We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tabia Kocks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tabia below.

Tabia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

I have experienced many acts of kindness throughout my life, but my most memorable one was in school. I was placed in Regular Education from Kindergarten through my senior year in High School; taking regular classes and not feeling excluded because of my disability gave me a feeling of acceptance. By the end of my senior year, I was able to earn my high school diploma (One of my most outstanding achievements). I am so thankful to the Bethel School District Staff and the rest of the community for their support. My community has allowed me to feel a sense of belonging.

Tabia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Tabia Kocks. I am 29 years old with Down Syndrome, and I love to Model. I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in Graham, Washington. Since a young age, I have loved anything relating to the arts: coloring, drawing, tracing, pottery, etc. Later in life, around my 13th birthday, I started to find an interest in Fashion. From magazines and YouTube to TV shows, I was drawn in by anything about Fashion. After finishing High School, I asked my mom to help me get into the Fashion Industry. I knew this would be challenging, but with the help of my mom, family, and community, I was able to make this dream a reality. I was given an opportunity in Austin, Texas, in 2015 for a fashion shoot and discovered that I enjoyed taking my picture and loved being in front of the camera. My career as a Model started in Texas. Since then, I have been in several Fashion Shows, including Austin Fashion Week, Metropolitan Fashion Week, Toni Galant Holiday Fashion Show, BBBY Fashion Show GDSF, etc. I love the runway, gorgeous design dresses, the hair and make-up and of course the camera! I love to be in the spotlight! I love to shine! This makes me so happy!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I believe that my resilience is shown through how I carry myself with Down Syndrome. Having Down Syndrome has made me stronger. It does not negatively affect me because that is who I am, and I embrace my disability. I do not get intimidated easily – I have extreme confidence in myself. I have achieved many of my life goals because of my hard work and discipline. It is not easy, but I keep pushing, and that is how I became a Professional Model, earned my High School Diploma, and got my current job,

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in life is to advocate for girls like me. I want them to know that they can achieve anything with hard work and discipline. Anything is possible!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tabiathemodel.com
• Instagram: Tabiathemodel
• Facebook: Tabiathemodel
• Linkedin: Tabia Kocks Model Down Syndrome

Image Credits
Photo Credit by : Micheal Doucette & Eva Blanchard MUA by : Nayibe Flores