Kelly wants to show the world that disabled people can be strong, beautiful and wants to see the same acceptance for disability in fashion industry as how it is celebrated in sports. She co-founded ‘Diversity Not Disability’ to promote models with disabilities. Kelly is listed in the Power 100 – Britain’s most influential people with a disability. She is also a winner of Britain’s Missing Top Model. Kelly is an Ambassador for Parallel London as well as Disability Confident and has supported numerous organizations such as REACH and, Action For Children.

Can you tell us more about your journey of becoming a leading fashion model? What kind of challenges do you face?K: My modelling career began 9 years ago after winning Britain's Missing Top Model. I wanted to change the way the world saw beauty and disability, showing disabled people can be beautiful, strong, cool and abled. Diversity represents the world we live in, and very much deserves a place on the runway, in advertising campaigns and in fashion magazines.
The biggest challenge is the lack of opportunities as a disabled model. Unfortunately people's perceptions on disability do not represent the majority of disabled people. It's these perceptions I am passionate about changing.

Can you tell us more about the ‘Diversity Not Disability’ campaign?K: ‘Diversity Not Disability’ is the positive celebration of all body types where uniqueness and individuality are embraced, promoting the equal representation of disability models across all platforms of the media – creating positive body image by the choice of models we see in fashion and beauty campaigns, magazines, billboards and on TV.

How do you define success for your effort to bring diversity to the fashion industry? Do you think your initiative will open doors for disabled models in the future?K: Disabled people are very much accepted and celebrated in sport, I would love to see the same type of love and embracement in the fashion industry.

How was your experience at London Fashion Week? What kind of emotions do you carry when you walk on the ramp?K: Opening London Fashion Week was incredible. The designers at Teatum Jones are leading the way to a more inclusive, diverse and beautiful industry. They really believe in me and in the power of diversity. Wonderful stuff happens when likeminded people come together. It's all about finding your tribe.
I loved every second when walking the runway - I had feelings of love, excitement, joy, passion, strength and pride.

In order of importance, could you prioritize the following: Wealth, Fame, Health, Family and why?K: Health - because without it you have nothing.
Family - I have a little boy, he is my present and future.
Wealth - because money = security and safety.
Fame - because part of my role to be out there in the big wide world.

What are your other hobbies?K: Connecting with my higher self and living my truth, spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, swimming, attending music festivals and reading.

What do you like to do when you are with your family?K: Anything that involves having fun, like going to a theme park or being with animals, like going to the farm.

What is your favorite place to visit and why?K: I love Ibiza because it's a special and magical place. I love Mexico too.

What advice would you give to our special kids who want to pursue a modelling career?K: The modelling industry is not for the thin skinned or faint hearted. You have to be strong minded, determined, focused, hard working, passionate and have the faith and drive to never ever give up.

Any special message for our community?K: Remember true beauty is the light in your heart, so keep shining.