My name is Joshua Dixon; when I was eight years old, I was attacked by two pit bulls on the south side of Chicago in my parent's backyard. I lost over 80% of my face that day, and over the past 15 years, I’ve had 61 reconstructive surgeries. 

Throughout all these years, I battled things I wasn’t honest about. I struggled with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

I'm a photographer that uses self-portraiture to describe these experiences, have inspired me to tell narratives while also raising awareness about issues regarding (mental health, ableism, medical devices, surgical practices, self-deprecation, racial discrimination, etc.) that are often silenced. Simultaneously, adding the inclusion of those and myself who feel discarded due to our unapologetic flaws.

I have been through a tremendous amount of harm in life, but through the will of God, I continue to fight for tomorrow. With great pain and years of continuous healing, every day is a battle and a fight for tomorrow. I know this pain a little too well, and knowing that I could’ve been one of the 45,979 Americans who lost their lives to suicide in 2020; motivates me to use my story and creative abilities to help others who may be struggling not feel alone in their pain.

God saved my life in December 2020 to help save others. A few months into my recovery from my December 2020 suicide attempt, my counselor told me how powerful affirmations were. One day I was crying after a very long emotional day, I looked in the mirror and said, “I admire you for not giving up. We got this.” I admire myself for not giving up on life.

I Admire you ( later became ‘Admire Wear’), which is very special to my heart. I pitched this brand to Adobe Creative Residency but didn’t make it past the second round. I was determined to accomplish this goal to create something for others. I founded Admire Wear.

At the core of that, being the founder myself, Joshua Dixon, my goal is to help save lives like mine and yours. As a survivor of dog mauling, 61 surgeries, sexual assault, rape, bullying, domestic violence, racial profiling, assault, discrimination of ability status, child abuse, suicide, depression, and myself.

I created this brand to help people potentially admire themselves and the world around them. I believe that all life is sacred, and our lives are meaningful. I believe that together we can choose love over fear and learn to dance in the rain because our admirers aren’t alone as we have each other along the way.

Shop his line at:

www.admirewear.com

#dogattack #pitbull

#mentalhealth #admirewear #suicideprevention #depression #entrepreneur #overcomer

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