Post Title: Profile of Social Entrepreneurship in the Blind Community.
Without a doubt, one of the best things I’ve discovered since sharing my own story of Retinitis Pigmentosa is getting to know others coping with vision loss who inspire, and provoke change through their activism.
Today is a real treat for me to share what Stephanae McCoy is doing to change the perspectives of both the blind and sighted communities on disabilities through her BoldBlindBeauty.com outreach.
The goal of this organization is to show that “real beauty transcends barriers.” That is, fashion and beauty is not limited to sighted individuals, and it is not skin-deep. Those with slight loss can and do adapt to pursue their love of fashion, make-up and looking well-put together.
But her message goes deeper than that. She celebrates the abilities of those with disabilities, and focuses on those characteristics, goals and accomplishments. It’s all a part of the beauty that makes up that individual. Her goal is to make a more inclusive environment and change the perceptions of society towards those who are disabled.
She recently had an offer from Grotto Network to create a video to share her story. I’m so excited to share it with you! Stephanae has mentioned how hard she has worked to be true to her own feelings, and this authenticity shines through in the video.
Video Summary
The first scene opens with Stephanae sitting at her desk in front of her 32-inch monitor working on the keyboard. She’s wearing a gray short sleeve tee, her head is clean shaven and she is not wearing any makeup.
The camera pans to a blurred closeup of an acrylic makeup organizer with assorted lipsticks, brushes, pencils, etc. Stephanae slowly twists a lipstick then inserts a dangling wire earring into her right ear. The camera focuses in on the delicate lacy silver leaf earring.
In the next scene, Stephanae is at her desk talking about the moment she first lost her sight while pointing to her left eye.
The camera is focusing on assorted jewelry hanging on a necklace tree while Stephanae’s hand touches one of her favorite statement necklaces. In slow motion the camera shows her sliding a blue floral glass ring on her right ring finger.
Panning to the keyboard and monitor the camera picks up the magnified content on the screen as Stephanae scrolls through Bold Blind Beauty’s website. The camera zooms out to show Stephanae working.
In the bathroom scene, Stephanae is at the sink cleansing her face and putting on her makeup. She uses plastic eyebrow stencils to draw her eyebrows and a thin liner crayon/pencil to line her eyes. The finishing touches include mascara and a dark gray ballcap.
Back at the desk Stephanae is talking about how vulnerable she feels when she is in an unfamiliar environment. While talking with her hands she gets a little emotional and her voice cracks as she shares what this fear is like.
Outside, Stephanae is getting into her son’s car, heading to a nearby mall. She’s wearing a gray and black raglan shirt, with black capris, ballcap, sneakers, and sunglasses. The next few scenes are taken from inside the car, in a department store with Stephanae walking with her ‘black’ white cane towards and away from the camera, and, looking at items on clothing racks.
In her dining area, Stephanae is opening boxes of Bold Blind Beauty coffee mugs. All of the mugs have Abby (Bold Blind Beauty’s fashion icon) along with a cute saying i.e. “Hey I’m walkin’ Here!” “Relax It’s Only A Cane!” “Blind Chicks With Attitude!”
The video ends with a closeup of Stephanae sharing her wish for a more inclusive world, “Stripping away the outside and getting to the heart of who we are as people.”
To connect with Stephanae, click on the following links:
Stephanae McCoy
Founder/CEO
Follow how we’re transforming perceptions on beauty:
You have just read “Profile of Social Entrepreneurship in the Blind Community” by Amy L. Bovaird. © February 18, 2020. All rights reserved.
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TESTIMONIALS:
5 Stars “…I’m not vision impaired. I don’t read non-fiction for enjoyment. I am not what some might consider the target market for this book, but I can tell you that I would recommend it to my own teenagers, my husband, my teenage students, and anyone else I know as a book of bravery, encouragement, motivation, testimony, and just as a pleasure read. Don’t pass it by: You will be blessed.”–An Amazon Reader
5 Stars “Living in the Power instead of the fear!”
Mobility Matters elegantly shares Amy Bovaird’s emotions and experience which anyone going through vision loss can identify with. The transformation as she overcomes her fear and the enemies voices that her loss of vision will now define who she is as a person and dictate the rest of her life, will inspire hope to each reader. Amy’s journey stepping out in faith and how the Lord’s Word gave her the strength to keep going, is a must read.
This book is not only for those going through the hallway of vision loss, but for each family member or any one who loves someone losing their vision would also benefit by reading.
Mobility Matters Stepping out in Faith has left me thinking I will now call canes power sticks!!!
Michael Benson, Founder
Visual Experience Foundation
4 Stars “…As a mobility specialist myself, I found this book of great interest to me for its subject matter. I was quite amazed that Amy could get around on her own with her genetic condition, particularly at night, since individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) tend to lose their night vision and are using a cane at night much sooner than Amy was using any assistive device (even a bright light). Amy maintained her positive attitude, her faith and her sense of humour. If only we all could do that in times of crisis!” –Kathryn Svendsen, Mobility Specialist, Canada
5 Stars “Couldn’t stop reading until I finished. Very inspirational. Will definitely be looking for more by this author!” –Sharon Hannah
5 stars “…This book really inspired me. Amy’s outlook on life is what I would like to model in my own. Yes, going blind SUCKS but she took it to another level. She made it into an adventure and I needed to be reminded of that again. Her positive outlook on this all has really encouraged me in my current situation now. Taking the step of faith to move on forward and embrace life for what it is. I highly recommend purchasing this book! Be inspired, take a journey behind the life of someone with Usher, smile, laugh, and enjoy! –Andi Nicole
5 Stars “As a person who lives with chronic illness, I sometimes get bogged down with books on illness that feel really heavy. This one does not. Author Amy Bovaird, who is losing her sight, writes so well about her personal experiences, I feel like I’m walking alongside her as I read. I kept coming back to the story to see what happened–was she going to let fear stop her? Would she overcome?
The lessons Amy learns through her experiences apply to any of us who fear aging, illness, new symptoms, or really anyone who needs some inspiration, and that reminder that much can be accomplished if you step out and forward–even when you cannot see beyond that first step. I definitely enjoyed this book. –Kimberly Rae, Bestselling Author of the Stolen Series
Blog post review by Gillian Davis, RP Tunnel of Sight
One of the best books I have ever read about mobility and white cane use is called Mobility Matters: Stepping out in Faith by Amy Bovard. It is funny, poignant and packs a lot of tips and useful information. You can find it by following the link below to Amy’s web page and listen to a chapter before you buy, it is wonderful.
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Amy, thank you so much for featuring me on your website and for your loving-kindness.