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NEOWALKSTICKS: THE UK BRAND BEHIND THE STYLISH WALKING CANE ZAZEL USES IN THE BIGGER PLANS PROJECT VIDEO

During one of my first calls with Zazel, the Bigger Plans Project dancing star, we surfed different outfit ideas, and it was definitely her, that made me think of some stylish, colorful walking cane we could use for a tap-dance-like performance in the video!

I started looking for brands that were hitting the market with products that were fun (and functional) to use: this is how I got to Lyndsay and her NeoWalkSticks brand.
Before contacting her, both through Instagram and Linkedin (you see, I really wanted her!!!), I visualized her saying YES! and then… clicked SEND.

So please, enjoy this interview to a beautiful and sweet lady I am looking forward to meeting in person, one day! 

Selfie-style shot showing designer Lyndsay, smiling at the camera. Lyndsay is a white, blonde, blue-eyed woman; she wears a pair of purple-rimmed eyeglasses and an animal print shirt.

WHO IS LYNDSAY?

She is a creative designer with a disability! [she smiles]
I am finely tuned into the needs and diversity of the community I serve.
I am a successful business owner: I design and produce walking sticks from loud look at me colours, to discreet and restrained, light up fluorescents and diamanté adorned works of art. 
I am a proud amputee and an avid dog lover living in the beautiful city of York, (UK) with my husband. 
This mastermind, I am, believes in positivity, being unconventional and marches to her own drum. 

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO START YOUR BRAND?

As a disabled person, I knew the odds would be stacked against me finding a job. It’s very wrong but sadly true. Having already had a colourful employment history, this didn’t deter me.
I believed there would be something out there for me, to succeed at. 

I already had the idea to make myself a clear walking stick because I felt so frustrated and let down by the choice of sticks available out there for me. So when I felt the explosive revelation of feeling so confident and stylish with my own acrylic stick, I knew it was something I wanted to share, to help other people overcome the same shame and embarrassment I’d felt about using a walking aid.
This is how I decided I would work for myself, pursue my own passion and be in control of my own destiny.
Neo Walk was born in 2013.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED SINCE YOU STARTED NEOWALKSTICKS?

There have been many highs since starting Neo Walk. I remember selling my first ever walking stick, very well.
It was such a great moment! I really love seeing somebody with one, knowing that I created it!
I also remember when I was once on a flight to Canada and saw another passenger with one!
I had to introduce myself, of course, and she was over the moon!
My work has even reached modern ballet performances on the South Bank in London, and Sherlock TV bought a couple to use in their TV show.
I’ve sent some to Hollywood and even to Ralph Lauren in New York. It is such a diverse worldwide venture now. 

The image shows 5 clear walking sticks, placed on a white surface and in descending order one below the other. They are ordered with these colors: clear white on top, yellow, light blue, blue and cfuchsia to follow.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO SPONSOR THE BIGGER PLANS PROJECT VIDEO?

The social media community that has grown up around Neo Walk is unbelievable: the warmth and understanding you receive is unparalleled. I feel very proud and humble in the presence of these great mobility warriors. The strength and resilience I see every day, motivates me to fight for inclusivity in the fashion industry.
This is why I felt that sponsoring Lachi’s and your video was the right thing to do, in line with my true mission.
I was honestly thrilled to have one of my sticks in The Bigger Plans Project music video and see Zazel dance with it!

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE YOU STARTED?

Many days are a challenge at Neo Walk: largely because of the physical nature of my disability.
Being an amputee can restrict what I’m able to do sometimes: 99% of the time I just do things slightly different to how others might, and I simply get on with it!
I have my home workshop set up with plenty of space for my wheelchair to get around; boxes and equipment are all accessible, and there is always space for my beloved Team Neo Walkies, who keep me entertained and safe every day.
The Team consists of my four dogs, ranging from giant to tiny, featured on my social media feeds too! 

Possibly the greatest challenge I faced, though, was actually starting Neo Walk from absolute scratch. I knew I had a good idea and was plenty of just enough enthusiasm to make it work. I only had some basic business knowledge though and I had to learn (and still doing) much along the way.
My mind is constantly turning over new ideas, new styles, improvements and ways to bring my walking sticks to more people.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

Close-up of the walking stick used by Zazel in the video, the cane is transparent orange wrapped in multicolored bands of Swarovsky crystals.

I believe everyone has the right to be stylish, and that the fashion industry in general, turns a blind eye when it comes to including people with disabilities in the action. 
Gone are the days when mobility aids are only grey, functional and weary.
I really want to see the fashion industry sit up and take notice that people with disabilities have a valid place as consumers, they have the right to be visible and they have the right to be stylish.
More than a message, I have a challenge for other designers. I challenge them to be inclusive, adaptive and mindful: it’s very satisfying and can only make the fashion scene more fun and diverse.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: LET’S THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS…

At Neo Walk we love celebrating Christmas and are looking forward to welcoming the end of this very challenging 2020.

To end the year with a bang, there will be big Black Friday offers, special edition styles and accessories, and new colours with a bit of bling and sparkle for the festive season.
We wish all our friends and customers a happy and healthy 2021! 

Learn more about Lyndsay and think of her sticks as the perfect Christmas Gift for your loved ones!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neowalksticks/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/neowalk.neowalk

Website: www.neo-walk.com 

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