Alison Midstokke is a Fashion Designer, Stylist, Model, Role Model and an inspiring speaker on the subject of beauty.
By Kimberly Ward
Alison was born in California and nearly died at birth and within hours received her first surgery. Alison was born hearing impaired with what is referred to as a ‘facial difference.’ Alison received her first surgery the day she was born and her specific condition involved a lack of bone growth that required numerous surgeries throughout adolescence. Alison’s birth parents had already separated prior to her birth and made a joint decision to allow their daughter to be adopted rather than either of them attempting to care for her independently; an act of love that led Alison to her adopted parents.
Alison says “there is always a perfect timing” and she has been listening to her own inner guidance as long as she can remember. At six weeks old, Alison was adopted by the Midstokke’s. Alison maintains that she has always “felt a connection to her birth father” even though she never knew him. At the age of 18, Alison was made aware of his identity through information from her birth certificate. She also found within this information that her genealogy went back to Madrid, a place she hopes to visit. Alison has discovered, in communication with her birth father through email and Facebook, that aspects of her own direction in life mirrored this man that she has yet to meet. In his 20’s, her birth father also worked in Fashion and has the same independent and entrepreneurial spirit that Alison possesses herself.
Alison’s adoptive mother, Denise is a nurse and midwife which allowed her to provide Alison round the clock care through the many surgeries Alison has undergone to correct cranial-facial anomalies. Alison said she has had between 50 and 100 surgeries overall. She stated that when she was young she did not want to be different and go to special classes after school and she did not like it when her mother would use sign language when they were in public. However, her mother pushing these special classes and encouraging Alison helped her to establish the independence she has today.
Alison is hearing impaired and did not begin speaking until the age of five, overcoming an obstacle that her physicians predicted would not happen. Alison recalls around this time that her mother had taken her to a local department store where she fell in love with a dress that Alison describes as colorful and complex. Alison’s mother bought her the dress because of her excitement and when they returned home, Alison put on the dress and sat proudly in a chair like a ‘business woman’ to have her photo taken. While sitting for her photo, Alison recalls hearing very clearly a message in her head saying, “you are going to be powerful and successful” and she has never doubted this message. Today, Alison celebrates her differences and says one of her messages is “Beauty is different and different is beauty” and her work is by design to “show a different perspective of beauty.”
Alison said when she was young, she wanted to work with animals. She has a unique connection to animals and thought at one point of being a veterinarian. However, by age sixteen she knew she wanted to work in the Fashion industry and be a role model for other artists. Alison says she has always been inspired by beautiful women who carried themselves with confidence, like Penelope Cruz. At the age of fifteen Alison landed her first modeling gig and by age 16 had decided that New York was where she wanted to live.
By the age of 17, Alison was receiving very strong clairvoyant messages about her future. Alison’s parents felt that San Francisco would be a good place for Alison to live, however, Alison had her sights set on New York City and her inner voice insisted that it was where she should be. In 2008, Alison graduated from the Art Institute of California, San Francisco with a degree in Fashion Design and moved to New York City, initially struggling to find meaningful work. She says her connection to God is very strong and her visions told her what her future would look like, however, she caught herself saying “when is God going to make these things happen?” Her inner guidance told her that through Fashion Design she would get into the industry where she could make a difference.
During that first year, while Alison was living in New York City, she said she felt discriminated against, even in the first temp jobs she held. She told herself “If Nelson Mandela can get through prison so can I.” She also said that she knows God knew her inner strength and that she could handle this mission. She has always shown kindness to others and she never allowed the discrimination to deter her from her goals. The struggles helped her to grow and become a better communicator, as well as helping her to accept herself. Alison realized it was never ‘the dress’ that made her confident, it was something within her and this knowledge started to open doors for Alison.
Alison stated “Religion always made me feel like I was suffocating, but I consider myself a very spiritual person.” During a Reiki Session, Alison says she began to open up even further. Despite her hearing impairment, the messages from her guides have always been heard clearly; as a child she also felt the presence of people around watching. Now, Alison pays much more attention to her guides, receiving messages through clairvoyance, clairaudience and through vibrations, and is frequently given validation for these messages, sometimes immediately.
Alison says by paying attention to her guides, even more doors and opportunities began to open up for her. She shares her intuitive gifts within the work she does, both as a mentor to children with facial differences, and also as a Fashion Designer, Stylist and Model working with photographers.
As a mentor, Alison feels that she can sense what these children need and provide clear guidance. As a model, stylist and Fashion Designer she is highly intuitive with a good design eye and an educator about ‘beauty being perspective.’ Alison also wonders how much of a persons’ talent is genetic; her birth father, as well as her grandmother, both worked in the fashion industry.
Alison supports two organizations that focus on facial difference. Faces in Tennessee and Myface in New York City. She is planning to speak to the director of Myface about being a speaker at some of their events. Alison stated, “Being a role model is a huge responsibility and I am ready.”
About two months ago, a nurse and physician told her that they are amazed at her level of independence and how successful she has become. Alison currently works full time in the administrative office of OATH on the (ECB) Environment Control Board, communicating between attorneys, a team of law judges and business owners. In addition to her volunteer work with Myface, and her freelance work in fashion, Alison has been a stylist with ‘Bottomless Closet’ in NYC, was the stylist on location for the pop artist Kissk, is currently the wardrobe/costume director for ‘That’s my Father’s Production’, and an Image Consultant for ‘The Goddess Night Lifestyle.’ Alison has also had opportunity to present her work to Brad Smith of the NFL. Her goal is to be successful in whatever she does and wherever she ends up.
I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to speak to Alison and hear her message. When I asked Alison where beauty comes from, she said, “Beauty comes from God.” I believe Alison is correct, beauty is not about ‘Perfection’ but rather about ‘Perspective.’
It’s no wonder that we welcome Alison as one of our Bellesprit Beautiful Spirits! Alison told me “We are going through a transition and we need more and more people to be open minded about disabilities and people who ‘appear different’ and I am here to help the transition for a better future.”
For more information about Alison visit her web site at www.alisonmidstokke.com.
You can also watch a video Alison created to promote her message and her Fashion talents here>>.
For more information about the organizations Alison supports:
http://www.bottomlessclosetnyc.org/
About the Author:
Kimberly Ward is a Certified Psychic, Medium, Shamanic Practitioner, Healer, and Ordained Spiritualist. Kimberly has been an empath her entire life, just “knowing” things on a deep an profound level. She uses cards in her readings as well as clairvoyance to tap into what is happening in your life. Through mediumship and Shamanic work she can identify passed loved ones and spirit guides around you. Find out more at her website, www.newbeginningsholisticwellness.com.
