About Us: A Brief Overview

Here at Not My Eyes, we’re a non-profit dedicated to empowering the blind and visually impaired. Our wide array of services rebuild self-esteem, offering mentorship to foster self-worth. Through our impactful events, we cultivate leadership, independence, and unwavering determination.

Our Annual Fashion Show

Each year, our annual fashion showcase features a diverse group from the blind and visually impaired community, now including both men and women. Our event includes participants with varying degrees of blindness, from the DJ to the MC, uniting the visually impaired and blind community. This event serves as a platform for self-love and mobility, empowering individuals to showcase their confidence regardless of their ability. Along with uplifting our participants, we contribute all the proceeds to a different blind organization annually, fostering empowerment and unity. Not My Eyes Inc. manages our revenue streams through ticket sales, marketing campaigns, raffles, sponsorships, and donations.
View our sponsors

The Start of the Vision

Our Founder, Annalee Smith, proudly holds the distinction of being the inaugural visually impaired Smooches Women Magazine Cover Girl, as well as the very first partially impaired model to triumph in the esteemed Face of Kurvacious modeling competition 2021. This achievement ignited the spark to establish a platform for the blind and visually impaired community, giving rise to Not My Eyes. The journey commenced with the debut of the inaugural fashion show in April 2022, a resounding success not only within the community but also among sighted individuals. Supported by five designers and featuring 15 models chosen through casting auditions, this event became a testament to strength, independence, and beauty expressed through fashion. The ground-breaking showcase drew the attention of numerous magazines and news outlets, solidifying its place in history.

Ms Kapable Kurves Competition

We collaborate with LaTaffeny Scott, the owner and operator of Kurvacious Boutique and the creator of the Face of Kurvacious, which includes the Ms. Kapable Kurves Modeling Competition. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive fashion industry that celebrates body positivity and empowers women with visual impairment.

Our target audience includes individuals who value inclusivity and are interested in the latest fashion trends. We engage our audience through our website, social media platforms, collaborations with fashion industry professionals, and sponsorships from like-minded entities.
Visit the kurvacious website

Our Collaborations

Not My Eyes teams up with esteemed designers like Kurvacious Boutique, Robert E. Knight, Ashley Stewart, ThickGirlsIsFly, Legendary LLC, and more. Participants engage with these designers, who skillfully craft designs for the showcase. Our event captures media attention from outlets like Queen Size magazine, Amsterdam News, and Newsday, leaving every participant with newfound confidence, empowerment, and determination to shine despite their disabilities.

Our Team

Key roles within our organization include the Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Operations, Administrative Director, Executive Director, Finance Director, Brand Ambassador, Brand Associates, and Web designer, Operations Assistant. These roles are crucial to the successful execution of our mission and vision.

Meet the Visionary

At the heart of Not My Eyes stands Annalee Bowen Smith, a wife, and mother, but also an entrepreneur driven to realize her dreams despite her visual impairment. Dive into her remarkable journey, uncover her motivations, and explore her aspirations that inspire us all.
View Annalee’s biography

Leading the Way: Introducing Our Brand ambassador

Meet Gina Rowell, The 2023 Miss Kapable Kurves/Not My Eyes brand ambassador. She champions the values of empowerment and inclusion that are at the core of Not My Eyes.