Adriana Macías’ list of accomplishments is as diverse as it is impressive: she has a law degree, is the author of four books, has written a play and given a TEDx Talk... not to mention that she’s a talented painter and cello player.

Jump into her YouTube, X and TikTok pages, and you’ll discover something particularly remarkable about Macías: she carries out tasks such as typing, drawing, putting on make-up and making music with her feet.

Born without arms due to a genetic condition, Macías hopes that by sharing snapshots of her life – and the ways she has adapted to her personal circumstances – she can encourage others to embrace challenges and reach their goals.

Frequently answering questions that her audience post with a heartfelt and open approach, Macías likes to pepper her content with her signature humour – don’t be surprised to hear her dropping in phrases such as “within hand’s reach” as she chats.

We spoke to Macías about making art, advancements in accessibility and her latest book.

Macías has been giving talks about accessibility for more than two decades. In April 2021, she delivered a TEDx Talk titled “Abrazar El Éxito” (Embracing Success) – which is also the title of her first book.

Speaking candidly about the process she went through to find authentic self-love as an adult, Macías shared her past struggles with acceptance, saying “I felt less and I hadn’t noticed. [...] When I faced the mirror and was able to realise that there is no prosthesis for self-esteem [...] it hurt a lot.”

One of the reasons she decided to learn to play the cello was to find an outlet for her emotions. Music, as well as art, now features heavily in the content she shares.

Growing up without the technology that is ubiquitous today, Macías became adept at using the tools at her disposal: her feet. Now, the accessibility features on iPhone have made many daily activities easier for Macías – in particular, she highlights Siri and Call Audio Routing, which enables her to answer calls on the go.

“Before, when I was standing and walking, things would get complicated. I couldn’t answer the phone anywhere. I’d have to sit down and take the call,” she says.

For Macías, accessibility functions such as dictation are more than practical, they’re vital. Even the ability to select a specific ringtone for different contacts is a game-changer – Macías knows who’s calling without needing to look at her phone.

Now that she can access a massive audience on platforms such as TikTok, Macías shows the world how she carries out countless daily activities using her lower body. Typical posts on her TikTok page feature her dining out, playing music and using her phone with her feet. Sharing her messages of inclusivity and positivity with a vast audience takes a couple of taps.

Macías’ fourth book Enamórate de ti (Fall in Love With Yourself), was presented at the Guadalajara International Book Fair in 2021. It focuses on the beginning of a more independent life after her divorce: “It was a very complicated process for me. Being a single mother, and also without arms, is definitely a great challenge,” she says.

The experience of the pandemic also contributed to the book: “[The pandemic] rearranges the importance of many life situations: things that you had left aside, that you had not wanted to see or had not wanted to face. Actually, the book was a catharsis, a way to make the most of time.”

Download Fall in Love With Yourself and Macías’ other books in the following apps: