The Anthony Ferraro Story
If you haven’t heard of Anthony Ferraro, well, today is your lucky day.
The 27-year-old rose to fame in January 2021 after posting a video on TikTok portraying his daily life as someone who was born blind.
His undeniable optimism and exuberance coupled with his commitment to shattering preconceived notions about what it means to be “disabled” has earned him 1.2 million followers on TikTok alone, a profile in Forbes, and a spot on Team USA for judo in the Paralympics.
What makes Ferraro’s zest for life even more remarkable is his experience with tragedy. In 2015, his older brother Oliver passed away unexpectedly. Oliver was a big fan of Life is Good’s mission to spread good vibes, and Anthony has co-opted his brother’s desire to project positivity to become an instrument of change.
@asfvision 🕊👕 Clothing can hold so many memories and energy. For me this shirt reminds me of someone I loved so incredibly much. The pain of losing a brother is something that I carry with me every day. Little things like old clothing or knickknacks give me something physical to hold on to. Ollie loved @@lifeisgoodcoand when I had the chance to partner with them I know it made him smile down. Now I wear these shirts for his memory but also to remind myself that life isn’t easy, life isn’t perfect but life is good. In loving memory ##ad##LIGpartner##memories##brother##fit ♬ original sound - Anthony S. Ferraro
"Clothing can hold so many memories and energy. For me, this shirt reminds me of someone I loved so incredibly much... Now I wear these shirts for his memory but also to remind myself that life isn’t easy, life isn’t perfect but life is good."
We interviewed our friend about his meteoric success, overcoming adversity, and whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
Enjoy.
Skateboarder, snowboarder, wrestler, motivational speaker, musician, podcaster, husband, judo star, TikTok influencer, optimist, Life is Good Brand brand partner. Did we miss anything?
No, I just love my family.
Did you anticipate this level of success and notoriety when you posted your first video two years ago?
Absolutely not. I was just trying to make a safe and positive space where people could laugh, learn and be motivated amidst all the negativity on the internet and in the world.
Many believe optimism is a trait you're born with, and not something that can be cultivated and improved upon. Your story is proof that optimism functions more like a muscle. How have you been able to foster a positive mindset despite the hardships you’ve faced?
There’s always someone dealing with something harder than me and I hold on to knowing that this season also will pass. And I lean on a strong support system between family, friends, coaches and trainers.
When was your first introduction to Life is Good and what about the brand resonated with you?
My first real introduction was when my brother passed away in 2015. It was one of the first shirts I got from his collection and what resonated with me was the material, the tactile tag on the bottom of the shirt and knowing there were amazing sayings and messages on each shirt.
What’s one unique thing about being blind you wish everyone knew?
You don’t get to judge people on the first look. You actually have to get to know someone for who they are.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to people facing adversity?
Keep going.
If you could design one Life is Good tee shirt, what would it say / look like?
Blind skateboarder jumping down stairs with their cane saying, “The only disability is a bad attitude.”
Pineapple on pizza, yay or nay?
Yay.
If, like us, you can’t get enough of Anthony---head over to our TikTok to watch him answer some tricky speed round questions. Plus, follow him on TikTok and Instagram for daily optimism boosts and endless inspiration.