Christie's Story - From Scars to Strength: How I Turned Pain Into Purpose and Became Unbreakable

What Makes You a Beautiful Disaster?
I am a recovering anorexic of 35 years. I also have a degenerative connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The loss of all of my teeth, from both conditions, caused a significant loss of the little self-esteem I had. It’s a constant struggle as an anorexic to do what is best and healthiest for my other condition.

After 50-plus orthopedic surgeries (including almost every joint replaced), you can imagine the scarring I have all over my body! I am often bullied for being "too skinny," and when I’m in recovery, for being "too fat." That’s what makes me a Beautiful Disaster—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

It took me 47 years to discover your brand, which I didn’t even know existed before. Your clothes spoke to me and became a motivator to keep going, to be an example even when it’s hard, and to build a bigger community.

Why Do You Identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
For the reasons above, but it has also become my uniform of sorts. It would definitely be more so if I could afford more of the pieces! (lol, but not really.) It’s my armor—I wear it as protection from my own negative self-talk and from anything others may say to me.

It’s not magical, but it is spiritual. A little confidence builds a little worth, and a little worth allows you to find a little purpose.

Tell Us Your Beautiful Disaster Story.
After all of these surgeries and living with an eating disorder like anorexia, my once very athletic and strong body was devastated. Slowly, as I became disabled due to degenerative EDS, I lost my hair, strength, motivation, teeth, joints, bones, friends, and even some family.

I had to reach the point where I stopped saying, "I can’t do this," and started asking, "How can I?" That shift often led me into completely different—and most often better—situations. It opened doors and rekindled forgotten loves and passions.

Clothing can’t give you anything you don’t already have, but the people behind it, the fellow warriors, survivors, and us “zebras” can. It can be our armor, our boost, and our advertisement to scream to the world, “I’m okay now, and I can do this!”

What Happened for You to Turn It Around?
I got tired of being sick and tired.

When my son got married, I realized that my true love of 28 years was suffering because of me. I was killing him slowly by making him feel "less than" and incapable of taking care of me. A brilliant doctor flipped my narrative, and I began to see things through other people’s eyes.

Love is stronger than my selfish desires. With that realization, I started building my confidence and slowly adding pieces to my wardrobe—motivational pieces that felt so "me." It’s been a slow process, especially being on disability, but it’s progress.

God spoke through others and made me listen with my heart and soul.

Name 3 Things You’ve Done to Move Closer to Happiness:

1. Practicing self-care
2. Rescuing animals
3. Sharing my life with family and close friends

What Is Your Favorite Beautiful Disaster Collection, Past or Present, and Why?

• Unbreakable
• Warrior
• Beautiful Disaster

These collections embody everything I’ve gone through and everything I stand for.