Rhiannon Tracey
Executive Director
The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre
After a pool accident made her a quadriplegic just before her 21st Birthday, Rhiannon’s big plans for the future were suddenly put on hold. Understandably, she initially struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis of never walking again, but Rhiannon’s tenacious drive and determination saw her set out to prove the doctors wrong.
Everything happens for a reason. While it took many years to believe it, Rhiannon says her injury has given her a newfound purpose she never felt before, enabling her life to blossom into what it is today. In addition to now being able to walk short distances with the assistance of crutches, drive as well as own and ride her horse Henry, Rhiannon has also; started a spinal injury rehabilitation charity and recovery centre called The Next Step, become the Napoleon Makeup Academy’s first ever quadriplegic graduate, launched her own freelance makeup business, grown an impressive blog and social media following and forged a career as a motivational speaker and became the first female on wheels to dominate the catwalk at the 2019, Melbourne Fashion Week.
In 2016, Rhiannon was named Cosmopolitan’s ‘Game Changer’ Woman of the Year and has also been awarded 2012 Young Australian of the Year, 2013 Women’s Day Women of the Future nominee, 2014 Access & Inclusion Australia Day Award recipient, 2015 Wings for Life World Run Australian Ambassador and in 2019 joined a group of remarkable women raising awareness for Women’s Mental Health by becoming a spokesperson and ambassador for Liptember. This woman certainly doesn’t do things by halves!
Channelling her vivacious energy and passion for living life on her own terms, Rhiannon has become a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her story at schools, corporate events, small businesses and workshops. Rhiannon authentically speaks about the journey that has not just led her from grief to goddess, but to where she is today. A total girl boss and a practising Life Coach, Rhiannon openly speaks about how she overcame her own heartbreak and mental health related issues due to her public marriage breakdown, while delivering her take on the power of positivity, goal setting and most importantly how to make sure those goals are achieved and your cup is always full!
In 2019, Rhiannon was snatched up by the prestigious Model and Talent Agency, Bella as the need for Diversity within both the modelling and fashion industries was becoming apparent and has since been the go-too for designers and brands wanting to feature “real” and “diverse” women in their fashion campaigns and showcases as well as being the first disabled women to wheel the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week in 2019.
Rhiannon shares her life with raw honesty, amassing a loyal following who love her colourful, uplifting posts. Equal parts holistic health goddess and fearless boss, Rhiannon knows that in order to give the best of herself to others she needs to fill up on self-love, nutritious and delicious food, relaxation and heartfelt intention. In fact, Rhiannon has learnt so much since her accident and has changed her life in more positive ways than she imagined, she will soon write her first book. Rhiannon plans to pen an all-encompassing lifestyle guide incorporating nutrition, spirituality, animal therapy, beauty, fashion and so much more.
Unsurprisingly, Rhiannon’s flawless feminine style and contagious positive energy have made her a favourite for brands looking to glean touch of her sparkle. Rhiannon has worked with a range of fashion and beauty brands including Auguste The Label, Levi’s, Garbo & Kelly and The Base Collective as well as corporate speaking clients such as Lend Lease and VIC Roads.
Powerful, graceful and beautiful inside and out, Rhiannon is the absolute definition of an authentic influencer.