KEEPING IT REAL: Marisa’s Story, Part Five

KEEPING IT REAL: Marisa’s Story*

PART FIVE

By Marisa Conners

In the final part of this mult-part series, Marisa Conners shares her story with cerebral palsy and how she launched an inclusive women's fashion brand. Check out Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four to catch up.

What advice would you give others with cerebral palsy?

Work hard, play hard. This is one of my favorite catchphrases. That catchphrase means you must have to complete your tasks and activities in order to beat odds.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

I feel so grateful to be able to live and work independently with cerebral palsy. My CP doesn’t even define who I am but it’s just a part of my story. Having cerebral palsy doesn’t keep me from giving up my dreams. I have had so many challenges and mistakes in my life. However, I’ve always been trying to do better things for myself, my family and friends. Life can be hard for me but I have an amazing life with cerebral palsy and unique abilities to do what I love. And I will never give up!! I’m striving to inspire others to achieve their dreams and goals even if they have physical challenges.

In addition to my fashion business, I am working as a freelance graphic designer and artist right now as I just started a flexible graphic design business. My crucial goal is to make and save money for my business ventures and dream vacations.

When I don’t work, I enjoy shopping, exercising, traveling, and socializing with my friends. I am also a lifelong fan of Disney.

You can follow Marisa on Instagram @marisaconners.fashionista, and check out her Inclusive Womenswear Brand, @marisaconners.mc and Graphic Design account @marisaconnersgraphics

*Marisa's story is part of KEEPING IT REAL — a series of personal stories that will take you deeper into the lives of people with CP. Each person makes different choices based on what works for them, and we’ll showcase that — highlighting what life is like for them on a daily basis, what they care about, and the ways CP impacts them. 

The KEEPING IT REAL blog is intended solely to raise awareness about the varied human experience with cerebral palsy and shouldn't be read or construed to contain any medical advice or medical endorsement by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. Only you and your doctor know what's best for you. Please consult your doctor for medical advice.