The Sally Steele Show

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with fellow Glasgow lass, award-winning graphic designer and now sustainable fashion designer Maria Harran.  A graphic designer by trade, Maria strives to use her creativity for the greater good. We discuss how the strict Melbourne COVID19 lockdown has actually given her creative space, allowed the overwhelm she was feeling of running a successful design agency to melt away and inspired a full range of sustainable summer collection, including swimwear, towel, slides and suitcase. The range aimed at uplifting us into enjoying the outdoor lifestyle we have in Australia and inspire women to stand out and be confident in who they are. Launch at the beginning of December and pre-orders have shown Maria that this could be the start of something big – a new family business – a new Harran legacy.

In this episode we also chat about:

• Maria's strict catholic upbringing in Cumbernauld, Glasgow, as one of 6 children.
• Her love of Glasgow, late 80s/early 90s rave culture and the Scottish obsession with getting a tan on holiday and how it impacted her self-love as a pale skinned celt growing up.
• The influence of her high school art teacher in encouraging her to pursue a career in Graphic Design.
• How meeting her best mate of over 30 years Fiona and her fearless individuality, lit a fire in Maria to be unafraid of what people thought and create her own bold, daring look.  
• How she nearly went off the rails, when left with an empty house for several months, before a college lecturer took her aside and told her not to blow her design talent on partying.
• The fortuitous way Maria got her first job in graphic design in Melbourne, working for a family man for which allowed her the freedom to start her own family whilst still earning an income.
• How moving to Australia and comments about her "beautiful" pale, smooth skin had a profound effect on her fully embracing her unique beauty and loving herself for who she was.
• The positive changes to work-life balance that have happened since her husband was made redundant and she lost her job, how they've redesigned their family life with her choosing to start her own business and her husband taking over the main home and children duties.
• Her love for her first client's charity Family Life and Okay Lady mindful jigsaws and how she felt about being nominated for a prestigious Australian Graphic Design Award.
• Her young son's ideas for building her brand and family business.
• Frankie Knuckles and the re-mix that always gets Maria out on the dance floor.
• The cult classic 1981 Scottish film Gregory's Girl, was a movie she loved as it brings nostalgia from her time in Cumbernauld.
• Maria is a voracious reader and shares her three top books she gifts people.
• And finally, Maria encourages us to take a look at Family Life, which for 50 years has been building resilience and healthy relationships and improving responses to child vulnerability and family violence. You can help easily by donating or shopping their online op shop here.

So, enjoy this funny and uplifting episode with Maria Harran.

Links:

Maria Harran

Support 'Family Life'

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with New Yorker, Lydia Gobena. Lydia, born in Ethiopia, describes herself as a multipotentialite – she is a partner at a leading intellectual property law firm, a passionate jewellery designer, a wife, a mother to two fierce daughters and a full-blown fashionista.

Lydia championed countless court and trademark office decisions and also secured one of the first criminal convictions for trademark infringement in Chile.

When Lydia is not protecting some of the world's most well-known and beloved brands, she is creating bold unique jewellery under her Birabiro brand, inspired by the beauty and imperfection of nature and her birthplace Ethiopia. Lydia is also one of the 36 women featured in my book Dare More Care Less® and we discuss her incredibly inspiring life to date.

In this episode we also chat about:

• The story behind Lydia's Instagram handle, @birabiro and how she began promoting her jewellery and style on Instagram and the opportunities and people it has connected her to.
• Lydia's tips for protecting your own trademark and what to look for when starting a business.
• Living in New York during the COVID pandemic, her new appreciation of Central Park, nature and Harlem and spending more time with her children since working from home.
• The impact of the recent US political race, The Black Lives Matter movement and the conversations that have arisen in her household as a result.
• Lydia's childhood growing up in the US as an Ethiopian immigrant and how her parents and she maintain their connection to culture.
• Meeting Instagram fashion blogger @Diana Gabrielle at a house party and how they came to be good friends.
• The confidence and self-esteem boost she gained through working with jewellery.
• Lydia's tips for boosting your confidence through fashion and the impact it can have on our mental state.
• Her body image journey and how she ended up on billboards across the USA.
• How Lydia, as a lawyer, manages to express her playfulness, youthfulness and vitality through her style.
• Her experience of the MET costume museum and meeting Iris Apfel.
• Lydia's process of using creativity as a way to deal with the grief of losing her mother this year.
• The music, books and films that bring joy and have impacted her life's journey.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Lydia's favourite charity The 'Abebech Gobena Orphanage,' which is where her daughter was adopted from.

So, enjoy this insightful episode with Lydia Gobena.

Links:

Follow @birabiro on Instagram

Visit the Bira Biro Etsy Store

Be inspired by Diana Gabriel on Instagram

Be inspired by Debra Rapoport on Instragram

Read 'The Broken Wings' by Kahlil Gibran 

Read 'The Little Prince' by Antoine Saint-Exupery

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with the lovely, Amanda Ramsay, an Australian award-winning make–up artist who spent the early part of her career in the UK as an account manager in the fast-paced world of advertising,  before realising her true career passion lay on the other side of the set as a make-up artist. Since reinventing herself,  she has had a very successful career in London and Sydney in the advertising and fashion editorial makeup world before moving back to Queensland to focus on building her business as an over 40s makeup expert and sharing her expertise to empower women to love the skin they're in.

In this episode we also chat about:

• The phrase or mantra that Amanda's father instilled in her to make the most of every single encounter and step into her confidence every day.
• Her early years growing up in Santa Monica, LA and the impact her bold, adventurous mother Wendy, who headed to the US aged 18  to build a life for herself has had on her view on life.
• Amanda's experiences as a mother of two boys and her views on parenting a child with ADHD  and running her combination of well-oiled but winging it household.
• Defining herself as a tomboy when she was younger and the body image issues she grappled with as a teen, due to the body shape ideals of the 80s, and how her love of sport led her to study Sports Science at University.
• How she fell into a role in advertising and what she loved about her decade long career as an Account Director and how the high pressure and fast pace eventually lost its appeal.
• How she worked for free as a makeup artist for a year, viewing it as her on the job "university" to really make the most of the opportunities that her advertising contacts gave her to learn from the best.
• Her view on understanding it is not just stellar creativity that is important in getting the jobs but being a great person onset that people want to work with.
• How Amanda has evolved into becoming the poster girl for 40s+ makeup expert empowering women over 40 and how a conversation in her 30s with her mother-in-law planted the seed.
• Her own realisation when shopping for new makeup that made her realise women over 40 were not being seen, heard or served properly, which led to her starting her workshops, private consults and curating her shop to make it hassle-free.
• Her dislike of the term 'anti-aging' and how she wants it to change to 'pro-age'.
• Her deep love for helping women being playful, radiate joy and luminosity at any age.
• Her top tips for nourishing your skin with products and supplements and the intrinsic link between gut health and quality of the skin.
• The Moloko track that will get Amanda up on the dancefloor in seconds.
• The impact a Henri Matisse exhibition had on Amanda and once travel opens up the reason she wants to return to Varanasi, in India.
• Our shared love of "The Big Blue" – and what it represents.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Amanda's favourite charity 'Breast Cancer network'.

So, enjoy this uplifting, tip and love-laden episode with the amazing Amanda Ramsay.

Links:

Amanda Ramsay – 10% off the SHOP for all newsletter subscribers

Follow @amandaramsaymakeup on Instagram

Support Breast Cancer Network

'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' by Dr. Seuss

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with Devon born and bred, but London-based, Kirsty Warriss, a primary school teacher, Mama and fashion blogger who loves colourful, bold outfits. She is also one of the 36 everyday women featured in my book Dare More, Care Less. I immediately connected with her happy, magical outlook on life and the way her Instagram account @girlwithbellsandwhistles inspires others to live joyfully no matter whether their day involves nothing more exciting than a trip to the local swings. During times of personal hardship, Kirsty uses bright colours and personal style to lift herself up and boost her mood, and in this episode, she shares other ways she finds gratitude in her every day and her journey to sustainability.  

In this episode we also chat about:

• The story behind her Instagram name @girlwithbellsandwhistles, and how her Instagram journey has impacted her style and passion for sustainability.
• The way growing up in a country seaside town in Devon has meant she has a deep bond and yearning for nature and a return to the country life.
• What she loves about London and her life & home there and how she has maintained her buoyancy during COVID lockdowns.
• Her special skill to see multiple combinations, outfits and styling potential in a single piece of clothing and how one day she would love to move into a career in sustainable styling.
• Kirsty's love of supporting small businesses and introducing others to local independent stores.
• Her husband's style philosophy of only investing in clothes that last decades and how that has influenced her own fashion evolution in recent years.
• Kirsty's first memories of wanting to be a teacher aged 5, and what she loves about
• teaching young children, even now during strict COVID 19 restrictions.
• What Kirsty loves about being a mother and as she nears 40th birthday, the only thing that weighs on her mind about the milestone.
• Her philosophy of clothing being like armour and her tips on bringing more colour into your wardrobe.
• How the motto by instagrammer "Lioness not Princess" has helped Kirsty rally herself during a recent traumatic miscarriage and termination.
• Why Kirsty shares the hard times she has experienced becoming pregnant and what she loves about being real and vulnerable on social media.
• Kirsty's dream to have a country sustainable style and swap business and why, I may have just convinced her to get started.
• The epic 90s dance track that  Kirsty loves and how I will be joining her on the dancefloor as it reminds me of my time in London.
• The art, films and books that Kirsty recommends.

Enjoy this sunny, sparkly episode with Kirsty Warriss, the girl with bells and whistles.

Links:

Follow @girlwithbellsandwhistles on Instagram

Buy Kirsty's recommended Book; "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with the impressive multi-disciplinary creative, mentor and entrepreneur Amy Crow, who has a deep-seated drive and passion to see artists and creatives shine and thrive. Starting her career 14 years ago in make-up, Amy powered through her hairdresser apprenticeship in 2 years, whilst also finding the time to release 2 Eps as a solo folk musician. She then went on to study graphic design and has not looked back since, growing exponentially in her creative & business fields.

Since 2017 her multiple projects include the FUTURE = FEMALE apparel line and pop-up shops, YUNG MUNNY, a resource platform including workshops for young start-ups, and FORGE FORWARD an ever-changing space for featured artists as well as her hair salon LOST SALON.

Her desire to support young up-and-comers is obvious and, in this episode, she shares her insights into how she lives a joyful life as a driven analytical creative entrepreneur.

In this episode we also chat about:

• Amy's childhood as an impatient child, who enjoyed hands-on creative pursuits and connected deeply to to art.
• Her love of Enneagram Personality Testing and the self-awareness these tests have given Amy.  
• Her love of working with artists, developing their sense of worth, using mindsets like "opportunity cost."
• How she feels about getting rejected from art school and what she thinks of the other path it took her on.
• The roots of her organisational superpowers in being an apprentice to 4 senior hairdressers and how much hairdressing is underrated as an incredible skill.
• How she gained so much satisfaction from killer "oil in the machine and how Toni & Guy's ability to create culture and inspire continuous learning in their organisation has been an inspiration for her own projects.
• Amy's gut-driven decision making process and how Spiderman is linked to her own way of thinking.
• How a creative business venture with her mum, cemented a stronger, closer relationship.
• Starting YUNG MUNNY in 2018 as a resource platform for young creatives searching for practical business advice on start-ups and setting tangible goals.
• What important revelation Amy has gained about herself during COVID.
• How brainstorming in the shower, writing fake ads in her zine and learning circus skill Lyra give her joy.
• How Amy uses music as art therapy and free up the creative thinking process.
• The music genres she is being introduced to through Queen's Gambit and recommendations.
• Amy's mind-blowing art gallery trip to New York and what it has taught her.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Em Reader and her amazing invention "Consent Patches", iron-on patches to highlight the importance of continual consent.

So, enjoy this powerful episode with Amy Crow.

Links:

Forge Forward

Follow @hello_amycrow on Instagram

Try the Enneagram Personality Test.

Consent Patches

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with Lauren Pearse, who, along with husband Ryan are the owners of the award-winning Rylo Co, and new lifestyle brand Co-Collection. Lauren and Ryan met at school and fell in love as young teenagers and then combined their talents and passion for interior design and building, into Rylo Co, named after their respective nicknames for each other. In less than a decade, this inspiring young duo, have evolved from renovating and flipping houses together, to creating one of Australia's most highly regarded full service Design & Build companies, all whilst juggling the demands of raising a young family. I started working with Rylo Co this year assisting them in their Life & Business Strategy and have found their collective energy, drive and strong sense of joy in all that they do so exciting in terms of unlocking greater potential and personally very inspiring.

Lauren's deep-seated enthusiasm for all things design, especially floor plans and delivering homes that exceed client expectations is undeniable and she gives us a lovely snapshot into the reality of  life in Rylo Co.

In this episode we also chat about:

• Lauren's childhood growing up with reno-loving parents and the innate skills she has developed and recognised as her superpowers. 
• How moving around a lot as a kid has impacted her decisions on how she wants to school her children.
• Failing to find her passion at school but succeeding in meeting her future husband and business partner.
• How even at the tender age of 19, Lauren & Ryan had bold visions and could see the potential of an unlivable shack, which once flipped, sparked the desire to go into business together.  
• What the meaning of "home" is for Lauren.
• Why she loves her life where their children are very much part of the business and know the families they work with.
• The importance of close client relationships with a deep understanding of their reality so that she creates homes that tick all their boxes and immediately they want to kick off their shoes and snuggle on the sofa.
• What made her realise she needed to create more work /life boundaries and the fun traditions she has created as a result.
• How renovating their own homes at the same time as running a business, actually provides a fun, creative outlet for both Lauren and Ryan as the reality of building a growing business often takes them away from the tools and design process they both love.
• How the pandemic provided opportunities for her to expand their fabric and wallpaper line, Co-Collection with vintage curated pieces and design their own furniture collection which launches in 2021.
• The inspiration for Lauren's 'Online Décor' concept and how it has combined with their new lifestyle brand Co- Collection to provide more clients a slice of the Rylo Co aesthetic.
• What Lauren loves about being a parent and what she has learnt from her children.
• Our combined love of the elderly and the rich wisdom they offer.
• The books, artworks and films that have impacted her journey and continue to inspire her everyday.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Lauren's favourite charities -  'Brave Hearts' and 'Rize Up'.

So, enjoy this inspirational episode with the beautiful Lauren Pearse from Rylo Co.

Links:

Rylo Co

Follow @rylo_co_ on Instagram

Co. Collection

Follow @co-collection on Instagram

Support Brave Hearts

Support Rize Up

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Find out more about Sally's work as a Life & Business Strategist & Mindset Mentor

Book your FREE 30 minute consultation

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with long time childhood friend and renowned British Make-up artist Tania Grier, whose impressive credits include titles such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Tatler and as well as famous folk across film and fashion including Diane Lane, Laura Bailey, Suki Waterhouse, Sabine Getty, Emma Thompson, Elizabeth McGovern, Toni Collette to name a handful.

Tania started off in dance, before moving into musical theatre, modelling and theatre and TV acting in her early teens. But it was an impulsive holiday to New York with a close friend and the chance meetings, authentic connections and friendships she made there that changed Tania's life path, with her ending up moving to the US and starring in theatre and independent film for several years, before returning to London. Aware of the harsh reality and career limitations of being an older female actor she took an opportunity to reinvent her career in make-up artistry, where she has thrived ever since.  

Tania is an incredibly charming and resilient woman whose life path and the places she has gone will be of inspiration to all.

In this episode we also chat about:

• Growing up in Glasgow and early memories of Tania's dancing and her early dreams of becoming a ballerina, which ended in a crushing way aged 12.
• Tania's incredible foray as a multi-award-winning actor, director Peter Mullen's "Wild Cats" theatre at the tender age of 16 and how her three years in the company was more precious than any drama degree.
• Taking a chance with best friend Nick to follow their dreams in New York and the incredible encounters and exciting new paths it created.
• How Tania's natural gregarious nature, Glasgow accent and innate ability to "charm the pants off anyone" helped open doors in The Big Apple.
• The incredible story of how she was cast in her first independent film alongside US indie film heavyweights including Michael Imperioli, Jerry Stiller, Debi Mazar, Chris Noth and Ice T.
• How an honest and open conversation with her long-time friend Nick made her realise she needed a plan B.
• Her fortuitous beginning in the makeup industry and how her quick thinking, can-do attitude and easy-going personality led to immediate opportunities.
• The impact of social media in the career of the creative and how she has upskilled during COVID.
• Tania's tips for those new to the industry, what she loves about the work she does.
• Tania's quick homemade makeup recipes, favourite brands and tips to combat "maskne" during COVID.
• What music, art and film inspire joy in her every day.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Tania's favourite charity 'Beauty Backed'.

So, enjoy this hilarious and fascinating episode with the inspiring Tania Grier

Links:

Tania Grier

Follow @taniagrier on Instagram

Support 'Beauty Backed'

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with, local and international film industry legend Maxine Williamson, whom I have known as a friend and colleague for 20 years. A bold visionary, and specialist in Asia Pacific cinema, Maxine was pivotal in establishing the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs), affectionately known as the Oscars of the East. She spent a decade at the helm of this 70-country pan-regional film awards, representing half the world's film, first as Associate Producer and then Artistic Director.

Maxine's impressive list of credits also includes; Director of the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film festival and Co-Director, of the 23rd Brisbane International Film Festival, Artistic Advisor for the touring cultural exhibition and platform FRAME: How Asia Pacific Feminist Filmmakers and Artists are Confronting Inequality which toured to Berlin during the 2019 Berlinale promoted via the NATIVE program and continued on to the 2019 Sydney Film Festival. Maxine is currently producing Indian cinema with two fiction features and two feature documentaries in varying stages of development and production with Indian production house Next Story. Her first feature documentary as Producer, DEATH IN THE CITY, is entering post-production. Career credits aside, she is a bold, spiritual, passionate woman whose journey to now is inspiring and uplifting.

In this episode we also chat about:

• How Sally & Maxine got to know each other through both working for independent film company and cinema chain Dendy and creating grassroots marketing campaigns with no budget.
• Maxine's early childhood as the daughter of dairy farmers and her desire to look for "something more"
• Her experience of religion, prejudice and conformity and the impact of catholic school on her belief system and desire for a spiritual framework where all are equal.
• Her strong desire to get to know herself and reach her full potential has led to so many of her life path choices.
• Maxine's views on her father's alcoholism and subsequent aggressive & abusive behaviour, how it impacted her relationship with herself and how their relationship is ultimately a story of healing and redemption.
• Her journey to working with women in the international film industry and how it opened her eyes to how others live.
• How she has overcome adversity and manifests using the Laws of the universe.
• Being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease forced her to stop her self destructive behaviour and slow down for close to 5 years.
• How she met and fell in love with Peter, with whom she has two children, and created their own co-parenting paradigm.
• Imposter Syndrome, tall poppy syndrome and Maxine's tips for managing self-doubt.
• Her agenda-less approach to opportunity and life as a whole.
• Connection to land and nature has always gotten Maxine through her darkest times.
• What iconic feminist hit gets Maxine singing in the car.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear about Maxine's favourite charity 'The Climate Council'.

So, enjoy this insightful episode with Maxine Williamson.

Links:

Maxine Williamson LinkedIn

The Climate Council

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with the fascinating Katiuska Clarke. Kati, originally from Chile only moved to Australia as a teen and takes us on her journey of self-discovery as an immigrant in Australia, becoming a sustainability advocate and finding love later in life.

In this episode we also chat about:

• How I met Kati and the birth of her bubbly vivacious nature.
• Kati's upbringing in Santiago, Chile post-coup as the daughter of a political prisoner.
• Starting again in Cairns, Australia as a teen in the 80s, without a word of English and how that has formed her personality. 
• Her experience of falling pregnant in high school and becoming a single mum at 18.
• How Kati's amiable and confident nature led to her starting a career in styling and visual merchandising.
• Her choice to leave a creative career path and move into the corporate world was made purely to be able to provide educational opportunities for her son George.
• How at 28, her move to Brisbane for a promotion coincided with her having struggles with her mental health,  feeling like an outsider and unable to find her tribe and what she learnt.
• Kati's mental health strategies and now she recognises when she needs to take time out and be in her "cocoon" to focus on self-reflection and growth and how she believes "you need manure to make flowers grow".
• Starting her blog @Loopistyle a decade ago and how cataloguing her daily outfits and making an effort is actually something she feels helps her keep a positive mindset.
• Finding love later in life and how there is no timeline for when things have to happen.
• Her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice for fashion workers and how she has changed since she did her #buynothingnew challenge in 2019.
• Brisbane's 2nd hand fashion - REVIVE festival promoting a reduction in textile waste and how it is making big changes in people's mindsets and behaviours towards second hand and preloved clothing.
• Understanding individuality and prioritising the things that matter to you.
• Kati explains how she uses the app 'Stylebook' to help gain style insights with stats and become more sustainable.
• How she loves being married to an artist, Roger Clarke, and how it inspires her every day.
• What film has had the biggest impact on her journey as a sustainable style advocate and why she loves being a conduit for change in others' behaviours through social media.
• And finally, we shine a light on others and hear why 'Amnesty International' is so dear to Kati.

So, enjoy this insightful episode with the wonderful Katiuska Clarke.

Links:

Loopistyle Blog

Follow @loopistyle on Instagram

Shop Kati's store: Shop 16 in New Farm Antique Centre,

85 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe, Brisbane 4005 QLD

Or Online

Artist Roger Clarke

Attend REVIVE 2020 – FREE Second Hand Fashion Festival – Oct 25 - Brisbane

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele

In this episode of The Sally Steele Show, I sat down with powerhouse Kelly Perks-Bevington. Kelly has a super cool sense of style, is featured in my book "Dare More, Care Less" and is an absolute inspiration to all she meets. A young entrepreneur & business owner, TV & Media Presenter, Ability Advocate and Inclusion Consultant, Kelly gives out positive vibes wherever she goes.

Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and a wheelchair user, Kelly is used to confidently facing her challenges head on and is a gifted problem-solver. She enjoys dismantling judgement and stigma around living boldly with a disability and is passionate about inspiring real change in mindsets & behaviour in the able-bodied world. Through her Ability & Inclusion consultancy and media presence she is also improving the lives and experiences of others living with a disability.  Kelly truly lives and breathes the philosophy of my book "Dare More, Care Less", enjoy this eye-opening and profoundly inspiring episode.

In this episode we chat about:

• Kelly's early childhood memories shaped by beloved clothing she remembers vividly.
• Her early experiences as a teen wheelchair user and her bold early advocacy for herself to attend the mainstream school of her choice as the first wheelchair user.
• The ways teachers inadvertently have made her feel ashamed and minimised as a wheelchair user and why she is a such a strong advocate for more open, honest conversations around disabilities.
• The evolution of Kelly's bold personal style and makeup preferences inspired by Tarantino films and music icons.
• How she began getting into tattoos and the special meaning behind her first tattoo.
• Her experiences of the stereotypes and limitations society and employers put on wheelchair users and those living with a disability.
• Kelly's successful career in the competitive and image-conscious world of Lifestyle Concierge and how she courageously began her own consultancy because of the toxic masculinity and discrimination she endured as a young female wheelchair-user.
• Current collaborations she is enjoying, including developing sex toys for those with a disability as well as overcoming her own insecurities to film a campaign to raise standards in sexual health and sexual awareness for disabled people.
• The difficulties and fears she faced ending a marriage, when her husband was also her main carer and how her personal experience has led to a new career helping others.
• How she never dresses for the occasion but how she feels about the occasion and loves to challenge socio-economic stereotypes with her personal style.
• Dating as a disabled person and how Kelly has finally fallen in love with someone with similar values who supports her ambitions and believes in her.
• Her experience of pregnancy, labour and lockdown, whilst living with her genetic condition type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) during COVID-19.
• What she has learned about herself and raising a toddler and newborn during strict lockdown.
• What well known artwork stopped Kelly in her tracks
• And finally, we hear about the bespoke care providing organisation Kelly works with 'Care Preference UK'.

So, sit back and enjoy this inspiring episode with Kelly Perks-Bevington

TRIGGER WARNING – This episode contains mentions of suicide – if you or someone you know needs help please contact Lifeline Australia 13 11 14  or SupportLine UK  01708 765200

Links:

Check out Kelly's Blog

Find Kelly Perks - Bevington on Instagram

To find out more on 'Care Preference', connect with Kelly directly or head to their website

Buy Sally's Book "Dare More, Care Less"

Follow the show on Instagram @thesallysteeleshow

Find Sally on Instagram

@STEELEmystyle

@ItsSallySteele

@DareMoreCareLess

Sally Steele