PEOPLE
Orianne Collins
How She Bounced Back After Surgery Left Her Paralyzed
Contributor : Sophia Kang
In 2014 , Orianne Collins was told that she would never walk again . She had sustained a blow to her spinal cord in a match against Jesse Glover , Bruce Lee ’ s first student , at a martial arts exhibition in Paris . But it was the surgery following the injury , rather than the injury itself , that did more damage . “ After a seemingly straightforward operation ,” she told ENSPIRE , “ I woke up paralyzed from the neck down due to a medical error .” Orianne , a third-degree black belt in mixed martial arts , would likely never compete in a match again , doctors said . Plus , without the use of her hands , she would have to give up on jewelry designing , a passion project that had evolved into a thriving business during the last seven years . The thought of “ losing the ability to design was inconceivable ”, she told us .
Orianne was determined to move again , and after at least 5,000 hours of physical therapy , she did . In 2017 , only three years following her surgery , Orianne climbed the Breithorn , one of Switzerland ’ s highest mountain ranges . The trek , and the extensive training that led up to it , she told us , was a major part of her recovery , physically and emotionally .
Now , seven years after she was told she would never walk , let alone design , again , Orianne is doing both , and more .
Her jewelry brand currently boasts 16 diverse collections . Whether for classic staples that compliment every look , or bold statement pieces that are sure to turn heads , OC Jewelry is the place to shop . “ I pride myself in that we carry something for everyone ,” Orianne told us . “ We have a piece for every style , every budget , and every age .” Each piece reflects Orianne ’ s Swiss heritage and incorporates delicate craftsmanship techniques she learned abroad .
ENSPIRE MAGAZINE
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