Creativity, Confidence & Brittle Bones: Alycia’s Journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Meet Alycia, a talented designer, public speaker, and founder of bespoke clothing brand Emiah. Not only is she creating stunning bridal and couture pieces, but she’s also redefining what it means to thrive while living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a rare condition often misunderstood. Alycia navigates life with mobility aids AND has built a business that works with her disability, not against it. We’re excited to share her incredible story, her thoughts on embracing visibility, and how discovering Cool Crutches helped her turn a medical necessity into a statement of confidence and style ✨
⭐ My Story & How My Business Began
My name is Alycia and I’m from Cardiff. I’m the creator behind Emiah, a bespoke clothing brand specialising in bridal, corsetry and couture. I also freelance in TV, theatre and public speaking.
I started out in art. It began with painting and sculpting, which then led me to textiles, fashion and wearable art. After university, I knew I’d need to carve out my own space to work around my disability, but I wasn’t sure how. Emiah began as a creative outlet, my "expensive hobby", and with hard work (and help), it became a business. Now I create for clients worldwide, helping them feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.
The best advice I've ever been given:
"Are you in pain, or are you scared of the pain?"
It helped me to recognise when fear was holding me back versus when I actually needed to rest.
🌈 Living with OI & My Biggest Challenge
I’ve had Osteogenesis Imperfecta (or Brittle Bones) my whole life. It’s shaped everything, from using a wheelchair to now switching between mobility aids depending on my needs.
As a child, I tried to hide my disability because using mobility aids made me feel like I stood out. If I used them, I faced comments; if I didn’t, I ended up in pain. It wasn’t until adulthood that I realised my mobility aids are there to help, not hinder me.
One of my biggest struggles is balancing ambition with pacing myself. I want to do everything, but my body doesn’t always agree! I’ve had to learn to rest, ask for help, and not overextend - it’s a constant balancing act.
💕 My Cool Crutches Journey
I’d used grey NHS crutches all my life - I didn’t know I had a choice! As a child I was offered coloured wheelchairs and zimmer frames, but never crutches. It wasn't until I saw someone on TV with sparkly blue and black crutches that I realised this was an option.
When I found Cool Crutches on Instagram, I had to get a pair. At first, I wanted sleek black ones to go with my wardrobe. I quickly realised how much better they felt - the comfort, the quietness, and the fact they reflected me. The moulded handles are much more comfortable, especially with the soft grips, which means I feel less strain on my hands. I also love how much quieter they are, as I used to hate the click clacking of my old pair announcing my arrival!
Businesses like Cool Crutches are so important. Walking aids aren’t just medical devices - they’re part of your identity. Just like glasses, they can be functional and fashionable. Having options helps de-stigmatise mobility aids and gives people confidence.
☀️ What Helped My Mental Health
I wasn’t around many visibly disabled people growing up, which deeply affected how I saw myself. It wasn’t until I connected with the disability community as an adult that I began embracing my crutches and acknowledge my ableism. Being able to see and interact with others that have shared experiences to me has really helped me feel more included.
You don’t always have to feel positive about your disability - but being neutral and kind to yourself makes a big difference. Finding people with shared experiences has been life-changing.
💜 Why Awareness for Osteogenesis Imperfecta Matters
Osteogenesis Imperfecta varies so much from person to person. At the base of it is brittle bones, where the bones can break super easily, but it can also include Scoliosis, short stature and more. Like many conditions, there’s still a huge need for awareness. I really admire advocates like Shani Dhanda, Samantha Renke, and Gem Turner for the work they do. I hope to become that kind of figure, so others growing up with OI see what's possible.
For anyone facing a life-changing diagnosis or injury, my advice would be:
Reach out to the community, be patient with yourself, and remember that mobility aids are tools of empowerment, not limitation.
👑 The Kings Trust
I was at university when I first heard about The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) and I wasn't yet ready to start up my business, but I knew due to my disability, this would be my goal so I could manage my own working life. The Trust is a wonderful charity that gives hope, support and guidance to people looking to start their own business, and without them, I would never have started Emiah.
I am now a Young Ambassador which isn't a role I ever imagined myself in, but I love it.
It has made me realise that by being visible and sharing my story, I could help other young people feel seen, show them what help is out there and make that path easier for them.
✅ What I’d Change for Disabled People
I’d love to see more understanding of attitudinal barriers. It’s often not the disability itself that limits us, but how society treats us and whether accommodations are made. Greater awareness would make life better, not only for disabled people, but for everyone.
👑 What’s Next?
At the moment I just love doing talks and interviews like this! Sharing my experiences and raising awareness has become such a big passion of mine, so I can’t wait to do more. For Emiah I’m also developing DIY Embellishment Kits - I love teaching, so these kits are a perfect combination of my passions. They are designed to show you step by step how to create a beautiful piece for yourself. Hand sewing has been such a calming outlet for me, especially during tough times, so I can’t wait to share that with others when they launch next year!
⭐ A huge thank you to Alycia for sharing her journey, if you'd like to follow her on Instagram, click HERE ⭐
As well as Alycia, we also have these inspiring stories that we think you'll love to read:
Embracing Life With Scoliosis: Strength, Love and Stylish Mobility Aids
Sarah Berthon: Must-Have Guide For Disabled Entrepreneurs and Employees
