Buff Beauty, Awesome Advocate

Hey there beauties! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed time with friends and family! We have emerged from our food comma and are ready to introduce you to a new awesome advocate. Her name is Carrie Hoeh and she has a smile so bright it would light up any room she enters. We are so proud to call Carrie our newest Slick Chicks Ambassador and add her to our family of incredible ladies!

“Life is ninety percent what happens to you and ten percent how we react to it.” This quote describes Carrie’s mindset and life to a tee! She is an absolute powerhouse, despite the challenges she faces daily, living with Cerebral Palsy. Carrie literally laughs in the face of any road block she encounters. One of the biggest highlights in her life was on September 10, 2016, when she competed in her first triathlon and finished in less than three hours! In addition to this huge accomplishment, Carrie loves to skydive and most recently found herself competing in the Tampa Bay Ability Games. She competed with other challenged athletes, in a day filled with cross-fit style workouts. Needless to say, she crushed it!

No matter her goal, Carrie strives to make what may seem impossible by society’s standards, possible; proving that anything is attainable with a positive attitude and determination. The word “limit” is nowhere in this phenomenal fitness buffs vocabulary! She is an outstanding example of our mission here at Slick Chicks, which is to empower and enhance the confidence of women everywhere. So when this bold, boundary breaking babe agreed to our interview, we were so excited! Check out our full interview below and get to know our newest Ambassador, Carrie Hoeh!

 Can you give us an example of when you had to use your own personal advocacy skills?

For as long as I can remember, I have been advocating for myself. Everyone should be their own self-advocate, but it is even more important to do so when you have a disability or chronic health condition; by doing so you are simply speaking up for what you need or desire. I recently learned of a surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, which would reduce the spasticity in my legs caused from Cerebral Palsy; thus, allowing me to walk better and ultimately maintain my independence. Although the outcome of the surgery is positive, very few people, including medical professionals, have heard of this procedure being performed on adults. Throughout this process, I’ve had to advocate for myself on many different levels, from asking questions to individuals who’ve gone before me, navigating insurance, and finding a physical therapist willing to work with me both before and after the operation. I would also like to add, that be an advocate does not necessarily equate to a complex process. It can mean simply asking a friend for their arm while walking so I don’t trip.

 

What advice would you give to a young girl to navigate society today?

You were put here for a purpose so don’t get caught up in the lies of the world. Everyone’s journey in life will look different; realize that true success isn’t defined by societal standards.

 

Describe yourself in 3 words and tell us why you chose those words?

Brave- I’ve been skydiving and completed a triathlon. Most people without disabilities, would second-guess their ability to do these things without even trying.

Resourceful- Living with a disability means that there are many things I can’t do in the “normal” way, but that doesn’t stop me from finding a way to do them.

Compassionate- Everyone struggles. Some challenges are just more noticeable than others.

 

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

For me, being empowered means utilizing tools or resources to help accomplish a goal or task. In my experience, empowerment and confidence go hand in hand. When you’re empowered, confidence will rise, and success is likely to follow.

 

Can you give us an example of a time when you felt most empowered?

Last fall, with help from friends and some adaptations from a local bike shop in my area, I was able to compete in a fun triathlon. I completed a 200 meter swim, 5 mile bike ride and 2 mile walk on the beach. This is one of my proudest moments in life. Yes, I had to physically train, but this was more of a mental commitment, choosing to push through mental obstacles and fatigue! I had to take breaks here and there, but did not stop till I crossed the finish line.

 

What is your personal definition of beauty and when do you feel most beautiful?

To me, beauty means being comfortable in your own skin and embracing your body exactly as it is. True beauty is much more than what is on the outside. Even though it’s cliché, what’s on the inside truly counts. Beautiful people also spread joy and care for others.

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