See Life Different

Shelby Perry lost her right eye in a snowboarding accident in 2021 and turned that life-changing chapter into a worldwide mission called Eyehesive — creating adhesive eye patches, the One Eye retreat, and now a vision supplement. She shares what it was like to build a global community while protecting her vision at all costs.

• [1:27] Childhood Cancer Awareness Month & introducing Shelby Perry

• [2:17] Welcome — catching up after years of social media connection

• [3:05] Shelby's snowboarding accident

• [5:50] Emergency care, surgeries, and the road to eye removal

• [6:02] the moment EyeHesive was born

• [6:12] Zaakirah's story: retinoblastoma, losing an eye at 9 months old, childhood cancer awareness

• [7:57] Adjusting to life with one eye

• [9:36] Surrendering to healing: rest, asking for help, relearning to drive, strengthening the seeing eye

• [10:53] Breaking the stigma

• [11:27] Navigating cruelty and ableism online — finding your people and ignoring the rest

• [12:14] Saving nice comments as armor against the rude ones

• [13:09] In-person community: the One Eye Era retreat, retinoblastoma events, and conferences

• [15:28] EyeHesive sponsoring the Retinoblastoma One World conference

• [16:18] Zaakirah's experience at the Hawaii conference — becoming a Know the Glow ambassador, speaking at a caregiver workshop in West Africa

• [17:36] "Find your tribe" — why niche conferences matter

• [17:52] Building what you need — "I couldn't find what I wanted, so I created it"

• [18:50] First products: Eye Connect virtual conference and One Eye Gang merch

• [19:37] The adhesive eye patch idea — couldn't find a sleek, black patch anywhere

• [20:26] Four years from idea to market — the importance of not giving up

• [21:20] Zaakirah reviews the eye patches — travel-friendly, secure, discreet

• [22:54] "Things that are worth it are gonna take a while"

• [23:53] Vision Defense — a supplement for eye health, blue light protection, and night vision

• [25:46] Personal story: how her boyfriend's lifelong dry, red eyes made the mission even more personal

• [26:54] Bringing eye care to the forefront — "Get your eyes checked"

• [27:24] "Less screen, more intentional screen time"

• [28:12] The Vision Stack — daily habits for eye health and overall wellbeing

• [29:11] Protecting your vision at all costs — physical vision AND the vision for your life

• [29:46] Bringing visionaries together — first in-person vision event coming to San Diego

• [30:42] Where to find Shelby and EyeHesive

• [32:26] "Go one more day" — Shelby's closing message on perseverance and self-doubt

• [33:25] "Keep fighting for your vision and your dreams"

Connect with Shelby Perry:

• Website: eyehesive.com

• Instagram: @Eyehesive

• TikTok: @Eyehesive

• YouTube: Eyehesive

• Email: [email protected]

• Vision Defense: linked in the Eyehesive Instagram bio

Products & Events Mentioned:

• Adhesive eye patches (black & tan, holiday collection)

• Vision Defense eye supplement

• One Eye Era Retreat

• Eye Connect Virtual Conference

• Retinoblastoma One World Conference

Organizations Mentioned:

• Know the Glow — knowtheglow.org

Danielle Eyman shares her journey from 24 years as a registered nurse to founding Wealthy and Aligned by Human Design. After hitting burnout and experiencing severe anxiety, she discovered human design (the "how") and Gene Keys (the "why") and transformed her life. She discusses the high-frequency formula, a deconditioning method for emotional alignment, her podcast with 300+ "mini master classes," and why human DNA trumps AI when it comes to self-discovery.

Key Resources Mentioned

- Danielle's website: https://danielleeyman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedanielleeyman

Wealthy and Aligned by Human Design Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealthy-aligned-by-human-design/id1561011751

Wealth Code System

https://danielleeyman.com/thewealthcodesystem-8628

Zaakirah talks with Key (Ebenezer Kwame Yeboah) of Certified Africa about the 10 Day Ghana 70th Independence Day Celebration Experience happening March 1–10, 2027.

Your trip to Ghana isn't a vacation—it's a chance to connect with history, culture, ancestry, celebration and community

This is about experiencing Ghana.

about history. about culture. about celebration. about ancestry. about connection.

If Ghana has been calling you, this is your sign. This is not tourism. This is homecoming with purpose. Make your deposit and review the itinerary:

https://certifiedafrica.wetravel.com/i/6a7c8694a16c7ce29c606343#the-ghana-heritage-experience-march-1-10-2027

• 1:28 — Trip overview

• 2:44 — Zaakirah's backstory: Returning to Ghana after 15 years and realizing the need for accessible, immersive travel

• 3:07 — Invisible disabilities and why this trip considers all ability levels

• 3:36 — Introducing Key from Certified Africa

• 3:41 — Key introduces himself: Ebenezer Kwame Yeboah

• 4:15 — What is Certified Africa?

• 5:36 — Key's role: The bridge between traveler and experience — itinerary, logistics, and on-the-ground support

• 6:05 — Zaakirah on the importance of local involvement and her first Ghana trip with Operation Crossroads Africa

• 7:20 — Itinerary overview

• 7:46 — Why these places were chosen:

• 8:19 — Accra: The modern heartbeat of Ghana and the independence history (Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Museum)

• 8:33 — Cape Coast: Reflecting on ancestry and the transatlantic slave trade

• 9:11 — Art, culture, and storytelling through the Nkrumah Museum

• 9:18 — Inclusive by design: Considerate of all religions, dietary restrictions, and disability needs

• 9:42 — No alcohol on this trip — choosing healing and sobriety; "chocolate high" instead

• 10:25 — What makes this trip special during Independence Day

• 10:53 — Kwame Nkrumah's declaration: "The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African continent"

• 11:09 — Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Ghana in 1957 and his "birth of a new nation" sermon

• 11:49 — The concept of Sankofa

• 12:50 — Travel requirements: Visa (multiple entry recommended), yellow fever vaccination, passport valid 6+ months

• 15:58 — Certified Africa's travel medical insurance requirement

• 16:15 — Flight options: Nonstop from NYC or DC recommended via stopover programs

• 17:15 — What's included in the price

• 18:39 — What's NOT included

• 20:33 — Pricing: $2,535 USD (double occupancy) / $2,950 USD (single occupancy)

• 21:21 — Payment plan: $200 minimum deposit, then equal monthly installments until 60 days before travel

• 22:42 — Weather in March: Warm and sunny — pack light breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, reusable water bottle

• 23:15 — Fitness tip: Some walking required; stay hydrated and prepare physically

• 23:35 — Fashion in Ghana: Get a custom outfit tailored — a unique souvenir experience;

• 24:19 — Power adapters: Type used in Ghana

• 24:50 — Money in Ghana: Cards widely accepted ATMs available; team assists with currency exchange

• 25:25 — Phones and connectivity: eSIM options, adding international plans, mobile money networks, and preparing for occasional power outages

• 26:20 — Final invitation and Closing remarks

Quote Sources:

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1322073/nkrumah-ghana-is-not-free-ever-the-second-indep.html

https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/forward-ever-backward-never-and-the-present-state-of-ghana/

What does it really mean to be seen — and what happens when being seen is paired with access and community? In this episode, Zaakirah shares reflections from attending SXSW London, the vision behind her panel "Who Gets Seen: Building Accessible Media, Events, and Experiences," and why accessibility can't be an afterthought — on stages, in content, or in business, the history of Black Business Month, and the power of LinkedIn networking. This episode weaves together visibility, accessibility, and community into one cohesive conversation that remains relevant long after any voting deadline.

0:41 — Black Business Month: history, policy, and barriers to capital

1:13 — Travel philosophy: accessibility and disabilities in mind

1:37 — See Life Different: childhood eye cancer, seeing in one eye, finding your platform

2:29 — Gaps on stages: invisible disabilities and the need for safe spaces

3:08 — Building See Life Different: podcast, book, summits, and accessible content

3:46 — The gap: speaking opportunities that don't pay you

4:04 — Same mission, same vision: making sure the overlooked are no longer overlooked

4:34 — Lived experience: no captions, can't lip read, being left out

5:00 — Don't leave out people who want to work with you + SXSW panel submission

5:16 — Chapter: Who Gets Seen? — SXSW history

5:26 — SXSW London: accessibility at the forefront, not the back

5:52 — "Who Gets Seen: Building Accessible Media, Events, and Experiences"

6:13 — Captions, image descriptions, sensory spaces

6:43 — Co-panelists: Erin Perkins (deaf-blind) and Derra Howard (epilepsy)

7:15 — All Three Coasts (A3C) in Atlanta and the SXSW connection

8:02 — Applied to speak, didn't get accepted, attended two days SXSW London

8:23 — Setting intentions: what am I gonna do at this conference?

8:58 — Long-term goals: speak on a panel, premiere a documentary

9:35 — Building blocks for community, advocacy, and a speaker bureau

10:00 — People with disabilities have stories to tell

10:18 — SXSW London's accessibility: interactive app, scheduling, networking

10:45 — Real connections vs LinkedIn, Instagram, or WhatsApp

11:01 — Disability accommodations

11:46 — Sensory overload and the quiet networking hack

12:27 — Trust your intuition: the best networking moments

12:54 — Fora co-working space

13:18 — Documentary about travel, disability, woman of color, faith, and childhood eye cancer

13:53 — Healthcare SXSW panel and the power of LinkedIn

14:28 — Don't underestimate LinkedIn or in-real-life connections

15:23 — Hidden disabilities and airport accessibility

15:45 — invisible disability and asking for help

16:02 — Accessibility as a business strategy: stronger brand, bigger audience, more clients

16:25 — Supporting the diaspora economy

16:31 — The Accessible Content Creator: getting on stages and getting started

16:57 — How to work with Zaakirah on your Goals for the quarter

Connect with Zaakirah: Reach out via DM or comment to learn more about the Accessible Content Creator program, speaking opportunities, or working together.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://zaakirahnayyar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminousone/

Profile: https://www.facebook.com/zaakirah.n.muhammad/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@illuminousone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminousone/

Email Newsletter: https://zaakirah-nayyar.kit.com/

Shortlink: https://bit.ly/seelifedifferentyoutube

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaakirahmuhammad/

Book: http://bit.ly/seeinglifedifferentlens

Work with me: https://www.zaakirahnayyar.com/workwithme

Amber Andrews, co-founder of Amber's Artistry, shares how she turned an engineering-and-art background into a branding business that helps creatives turn attention into revenue. She gets candid about running a business with ADHD, why she's hesitant to let AI touch her design work, and how living with hearing loss has shaped her mission to make professional spaces more accessible for everyone.

• 1:03 – Amber's background: from engineering to art, building Amber's Artistry with Brooke

• 5:14 – The value of creative communities, online and in person

• 5:59 – Amber opens up about her hearing loss and advocacy for accessibility

• 7:47 – Tips for growing a business without losing yourself

• 10:13 – Living and working with an ADHD brain

• 11:23 – Where AI fits (and doesn't) in her web design and branding work

• 12:04 – Using AI for project management and research as an ADHD productivity tool

• 15:51 – Amber's legacy: confidence for creatives and accessible spaces for everyone

• 17:36 – Final thoughts on AI, authenticity, and staying human

Connect with Amber Andrews Artistry:

https://andrewsartistry.com/free-brand-clarity-kit/

https://andrewsartistry.com/podbrand/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/andrewsartistrystudio/

Debi Lynn is the Founder of Heart-Led Awakening™, a Certified Grief Educator, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author. Drawing from her own journey through profound loss, divorce, and rebuilding her life as a single mother, she helps women leaders and entrepreneurs move beyond survival, restore confidence, and create lasting personal and professional success. In this episode, you'll learn how to navigate change, make confident decisions, prevent burnout, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

• 0:00 — Intro: healing from the inside out; the show's mission

• 0:57 — Meet Debi Lynn: rebuilding after loss, divorce, and financial hardship

• 1:58 — Debi's story begins: connecting through shared resilience

• 2:58 — The turning point: losing her son, her job, and nearly herself

• 3:56 — The moment of crisis and the call that saved her life

• 5:08 — Introducing the HEART framework: Heal, Embrace, Awaken, Reclaim, Transform

• 7:55 — The Heart Framework Promise

• 8:43 — The Bounce Back Reset Guide explained

• 9:11 — The "Joy Jar" practice for finding daily moments of joy

• 10:04 — On legacy: "I matter" and building women's shelters worldwide

• 10:47 — A shared vision: giving back to local communities

• 11:49 — Where to find Debi Lynn online

• 12:38 — Final takeaway: "Your comeback story starts now"

• 13:01 — Closing thanks

Connect with Debi Lynn:

• Website: https://heartledawakening.com / https://debilynnfl.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/debi-lynn/

Sensory Reset: Rediscover Inner Joy — a live recording from the "Unbothered and Well" Activation during Essence Fest (New Orleans, July 4th, 2026).

Timestamps:

• 0:41 — Session context: recorded live at Essence Fest's Unbothered and Well Activation

• 1:42 — Zaakirah shares her story as a childhood eye cancer survivor

• 2:48 — Learning to breathe, unclench the jaw, and reset the nervous system

• 4:03 — Reconnecting with your inner child through travel, art, and music

• 5:13 — Erica Chidi welcomes the room to the Talking Circle and explains Unbothered

• 7:02 — Explaining the "keeper" and "anchor" roles in the circle

• 8:14 — Zaakirah opens the guided sensory reset practice

• 8:36 — "When's the last time you had a safe space to say I'm not okay?"

• 9:03 — Circle members share moments of true belonging

• 10:32 — Group discussion: what helps you thrive (not just survive)

• 15:26 — Reconnecting with who you were before the world told you who to be

• 17:30 — Love languages and sensory needs

• 19:15 — Empathy for invisible disabilities and accessibility needs

• 20:41 — "What is a story you have not shared publicly yet?"

• 22:19 — A participant shares her story about caregiving and retirement

• 23:23 — Closing reflections: keep breathing, keep choosing you

Intro Music by Derek of Northern Lights

Connect with Zaakirah

Website: http://zaakirahnayyar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminousone/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminousone/

Listen to more episodes on your favorite streaming platform:

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2NYapeh

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2TdAZ87

iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/33gUj9j

Pandora: https://pdora.co/2PLMUXo

Zaakirah recaps her third Essence Festival experience — this time as a speaker across three different platforms. She breaks down how she landed the opportunity, what she covered on each stage, and gives a full budget-friendly itinerary for anyone planning their own Essence Fest trip.

In this episode:

0:00 – Intro: Who is Zaakirah & what See Life Different is about

0:42 – Overview: Speaking on 3 stages at Essence Fest 2026

0:58 – Zaakirah's backstory: childhood eye cancer, vision/hearing loss, and her Essence Fest history (2016 → 2024 → 2026)

1:27 – History of Essence Festival & the Essence magazine legacy

1:49 – How she got the opportunity: shoutout to New Voices Family (PACE program)

2:50 – Winning the New Voices Excellence Award

3:13 – Setting intentions to be part of Essence Fest

3:53 – Speaking opportunity #1: Moderating the "Reimagining Inclusion" panel

4:42 – Speaking opportunity #2: Wellness talking circles with Refinery29's Unbothered & Well

5:53 – Speaking opportunity #3: New Voices community programming

8:31 – Gifting & networking with fellow entrepreneurs

8:07 – Beautycon lines & wristband access tips

8:31 – Concert Floor seats: Brandy & Monica, T.I.,

10:24 – Why accessibility (captions, sign language interpreters, wheelchair access) matters at events

12:39 – How to work with Zaakirah as your brand/accessibility strategist

14:13 – Budget travel breakdown: hostels, flights, the airport express bus

17:12 – Planning your itinerary using the Essence Fest app

18:34 – Friday: off-site events, Sprout Social meetup, Sister Song concert

20:19 – Meeting Lachi for Zaakirah's upcoming documentary project

23:11 – Catching a live podcast taping of Because We Feud

24:17 – Friday night networking dinner & prepping for speaking day

24:36 – Food recap: Daily Beets, True Food Kitchen, Cafe du Monde, po'boys & more

26:13 – Sunday: exploring the DMV community presence & Baltimore mayor session at convention center

27:14 – Fun fact: descendant of Frederick Douglass via Stephen Bailey

27:36 – Mario Performance at the Coca-Cola stage

28:41 – Touring Black New Orleans & the Ninth Ward

29:20 – Recap & what's next: goals for the next Essence Fest

29:48 – Outro & how to connect with Zaakirah

Connect with Zaakirah:

🌐 Website: https://zaakirahnayyar.com

📱 All social links: https://zaakirahnayyar.com/social

Learn more about New Voices Family:

https://www.newvoices.family/

https://smart.bio/newvoicesfamily/

Listen to the full audio of Zaakirah's main stage talk on creating more accessible travel content from the WITS Travel Creator Summit in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as well as the recap of the conference experience.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] – Introduction: Who is Zaakirah Muhammad?

[1:09] – First time attending the WITS Travel Creator Summit in Chattanooga, TN

[1:35] – About Zaakirah: brand strategist, travel creator, blind in one eye, hard of hearing

[1:50] – Being in a room with women and gender-diverse creators; her first major keynote session

[2:23] – Why she wasn't nervous: her 2024 TEDx talk experience

[2:45] – Her keynote topic: accessible content creation

[3:14] – Conference culture: WhatsApp group, community support, content collaboration

[3:51] – WITS paid their speakers — a rare and valued practice

[4:00] – Leaving WITS feeling seen, welcomed, and valued

[5:42] – Bessie Smith Cultural Center: Chattanooga history, Usher, and Kane Brown

[6:31] – Black Travel Alliance ice cream social at Scoop-alicious

[7:10] – Speaker networking event at the Hotel Chalet (the old train depot)

[9:16] – The Bessie Coleman Awards: honoring women trailblazers

[9:55] – Should you attend WITS? (Coming to Michigan near Detroit in 2027!)

[11:06] – 🎤 MAIN STAGE KEYNOTE BEGINS: "Making Your Travel Content More Accessible"

[11:20] – Opening audience poll: travelers with disabilities you can't see

[13:37] – Accessibility is not one size fits all — who gets left behind

[14:35] – Real-world example: Aburi Botanical Garden in Ghana & asking for accommodations

[15:25] – The Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard: a tool for invisible disabilities at airports

[16:10] – Tip #1: Use and edit captions — don't rely on auto-captions alone

[17:20] – Tip #2: Video and image descriptions — good for SEO and screen readers

[18:00] – Tip #3: Include accessibility info in your travel content (ramps, noise, lighting, crowd level)

[18:58] – Captions: every platform has them — use them or tell your audience how to enable them

[19:15] – Using Canva's alt text feature for accessible graphics

[21:09] – Empathy as an accessibility tool: the business case for inclusive content

[21:46] – "Design your content so that no one is excluded"

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• 📖 Book: Seeing Life Through a Different Lens by Zaakirah Muhammad https://amzn.to/4eAjnLx
• 🗓️ WITS Travel Creator Summit 2027 – Ann Arbor, Michigan (near Detroit) https://witsummit.com/annarbor
• 🌻 Get Your Accessible Content Guide: https://zaakirah-nayyar.kit.com/
• 💻 Book a 1-on-1 mentorship with Zaakirah: https://bit.ly/4eFWmrw
• 📬 Email Zaakirah with questions: [email protected]

CONNECT WITH ZAAKIRAH: Instagram | YouTube @illuminousone

Tell us in the comments: What is ONE thing you will do to make your travel content more accessible?

This episode challenges content creators and travelers to make their content more empathetic and inclusive for disabled audiences.

0:00 — Intro & welcome to the See Life Different podcast

0:28 — Zaakirah's background: cancer survivor, brand strategist, author, world traveler

0:42 — Episode topic: Are you leaving disabled travelers out of your content?

1:20 — Zaakirah's personal story: visually impaired and hard of hearing, visited 15+ countries and 4+ continents

1:48 — Her role as an accessibility advocate and travel consultant

2:21 — How the pandemic amplified the need for accessible content for disabled audiences

2:51 — Living with invisible disabilities: hearing loss, low vision, and the challenge of being seen

3:50 — What most people get wrong about disability — visible vs. invisible conditions

4:15 — Neurodivergence, recent injuries, and why empathy matters

4:35 — Upcoming speaking engagement: Women in Travel Summit (WITS) in Chattanooga, TN

5:18 — Zaakirah's history with travel content creation, dating back to the early 2010s

5:39 — How a Kodak Polaroid camera at age 5 sparked her love of storytelling

6:18 — From blog to vlog to podcast to TEDx stage

6:19 — Travel should expand how we see the world — but the world isn't designed for disabled travelers

6:49 — The Sunflower Lanyard: a tool for identifying hidden disabilities while traveling

7:08 — Lip reading, airport navigation, and advocating for yourself on tour

7:08 — The simple question most people forget: "How can I help?"

7:47 — Creating accessible visual content: font contrast, color readability, and DIY graphics

8:08 — Captions: why they matter beyond just muting your phone

8:30 — How social media platforms handle auto-captions — and where they fall short

8:37 — Captions as a tool for language learners AND those with hearing loss

9:11 — Describing images and videos the way you'd explain it to a five-year-old or an elder

9:35 — Screen readers and alt text: creating content accessible to those who cannot see

10:00 — SEO bonus: accessibility features also improve content discoverability

10:21 — Inviting disabled travelers into your hometown content

10:41 — Where to start: use your five senses to describe people, places, and things

11:02 — Enable captions and edit auto-generated ones for accuracy

11:28 — Why Zaakirah is personally passionate about accessible content

11:45 — Scrolling past content you can't hear or read — and the revenue creators lose

12:07 — How to work with Zaakirah: mentorship sessions and accessibility guides

12:39 — Booking a session: 30-min to 1-hour with an included accessibility guide

12:59 — Speaking at the WITS Travel Creators Summit

13:05 — The financial case for accessibility: disabled audiences represent real spending power

13:29 — Confidence, advocacy, and telling your story as a disabled person

13:48 — Zaakirah's personal experience with low vision at night and hearing high pitches

14:05 — Processing time and neurodivergence in accessible spaces

14:26 — Book written with her mom: resilience, confidence, and being the only one in the room

14:37 — Book available on Amazon (ebook, paperback, audiobook)

14:37 — Visit zaakirahtnayyar.com/social for all links

15:08 — Mentorship, brand strategy, and being a "brand therapist"

15:31 — Finding joy in creativity and entrepreneurship amid life's responsibilities

15:49 — 10 years of helping people build their brands and tell their stories

16:09 — Women in Travel Summit: stay tuned for more details

16:24 — In-person community with fellow creators and speakers

17:04 — Call to action: speak up in comments, advocate for accessibility, share this episode

17:09 — Closing: share this episode widely and see you next time

Zaakirah is a hard-of-hearing, visually impaired traveler who has visited over 15 countries. She is an accessibility advocate, brand strategist, and travel consultant.

• Website & all links: https://zaakirahtnayyar.com/social
• Mentorship sessions + Accessibility Guide available for booking: https://zaakirah-nayyar.kit.com/profile?
• Book available on Amazon (ebook, paperback, and audiobook): https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Life-Through-Different-Lens-ebook/dp/B081MR9TKP/

If this episode resonated with you, share it — accessibility starts with awareness