Julie Ben loves to hang out with her friends and do voluntary work helping people. During the photoshoot at Kawenu, Julie’s playful and graceful spirit was illuminated in every pose she struck. She was able to instantly channel her inner aelan queen the moment the camera clicked. It is a joy to celebrate Julie, who has a hearing disability, in honor of International Day of People with Disability this week, and as our final Sista Gat Style of the year. Blessed mo inclusive nation 2019 olgeta!
#WomanShefa #LookAtMyAbility #NoLivimMiBihaen #StrongFiuja
Name
Julie Ben
Age
23
Occupation
I volunteer wherever I can as I enjoy helping people. I was a volunteer with Red Cross in Santo in the recent Ambae evacuation response.
Tell us about your family?
I’m a Shefa girl. My mum is from Ifira and Dad is from Nguna. They live in separate homes. My two big sisters and two big brothers and I live with my mum. I am also a mother to a baby boy.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to hang around with my friends whether it’s walking around town, going swimming or anything else as long as it’s with my friends.
What do you aspire to do in the future?
I would like to do community work in the islands. I especially would like to assist in emergencies. I am also interested in photography and I would like to explore this more.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really have a style. I like to wear any clothes that suit me and look perfect in my eyes.
Why do you like fashion?
I like fashion because I think it’s the best way I can express myself.
Where do you buy your clothes from?
I buy my clothes mostly from second hand shops but sometimes from the Chinese shops.
Who influences your style?
No one influences my style. I just like to wear clothes, jewellery and make up that I am interested in.
What beauty products do you use?
The only beauty product I use is eyeliner.
Any fashion advice?
Just wear things that interest you and not to please others. Don’t worry about the opinions of others for styling and fashion. Be yourself.
Mi also wantem se mi no save harem man i tok tok be mi save mekem evri samting mo mi neva letem disability blong mi i stopem mi. Mi wantem talem aot se sapos yu kat wan disabiliti yu no mas letem i stoppem yu from folem dreams blong yu. Yumi mas embrace each other mo support each other and not use disability as an excuse to exclude others or ourselves.
Photographer: Nicky Kuautonga
Hair, makeup and nails: Body and Soul Vanuatu
This article was originally published in the December edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post Life and Style magazine.
