In this episode of Low to Grow, designer and CEO Destiny Pinto opens up about the deeply personal journey behind By Destiny Pinto—the accessories brand turning medical devices into bold, stylish expressions of identity. Living with rheumatoid arthritis, Destiny found herself searching for products that honored both her health needs and her sense of self. When they didn’t exist, she created them.
She shares the realities of navigating university life with chronic illness, the emotional rollercoaster of being a solopreneur, and the power of community in the disability and chronic illness space. Destiny also breaks down her process in designing the Addison bag—built with accessibility at its core—and talks about what it meant for her work to be recognized by Vogue and BMW.
This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that creativity can grow out of challenge, visibility matters, and slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind.
What you’ll walk away with:
A new perspective on how fashion design can empower people with chronic illnesses and hidden disabilitiesPractical insight into building a brand rooted in empathy, accessibility, and lived experienceAn honest look at balancing ambition with health—and how to listen to your body when it asks for restEncouragement to embrace your identity and turn personal obstacles into creative breakthroughsA framework for starting something meaningful as a solopreneur when resources are limitedLessons on cultivating community and trust in spaces shaped by vulnerabilityA reminder that visibility in fashion and media can change how people feel about themselves and their place in the world
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Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠⁠⁠.