Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Mucklow
Hi Abby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was first approached by a photographer in the bathroom at my very small high school piano and voice recital. She said she loved my hair and wanted me to model for her in exchange for free senior photos. Shortly after, another photographer approached me with the same offer. By the time of graduation, I had completed about 4-5 photo shoots. Throughout high school and college I modeled for my friends starting up their photography businesses so we both could gain experience. After moving to Denver in 2019, I became more serious about modeling, getting connected with creatives in the community, and shooting different collabs to build my portfolio.
Living in Denver and working in healthcare during COVID definitely wore me down, but I realized that if I don’t take risks and go after what I want, life isn’t going to just happen to me. At least not how I want it to. Success, accomplishments, fulfillment, joy – aren’t going to just come. I saw that a local modeling agency (Denver Models) was accepting applications for new models. Of course, all of the imposter syndrome, insecurities, and self-doubt came flooding in. But then I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? They say no? So I applied, and was accepted! I never thought, at 29 going on 30 years old, that I would be signed with a modeling agency. That was in February of this year (2024). And since then? I have done 29 photo shoots this calendar year with amazing photographers, models, HMUA’s, designers, stylists, and other creatives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth! Some days it feels like I am off-roading on a rocky, narrow road straight down into a canyon with no brakes. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. The challenges have made me who I am today. After experiencing brain surgery, divorce in my early 20’s, all the forms of abuse, death of loved ones, near death of loved ones, sexual assault, nightmares, near drowning, anorexia, body dysmorphia, and many more, there isn’t much left to fear. I would like to think because of it all, that I am a bit more kind and compassionate, resilient, and less resistant to change. Eventually you come to realize it is just part of life. You can live as though you are shouldering a million burdens, or you can laugh it off and dance through it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been an occupational therapist (OT) for 4.5 years now, and I specialize in evaluation and treatment for adults and adolescents with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). I started my own private practice in February 2023 to work with this population in addition to my full-time position. I am really proud of myself for making that big jump because it is a lot of work, and there is a big learning curve with building your own private practice.
Working with adults and adolescents with SPD is probably my favorite part about being an OT so far, because the work is incredibly individualized. There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment or intervention, meaning what is helpful for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. You have to get creative and know the neuroscience. It really is amazing when you can help someone find evidence-based strategies to have a better quality of life. Not many OT’s know how to do this type of work, meaning we aren’t taught how to treat adults with sensory processing and integration challenges in grad school. I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, learned from mentors to get to where I am today, and couldn’t be more thankful.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
For both occupational therapy and modeling, everything is always changing. It is unquestionable that the healthcare system needs improvement. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of my colleagues (physical, occupational, speech therapists) move towards private practice or small group practices. With less overhead, there is more control over so many factors. For example, private pay vs. accepting insurance (and if so, which insurance companies), and the therapists receive a higher percent of the reimbursement rate for the services they are providing. I can sense that, in general, people don’t like to work really hard for someone else to make a lot of money off their hard work. It’s only a matter of time before that starts to change.
Pricing:
- Free – Adult Intake for OT Services (30min)
- Free – Adolescent Intake for OT Services (30min)
- https://www.denvermodelsllc.community/pages/model-booking
- Model Booking – $100/hr starting rate (2hr minimum)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/sensoryogi/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copper.muse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.mucklow/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@copper.muse
Image Credits
Rosie Compton
Dave Providence
Petey Ledesma
Lori Do
