Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Infante.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I am 20 years old living with Cerebral Palsy and I am from Sacramento California. I started YouTube at the age of 11 hoping to inspire people and raise awareness for disabilities. As I got older I transition to platforms such as Instagram. I’ve been featured in publications articles such as Yahoo Finance, Medium and Disrupt as well as being featured on TV for ABC 10 news. Working with alongside California Foundation For Independent Living Centers Yo! Disabled and Proud! And the WNBF for wheelchair bodybuilding. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents, friends and family.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I had challenges along the way from when I was younger. Being bullied with a disability teased and picked on as a kid. Growing up with the disability people are sometimes afraid of you, they judge you too quickly. Tell you that because you’re born that way, you can’t do a lot of certain things. There’s a big heavy stigma that revolves around that.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
The work I do is to inspire people in many different ways. I’m 20 years old and not only am I a college student, but I’m also a wheelchair bodybuilder, music video videographer and actor. I do so many different things because I am breaking the barrier of what is placed upon people with disabilities. I don’t let my disability define me who I am as a person. Being with a disability doesn’t make me weak, but the fact that I have to fight 10 times harder to achieve what I want to achieve is the best thing ever. If someone has doubts about me I don’t let that bother me I just prove them wrong. With everything I do I put 110%. I’ve shot many music videos, with 14k plus views and being a videographer is unheard of but that’s ok. I’m just Changing the narrative. From Wheelchair bodybuilding to acting. I’m showing people that with everything I do, there’s no limitations too big or too small. Regardless if you have a disability or not, you can achieve the impossible.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
The best advice I would give to readers that want to have success in life. Be yourself don’t listen to the haters, comments, overthinking or being hard on yourself. Success comes within you. A strong base is key, meaning that whatever you go for in life do it 110%. Just know that everyone has different views and visions of success. But let your heart take you with what you wanna do. Don’t stop dreaming and just continue working every single day. Day in and day out regardless of the situation anything is possible. Don’t let limitations hold you back. Continue to fight the good fight day by day, you’re working towards that goal. If and when you feel like giving up, remember that it’s only sweeter at the top.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success means to me the overall grind of those long nights, the sweat, tears of everything that you work towards to get to your goal. It doesn’t matter what the goal is or how you start the fight. It’s how you finish it and go all out, no questions asked nothing is better than knowing you’re giving it your all, nothing less. My hope is to inspire people with and without disabilities and continue spreading love and positivity.
What’s next for you?
Coming soon, check out the documentary The Cerebral Palsy Warrior. Directed by Bay Area Native Bailey Standley.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Connect with me on Instagram @Mikeyyinfante
YouTube @Mikeyyinfante
Facebook page: Mike Infante
