SIC’s Career Spotlights: Emma Muldoon
Emma Muldoon is the UK’s leading travel and disability blogger, as the founder and writer of her highly successful blog ‘Simply Emma’. She writes from the perspective of a wheelchair user to encourage others to think more critically, and discover more about places they’re visiting.
A photo Emma Muldoon. She is a white woman with straight brown hair in a wheelchair. She is wearing a white button-down shirt with a pattern of pink leopards on it, and is smiling gently. She’s against a yellow background.
Why did you choose the career that you did?
The idea to create my blog was born through my passion to make positive change for disabled people through raising awareness of accessibility barriers. It was something I had wanted to do for such a long time but kept putting it off. My partner and I have loved travelling together but unfortunately, like many disabled people, we have encountered a lack of accessibility But it was one particular experience while travelling back from a dream holiday to New York that lit a fire under me to fight back and make a stand against the unfair treatment of disabled people. I suppose you could say that my career found me in a way.
How do you think being disabled has changed your approach to how you do your job?
As an accessible travel and disability blogger and freelance writer, being disabled is central to what I do. I have lived experience and an understanding of some of the needs and perspectives of the disabled community on issues that affect us. This allows me to share my own experiences in the hope of offering advice and solutions.
What is your career advice for those who aspire to do a similar role?
Be consistent and patient. Don’t feel like you need to rush things. And as much as you want your work to be seen quickly, it can take a while for things to happen, especially for the first couple of years. Consistency and having a genuine passion for what you do is key as this will drive you forward when things are tough. Having a positive outlook and drive to succeed is important.
Did you experience any set-backs when you started your business, due to your disability? How did you overcome them?
If anything my disability is my driving force and what my writing centres around as I share so much of my life experiences and travel adventures as a wheelchair user on my blog. Doing too much when you have a progressive muscle wasting condition can cause muscle fatigue and other health issues. So it’s important to know your limitations, which is something I struggled with at the beginning of my blogging career. I didn’t have set limits and soon realised that I was pushing myself mentally and physically to the point of exhaustion. Thankfully, I now know my limitations and have found ways to manage fatigue. I am also better at managing my work priorities and always try and ensure I create time for self-care.
Another setback I experienced was having the confidence and self-belief that I was ‘good enough’. Those thoughts often crept into my mind when I started writing and still do from time to time. Those thoughts and feelings of low self-belief can really knock my confidence. But I always remind myself that it is natural and those moments will pass. I just give myself time and refocus on what is important to me.
Are there any specific projects you are particularly proud of?
My blog started as a hobby. A place where I could document my life as a young adult with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. By sharing my experiences, I have been able to help others and give advice. It means so much when readers get in touch letting me know my blog has helped them whether it was enjoying their first accessible holiday or giving them the confidence to go out in their wheelchair.
Although it started as a hobby, I’m delighted with the opportunities that my blog has given me. I have written articles for publications around the world, became a published author and been involved in incredible campaigns. I am proud to have represented disabled people through those campaigns with some of the worlds biggest companies and brands. One in particular that I am proud of is a campaign called ‘I Am Number 17’ helping the voices of those with rare diseases be heard. Part of the campaign involved travelling to London where I had my personality and rare disease translated into a stunning piece of art, which was then exhibited at a top London Art Gallery. That was a memorable moment! I am also proud to have been awarded a ‘Points of Light’ award for the work I do for the disabled community.
What practices do you have that you would like to be mirrored in other workplaces?
As a blogger and freelance writer, I mainly work from home. Being able to work from home is beneficial in many ways for me especially in managing my health. I now have a better work-life balance while being more productive than before I started this career. I’m able to manage my time, work and health better. The pandemic has proven that remote working is possible and a great way for people, with or without a disability to work without sacrificing productivity and most importantly, their health. I hope that this practice continues to be an accessible option for most employees, but particularly disabled employees in workplaces going forward.