I would love to hear your story! What are the experiences that shaped who you are today?

Wow so much! But most recently I guess, having caught something called Acanthamoeba Keratitis which destroys your cornea and which is why I have a large dilated right pupil. Long painful story 🤣 but that really showed me just how strong I was and finally filled all my self-worth cup.

Tell about the time in your life when you felt the most powerful?

Now. I am the strongest mentally and emotionally today.

What is your inner attribute that you like the most?

Resilience!!!

What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own worth?

You’re stronger than you know you are 💕

Are you at ease with your own body and age?

No. I’m overweight but at least now after an emotional and exhausting few years I am now focusing on my body and health again.

What would you try to do if you felt that you couldn’t fail?

Interesting. I’ve tried most things that I’ve wanted to do. And sometimes failed! Feel the fear and do it anyway is what I say.

Research shows that women want to know that the work they do is significant, meaningful and embodies their highest potential. What do you think?

Yes, this makes a lot of sense as by nature we are the nurturers. Most of us anyway. That’s why businesses now know the importance of women in their teams and leadership roles.

Who are the women that you find inspiring and have influenced you in some way?

Oprah Winfrey because she is very honest and broke the mould. She’s very resilient and gives so much of her strength and energy to others

When was the last time you invested in yourself? What do you do to let your hair down?

I do yoga and singing – they are my things. And sometimes singing involves a girls night out and karaoke!!! I love to socialise. Level 4 lockdown nearly sent me bonkers!

Why are beautiful photos important for you right now?

I hadn’t thought of this. Well I would love one that shows my eye and how happy I am with myself internally (working on the external!)

Editor’s note :

Amanda contracted Acanthamoeba Keratitis from her contact lenses. It’s a rare vision-threatening parasitic infection that is difficult to get rid of. To contract a bug that lives in your eye and eats away at it, would have been pretty scary. After many rounds of treatment, the infection was conquered. But she lost vision partially in the one eye.

She, however, refused to let this dampen her spirit or bring her down in any way. She continues to live a normal, happy life with her daughter. The photo shoot was to serve as a reminder that she is beautiful from within and for the photos to serve as a daily reminder of that fact.

Amanda is truly an inspiration!