Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McFaul.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Ashley McFaul, and I’m a disabled content creator living in Downtown Houston. My content focuses on living my life with Arthrogryposis, makeup, fashion, and all-around fun. There are times when it’s difficult to deal with negativity and ableism, but I do it with a little humor. I was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis, which is a term to describe multiple joint contractures throughout the body. I’m affected in the arms. Shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. As a child, when most were learning how to navigate the world with their hands, I was learning with my feet. My family and doctors were always encouraging and excited to see how I would do. I was lucky enough to have a very supportive family and medical team. Both of whom valued body autonomy. I’ve never had surgery for my Arthrogryposis because of it. Everyone involved wanted me to be able to make the decisions for my body. And because there is no true “fix” for my condition, everyone felt comfortable just doing therapies. I adapted so well doing things with my feet that medical professionals felt it could lower my quality of life to perform any of the surgeries. And mostly, I’ve never wanted them. I don’t feel like I need to be “fixed.” I’ve always loved art, dance, technology, travel, and going to Stevie Nicks concerts. Which I still enjoy doing to this day. I enjoyed being a part of activities with able-bodied kids. It was beneficial for both myself and the other kids. I was a “normal” kid to everyone. I was a teen right when social media was created, and I don’t think people realize how much social media opened up the world for so many disabled people. Suddenly, we were part of conversations; we were included in ways we hadn’t been before. However, I never thought it would be such a big part of my life and career.
In 2011, I earned a Mass Media Communications degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology, focusing on radio and video production. At the time, again, I didn’t realize I would end up using it like I do now. After college, I co-created a short-lived female-focused music and entertainment magazine, Inspirer. Despite its short life, it continues to be one of my greatest and most loved projects. I was given the opportunity to share amazing stories from my favorite women in entertainment. It also taught me a lot about branding, the social media business, and the entertainment business.
All the while, I haven’t let my disability stop me. My main message is that “Disability” isn’t a bad word. Saying you are disabled is not a negative thing; it’s a factual thing.
Once the magazine came to an end and the pandemic hit, I decided to start posting on TikTok and YouTube. At the time, on TikTok, I was mostly posting makeup tutorials and transitions. And on YouTube, I was sharing more story-time-like content. As I shared more of my life, the more people were interested. Through TikTok, I grew a following of over 157k people. With the good came the bad. And suddenly, I was battling ableist comments. People telling me the way I navigate life is gross. Or they would never want to live their lives with my disability. They don’t see that you can live a beautiful life with a disability. That’s what drives me to share my life. Not only were people interested in the disability and makeup content, but they were also interested in my relationship. I’m a disabled lesbian living in a polyamorous relationship. We sparked interest from Truly TV and did an episode of ‘Love Don’t Judge.” That interview, and my growing TikTok following, led me to an offer from TLC’s ‘Say Yes to the Dress.’ We had a beautiful experience with ‘Say Yes’ and Kleinfeld’s. Everyone was so kind, and they told our story beautifully. The designer of my dress, Martina Liana with All Who Wander, and Kleinfeld’s, graciously gifted me my dress. Our handfasting was also featured in The New York Times. I committed to my partner, Amber, on October 31, 2022. I started getting offers to promote makeup for Urban Decay, Guide Beauty, and Maybelline. In July of 2023, Maybelline asked me to be their featured artist for Disability Pride Month. I was honored to be featured and spread awareness for the disability community. That’s what I hope to continue in 2024. I want to focus on making longer-form content and growing my brand. I’m excited to see where the road leads me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not been an easy road<, but it’s been an amazing journey. I wouldn’t change anything in my life. Living with a disability can be frustrating, but life itself is frustrating. The majority of people will end up disabled at some point in life. Disability is just another part of life, and that scares people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create makeup and lifestyle content on TikTok and YouTube mostly, but I spread out over all platforms. What draws people’s attention is that I’m disabled and do everything with my feet. All my makeup looks are done by me, by foot. A few things I’m most proud of are being selected as Maybelline’s featured creator for Disability Pride Month last July, ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ asking us to participate., and The New York Times asking us to write a piece about our Handfasting.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
As cliche as it sounds, I truly believe the most important and fulfilling thing in life is love. Through love, anything is possible. And when we are gone, love is the only thing we leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymcfaul55/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/nobowsashley
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AshleyMcFaul
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleymcfaul
