Behind the smile, the real Anja emerges
International model and speaker, Anja Christoffersen has an impressive CV. Not only has she received accolades including the QLD Young Achiever of the Year – Leadership Award and the Women in Technology Consumer Strength Champion Award, but she’s also the author of her own autobiography, Behind the Smile.
Born with a congenital disability that altered her digestive, skeletal, reproductive, circulatory, urinary, and respiratory systems, her first surgery was at just five hours old.
Once Anja realised her life wasn’t ordinary, she decided she didn’t want an ordinary life either – extraordinary became the goal. Now, Anja goes from surgical theatres to chasing her dreams as an international model and keeps smiling, no matter what.
Building up your business through WDEN – Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network
Anja’s newest adventure delves into the world of entrepreneurship.
“18 months ago, I started the beginnings of the network. I was feeling burnt out, feeling sick all the time, so I came to the realisation that product-based businesses held a lot of opportunity for people with disability.”
Thus, WDEN (Women with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Network) was born. It’s designed to nurture members’ dreams of starting their own businesses, as well as challenge negative perceptions. By supporting product-based businesses, Anja and her team have been able to show the true capability of people with disability.
“Our members can sell products, even from a hospitable bed, the products still sell. It’s about setting up the right consistent support, which we deliver from within our network.”
Currently, WDEN is home to two businesses – a coffee brand, and a brand designed to distribute eco-friendly everyday essentials.
“Switching to disability owned products, is an easy way to support the disability community – but most importantly, you can see how capable people with disability are. We’re not just yelling into our own echo chambers about it, we’re providing new perspectives, new ways of doing things and real value, for everyone.”
Growing your understanding through Disability Expos
As a regular attendee of expos, Anja sees the personal value firsthand.
“I’ve attended expos in almost every state now. Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney. I’ve just loved the experience every single time. Being able to meet other people with disability, but also other service providers available to me.”
The benefit of understanding what’s happening in the disability space, Anja says, is unmatched.
“I’ve had a NDIS plan for two and a half years now, and I still find it difficult to actually go somewhere and work out how I can utilise my funds in the most beneficial way.
“Being able to go to these expos and walk around and see the different providers has been fantastic. I’m also able to go and make so many personal connections, hear people’s stories, and get the message out about my own product. So even from a business standpoint, it’s truly incredible.”
The Brisbane Disability Expo brings together countless support options for people with disability, their families and the wider community. Hundreds of exhibitors will come together to demonstrate their services, including assistive technology, support work, plan management and more.
You can find Anja at our Brisbane Disability & WorkAbility Expo, taking place on Fri 1 & Sat 2 November. We work to link service and product providers with the wider disability community, allowing you to control your future and make it your choice.
Register for free today.