A Spoon of Creativity: Inside Becky Hill’s Artistic and Personal Journey

When reflecting on the little moments that have shaped me over the years, I always come back to the one that started it all. It was my very first time out in a busy public space with my new mobility aid. Naturally, because I wouldn’t have it any other way, it had to be a hot pink walker with zebra-print accessories! I was at my hometown mall, and as usual, it was packed. I was treating the outing as a form of “exposure therapy.” I had practiced around the block a few times on short walks, but this was entirely new territory. I remember feeling so embarrassed and unbelievably self-conscious at the time. 

As I was getting into the elevator and preparing to leave, I heard someone call out from behind me. I turned around and came face to face with a girl around my age. I still remember my shock when I looked down and saw that she also had a pink mobility aid. Her words “I like your walker,” may have been such a fleeting, forgettable interaction to her, but for me, it changed the course of my life. That small act of kindness and community gave me the confidence to go home, create a new social media account, and announce to the world—and my Facebook friends list—that I was a young woman with a mobility aid. I was no longer going to hide the tool that helped me so much. Little did I know where that one moment of courage would lead me. 

Funny enough, my health condition is one that I was born with…I just didn’t know it yet. All the little things that seemed “a little off,” or the difficulties I had faced and assumed were normal human body experiences were something entirely different. After a long, frustrating journey of moving from doctor to doctor, someone finally put the pieces together. I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—a rare condition affecting 1 in 3,100 – 5,000 that impacts the body’s connective tissues by disrupting the structure and production of collagen. 

One of the reasons I am constantly recommending social media as a connection hub for those with ongoing health struggles is because sometimes you may find the missing piece of the puzzle during your search for answers. I connected with two women on social media who happened to share a very strong resemblance to me. We shared an undeniable overlap in our symptoms, familial traits, and near identical stories. Through that connection, I was able to eventually find one of the few specialists in Canada for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Due to it being a connective tissue disease, I underwent a biopsy to test for structural changes in my collagen. When the results came back, I finally had an answer. 

For those who have been lucky enough to stay out of hospitals, there was often a misconception that getting answers is simple. For those who have dealt with “medical mysteries,” we know that it is infinitely more complicated than that. The first step in becoming a disability advocate for others was learning to be an advocate for myself: listening to my body, trusting my gut, and speaking up for my needs. This mindset has translated into all areas of my life, and I can’t imagine this not being one of the driving forces behind where I am in my career today. 

While working on my music degree in Ottawa, I was contacted through Instagram by a photographer who had just recently moved to the area and was working on building her portfolio. Although I had never modeled before, I thought it could be fun! We ended up meeting at a local diner and had an absolute blast leaning into the retro theme of the location. It was here that I began to feel more and more comfortable in front of the camera. 

When the final shots were posted on social media, I received regular inquiries from other local creatives who wanted to work together. Being “only” 5’7”, I had little hope that this passion could evolve into a career. I figured I would just enjoy it while it lasted and allow it to be a fun side gig while I worked on my education. Of course, when the world shut down in early 2020, this part of my life was put on hold indefinitely. 

In terms of modeling, I can honestly say that I have gained so much more confidence through my work as a disabled model than I ever had beforehand. My individuality in this space has brought new opportunities with the right clients, but I won’t sugarcoat it—it probably closes more doors than it opens. However, I see this as a blessing. When you have limited energy, being able to work on projects that share your values is paramount. 

There are more and more agencies who are beginning to sign models with visible disabilities. It is beautiful to see this shift toward authentic representation, especially in the commercial industry. I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to cross paths with some of the best in the business. The most recent defining moment for me as a disabled model was seeing the representation at the Met Gala in NYC. Seeing a wheelchair user, Ariana Rose Phillip, being celebrated at such an iconic fashion event has touched the hearts and minds of so many of us in the disabled community. 

Remembering how lost I felt at the beginning of my health journey. When I first began navigating my disability journey, I truly don’t know what I would have done without discovering the online disabled community. Not only was I able to find connection with others going through the exact same health problems, but I was able to see others who were facing different challenges than my own. Perspective truly is everything. 

I am often told by those around me that they are surprised by my acceptance and general positive outlook I have regarding my health and future in this world. I usually respond with “What else am I going to do?” I remind myself that in the grand scheme of things, I am privileged to have the incredible support system of friends and family that I do. It keeps me going. 

I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my family and friends. I am privileged beyond words to have been raised in such a supportive and “dream big” family. My parents always encouraged me to reach my goals. I could never put my gratitude into words, but I will keep trying!

I’m also fortunate enough to have a husband who is constantly excited by each new thing I’m doing. Whether it’s a new product in my small business or getting booked for a modeling job- he’s thrilled. My loved ones hold down the fort and help me save my energy to focus on achieving my dreams. It truly takes a village when you are dealing with a chronic illness. 

Hands down, my biggest motivator is the disabled community. I specifically look up to other disabled creatives. It’s important to note that we should not find disabled people inherently inspiring just because of our physical reality, but rather for what we accomplish and how we make others feel. 

When I first started using a mobility aid (hot pink, of course!), I really thought any future in modeling or content creation was completely out of the cards for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After my social media began to grow, and my algorithm introduced me to more disabled creators, I was able to see true possibility for the first time since my illness had taken over. I never knew this world existed—this world full of the most gorgeous, badass, and most importantly, disabled models. Whenever I start to doubt my worth, I spend my time looking for disabled models worldwide to follow and engage with. I hope that one day I can be that beacon of possibility to someone else beginning their creative journey. 

For as long as I can remember, I have been an artsy individual. My journey began with piano as a very young child, before moving on to guitar lessons, art class, school band, and eventually on to my “soul instrument” the flute. It was such a privilege to be able to attend university and continue my classical performance education in Canada’s capital city. 

Although my declining health led to a decrease in my lung function—and therefore my air capacity for the flute—I was determined to find a new outlet for creative expression. After multiple career pivots, I was able to find my path through my small business “A Spoonful of Becky Designs”. The passion I used to pour into my playing, I was able to transform into my drawing. Everything I do, I do with creativity at the forefront. Whether it’s modeling, sketching, advocacy, or content creation, I will always fall back on my past artistic foundation. In a world full of AI, true human creativity is more important than ever.

Although so many things come to mind, it all really comes down to this: find your community. Community provides you with the emotional support you need to find the strength to get through the hard days. I can’t imagine how different my life would look if I hadn’t decided to create that Instagram account years ago. I certainly wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had, or the motivation to power through. 

I cannot recommend the social media community enough if you are struggling with a chronic illness, navigating a disability, or managing a mental illness. Social connection truly is everything. I’m always just a DM away for anyone looking to find their space in the ever-growing digital “spoonie” family.

By Bree Robinson