Keisha Greaves is the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, an adaptive fashion consultant, and a self-advocate. In a new blog series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community. In this first entry, learn about Keisha and her journey.
Hi there, and welcome to my blog! I’m so glad you’re here. Writing this first post feels a bit surreal because it’s not just about introducing myself but also sharing my journey—one that has shaped who I am today and how I live my life. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle in, and let me take you on a ride through my story.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? For me, that surprise came in my early twenties. I was an active, ambitious college student with a passion for fashion and big dreams of making a name for myself in the industry. But something started to feel…off. I noticed weakness in my legs and arms, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult. It wasn’t just fatigue—it was something deeper.
After countless doctor visits, tests, and second opinions, I was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)—a rare genetic disorder that progressively weakens the muscles in the hips, shoulders, and limbs. I’ll be honest: hearing the diagnosis was like having the wind knocked out of me. How could this be happening? What would this mean for my future, my independence, my dreams?
At first, I felt overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear. But as I began to process the diagnosis, I realized that this wasn’t just a roadblock—it was a turning point. I could either let it define me or I could find a way to redefine my life. Spoiler alert: I chose the latter.
From Diagnosis to Advocacy
As I adjusted to living with LGMD, I discovered a powerful truth: there’s strength in vulnerability. By opening up about my journey, I found a sense of purpose that extended far beyond my own challenges. I began to connect with others in the disability community, listening to their stories, sharing my own, and learning how to advocate not just for myself but for all of us who live with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Advocacy became my lifeline. It allowed me to turn frustration into action, raising awareness about muscular dystrophy and the unique challenges faced by people like me. But I wanted to do more than talk—I wanted to create something tangible, something that could make a real difference.
That’s when Girls Chronically Rock was born.
The Birth of Girls Chronically Rock
Fashion has always been a huge part of my identity. Even as a little girl, I loved playing dress-up, sketching designs, and imagining myself as a fashion mogul. So, when I decided to start my own business, it made perfect sense to combine my love for fashion with my passion for advocacy.
Girls Chronically Rock started as a t-shirt line featuring empowering messages like “Trust Your Dopeness” and “Chronically Ill, But Chronically Fabulous.” The goal was simple: to create clothing that made people with chronic illnesses and disabilities feel seen, celebrated, and stylish. I wanted to remind us all that our diagnoses don’t define us— we’re still bold, brilliant, and capable of greatness.
What began as a small side hustle quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, Girls Chronically Rock is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. Through my designs, I hope to spark conversations about disability, inclusion, and representation in the fashion industry. And let me tell you, seeing people rock my shirts and share their own stories has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Expanding the Mission
As I continued to grow Girls Chronically Rock, I realized there was an even greater need for adaptive fashion—clothing designed specifically for people with disabilities. Think easy- to-wear pieces with magnetic closures, adjustable fits, or features that accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs.
This realization led me to launch GCR Adaptive Solutions, a branch of my business dedicated to creating adaptive clothing that’s both functional and fashionable. I believe everyone deserves to feel confident in what they wear, no matter their physical abilities. And while the adaptive fashion industry is still growing, I’m proud to be part of the movement pushing it forward.
Beyond fashion, I’ve also become deeply involved in advocacy work, serving on boards and partnering with organizations that focus on health, accessibility, and disability rights. Whether I’m speaking at events, mentoring others, or working behind the scenes on policy initiatives, my goal is always the same: to create a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued and supported.
The Highs and Lows
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Living with a chronic illness comes with its fair share of challenges, from physical limitations to moments of self-doubt. Running a business while managing my health can feel like a juggling act, and there are days when it feels like the balls are all crashing to the floor.
But here’s the thing: every challenge has taught me something valuable. I’ve learned how to prioritize self-care, lean on my support system, and celebrate the small victories along the way. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help and that showing up—even on the hard days—is a form of resilience. And through it all, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had.
What’s Next?
So, where do I go from here? Well, I have big plans for the future of Girls Chronically Rock and GCR Adaptive Solutions. I’m working on expanding my product lines, collaborating with other designers, and finding new ways to advocate for inclusivity in the fashion world.
I’m also excited to continue sharing my story, not just through this blog but through speaking engagements, podcasts, and community events. My hope is that by being open about my journey, I can inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness and pursue their dreams—no matter what obstacles they face.
Let’s Connect
I started this blog as a way to connect with you, whether you’re living with a chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in learning more about disability advocacy and adaptive fashion. My goal is to create a space where we can share stories, swap ideas, and uplift each other.
So, let’s make this a two-way conversation! I’d love to hear from you—your thoughts, your experiences, your questions. What topics would you like me to cover? What inspires you? Follow Girls Chronically Rock on social media or reach out to me directly.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for being part of my journey. Here’s to breaking barriers, celebrating our dopeness, and creating a brighter, more inclusive future— together.
With love, Keisha