little ones running the round,
But we are sexy. Victoria's Secret did a campaign with
(07:31):
Briscalise from a model in New York who's a wheelchair user,
and I think it's Hannah is featuring in the SBS
show which is coming out soon, which shows about disabled
relationships in a sexy, authentic way. I think it's tied
(07:51):
to the notion that if disabled people aren't just being
happy and inspirational, then we don't really want to talk
about it. We don't really want to acknowledge the really
cracky parts of it and the inaccessible world and people
who aren't you know, who would have disabilities, and we're
just living normal lives, you know, we don't all need
(08:14):
to be Paralympians. Correct.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Yeah, And it's so true what you say. And I
can't wait to watch Hannah Diviney's show either. I think
it'll be really great. But you spoke about big campaigns
and the Victoria's Secret campaign just then one of the
biggest campaigns I've ever seen you in was go to Skincare,
which is such an amazing brand to be a part
(08:38):
of How did it feel to be represented in such
a mainstream way. Did you feel an impact and was
your presence sort of positively felt on the shoot? What
was that experience like?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
It was really surreal because it was such a major campaign.
I was like, I don't know what I'm doing, and
I didn't even know how to use half the skincare
products that they were getting me to use at the time.
But it was really lovely to arrive at a set
as big as that and be equal with the other
(09:18):
models in terms of what we were actually doing in
showcasing the products. My wheelchair didn't come into it in
any way, shape or form in discussion apart from accessibility
to set, but at the forefront was rosy and for
a campaign as big as that, that was just words
(09:41):
can't explain. And that was early in my career as well,
so I was quite shocked that they were willing to
give me that chance.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
It's such an amazing thing, and yeah, it makes me
so happy. I think, I don't want to diminish the
importance of disability representation, but overall, when I deceive a
disabled person, you know, kicking goals, particularly career wise, because
I'm so creer minded. It just makes me so happy
to be like, they're right rosies in this campaign. She
(10:14):
deserves to be there, you know.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Yeah, absolutely, And I think that was one of the
things was at the time I didn't I didn't have
the confidence yet because it was early on, I didn't
feel that that I did deserve to be there, as
opposed to now when I feel I suppose it's outside
of disability that side. It's with any new career you
(10:39):
feel you have to earn your stripes and prove yourself.
If it was to come around now, I would be like,
that's amazing. Let's go. Let's show that disabled people use
skincare where sexy were multifaceted.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Yeah, absolutely, I totally agree with you. You've already touched on
my next question, which gives me a great way to
sort of move on the subject. But I want to
talk to you about what makes a good accessible set. So,
if there are people listening today who are part of
the marketing, fashion industry, or any creative industry that have
(11:19):
talent quote unquote talent, come on set. What for you,
in your opinion, is a good accessible, inclusive.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Set, willingness to listen to what our needs are and
to work the problem because the reality is it's if
it's an on site shoot, it will be difficult for
them to accommodate. But it is part of hiring disabled talent.
(11:47):
So we have an access writer, which is a quite
comprehensive document that goes through what your access needs are
and can be sent to them, and there's always a
phone call or to for the day that There was
one shoot where I didn't think it was very well
thought out. The bathroom wasn't an accessible bathroom. And I'm
(12:12):
luckily an ambulatory wheelchair user, so I was able to
walk from the door to the bathroom. But I did
have that moment of if it wasn't me, or if
it's someone who uses a power chair, it's a vastly
different story.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Yeah, for sure, like somebody in my position, I wouldn't
be able to go to the loo. And you know,
it's not very chic to be busting for the loo.
It must be very hard to make your face look
beautiful when you're busting for the loo. So everybody deserves
to have good access and be able to use the
loob when it work.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Absolutely, and I think that is something that I've noticed
is the industry as a whole is a lot more
accepting and willing for manual chair users. I think they've
got quite a way to go for people with electric wheelchairs,
(13:08):
they're not prepared for it, and that is a massive
learning curve I think the industry still needs to go through.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
Like, obviously, you're a very busy person, as you've already
touched on, You're very accomplished, and you know you do
lots of amazing things, as many of people I've had
on this podcast do, how do you manage the day
to day life as far as like fatigue, mental health
and all the physical demands that modeling does put on
(13:38):
your body in relation to your disability.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
It's quite a juggling act, one which is certainly not
yet perfected. Because I do have my primary job in
marketing in the renewable energy sector, which is a nine
to five, so thankfully that is a balance of work
from home and work in the office. It's really challenging,
(14:05):
to be honest, I think about what we need because
we don't want to be perceived as negative or too
much trouble. But I think that if people are willing
to work with you, then they'll respect it because I
found when I haven't been honest and suffer in silence,
the fallout isn't worth the uncomfortableness that would have come
(14:27):
with speaking up in the first place. At one time
or another, I'll probably hop out of my wheelchair and
lay on the floor with my legs up on a seat,
or stretch or just do whatever I need to do
to feel my best self. With regards to mental health,
it's therapy because being disabled is really challenging and there's
(14:53):
a lot of trauma that comes with navigating the world
and the experiences and the healthcare systems. Therapy and my
faith in the Lord gets me through. On shoot days,
I have my phone with me. When I start feeling
like I don't belong, I message my husband, my mum,
(15:14):
a friend, and just touch baits with someone who knows
my worth, knows that I should be there and can
encourage me to just stay present, not catastrophize, just be.
And I think leaning into your support network on high
(15:34):
stress job days and in general is vital.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
You mentioned there that you reach out to your loved ones,
which I certainly do when I'm feeling overwhelmed. That really
resonates with me. But you said there, and I don't
know whether it was a Flaudian slip that you often
feel like you're alone on set. Does that mean that
often you're the only person with an obvious disability on set.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Yes, yeah, There's only been a handful of times where
I've been with another person with a disability, especially another
wheelchair user. But I think the feeling alone also goes
to just the space. You know, people will be talking together,
(16:25):
but they'll be in a part of the room that
I can't actually enter without blocking a walkway, or they're
talking about going for drinks afterwards, but not somewhere accessible,
And it's just that realization that our worlds aren't quite
matching up.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
That's triggered a memory for me, Rosie. It's funny how
you sort of I forget things a lot and sort
of just move on. But I can remember standing at
a party and surrounded by a hundred people, and all
the people I wanted to talk to were down some
steps and I couldn't get their attention, and I didn't
(17:04):
know anybody else at the party, and I was trying
to like nudge someone to go, hey, can you bring
them up to me? So I really understand that feeling
of being like, oh no, I'll just check social media.
I'll just check my phone. You know, it's you can
feel isolated in a space even when they're trying to
(17:24):
make you feel comfortable and like you're included. It's just
something that only I think disabled people really understand.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
I think people understand the analogy of like feeling alone
in a crowded room, but you're alone and the stairs
and there's no bathroom nearby, and you can't eat the
food that's provided at a party. It's that multi layered. Yeah,
just that multi layered aspect of it that, like you said,
(17:56):
I don't think people can can truly understand.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Do you feel like there's ever a pressure to look
a certain way with all the body image that comes
with fashion and marketing. How do you approach that for yourself?
How do you navigate it, especially considering your disabilities are
intertwined with those aspects.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
From my experience, I think the industry doesn't enter that
space with disabled talent because I think they're scared to ask, because,
as you said, it's integrated with our disabilities. You know,
often we can't exercise the same as other people, or
we have weight for luctuations or water attention, or it
(18:44):
can be anything. But the industry is changing in that
body positivity movement, so I think there is a general
positive shift there.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
What have been the best, both either physical or emotion
and more support somebody has given you? Have you found
it challenging for people to understand your disabilities?
Speaker 2 (19:09):
I have found it challenging as an ambulatory wheelchair user.
I can walk a little bit with my cane, but
not well and not very far. I think that has
been a very big challenge with regards to people understanding
ambulatory wheelchair use. The first day that I had to
(19:33):
use a wheelchair in a public space was going to
school and it was halfway three year twelve, and I
entered the VC area absolutely petrified because people know I
can walk, so how will they understand this? And I
(19:53):
went into the room physically shaking, and one of my
wonderful friends just called out across the room, hate hot
wheels over here, and it was just like it was
the most natural thing. And so I think the biggest
supports for me have just been normalization. It's not a
(20:16):
big deal, it is what it is. Let's live life.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
So good and I like being called hot wheels too,
So I'm glad you've experienced that. That's really great. You've
been really open about showing your disability on social media,
particularly in and around your feeding tube, and I think
it's great to have that education and that representation on
social media because not many people show it, and I,
(20:44):
you know, I really think it's a powerful thing that
can be shown if you feel comfortable talk to me.
Is that your soul form of nutrition? And do you
miss the taste of all the sensory experience of food.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
So I'm very fortunate in that I can eat small amounts.
There are certain foods that would absolutely cook me if
I eat them, so I tend to stay away from them.
I'm very lucky that my tube is used to bridge
the gap between what I can eat or what does
(21:20):
get processed and health. Before I got my feeding tube,
I was very, very sick and I actually couldn't work
at all. I remember saying with my faith, I said
to the Lord, I'm ready, and then from there it
just went. My life just took off. This last fashion
(21:43):
Week was the first time that it was visible on
the runway, and I had zero thoughts about it, because
why is something that so many people around the world
have you just wouldn't know it and something that keeps
us alive. Why would that be shameful? Like, at the
end of the day, it's just a little button in
(22:06):
your stomach. It doesn't have to be this incredibly heightened
medical device, which which I felt it was. When I
had to get it, it felt like a piece of
my world was ending, but instead it really let me
(22:27):
start living.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
I haven't preempted this question, but I'm just frankly nosy,
and I really want to ask you. As a model,
you've clearly tried on lots of different clothes and shapes. What,
in your perspective is the most flattering or accessible clothing
that you've either worn or felt comfortable in. I just
(22:52):
love to hear your expertise.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
The pieces that I've felt most comfortable in have been
only things that are form fitting, which I never thought
I would say, because when you're next to other models
with the most incredible bodies and they're tanned and they're toned,
you can still feel so beautiful even if your body
(23:18):
does look a bit different. I think bringing that energy
into fittings as well has really benefited me because when
I started my career if they say, for example, they
went to give me a small bag that I can't
put on my shoulder because it will fall off when
I'm wheeling, and if it's sitting on my lap, it
(23:40):
will cover up the outfit. So they go, oh, we'll
just pull the bag, or oh, we won't do this dress.
But finding my confidence to say, hey, if I was
wearing this in public, I would hang it off my knee.
Or yes, this dress is too long, it'll get caught
under my chair. So what I'll do, actually, if you're happy,
(24:00):
will tuck it underneath me. And they go, oh, never
would have thought of that. That looks fantastic. And those
are the things that I'm most comfortable in. Is styling
it how I would wear it in real life. When
certain clothes are on walking models, they'll have a nice
flow and it'll really sit nicely. It doesn't necessarily translate,
(24:24):
and I think that that is something that some stylists
have realized and some are still working on it.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
I just can't wait for boxy blazers to not bear
thing anymore, because Gollie, they look awful on me.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
A good a good crop blazer correct correct.
Speaker 1 (24:46):
Well, it's been such a pleasure talking to you today, Rosie.
My final question for anybody listening who's thinking, you know what,
I want to have a go, I want to enter
this industry. What advice would you have for them if
they wanted to pursue a career in fashion and modeling.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Firstly, I would encourage them and say, the world really
is your oyster, like, give it a go, because what
the worst that can happen? I would say, research the
different agencies and see what you feel drawn to. CBD
Talent is a wonderful starting point, especially for anyone with
a disability. I would recommend checking them out because they
(25:31):
specialize in in disabled talent. Know what you have to
offer going into it, beyond just the fact that you're
disabled and that you have a mobility aid. Bring yourself
into it because at the end of the day, people
are searching for that authenticity and pasting directors and stylists
(25:53):
are looking for people. So know your worth, know who
you are and what you bring to thee, and be
willing to have fun with it because at the end
of the day, it's not that serious. It's fashion.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Thank you for listening to this week's episode. I hope
you enjoyed it. If you did, can I encourage you
to leave a rating and review in whatever platform you
listen on or share the show with a friend. It
helps more people find the podcast. As always, you can
follow me over on Instagram. My handle is at Peterhook
(26:35):
spelt p e t a h ok, or you can
send me an email I Can't stand podcast at gmail
dot com. Thank you so much for listening, and thank
you Rosie for your time. Until next week, have a
good one guys bye. I would like to respect fully
(27:00):
acknowledged they were wondery and bun wrong people of the
Coulan nation of which I record the podcast to day,
and I pay my respects to both elders past and present,
along with and especially to those in the first nation's
communities who are disabled themselves
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