This week, Signature reached out to Imy Harris a Vogue model and advocate who is passionate about breaking barriers and raising awareness for the Deaf community. The blog shares Imy’s experiences growing up deaf in a hearing world, the excitement and challenges of cochlear implants, and her desire to push for more representation in the fashion industry.
With her recent feature in the iconic British Vogue and time on the popular Great Pottery Throw Down, we were keen to find out where this all started for Imy and her plans going forward.
- Hi Imy, please could you introduce yourself to Signature engagers.
Hello Signature engagers! I’m Imy, and I’m thrilled to connect with you. A little about me: I was born profoundly deaf, and hearing loss has been part of my life from the start. In December 2023, I had cochlear implant surgery, a significant step that has opened up new ways for me to experience the world. I’m passionate about raising awareness and breaking barriers, especially through modelling and social media. It’s a great way for me to share my story, inspire others, and amplify voices of those in the Deaf community.
- Can you tell us about your experiences of growing up as a deaf individual in a hearing world?
Growing up as a deaf individual in a hearing world has shaped my experiences in unique ways. Early on, I relied on lipreading and visual cues, but there were moments of isolation, especially in noisy environments. As the only deaf person in my primary and secondary schools, I often had to work harder to communicate and understand others, which sometimes made me feel disconnected. However, being deaf also gave me a different perspective on life. It taught me resilience and creativity in how I interacted with others. I found my love for pottery as a way to express myself and connect with the world around me.
- How did you feel both emotionally and physically when you received cochlear implants?
Receiving cochlear implants was a rollercoaster of emotions. Emotionally, I felt a mix of excitement, hope and nervousness. The thought of hearing new sounds and regaining sounds I once lost was thrilling, but I also wondered how it would change my experiences and if I would be able to adjust to new sounds. Physically, the experience was more challenging than I expected. The surgery itself went well, but the recovery was tough. There was lots of discomfort, and the healing process took longer than I anticipated. Once the implant was activated, it was an immediate “wow” moment. The sounds were strange, and my brain had to learn how to interpret them. It felt like a lot of work just to process the noise. It has been a tough adjustment, both physically and mentally, but it’s been worth it as I slowly adapt to this new chapter in my life.
- You recently appeared in the iconic British Vogue; how did it feel to be approached by such a big name?
Being approached by a designer called Destiny Pinto to work with British Vogue x BMW was an incredible and surreal experience! At first, I couldn’t believe it and had massive imposter syndrome. Vogue is such an iconic platform, and to be recognised by such a prestigious magazine felt like such a huge milestone. It was validating not just for me personally, but for the Deaf community as well. It showed that our stories and voices matter in spaces where we’re often underrepresented. It was also empowering- an opportunity to raise awareness about deafness and promote inclusivity in the industry. It’s proof that we can break barriers and make an impact, no matter our background.
- How did British Vogue ensure deaf awareness on set and what advice would you give to other organisations working with deaf individuals?
British Vogue was incredibly thoughtful and proactive in ensuring deaf awareness on set. From the moment I arrived, the team ensured that communication was clear, accessible and face to face. They asked if I needed a sign language interpreter for the shoot, but as I don’t know BSL, I didn’t need one. They were also very respectful and open about any adjustments I needed, ensuring that I felt comfortable throughout the process. It was evident that they understood the importance of inclusivity and not just a tick box. For other organisations working with deaf individuals, my advice would be to prioritise clear and open communication. Make sure to ask how you can support and accommodate, whether that’s through sign language interpreters, captioning or lipreading and any other accessibility measures. Being proactive in creating an inclusive environment sends a powerful message and helps break down barriers, allowing everyone to thrive in the space. Inclusivity should always be at the forefront.
- Do you think that the modelling industry is becoming more accommodating to people with different communication needs, such as incorporating more BSL interpreters or providing better resources for models with disabilities?
I think the modelling industry is making progress, but we’re still not there yet when it comes to fully accommodating people with different communication methods. While we’ve seen some positive steps, like the inclusion of models with disabilities and more diversity on the runway, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. For example, incorporating BSL interpreters on set or providing resources that cater specifically to models with disabilities is still not the norm. However, we are working towards change. There are individuals and organisations pushing for more inclusivity, and I’ve seen first-hand how more brands and magazines are becoming aware of the importance of accessibility. It’s not perfect yet, but we’re on the right path. As more people speak up and advocate for change, I’m hopeful that the industry will continue to evolve and become a place where everyone, regardless of their communication needs or disabilities, feels seen and supported.
- What inspired you to apply for the ‘Great Pottery Throw Down’ and how was this experience?
I’ve always had a love for pottery, and when the opportunity to apply for the Great Pottery Throw Down came up, it felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for creativity and raise awareness about deafness. Pottery has always been a form of expression for me, and I was excited to showcase my work while challenging myself. The experience was incredible. The production team was very accommodating, making sure I had everything I needed to participate fully. One of the most impactful moments was when Advance Bionics took the time to connect my cochlear implant to the sound system on set. This allowed me to hear the judges through their mics, which made a huge difference in how I interacted with the feedback and engaged in the process. It was an unforgettable journey, and I’m grateful for the support from everyone involved. It truly highlighted the importance of inclusivity and making thoughtful adjustments for everyone to participate.
8. What’s next for you, both in your modelling career and in terms of advocacy for the Deaf community?
In my modelling career, I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and advocating for more inclusivity. I hope to work with brands and projects that celebrate diversity and challenge traditional beauty standards, ensuring that people of all abilities are represented. I’m looking forward to collaborating with more platforms that align with my values and raising awareness through my work. In terms of advocacy for the Deaf community, I’m committed to amplifying voices and creating more visibility for Deaf individuals in all industries. I want to continue working with organisations to improve accessibility and raise awareness about the needs of the Deaf community, especially when it comes to communication. On a personal note, I’m also focused on learning more sign language. Sometimes, I feel stuck between two worlds- not fully part of the hearing world, but also unable to communicate easily with everyone in the Deaf community. Learning to sign will help bridge that gap and allow me to connect even more deeply.
- Finally, what advice and message in general would you give to your younger self?
To my younger self, I would say: “Don’t be afraid to embrace who you are, and never let anyone make you feel like you’re limited by your deafness or any challenge you face.” Growing up, I often felt like I had to prove myself or fit into a world that wasn’t always accommodating. But the truth is, you don’t need to change to belong- the world needs to adjust and make space for you, just as you are. I would also tell myself to be patient with the journey. It’s okay to struggle and take your time, whether it’s learning new things, adapting to situations, or finding your place in the world. Your voice matters, your story matters and you’re capable of so much more than you realise. Most importantly, trust in your uniqueness. Every challenge you face is part of what will make you stronger, more resilient, and more inspiring. Keep pushing forward- you’ve got this!
Here at Signature, we would like to thank Imy for sharing more about her experiences in the modelling industry as a deaf individual. Through her personal journey, including the transformative experience of receiving cochlear implants and her participation in The Great Pottery Throw Down and feature in Vogue, Imy is using her platform to promote representation in creative industries and in society in general. Imy hopes to inspire others to embrace who they are and speak up for change. As she continues her work in modelling and advocacy, Imy remains committed to amplifying Deaf voices and inspiring others to push for a future where everyone, regardless of ability is seen, heard, and most importantly valued.
