The Highlight Issue 13 'Spring into Summer'

“I think a lot of people see it as not a real disability,” shares Tasha. “[They think] because I’ve got a cochlear implant, I’m ‘fixed’, but it still impacts my life every single day. I get headaches, migraines and fatigue.” Though she struggled in her younger years, Tasha eventually found solace in the dance studio. “The biggest turning point was at a dance class. Halfway through, my cochlear implant fell out and I carried on – I was still in time with the music,” she recalls emotionally. “I spread my wings and flew like a butterfly.” Tasha then began dancing to a more positive tune. “I call [deafness] my ‘superpower’,” she says proudly. “It doesn’t define me, but it’s part of who I am that’s special. It makes me feel empowered.” “I call [deafness] my ‘superpower’” From stealing hearts on Love Island , to partnering with iconic beauty brands, Tasha is hoping to bring this positive perception of disabilities into the mainstream. “Beauty is for everyone, but the beauty world still has this ‘perfection’ standard,” she explains. “I don’t see representation of disabilities in terms of campaigns and adverts – I want to see it on a billboard!” EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW