A Winner and Inspiration
“ I’VE DECIDED TO BE THE BEST I CAN BE EVERY DAY…AND THROUGH MY JOURNEY, I’LL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT I DO BEST AND THAT IS TO EMPOWER, INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH AND HEAL WHOEVER DESIRES IT …”
AlizéLaVie Magazine had an opportunity to attend Guyana Fashion Week 2016, founded by fashion icon Sonia Noel. As editor-in-chief, at that time I was pleasantly surprised to see many talented young people making an impressive statement with their craft. Among them, Setra Oselmo stood out for, her incredible fashion designs, which won the show. We attendees couldn’t help but fall in love with her creative pieces, for they were the light of the runway.
Not only was she a most inspiring and strikingly beautiful model, but there was something else we couldn’t help but notice. Setra did not strut as models typically do. She cannot walk, so she came down the runway in her wheelchair. Yet, she was able to make her disability almost invisible to our eyes, truly an unforgettable experience. That is why it is dear to my heart to share her inspirational story with you, my AlizéLaVie Magazine readers.
ALV: Dear Setra, first would you briefly introduce yourself
SO: My name is Oviah Setra O’selmo. I was born and raised in Linden, Guyana. I’m 31 years old and the 5th of 11 siblings. I’m a general cosmetologist/makeup artist by profession and the proud owner of Sister to Sister’s Beauty salon. And I’m currently taking up designing.
ALV: What happened to you?
SO: On March 3, 2007, I sustained a spinal cord injury due to a motor vehicle accident, after which I became paraplegic. This changed my whole life.
ALV: How did you find the strength to overcome this tragedy?
SO: My journey wasn’t an easy one. One must have superpowers to overcome situations like this, I say…lol. After the doctors told me that I would never be able to walk or sit up again, this broke my soul. I couldn’t imagine my life like that. I was driven to a place of despair, overflowing with low self-esteem and depression. I had reached the point of committing suicide. Then I realized that I would not just be giving up on myself, but on my family too. They were at my bedside through everything, and I didn’t want to cause them any more pain. I would say that my strength comes from the love of the Creator, my family, and finding the love for myself again.
ALV: Since then, how do you handle your everyday life?
SO: Well, I’ve worked very hard on getting myself together by doing regular therapy. I’ve learned to do my house chores once again. I’ve joined lots of volunteer groups and got myself certified in cosmetology and makeup artistry. I value life and family differently now. I’ve tried to reach as many SCI (spinal cord injury) persons as possible, hoping that I can motivate, inspire, and empower them in some way. Also, I make every day count and make the best out of every situation. Most of all, I try to have a positive impact on the lives of others because I always feel that someone out there needs support.
ALV: Is there any hope someday you might be able to walk again?
SO: Because of the severity of my injury, the doctors diagnosed that I won’t be able to sit up or walk again. In my mind, I feel someday I will have that chance once again to walk because through therapy I have managed to sit up and do what I love now. Until I’m able to use my legs again, I’m going to love my life and continue to do what I do best… That is to love, share, motivate, inspire and empower.
ALV: How did you find out you had some talents in fashion designing?
SO: Besides making outfits for my dolls when I was much younger, I would say that a turning point happened in October 2013 at our first hair expo in my hometown. The Guyana Fashion Week Committee contacted me concerning my designs. I took the opportunity to showcase my work, not expecting to be in a competition, let alone winning, because my creations were unusual. But I was so happy when the audience applauded my line. From that moment, I realized that I had something rare to show the world
ALV : From where do you get your inspiration?
SO : My inspiration actually comes from reflections of my life, nature, and my culture.
ALV: What do you want to promote through your designs?
SO: I want to promote creativity, empowerment, culture, self-love, and advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.
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]ALV: What are your plans for the future?
SO: I can’t really say what my plans are… because I try anything that challenges me….that can be something new. But I aspire to be better at what I do and continue to promote women, and persons with disabilities like myself through empowerment, advocacy, and innovation.
ALV: What message do you want to convey?
SO: Don’t get comfortable doing the same thing. Always challenge yourself by trying something out of your comfort zone. Be your own motivator, utilize the little you have, and work towards making it bigger. Self-determination.
ALV : Thanks for being such an inspiration and being who you are. Your passion, beauty, talent, faith, and drive to live your life to the fullest despite your disability truly INSPIRES and MOTIVATES US ALL. You are a kind reminder that life can be UNFAIR but always WORTH it despite ordeals. You are a great example to learn how to overcome challenges and give a valuable chance to disabled people.
For more information about Setra:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004747801510
https://www.facebook.com/setra.oselmo
Email: setraoselmo@yahoo.com[
Interview by Alizé Utteryn | Credit photo: Dameyon Wills
