An interview with Unhidden Founder Victoria Jenkins: Inspiration, Investment, Vogue and Secret Projects

When I joined Unhidden, I knew that I had been invited to participate in something really special. As a disabled person, I know the struggle of finding clothing that fits right- I have Mast Cell Disorder, which can make finding clothes that feel comfortable and that don’t react to my skin really difficult- labels are well and truly the enemy! Victoria and I met three years ago, where all great friendships begin- online. As new business owners, we quickly bonded over the highs and lows of not just being new entrepreneurs but also working within the disability and access space. 

Being a part of Unhidden over the past few months has given me a front-row seat to the incredible work happening behind the scenes and everything coming up. I sat down with Victoria the day after her Vogue article came out to chat candidly about life as a disabled entrepreneur, her hopes and dreams for the brand and the future.

When I joined Unhidden, I knew that I had been invited to participate in something really special. As a disabled person, I know the struggle of finding clothing that fits right- I have Mast Cell Disorder, which can make finding clothes that feel comfortable and that don’t react to my skin really difficult- labels are well and truly the enemy! Victoria and I met three years ago, where all great friendships begin- online. As new business owners, we quickly bonded over the highs and lows of not just being new entrepreneurs but also working within the disability and access space. 

Being a part of Unhidden over the past few months has given me a front-row seat to the incredible work happening behind the scenes and everything coming up. I sat down with Victoria the day after her Vogue article came out to chat candidly about life as a disabled entrepreneur, her hopes and dreams for the brand and the future.

Unhidden is in Vogue! What does that mean to you?

It is literally a dream come true; because that's all I ever thought it would be, a dream! Years of just trying to survive in the industry meant giving up that own label dream- now I'm determined to get Unhidden on the front cover!

What were the model’s reactions to appearing in the article?

Glorious; I love that Jess's reaction came via DM because she has a google alert on her name so Vogue tipped her off before I could! Kate's reaction made me cry.. Isaac's made me chuckle he's so laid back despite the exceptional things he does I love it. Moeed is a VIBE every time I see and meet him and his reaction just made me smile so much- there's that sort of moment of disbelief then seeing them realise what they are looking at.. It's very wholesome and makes me so emotional!

Vogue was on your vision board! So what’s on the new vision board?

Unhidden on the FRONT COVER of Vogue! They are committed to better representing disability and fashion- that means they need to support adaptive designers too; there is enough of us around the world for them to make that possible in multiple editions, not just once. I have also put the Met gala on the vision board; either to dress someone there or to just get disability represented full stop- that stair case can handle a gloriously designed stair lift. I also put a spa and a beach image on there because- goodness do I need a bit of a holiday!

How has your health been? (asked with permission!) 

My health has been it's usual self mostly- unpredictable, good days and bad. The pain is increasing as is the reduction in mobility- it's really hard to get further diagnoses and treatments and when I'm super busy it tends to fall to the back of the to do list but having realised how much I am having to adapt now means I am looking at further support- wheelchairs and PA's etc.

What advice would you give to other aspiring disabled entrepreneurs?

Use your community; it is much easier to get fellow disabled and chronic sick people to support you and understand the challenges that you will face to then give you the confidence to go 'mainstream'; plus we do all network well together! There are some great groups on LinkedIn; join them! Also LinkedIn is really an unsung hero for disabled entrepreneurs, I cannot recommend it enough- whether you disclose your disability or not, it has some great tools that are free and will help you grow your platform to connect you with more people which is what entrepreneurship is about- contacts and networking! And also listen to your instincts; there will be people who view you/ your business as a tick box exercise- sometimes it's still worthwhile, sometimes you have to step back from people. Don't be afraid to stand your ground and say no; you do not have to accept crumbs.

What about disabled and neurodiverse people wanting to enter and make it in the fashion industry?

Firstly, you have to keep in mind there is little to no DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) training in fashion brands at present; there may be in retail but even then, not enough and not around disability. Look at potential places you want to work and check their glass-door reviews for company culture. While you can absolutely advocate to be included, be prepared for a harder battle to get hired, to get access, to get accommodations. I'm afraid it is very damning; it is a tough industry for non disabled people so really think about what you're willing to accept and pick your battles! I don't think a degree is necessarily what you need; demonstration of creativity, passion and a good portfolio is your key. Being innovative in how you approach brands and stand out is the secret to success, as well as knowing as much as you can about each brand/ area you want to work in; be data driven even, the more you can demonstrate what drives you and what your focus is the more desirable you become- I am lucky that adaptive fashion is my hyper focus, so don't be afraid to utilise where your skill set lies. Finally; do not tolerate bad behaviour- 'call it out with kindness' where possible. We are not yet in the safe position of being able to be labelled defensive or difficult; there will always be an excuse or reason that is claimed not to be related to your conditions.

Welcome to 2022

It’s hard to know where to start given we are somehow over halfway through January and I am yet to sit and make a coherent plan for the year- as I have said to a few people, the wheel/s I have set in motion seem to be pulling me forward rather than me being in control! I hope YOU are having as good a January as possible; with so much going on for us all I am trying to be mindful that for many of us, this is a tough month after a tough few years anyway. You cannot go wrong with a funny meme and Jasmine Leann nailed it on our No Comment Required instagram page.

So, first things first; I started the year being listed as one of 100 incredible women in the #ialso100 list by F:entrepreneur which is just amazing and there are so many brilliant people on the list as well as some fellow adaptive designers! Unhidden is of course full steam ahead with multiple collaborations in the pipeline not to mention new colours and designs coming this year- as well as our first ever official-with-London-Fashion_Week show!! Details are being confirmed for that, but I will also be showing with London Represents and Fashion Show Live, click on either for ticket details.

Before all of that excitement however is the EnduRow challenge, in its second year; founder Steven Dowd is a force for positive change and if you can support this endeavour (or even participate!) that would be incredible.

From Endurows’ website:

EnduRow Challenge is inspired by one man’s against-the-odds recovery journey following total paralysis.Founder Steven Dowd sustained a devastating spinal cord injury in a 2016 cycling accident that left him with no movement or sensation below the neck and a bleak prognosis.

With hope and the help of Wings For Life, Steven underwent a clinical research trial and regained some sensation. He made a promise to his family and began a journey towards mobility. 200 days later he fulfilled that promise and carried the turkey to the Christmas table, walking unaided.

Today, Steven helps others by creating charity challenge events in support of those with impairments. EnduRow Challenge is the greatest to date.

As if all that wasn’t quite enough, I am also super excited and fricking nervous because I will be doing my first ever TedX talk in Brighton on April 22nd! You can meet the other confirmed speakers and book tickets here.