Nicole Tassone

"People who uplift you and inspire you are beautiful people. The shell is just makeup and a curling iron."-Nicole Tassone

Mingling among a group of friends and strangers at a recent wine tasting party, I noticed a stunning young woman sitting alone on the atrium garden bench. "Who's that girl," I wondered.

Perhaps what first drew me to Nicole Tassone was her stylish look. I don't remember exactly what she was wearing, but she had that put-together appearance of a fashion model but with an approachable demeanor. What I did not immediately notice was the cane leaning on the bench beside her. As her story unraveled, she shared with me that she has Multiple Sclerosis and needs the cane for stability and balance. A closer look revealed a remarkably non-orthopedic-looking device, something more akin to a fashion accessory than a medical necessity.

Prior to her diagnosis, Nicole was entrenched in the fashion world. While earning her degree in fashion merchandising and marketing in New York City, she had the opportunity to work with couture designer, Mary McFadden. After graduation, she went on to hold management positions with Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and later with The Limited, Banana Republic and The Gap. Diagnosed with MS in 2005, Nicole was eventually forced to retire. But her keen eye for style and her interest in fashion prevails.

When first told that she would need a cane, she was totally turned off. "Those lousy, gray, orthopedic canes just send me over the edge," she said. Her neighbor, a medical equipment representative, helped her find her first "cool" cane-an animal print. But it was metal, and that didn't suit Nicole. So she began searching the Internet where she found some canes with cloth coverings and tassels. But at $130, they were too expensive, she said. Inspired, she decided to try making her own.

Researching sources for canes and shopping for fun fabrics and unique embellishments, she created a collection to match all her outfits, including a green striped one to go with her bikini. But it was inquiries from friends and complete strangers that led her to the realization that she could use her sense of style to make a difference for someone else. "I started doing it for myself," she said. "But then I thought, 'This is stupid. I should share this with people like me.'"

Today, she designs custom canes for both men and women of all ages with various disabilities. She offers a choice of colors, fabrics and adornments; and at a cost of $45-$50, her goal is to make them affordable. "I want everybody to be able to have them," she said. In addition to making her own fashion statement and helping others do the same, by donating 10 percent of the proceeds to MS research, Nicole sees her new venture as an avenue to impact the future as well.

Describing her physical challenges and limitations, she admits that MS has changed her life. "I don't take things for granted anymore," said Nicole. "I've learned to really slow down and enjoy everything around me-to relish in every tiny aspect of my life." Yet MS does not define who she is. "It's a part of my life and a part of my being," she said. "It's an attachment, but it does not change who I am."

Who is Nicole Tassone? She's not the girl with MS or even the girl with the cool canes. Putting a positive face on a physical challenge simply defines her for what she truly is: a beautiful person!


Up Close

Hometown: New Jersey

Hilton Head Island resident: 10 years

Family: husband, Chris; sons, C.J. and Michael, ages 10 and 8

Describes herself as: kind-spirited, friendly, passionate about life

When not enjoying family activities or making canes, find her: reading, gardening and spending time with friends She draws inspiration from: her husband, who is quick to point out the things she can do and encourage her to use her talents and energies.

For custom-made canes, call Nicole at 301-4611. Coming soon: www.canewear.com!