UniqueMiss

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My name is Jade Phillips and I am a model for Zebedee Management. I have been with Zebedee for just over a year. I have got several different illnesses - autoimmune liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, Addison’s disease, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. This has resulted in me having to use a wheelchair and crutches. My illnesses affect me in many different ways such as extreme fatigue, chronic pain, severe itching and limited mobility. Unfortunately, I had to give up work due to my illnesses.

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But I’m not here for the emotional sob story.

 

My mindset regarding my disabilities is pretty simple... I do not class myself as disabled, I am just me! I just face each day as it comes, as every other person does. We all have challenges in life, I just have different challenges to most other people. My confidence has fluctuated throughout my life. When I was younger and hadn't been diagnosed with any of my conditions, I was a very confident person. I used to be a county gymnast which helped with my confidence as I had to do routines in front of big crowds which just became normal to me.

 

When I was diagnosed at the age of 12, my confidence took a nose dive. I was put on a very high dose of steroids which drastically changed my appearance. It made me gain weight and changed the shape of my face - many people said that they did not recognise me. From then on, I have struggled with confidence and I have battled depression and anxiety from then on.

 

I believe that Zebedee has helped me build some confidence. It's so refreshing to see so many forms of beauty and for everyone to be so supportive of each other. I am lucky to have a great support system of close friends and family and they remind me daily that beauty is not about appearances, it is all about being a beautiful person on the inside. I believe that self-love and happiness is something that needs work daily.

 

"I have post-it notes around my house, especially on my mirrors, of positive notes and phrases."

 

I also believe that looking after yourself as best as you can really helps with life balance which in return makes me happier.

 

 I don't think I have a specific style, I try to dress for my shape and what suits me and my personality. I always have to show my waist, either with high-waisted jeans or with a sinched in belt. This stops me from looking too boxy, as I have a larger chest. I don't have any certain fashion inspiration, I like classic outfits with a modern twist such as a pop of colour or a quirky shoe. Holly Willoughby always looks beautifully classic and she has a similar shape to me, so if I was going to pick anyone out, I would choose her as my inspiration.

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When it comes to my life inspiration, hands down my mum wins! She is one of the strongest people I have ever met and has been through so many difficult things in life and still keeps going. She is my best friend, an amazing mother, incredible listener, completely selfless and I truly aspire to be just like her!

 

I hope that in the future it will be normal to have a whole range of real people in the media, including people with disabilities. I think the media has an obligation to show an accurate representation of the population. In my opinion,

 

"I think that the media has added to my depression and anxiety as it made me feel like I was not normal, I never see anyone like me in the media."

 

If there was a diverse range of people shown in the media, no editing or Photoshop, I believe it would make people, especially young adults, feel more comfortable and confident with their selves.

 

When I look through fashion magazines or social media I get the sense that the images are very much unattainable to the majority of the public, which would certainly add to people's lack of self-esteem and confidence. We should be showing that there are many shapes, sizes and abilities; all of which are beautiful! I think the word 'beauty' is too easily associated with looks.

 

Beauty has such wide connotations to me. Beauty could be shown in a person's confidence, in their kindness they show, through their ability to make others smile, in their determination and resilience in life... So many things come to mind when I think if the word beauty, not just looks.

 

 I don't have any specific plans for the future, I just take each day as it comes and aim to face each day with as much positivity as I can. I try to keep as healthy as possible, eating correctly (as well as a few treats!) keeping moving as much as I can and spending time with the people I love as much as possible. If any of the photo shoots/ campaigns I have done through Zebedee help just one person change their outlook on life or makes them feel a little more comfortable in their own skin, I would be truly ecstatic and feel like I have accomplished something in life.