April Lockhart wants to change the narrative around disability in beauty and fashion

The content creator’s feed is one of the happiest and brightest on Instagram. Here’s how she tries to keep it that way

The beauty and fashion world has been trying to put inclusivity at the forefront of their narrative. But one piece of the puzzle that not a lot of brands and people have figured out yet? Including the disabled community. April Lockhart, a content creator, has been trying to change that. She has amniotic band syndrome—a limb difference—which means she was born without her left hand, and when she tried to follow people that looked like her on social media, she couldn’t really find anyone. She’s now using her online platform to destigmatise disabilities, and is having a lot of fun doing it. Lockhart makes it clear that while she might take a second longer to unhook a button or unscrew a tube of moisturiser or tie a pair of shoelaces, she’s figured it out and she’s taking up space.

You've mentioned in previous interviews that you didn't want to make your disability you—what did you mean by this? Why have you begun to highlight it more on Instagram?

There was more to me than just my disability. I never wanted it to be the main focus; I still wanted my talents and passions to speak for themselves. The disability is part of who I am (an important, obvious part)—but there’s so much more too.

On social media (and in life), I try to be as unapologetically myself as I can. Not forceful, not trying to push an agenda or be the loudest, but leading by example and putting myself out there in a way that feels natural, giving people a community to be a part of, if they choose to. It was a bit of a New Year’s resolution for me to finally start sharing about my arm, mostly because there wasn’t anyone I personally saw doing it in my sphere [the fashion/beauty space]. I’m very much a believer that everything happens for a reason, and really started to look at my bigger personal picture. I felt it was important for me to be more open about my disability and start speaking about it. If I wasn’t seeing people like me, maybe I could be that person to someone else.

I love some of the ways you post the not-so-easy parts too, like trying your shoelaces or attempting to do a skincare routine with one hand. It's like you're saying it's not all easy, but it's my life. Was that deliberate?

Yes, in some way! When I first started, I remember thinking through some of my usual routines that have become second nature to me. Since I was born this way, sometimes I forget that how I do things is different–it’s all I’ve known! I’ve always been one to figure out a way around something, and rarely is there a task that I can’t do (have not mastered braiding my hair yet–but one day!) But I definitely wanted to show some of the funny ways I use my hand in my typical routines.

Showcasing my disability more has definitely helped me adjust and become more comfortable in everyday life—wearing short sleeves in public, as a silly example. Overall, I have a pretty good sense of who I am and I really am proud of myself. It’s a journey—you never arrive at a place of perfection with self-acceptance. Some days comparison kicks in, and some days you feel like you’re in the right place. More often than not though, I feel myself moving in the forward direction of that journey.

Do you feel a responsibility to show up for people who look like you on social media?

It sounds cheesy, but it really is an honour. I’ve never felt any pressure to be a face for the disabled community, but I love when I get messages that people feel represented through the content I share. That’s the mission.

Where do you stand on disability-friendly beauty and fashion moves that brands have been making—both in terms of visibility and actual ergonomic changes they're trying to create. Do you think that enough is being done?

I’m never one to point fingers. My approach has always been to lead with understanding and help educate. But I love seeing brands embrace change and will always champion that. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do a few focus groups/consulting sessions with brands on inclusivity, which has been one of the cooler recent experiences to come from this. I love seeing what brands like Guide Beauty are doing to make things easier for the disabled community (and likely even the abled community—because who doesn’t love a more seamless product?). There can always be more done: little by little, change is made. So I’m grateful for all the little conversations or steps that we’ll look back on as making big differences down the road.

I’m really encouraged by the strides I’ve slowly seen brands take in the marketing–Aerie, YouSwim, Free People, UGG are a few that come to mind (some that I’ve had the pleasure of working with). I’d love to see more luxury brands take the same inclusive approach.

What is your relationship with social media like?

I wish I could say it is healthy but it’s better to be honest right? It’s ever-evolving, like I’m sure any creator would say. I haven’t really ever taken a true “break” since this has become a job for me (not to mention, I also work full-time in influencer marketing, so on both ends I am required to be immersed in social media). I try to check myself and remind myself why I do this—not to get caught up in comparison, but to offer something unique and positive. It can definitely be draining but I’m so grateful for the relationships and community that social media has given me. It often gets a bad rep but it can be a powerful tool for good.

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