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What if the hardest part of being disabled isn't your disability... but the world around you?
In this episode of Finding My User Manual, Tigz Rice sits down with Alycia, founder of Emiah Couture, designer, artist, speaker and disability advocate, for an honest conversation about identity, accessibility, entrepreneurship, mental health, and what it means to build a life on your own terms.
As a South Asian disabled entrepreneur, Alycia shares the realities that often go unseen: navigating ableism, learning to ask for help, balancing independence with support, and finding confidence in a world that isn't always designed with disabled people in mind.
Together, we explore how creativity became both an outlet and a lifeline, why representation matters, the importance of accessible businesses, and how sharing our stories can create spaces where people finally feel understood.Whether you're disabled, neurodivergent, navigating your own identity, or simply want to understand another person's lived experience with more empathy, this is a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and learning how to write your own user manual.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Empowerment and Creativity
03:02 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
06:01 Navigating Disability and Identity
08:58 The Journey into Corsetry and Fashion
12:10 Building a Business in the Fashion Industry
14:58 The Importance of Bespoke Fashion
18:04 Art as an Outlet for Expression
20:55 Understanding Ableism and Self-Perception
32:57 Navigating Independence and Asking for Help
35:32 Representation and Finding Community
38:28 Access to Work: Challenges and Solutions
40:12 The Need for Support: Finding an Assistant
43:06 Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities
46:57 Empowerment Through Public Speaking and Activism
49:22 Making Businesses More Accessible
54:10 The Importance of Sharing Experiences
57:06 Pride in Personal Growth and Achievements
FIND ALYCIA
Website: https://www.emiah.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiahcouturePersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alycia.emiah
ABOUT TIGZ RICE
Tigz Rice is an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. With an extensive background in burlesque and boudoir photography, she draws from he own lifetime of experience in defying beauty standards, along with more over 15 years of professional creative practise, to help others reconnect with their bodies, take up more space, curate their legacies and feel empowered, confident & seen. Beyond the studio, Tigz’s voice continues to shape the conversation around representation. Her podcast Finding My User Manual explores the challenges of navigating life when no one gave you the instructions, amplifying nuanced, diverse experiences with honesty and depth.
Website: https://www.tigzrice.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRice
Youtube: www.youtube.com/tigzrice
PODCAST DISCLAIMER
Finding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.
