my story

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I’m Giselle. Motivational Speaker, Mindset Coach and Music Lover

I’d been part of the drag racing community since infancy, and revving a motorbike from the age of 12. Thirteen years of riding under my belt when trajectory suddenly changed.

Originally from Derbyshire, I studied Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University and after a season in Ibiza, dove straight into the world of work. What began as a Admin Assistant role for Ted Baker became an 8 year loyalty to both the brand and the city I loved, London. I was, and still am, a huge music fan and during this time I also trained to become a part-time bouncer working at the iconic Camden Roundhouse. When I wasn’t juggling my two jobs, I explored Londons night-time culture and competed on my motor bike.

At 25, on an standard Sunday at the races my fate was sealed. My bike flew up, paper aeroplane style and I fell off the back resulting in a life-altering spinal cord injury which left me disabled and using a wheelchair. Following surgery at Cambridge Addensbrookes, I spent a month in hospital before moving closer to home for rehabilitation in Sheffield. Two months later on December 1st, 2018, I was discharged & home in-time for Christmas.

The following few months proved to be some of the more challenging. While rehabilitation provided structure, support, and focus, reintegrating back into my former life felt like an entirely different battle. But I was desperate to get back to London and insisted on starting work in January and by April I was full-time, four days a week. My spare day was spent traveling up North to receive treatment & support from The Matt Hampson Foundation.

My job played a pivotal role in preserving my mental well-being, offering an outlet to redirect my energy away from my injury and towards creating a new life with my disability. However, amidst this huge transition, I grappled with grief, frustration, and anger. It was during this period that I became acutely aware of the necessity for change. Fuelled by a new passion for personal development and an innate desire to share my journey, I chose to become a certified life coach.

Meanwhile, a decade-long dream to travel finally materialised. With savings, and flights booked, I waved goodbye to an eight-year chapter in London, left my job and together with my partner we set off on a year long journey to explore two continents culminating in Australasia. Over the course of that year, I  came up with a vision which leads me to where I sit today: advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, sharing my narrative, and coaching others along their paths.