ASHLEY EAKIN ON DISABILITY, BEAUTY AND STORYTELLING: WHY HER VOICE MATTERS

*© Ashely Eakin / Offcial Website of Ashley Eakin*

It was 2018 when I was searching for personalities who are inspiring in a very special way. By chance, and without specifically looking for anything, I came across a video on the SoulPancake platform. On the screen, I see a woman saying the following sentence:

I am just a human and one day this body is gonna be gone.

_{Ashley Eakin, Filmmaker}

It is Ashley Eakin who articulates these sentence. The video is a feature. A video that gives extraordinary people the opportunity to be seen. The company itself advertises with the following sentences: “The Interweb’s GOAT source for uplifting videos about what it means to be human.” At SoulPancake, the focus is on people – people who are real, unfiltered and have a story to tell.

I have decided to publish this interview as a modern 2026 feature, and not as a simple Q&A blog post – so, the interview with Ms. Eakin is a narrative, reflective blog piece that reintroduces my conversation with Ms. Eakin in a way that feels current, layered and culturally relevant. Enjoy!

THE MIRROR MOMENT

Ashley was born with a rare combination of Ollier’s Disease and Maffucci Syndrome – a non-genetic condition that affects bone growth and can lead to tumors, surgeries, and lifelong medical challenges. By 2018 when our interview took place, she had undergone +25 surgeries and survived ovarian cancer twice.

This facts show that Ashley had gone through difficult times. I still remember the medical complexity as well as something else.
She desribed walking through her life feeling “normal” – until she caught her reflection in a mirror. She says:

“So, growing up I think I really tried to push the disease aside and almost ignore it. But as I matured and was able to process my disease, I have realized it has infiltrated every aspect of my life. In both good and bad. Growing up, I used to avoid mirrors because when going about daily life, I would think I had the standard body – like what I see on everyone around me, but then I would catch myself in the mirror or see a photo and remember, OH! I am different and it would almost have this devastating effect. But with each passing year, I have grown to love myself but the most dramatic shift probably happened around 2012, with the most prominent growth happening this past year“.

That moment – the collision between self-perception and external reality might probably be something many of us understand. Whether medically influenced or not, many people might be familiar with “The Mirror Moment”.
The mirror is not only glass anymore.

It is Instagram.
It is TikTok.
It is AI-enhanced perfection.
It is society.

Ashley continues:

“Do not get me wrong, although I have had internal struggles with my disease – people who know me would describe me as happy and fun. I have not let my disease hold me back from pursuing my goals and I have had some amazing jobs in TV and Film that have allowed me to travel the world. Aside from a small group of people, most people who know me think I own who I am and this disease, which is true. But it is definitely been a journey to get here. I never in my life thought I would be this open on the internet. Even if you asked me two years ago, I would have never thought I would be this vulnerable.“

Ashleys’s realization that “normal” body would not equal a perfect life dismantles one of the most persistent illusions of our time: that appearance determines fulfillment.

Ashley Eakin on SoulPancake – I Survived My Greatest Fear

VULNERABILITY

When Ashley decided to publicly share her story, she called it her “coming out” moment — not in the traditional sense, but in the sense of revealing what had long been hidden.

She wore a dress that showed her scars. She chose not to hide.
“I never thought I would be this vulnerable online,” she told me.

In 2018, vulnerability on the internet felt brave and unusual. But it is people like Ashley who have paved the way.
In 2026, vulnerability is everywhere – That is important. It is necessary.
But there is a difference between curated vulnerability and courageous vulnerability.
Ashley’s story was not aestheticized. It was not monetized trauma. It was a woman deciding, on her own terms, to exist fully — scars included.

That distinction matters.

BEYOND THE BEAUTIFUL FACE

Ashley revealed that some people reduce her appearance to her beautiful face. “It’s weird,” she said. “It’s a compliment. But it feeds into the idea that if I had a ‘normal’ body, my life would be perfect.”

Ms. Eakin opens up an important topic which people with disabilities unfortunately face. That sentence quietly dismantles ableism, perfectionism, and surface-level empowerment narratives all at once.

This is what Ashley’s case reveals :

Beauty can become a mask.
Compliments can become cages.
And assumptions can erase complexity.

That means, in a culture still obsessed with visual capital, Ashley reminds us that a person is not a highlight reel.

CHOOSING MAGIC – EVEN IN PAIN

What I loved during our interview is that Ashley does not romanticize suffering.

She acknowledges her pain. She acknowledges her struggles. She admits that she could focus on the negative — and it would be just as truthful.

But she chooses something else:

I do see a positive purpose. But I really have to focus on that. I could easily focus on the negative and it would be just as truthful. But I think, at the end of the day, you take away what you want. And I choose to live a life where I see magic all around us, even in pain and tragedy. Empathy is one of the most beautiful characteristics of human beings and I get to see that all the time.
_{Ashley Eakin}

That choice is not naïve optimism. It is agency.
In 2026, where cynicism often masquerades as intelligence, choosing empathy can feel like rebellion.

And empathy, as Ashley says, is one of the most beautiful characteristics of human beings.

REPRESNTATION AND STORYTELLING

Ashley never wanted her entire creative identity to revolve around her illness. She wants to direct powerful stories — stories that connect, stories that move people, stories that expand perspectives.

That desire feels even more relevant today, as conversations about disability representation, authentic casting, and inclusive storytelling reshape the film industry.

Her journey is not just about overcoming something.

It is about who gets to tell stories.
Who gets to direct them.
Who gets to be seen.

KINDNESS IS NOT INHERENT – IT IS LEARNED

When I asked Ashley what she would wish for, one of her answers was simple:

“For people to be more kind.”and added something that still echoes today:

Hate and cruelty is not inherent. It is learned.
_{Ashley Eakin}

She added:

“SO MANY THINGS! This video went out and I contemplated a documentary, because I love stories and have heard from so many incredible people pouring their souls out. And I thought about going around and meeting these people – but truly, I do not know if I want my creative filmmaking focus to be on my own life. If the opportunity arose, I may chase that – but my main goal is to direct powerful stories that people can connect to. Not only about my own disease. I have directed a few short films and my most recent one I shot in Malaysia this summer. It is called The Details and it is really special to me. I am excited to release it soon!
For my next project, I also have as short film that is inspired by one of my favorite Shel Silverstein poems called Masks. I plan to fundraiser for it and may even include some of the people who have reached out to me through the video. It is going to be a good one!“

In an era defined by polarization and digital hostility, that insight feels less like a wish and more like a call to action.

Kindness is not passive.
It is cultural work.

WHY THIS CONVERSATION STILL MATTERS

Looking back at our 2018 conversation, it was never just about illness.

It was about identity.
About visibility.
About the courage to exist without apology.

Ashley taught me that self-confidence is not a destination. It is a practice. A daily decision to focus on what is internal rather than external. To value empathy over aesthetics. Purpose over perfection.
And perhaps that is why this interview feels even more relevant today.
In a world obsessed with being seen, Ashley reminds us that the real work is in being whole.

ABOUT ASHLEY EAKIN:

Name: Ashley Eakin
Born: California
Profession: Filmmaker, Director and Advocate
Known for: Films like Single, Growing Up, Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Survive, Crazy Rich Asians

ALSO WORTH READING:

Ashley’s reflections join a chorus of voices I have previously highlighted — voices like Najwa Zebian’s, Kathy Parker’s and Funmilola Fagbamila’s — women who transform personal experience into collective impact.

NAJWA ZEBIAN: IN A WORLD THAT SILENCES, SHE SPEAKS

Sometimes, life feels like a roller coaster — full of highs and sudden drops. In moments when we feel overwhelmed and struggle to put our emotions into words, encountering voices like Najwa Zebian can make all the difference.

I still remember the first time I read one of her quotes. Something about her words felt deeply familiar, as if she had captured emotions I could not explain myself. At that time, I was going through a painful heartbreak when I came across this quote:

_{They do everything to}
_{dim
your light,
and then they ask you why
you’re not shining.}
_{Najwa Zebian, The Nectar of Pain}

The more I researched Ms. Zebian’s work, the more I realized that she is far from an ordinary author. I became deeply interested in learning more about her, so I took a chance and sent her an interview request.

To be honest, I didn’t expect her to reply. I assumed she probably receives countless requests from different people, and @abylovesblogging was (and still is) just a hobby of mine.

But sometimes, life surprises us. Najwa actually replied and agreed to be interviewed by me. I could not believe it — I was so happy! Here is the shortended version of our interview from 2017.

1. @abylovesblogging: You wrote two beautiful books – tell us more about the topic of your books ..

Najwa Zebian: My first book, Mind Platter, gives a voice to those who need one, offers a crying shoulder for those who need someone to listen, and inspires those who need a reminder of the power that they have over their lives. Published in the same year, my second book, The Nectar of Pain, is a collection of poetry and prose that the pain of love and loss gave birth to.

2. @abylovesblogging: What was the reason you wanted to write a book? And what or who inspired you to do so?

Najwa Zebian: I never intended to write a book before I published Mind Platter. Those were my daily reflections that I shared with a few people who told me that I needed to compile my work and publish it. I am glad I did. As to my inspiration, it was daily life and reflection.

@abylovesblogging: What is your favoured topic writing about? And why ?

Najwa Zebian: I write quite a bit about silence, but I do not have one specific topic that I favor. I write about silence because it is a universal language that holds so much power.

3. @abylovesblogging: What or who is the main inspiration for you personally ? And why ?

Najwa Zebian: I have many people and things that inspire me. It is hard to pinpoint. I just am a very reflective person. Anything that catches my attention and gets me thinking could be inspirational to me.

4. @abylovesblogging: When did you decide to become an author or to start writing ?

Najwa Zebian: Writing was a part of my life since I was thirteen. I stopped from the age of 16, when I arrived to Canada, till the age of 23. At 23, I started teaching, and that is when I started writing again as I was inspired by the similarities between my experience coming here and that of my students at the time.

5. @abylovesblogging: What would you like to change in this world if?

Najwa Zebian: Of the many things I aspire to change, I would like to empower others to speak up about what they are going through and to feel that their voices matter. I would like the world to have more empathy and more understanding of vulnerability, belonging and connection.

6. @abylovesblogging: Could you imagine, waking up some day and doing something different than being an author? If yes you what would like to do?

Najwa Zebian: I will always be an author as I have published two books already, but to wake up without writing? No.

7. @abylovesblogging: What exactly do you want to achieve with writing?

Najwa Zebian: I want to give a voice to the silenced souls out there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Name: Najwa Zebian
Born: 1990, Lebanon
Profession: Author, Speaker, Educator, Poet
Known for: Emotional healing, empowerment, poetry
Notable Books: Mind Platter, Welcome Home, The Nectar of Pain
Focus Topics: Identity, belonging, boundaries, self-love, silence

ALSO WORTH READING:

If you are drawn to stories of healing and resilience, you might also find inspiration in my interview with Kathy Parker, who shares her own journey from pain to healing. Voices matter — whether they speak about healing, the self or challenging society. If you’re interested in another powerful voice, I also interviewed Funmilola Fagbamila, a scholar and activist who plays a leading role in the Black Lives Matter movement. Beyond authors and poets, I also love speaking to people like Holger Birnbräuer, who has successfully climbed the Everest. And let me know who your favourite author is and why in the comments!

ANNABELLE MANDENG – ” I AM HAPPY WITH MY INDIVIDUALITY”

ALM: Please, introduce yourself to my followers…

ANNABELLE: Hi, my name is Annabelle Mandeng. I am a 48 years old German actress, presenter and dubbing actress that loves to run, workout, paint, cook and live a healthy life with loads of fresh juices!

ALM: Your parents are from Germany and Cameroon – so your half German and African. How do you identify yourself? Do you see yourself more as a German or an African?

ANNALBELLE: I clearly see myself as a German as I was born and raised here. I have only visited Cameroon a couple of times for a week or so in my life as my parents divorced when I was a baby so I don’t have any connection with Cameroon.

ALM: What is your thought about being raced from parents with different nationalities? Would you say it was difficult? If yes, why ?

ANNABELLE: My parents divorced when I was 1 1/2 and my brother 6 1/2. We stayed with our mom whereas my father went back to Cameroon after writing his PhD in economics in Germany. So the only culture we knew was that of my German mother.

ALM: Your mother worked for the German Entwicklungsdienst in Togo. You also lived in Pakistan, therefore you lived in different countries and cultures. What did you learn the most while living in those countries / cultures?

ANNABELLE: What I learned most is tolerance and respect towards different cultures, needs, behavior and traditions. It opened my horizon and made me also understand that I will always be black in Germany and white in Africa. Or simply “different” in Pakistan. A conflict at first but finally it taught me to be happy with my individuality.

ALM: What do you enjoy the most living about the German society?

ANNABELLE: I love the openness, I love to talk to people openly, to move around in the clothes I prefer, to watch the change in our society into a multicultural melting pot. I love the humor of the people in the north where I grew up and going skiing in the south. There is a lot I love!

ALM: You are an actor, dubbing actor and TV presenter. Which of those profession do you like the most and why? What are the difficulties of such jobs?

ANNABELLE: I love all three jobs but I prefer most to act and dub. Working in the German media being 5’11” 1/2 (1m80) and black is really not that easy. As an actress I have played in a couple of big productions but only now – due to the change towards diversity – I played a leading role in a cinema movie which be will be out next spring (“Berlin-Alexanderplatz” by Burhan Qurbani). As a dubbing actress I have SO much fun! First of all, the only thing that counts is my voice, not my height, not my looks, not my skin color. Second: since I was a child I loved to play around with my voice, reading out loud, recording, ect., so I simply feel at home. As a presenter I love the intellectual challenge as I work with big companies, the Berlinale, the government simultaneously in German and English and sometimes in French.

ALM: Have you ever experienced any kind of troubles because of your appearance? If yes, what exactly

ANNABELE: Honestly? Not really. I guess because of my height, posture, education and appearance. People think twice before making such a move towards me. Still I have experienced racist remarks, was sometime pushed by elderly men while walking somewhere but it has nothing to do with what happens to others. The only thing that is finally getting on my nerves is the need to explain in roles why the character is black. If you take a look in Kindergardens you can see that these reflects how diverse our society has become This should be much more reflected in the German media. I know that things change but too slowly in my eyes.

ALM: Which advice would you give young black women which would like to work in the media industry?

ANNABELLE: The only advice I can give which goes for any young woman no matter what skin color: rely on your brains, work hard and be respectful and kind.

ALM: How do you deal with people who criticise you?

ANNABELLE: Openly as I love to learn!

ALM: You are also an athletic person. What does sport mean to you? How do you handle your weaker self on days you do not feel like working out?

ANNABELLE: I have always worked out since I was a toddler basically. It is part of my life and always will be. And it is a necessity, too, as my spine had to be stabilized with titan bars and screws. Plus my left arm is handicapped since a major car accident when I was 17. Sport for me is like sleep, food, drink or hygiene. If I don’t feel like working out it is mostly simply due to the fact that my body needs a break. If not, I know that I always – with no exception – feel better after a run in the park or a couple of exercises or what not. Also as a balance to being so alert in my jobs.

ALM: What or which people inspire you and why?

ANNABELLE: I feel inspired by courage, talent and creativity.

ALM: If you had three wishes, what would that be?

ANNABELLE: I would wish for a political and economical change in countries such as Serbia. I would wish for more tolerance towards other cultures, religions, sexual preferences, gender, skin colors. And I would simply wish for a couple of million Euros to support projects such as ocean care and to buy living spaces for myself and my family and friends.

Dear Annabelle, thank you so much for being a part of those people who inspire me. You are an example of a living multi talent and a kind-hearted soul. Thank you for your time and interest. All the best 🙂