Amanda Clark is Redefining Disabilities
Amanda Clark, Founder of Beautymark Community
For the last few weeks, I have been rather addicted to the new social media platform, Clubhouse – where strangers talk to each other via videocalls. I know it sounds awkward, but it’s an incredible experience of more intimate social media interactions. During a call a few days ago, I was blown away by a woman who spoke about her experience living with a disability and advocating for others through her organization. I am so excited to introduce you to my friend, Amanda Clark, founder of Beautymark Community.
What inspired you to start your organization?
What Inspired me to begin this organization was my daughter who had been 7 at the time. I was walking her to the bus stop one day when she turned to me and asked me if I could never walk her to the bus stop anymore. At first I thought she was joking so playing with her I shouted, “What? You’re too big for mommy to walk with you more?” Until she began crying and said, “No mommy, that’s not it.” She then explained to me that she had been tired of the kids asking her what happened to my arm? My heart sank but I had to be understanding. So as I walked back to the house I was determined to bring more awareness especially to children in public schools. And from there Beautymark Community was birthed.
What were your doubts when you began your founding journey, and how did you overcome those doubts?
Some doubts that I’ve had starting this journey had been the fact that I have a disability (Beautymark) myself! Although no one likes to discuss this, discrimination is still very real. I made it my primary goal to learn the history of the differently community and what it will take to break the barriers of the stereotypes. It still is not easy. But nothing that is worth it is! What drives me are the many diverse individuals that I have met whom I call my beautymark brothers and sisters. Also, my children which two of them have beautymarks as well. I have a passion to create unity within our community. And I will not rest until it’s done.
What are you most proud of in your journey?
What I am most proud of in my journey is having a beautymark myself!! I used to be ashamed of who I was. Scared to be me but this organization has given me hope even though I am the CEO I am learning everyday about the many different abilities there are. And I have grown to love myself and embrace all of my flaws. My Faith has grown tremendously due to the fact of knowing who I am and now I just want everyone else to embrace their beautymarks as well. We are not a mistake! We are humans too! All of us were created for a divine purpose in this life.
What are your dreams for the company, and how can readers help you achieve those dreams?
My biggest dreams besides disability inclusion would be to support other differently abled people in foreign countries. There is such a big need for both those with physical and internal beautymarks. Our goal is to make sure we can supply the necessary tools to help them navigate better in their daily life. Also, in certain states disability awareness is not being educated in most public and private schools. Because of the ignorance the rate for bullying has gone up! Our mission is to provide FREE educational books for children (because it starts there) to learn more about the many different beautymarks there are in the world so that if they should ever come in contact with someone who is differently abled they would know how to communicate and understand. For anyone who is willing to help us donations proceed to both causes through our website, PayPal and checks.
How do you incorporate ethics/impact/sustainability into your work?
How we incorporate moral behavior within our community is through educating both ourselves and our audience! Before COVID we would incorporate FREE presentations to bring awareness in person but now we have included this education virtually. We present interviews with individuals who have beautymarks seen or unseen and educate everyone on what it’s like to be them. I have a favorite saying and that is people are only ignorant to what they do not know. So I’m every opportunity that we have, we educate as many people as possible about a persons diagnosis if there is one and also show anyone who is watching what their hobbies are or life routines to show everyone that people with disabilities (Beautymarks) are “normal” too.