Model Diaries: Michelle Pownell

Michelle Pownell shares her powerful journey from self-doubt to self-expression—embracing bold fashion, mobility aids, and disability visibility as a proud content creator, signed model, and passionate advocate for authentic representation in the fashion industry.

Five years ago, I only wore black tops with denim. That was my entire wardrobe. I rarely wore dresses, I was not confident in my body, and I never allowed anyone to take my photo.

When I started using a walking stick several years ago, I was so embarrassed and had to deal with random people asking me questions about it and wanting to know "what was wrong with me".

Soon after, I had some psychology sessions where I discussed these issues that I was having. I worked through this, and it helped me to let go of any internalised ableism I had, and these sessions also helped me to embrace my disability and my mobility aids, and I also had a major shift in my clothes, too, as I went from wearing all black and denim to wearing all the colour and dresses! It was a major change in thinking, and this has changed my life.

Photo by @kasey.rainbow x @proudpoppyclothing. Styled with @neowalksticks and @oscarwylee.

In the past 3 years, I have become a content creator on Instagram, sharing images and stories about disability or fun fashion, or sometimes both.

Last year, I signed with inclusive talent agency Zebedee Talent, and through this, I have modelled for various advertising and marketing campaigns. This is such a great way to increase diversity in advertising and showcase disability visibility.

Photo by @wilhelminamartens. Runway: @curve.therunway.

Also, being a brand ambassador for fashion brands as a disabled mobility aid user is so important to me because there is not enough disability representation in the media and marketing.

When I first needed to start using a walking stick, I was embarrassed because so many people only believe that “old people” use walking sticks.

I want to show others that mobility aids are not something to be embarrassed about, and that anyone can become disabled at any age, and this does not stop us from wanting to wear fashionable clothes. Your mobility aid does not ruin your outfit!

Wear the dress, take the photos, and do something out of your comfort zone! You just never know where it will take you.