We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Radiance DuPree a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Radiance, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Generally, everyone has a story to tell, some similar and others totally divergent, but not everyone’s testimony is received seriously. Especially, from the disabled community because of the stereotypes. It’s more than o.k. to be vulnerable so people will know where a person is coming from. While writing each chapter, My mission is to let the disability community know there’s no such as limitations. They can write a book and/or have a passion for fashion that can speak for them. I hope everyone (disabled or not) applauds themselves for making it through each day through determination, and ultimately dismiss negative thoughts that would have them to stay in their comfort zones!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Detroit in October of 1988, and was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis (a muscle and joint disorder) and became a Below-the-Knee Amputee in 2015. I obtained my Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Henry Ford College in Dearborn, MI., and I’m on a mission to help persons with disabilities know their purpose in life.

I’ve been a self published author since 2019. My first book is my autobiography called, “A Radiant Endurer.” I was inspired to write my book by a family member who told me that I should tell my story of what I had to go through to get where I’m at today. When a person goes through a plethora of trials and tribulations in their life, it’s called endurance. When they get through it all, they have a better countenance which, I, call it, is being radiant. So that’s how I came up with the title of my autobiography, “A Radiant Endurer.”

Many people don’t recognize authors with disabilities. So, I try to the fullest of my ability via social media to let non-disabled people know, “Hey, disabled people have a voice, too!” A lot of times it can be controversial because I continue to mention to parents with disabled children not to call them “special needs,” and/or let a random person know calling the disability community “crippled” is highly offensive.

Being elated in how many lives my book has touch is an understatement. I’m blessed to be a blessing!

I’m now creating fashion content that has been inspiring of my followers on Instagram. This is also letting people know that many disabled people have a unique sense of fashion.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I start building my audience on social media, I began to post pictures that were relevant to my disabilities, and it inspired a lot of people. I was posting reels about my physical therapy journey, and even though I ceased from doing physical therapy, I still was able to inspire others to reach their goals.

Then, when Instagram made reels more relevant, I reached out into recording reels on how I dress, and showing my sense of humor, and still advertise my book. This was, and still is, getting me out of my comfort zone! Once I learned that this was what people wanted to see, and they noticed how my limitations didn’t stop me, my followers begin to increase dramatically.

The best advice that I can give for those who are starting to build their social media presence is to be yourself and at the same time start slow. You might not get 1,000 followers in one day just because you posted a reel that went viral. It took me about three years to gain 1,000+ followers. Even in gaining these followers, I still have to learn that just because I see the people who I am following thriving so much, patience is key.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal or mission drive in my creative journey is to dismiss stereotypes about persons with disabilities. Also, assisting persons with disabilities to know their purpose in life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/radiancedeandrea
• Other: My autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/Radiance-DuPree/e/B081TDHDYD/ref=dp