fbpx

Just a Barbie girl in an inaccessible world...

Living life boldly: the realities of chronic illness, business, and beyond.

I’m a proud Wife,
Businesswoman, and Disability Advocate based in Dorset. 

I’ve been chronically ill since I was two, and over the years, I’ve found my passion in disability awareness.

I love opening up the narrative around chronic illness and consider myself an ‘open book’. Creativity is my happy place, so I’m usually knee-deep in some kind of project.

When I’m not working on something, you’ll probably find me with a cup of tea in hand, surrounded by my enormous Barbie collection.

Recently on Instagram

  • Not just a seat at the table - a mic in the House of Lords.
Because if we’re going to talk about disabled entrepreneurship, let’s make a statement!

I had the honour of speaking at the final report of the Lilac Review, sharing my real-world experiences as a disabled entrepreneur - to sum it up nicely:

“Disabled entrepreneurs aren’t your inspiration. We’re your competition!”
(And judging by the reaction in the room, they won’t forget it anytime soon.)

Cam and I are so excited to keep championing this work as the Lilac Review moves forward - the future looks brighter (and more inclusive) than ever, but there’s still plenty to be done. 

Huge thanks to the team @lilacreviewuk for inviting us to be part of such a powerful moment. It’s certainly not one I’ll forget and who knows, maybe I’ll do a bit more public speaking in future! 

Want to watch the speech for yourself? It’s on Youtube - link in my stories!

VD: A disabled woman with shoulder-length pink hair and glasses, is pictured mid-speech at the House of Lords. She is smiling confidently while holding a microphone in one hand and her phone in the other. Imali is wearing a bright pink suit and is seated in a power wheelchair. Resting on her lap is a printed copy of the Lilac Review report.
    5 days ago
  • Found one of the #TailTrail tails on a beach walk and it was sparkly so I had to get a photo ✨ @greattailtrail 

Music by the one and only @sakaradee 🩷

VD: A woman with pink hair wearing a light blue cardigan, sitting in a wheelchair next to a sculpture of a mermaid tail. In the background are beach huts. 

#Bournemouth #Dorset #DorsetTrail #DisabilityDorset #BeachWalk #VisitDorset
    2 weeks ago
  • If I had a pound for every time a medical professional said something wild... A collection of some of the things I've been told over the last year. 

ID: Various clips of Imali, a young woman with ombre brown to pink hair in a short wavy bob, looking at the camera and talking expressively.
    3 weeks ago
  • Boring hearing aids? I don't think so. Time to accessorise with @charmed.sense.accessories ✨ 

*Not an ad 

VD: A woman with brown to pink ombre hair, sitting against a brick wall wearing a cream Taylor Swift Lover Cardigan, holding various hearing aid accessories including some charms and tube wraps.
    3 weeks ago
  • How have you found NHS hearing care services? I’ve been really impressed so far - I just wish there was more information about how they can help young people. 

*Not an ad or in any way affiliated. 

VD: A woman with pink wavy hair wearing an abstract blue dress, showing her grey hearing aids with clear moulds. 

(Hashtags) 
#Hearing #HearingAids #HearingImpairment #ChronicIllness #HearingLoss #HearingAwareness #Specsavers #UlcerativeColitis #Heds
    4 weeks ago
  • Vote for me by tapping the link in my bio/stories

I've been nominated for a National Diversity Award as a Positive Role Model for Disability - can you believe it?!

Nominations close on the 14th May 2025.

ID: A woman with pink wavy hair, sitting a wheelchair wearing a floral yellow dress.
    1 month ago

One year of Merlin & Bruno Happy Stomaversary!

Catch-up on my videos

Recently on Youtube

Introducing my new wheelchair

I was interviewed on Radio 1, talking about accessible housing

Sharing my latest Barbie – with hearing aids!

I reached out to the CEO of Southampton University Hospital

It’s International Wheelchair Day

A tablet displays the "Mai & Me" blog homepage, which focuses on living boldly with chronic illness, business, and life. Around the tablet, there are speech bubbles showing messages from readers, expressing gratitude for the blog’s content. The messages mention topics like feeling less alone with an ileostomy, mucous fistulas, and finding help for stoma care. The header reads "Creating Conversations..."