Joshua Dixon is an American fashion designer, mental health life coach, and motivational speaker. He is the founder of Admire Wear, a purpose-driven apparel brand that promotes resilience, self-love, and suicide prevention through fashion and storytelling.

Dixon received his BFA in Studio Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in 2021, where he developed his voice as a multidisciplinary artist blending design, photography, and emotional expression. After surviving a life-altering pit bull attack that resulted in over 60 surgeries, he turned his personal trauma into a mission of healing and empowerment.

Through Admire Wear, life coaching, and public speaking, Dixon helps others discover beauty in their scars and power in their voice. He holds a Mental Health Life Coach certification from Light University and speaks passionately about men’s mental health, self-worth, and trauma recovery.

Based in Chicago, Dixon continues to expand his reach as a creative leader and advocate for personal transformation.

Joshua Dixon A Story of Resilience, Creativity, and Mental Health Advocacy

Joshua Dixon is a 25-year-old certified mental health life coach, fashion designer, published essayist, photographer, and motivational speaker based in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised on the South Side, Joshua’s life is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise from adversity and use creativity as a catalyst for healing and change.

Early Life and a Life-Altering Event

On December 5, 2007, Joshua’s life changed forever when he survived a brutal pit bull attack, resulting in the loss of 80% of his face. The attack left him without eyelids in his left eye, ears, and much of the tissue from his cheek and nose. Over 17 years and 62 surgeries later, Joshua has turned unimaginable trauma into a life mission: to help others heal by sharing his journey with transparency and purpose.

Discovering Identity Through Art

Amidst his physical and emotional recovery, Joshua found healing through art and photography, which became powerful tools for self-expression. Behind the lens, he processed his pain, explored identity, and began creating space for conversations around mental health, masculinity, and self-acceptance—topics often avoided in mainstream narratives.

Despite facing systemic barriers like racism and ableism, Joshua pursued his education in photography and was accepted into top art institutions, ultimately returning home to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Founding Admire Wear

Joshua founded Admire Wear, a purpose-driven clothing brand rooted in wellness and mental health advocacy. The brand encourages individuals to admire their scars, strength, and stories—promoting a culture of empathy and self-love. One of its signature projects, the #Pinkypromise Collection, launched during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, features minimalist designs centered on bold affirmations and meaningful commitments to life and loved ones.

Coaching, Advocacy, and Public Speaking

Now a certified mental health life coach, Joshua offers breakthrough coaching sessions to help others navigate trauma, build resilience, and reconnect with their purpose. He also speaks to audiences about self-worth, healing, and personal transformation, using his story to reach those who feel unseen or unheard.

With over 300,000 followers across social platforms, Joshua’s voice resonates with people searching for hope, self-love, and strength. His openness about issues like body dysmorphia, self-esteem, and toxic masculinity has helped break stigmas and foster genuine dialogue around mental wellness.

A Vision for the Future

Joshua continues to inspire through fashion, coaching, storytelling, and his growing community, Rise and Admire. His upcoming book, A.D.M.I.R.E Within: Discovering Radiant Energy Through Life’s Moments, will further share his reflections and affirmations with the world. At his core, Joshua believes that every story matters—and that even the deepest wounds can give birth to light.

Since partnering with TWLOHA in November 2021. Admire Wear is committed to donating a minimum of 15% of its net profits. As of January 2025, I have donated over $5.7k and have raised $8,800 to help them save lives. We wouldn't be able to do it without your love and support.

"To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery." - TWLOHA

During Admire Wear launch in September for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. During this month, there were multiple fundraisers, and all net proceeds were donated to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, totaling over $1.6k donated.

Admire Wear is also committed to making donations to its community of Admires. I have donated over 850 products to people/ communities who may be impacted by a mental crisis or have initiatives similar to ours.

 Non-negotiable Values

I have developed five values that are non-negotiable that Admire Wear supports and believes in:

1. YOU ARE ENOUGH AND NOT ALONE

2. YOU ARE LOVED AND WILL BE FOREVER LOVED

3. IT'S OK TO FEEL HUMAN

4. TOGETHER, WE CAN CHOOSE LOVE OVER FEAR

5. YOUR LIFE IS MEANINGFUL AND IRREPLACEABLE; WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU

You are not alone, you are needed, you are not a burden, your life is meaningful and you are loved endlessly regardless of your unique traits and characteristics.