From Melbourne to Chicago: Nell’s journey of creativity and resilience

In the heart of Melbourne’s Kew suburb, Nell Buchanan has been steadily forging her own path. At 24 years old, she’s a self-taught makeup artist with a passion for beauty and creativity. Living with an intellectual disability hasn’t stopped Nell from pursuing her dreams; rather, it has driven her to seek out opportunities that align with her interests. This led her to join Scope’s customised employment service, initially to explore career opportunities in makeup. Little did she know that this decision would open doors to an entirely new world, one that would eventually take her from Melbourne to Chicago.

Nell’s love for makeup began at the age of 12. Over the years, she honed her skills with the support of YouTube tutorials. When she joined Scope’s customised employment service, her goal was clear: she wanted to turn her passion for makeup into a career. The service provided her with the support and resources to explore this path, and soon she had the opportunity to do work experience as a makeup artist on a production for an inclusive theatre company. While Nell was accustomed to doing her own makeup, working on others presented a new challenge. However, she quickly adapted to this, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

As Nell was working to explore opportunities in makeup, the customised employment service introduced her to another unexpected opportunity. She was invited to participate in a 10-week paid research course, where she could apply her creativity in a new way. Through the course, Nell learned valuable research skills and ultimately earned an invitation to present her experience of participating in the course at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities World Congress in Chicago in August 2024. She was joined at the congress by Dr Caroline Hart of Scope and Prof Keith McVilly of University of Melbourne

The idea of traveling to the USA for the first time and presenting her experience on an international stage was initially daunting but Nell knew it was an opportunity that she couldn’t turn down. The journey to Chicago was filled with challenges—long flights, significant delays, and exhausting airport experiences tested her resilience. Yet, despite these obstacles, Nell’s determination remained.

On the eve of the event, Nell and her mum met with Caroline in a quiet Irish pub in Chicago. As they prepped their presentations, the nervousness that had initially gripped Nell began to give way to a focused excitement. Her breakout session, attended by an engaged audience, became a moment of revelation. Among the attendees was Scope’s CEO, Kate MacRae, and Senior Clinical Lead, Reece Adams, who watched with pride as Nell delivered her presentation.

The nerves she had felt were replaced by a newfound confidence as she presented, sharing her story and insights. Through it all, Nell remained composed and focused, proving to herself that she was more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Reflecting on her experience, Nell recognised that her journey through Scope’s customised employment service had taught her far more than she initially anticipated. It had not only given her the tools to pursue a career in makeup but also revealed her capacity for resilience and adaptability.

Now back home, Nell continues to reflect on the lessons she learned in Chicago. The experience has left her with a strengthened belief in her own abilities. She is eager to continue pursuing her passion for makeup, and she remains open to new opportunities in research. Whatever the future holds, Nell knows that the resilience she discovered within herself will be a guiding force as she continues to chase her dreams.