A WOMAN from Texas won’t allow her disability to ruin her dreams of becoming a makeup artist. Ashleigh Kitchens, 29, was born with a spinal cord injury, leaving her unable to walk after an accident during her birth. The accident, which resulted in Ashleigh’s head being trapped and her body being pulled in a separate direction to her head, has left her in a wheelchair. Ashleigh told Truly: “I don’t have control over a lot of things - but makeup is something I do have control over.” For Ashleigh, growing up in a wheelchair has impacted her confidence: “People automatically judge me,” she explained. “They always see the wheelchair first.” Despite this, Ashleigh has found confidence through her love of makeup. “I have the power to do what I want with makeup, I have learned how to adapt.” Ashleigh lives with her boyfriend, Dylan, who is also her full-time caretaker, and is training to become a qualified makeup artist after earning her diploma. Despite having to adapt, Ashleigh is proud to become a disabled esthetician in Texas: “I might be one of the first few people working in that field in my situation,” she said. “I feel like I have a responsibility in a way, and I’m just really grateful.” Although Ashleigh admits there are challenges to being in her situation, she tries to focus on the positives and pushes herself forward: “If you are passionate about something, you will find your way - everything happens for a reason.”
https://www.instagram.com/crueltyfreeashleigh/