We had the good fortune of connecting with Ren Willow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ren, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
I was born with two fingers and I still have lots of goals. I was in a film that hasn’t been released yet and that awakened my heart to try and bring disability to film, but not in a comedic way or used as a monster in a film but more as a bystander or even the main role and avoiding any discussion about that person’s disability in the film. I would love to help the world see disability as normal and include us more in movies and modeling.

My primary goal is to be a teacher! I feel it would be amazing to have a teacher with a disability so the kids are not only getting an education but learning inclusion, equality, and respect. Kids are also the kindest people. I work as a daycare teacher and kids are more understanding about my disability than most adults. The kids I work with trust I can accomplish anything without question, they never mention my disability and if they do, it’s because they just met me and want to know what happened to my hands. If I can help the children become comfortable with disability and understand that most the time we’re capable, then maybe the future generation can bring light to situations where us people with disabilities need help or just be more caring.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a influencer? I wouldn’t say that but I guess that’s what people would call me. I post a lot of content on Tiktok and Instagram about my everyday life. Mostly about my disability! I really try to bring awareness by making people more comfortable around someone with a physical disability. I post a lot of videos showing how I do things to mostly say that “I’m capable. If I need help, I will ask.” I will always appreciate the offer for help but I really am pretty independent and I want the world to know that… most the time, people with disabilities are pretty okay taking care of themselves and they will just ask for help. I post a lot of silly videos as well. The video that sparked my channel was when some old friends of mine put my arm in a hotdog bun and splattered ketchup on it. I have a lot of fun creating content. People with other disabilities have come to me and mentioned how I have helped them build a level of confidence… and I’m so glad I could help in some sort of way. I use baby socks in the winter on my nubs (hands) to keep them warm and after posting about that, parents have come to me telling me that they now also do that for their child who was also born with a nub. It warms my heart!!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I recently went to Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula with my close friends and Timmy! It was so beautiful! Waterfalls, mushrooms, lake superior view, and we even caught a small glimpse of the northern lights. I really love vacations out in nature and that felt like REAL NATURE! It was so beautiful!!

For food, my boyfriend and I have been obsessed with KPot in Grandville, MI! Hotpots are very fun to use and the food is delicious!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My boyfriend, Timmy, has been the light to my life for almost 2 years now. Before I met him, I could not find myself and felt little to this world. He’s helping me learn to care for and stand up for myself like I never have before. He’s always reassuring when I’m down. Always finding ways to make me happy even as he is struggling. Since I’ve met him, I’ve accomplished more with my life than I have the 27 years prior. I want nothing more to grow with him and learn about this world together. He makes me feel beautiful and so beyond important. I’ve never felt love like this in my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nubbeez_?igsh=MW00MjBseHR6cmNjdQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551210606359&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2fingered_t_rex?_t=8q4i2yiUi2Z&_r=1

Image Credits
Timmy Frederick (boyfriend) second photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.