Older Posts
Named one of the UK’s 100 Most Influential Disabled People, Samanta Bullock is a name to know in the adaptive fashion industry. Growing up modeling and playing tennis in Brazil, she was taller than girls her age and was invited to try all kinds of things.
But her world of youth got an abrupt wake-up call when at age 14 she became a T12-L1 paraplegic after an accidental shooting. Determined to not let her injury cast a shadow on her hopes and dreams, Samanta has gone on to prove everyone wrong, and has returned to both of her life passions.
Why She’s Fearless
When Samanta was injured, she was living in her tiny hometown of Osorio-Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Access to positive disability activities were far and few between. Fortunately, she eventually moved to Rio and began modeling again. She grew up modeling clothes and sunglasses. Since becoming a model with a disability, she’s been a model for Kuschall Wheelchairs, Wheelie-Chix Chic, WeAdapt, a Portuguese adaptive clothing company, Invacare, Graton Jeans and many more.
And Samanta has reconnected with tennis post-injury. She became so good that she competed in the 2007 Parapan American Games, winning Silver in women’s doubles. Samanta was a competitive wheelchair tennis player from 2004-2011.
And even though Samanta is no longer a professional tennis player, she’s still involved in the International Tennis Federation, which is how she met her husband Mark, who is from the UK. Samanta moved to London in 2008 after marrying him. She and Mark together, as representatives of the International Tennis Federation, were involved in the 2012 London Paralympic preparations. Samanta performed on the sway pole and trapeze in the opening ceremonies.
What’s Next?
After getting settled in the UK, Samanta has been busy. She has has acted, hosting an episode of the news program, Diverse Nation, on Channel 4, but what has been really driving her since retiring from tennis is adaptive fashion, or as Samanta prefers, “inclusive fashion.” After working many years as a public speaker and a model in the UK, she founded the Samanta Bullock Inclusive Shop in 2019. The store sells adaptive fashion that can be worn by everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Also, as part of her work, Samanta has put on several adaptive fashion shows, which can be viewed online. Her commitment to bringing diversity and inclusion to the fashion world has ignited her career and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
— Samanta Bullock on Instagram
ideas@spinalpedia.com
