April Lockhart

April Lockhart, born in 1995 on July 4th July, started taking lessons on piano and guitar at age seven. Her interest in songwriting was awakened. At the age of 12 April wrote her first song Different. She spent lots of time when she was 14 making songs and practicing music. After a while, she began to go on trips with her dad as well as write her songs in NY or LA. April was the month that she began to write about other issues in the book, Take My Hand, for her friends who were dealing with peer pressure, disabilities or even suicidal thoughts. Lockhart also enjoys an increasing fan base as a lifestyle blogger and works for popular clean beauty company Ilia. She was born without her left hand, and it's part of her story, but it's hardly her whole story. As a result Lockhart's Instagram profile does not shy away from her handicap, however the focus isn't on her disability either. It's a reminder. We all have multiple aspects that our identities are complex and we're more than our physical selves. Lockhart states in the video Lockhart via video "I do not believe that disability will define me. It's not my intention to be an influencer on disability, because I've so much more to offer." My day-today life is not affected by it. I live my normal day-to-day life and discover my own solutions to issues. In addition, I see it a very important part of myself. The journey of self-acceptance that Lockhart has taken will be one that lasts a lifetime, but she can be a role model with regard to this. Still, she admits that she went through a few phases regarding her appearance, feeling uneasy in some instances to wear clothing that displayed her arms. It's her choice to wear what she'd like, and happily shares pictures of her dressed in her favorite outfits. Self-love, according to her, is a process. "I don't think you will ever be there," she said. However, that is the case with anyone who has insecurities. I think it's essential to surround yourself with people who can discern and understand your heart.