Janae Matute’s Inspiring Journey of Creativity and Resilience

Ten years ago, Janae Matute was a name you couldn’t miss, her story made national headlines in a landmark case. Fast forward to today, and she’s flipping the script in the most inspiring way. She’s not only surviving; she’s also thriving, a bold entrepreneur and passionate advocate who’s turning life’s toughest challenges into pure motivation. I had the chance to sit down with her, and trust me, what she’s doing now will absolutely change the way you see resilience. This week’s Look on the Bright Side shines on Janae Matute, her journey, her art, and the powerful message she’s sharing with the world. Here’s that story.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Meet Janae Matute, a powerhouse of creativity at just twenty-four years old. She’s not only an artist with a vibrant vision, but also an entrepreneur running two thriving businesses: Creative Toes Art Gallery and Creative Toes Unique Treasures. And here’s the part that will truly inspire you, Janae does it all with her toes. Yes, you heard that right. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and pure talent, proving that when determination meets creativity, there are no limits.

 

 

Janae Matute, Owner Creative Toes Art Gallery

“ I do everything with. Toes. Mm-hmm. I drive my pills. I paint using my toes. I used my computer. I designed my Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.”

 

 

 

 

The confidence in Janae’s voice reflects her true self. She’s a self-starter, rooted in faith, always pushing herself toward what’s possible. And in 2018, she found art. Her very first piece carried the scripture that has guided her through every challenge. She clings to that verse, finding in it comfort, strength, and clarity.

 

 

 

Janae Matute

“It has my favorite Bible verse, Philippines, 4:13. I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me. That’s what’s above the vase over there. It has carried me through the hardest times in my life. And it encourages me that I can do anything that I set my mind to.”

 

 

 

Her faith continues to ground her. For many Belizeans, Janae Matute’s name first came into the spotlight after a groundbreaking medical malpractice case, one that changed her life forever. That case, which led to her living with cerebral palsy, marked a historic win in Belize and even reached the Caribbean Court of Justice. But Janae has never let that chapter define her. Today, she’s choosing to share the story she’s written for herself. Her mother, Georgia Matute, describes what the journey has been like since.

 

 

 

 

Georgia Matute, Mother

“ She has beaten all the odds because the doctors have said that she would not be able to walk, she wouldn’t be able to talk, she wouldn’t be able to go to school. One doctor even told me that I would just need to keep her comfortable until she passes away. But Jenae has beaten all the odds. She’s been to preschool. She graduated preschool, primary school, high school, and now she’s doing her different businesses and stuff like that. For me, it’s amazing to see how God has come true for us.”

 

 

 

Janae was recently honored as an Ambassador for Ms. Wheelchair Texas, a role that’s about so much more than representing a pageant. It’s a platform for advocacy, for amplifying voices that need to be heard. While most of her responsibilities will take her across the U.S., her heart remains at home in Belize. She hopes to use this platform to shine a light on the needs and potential of differently-abled people back home, working toward inclusion, access, and representation for her community.

 

 

 

Janae Matute

“My platform that I will be advocating on is land, water and air transportation to make it accessible for the differently able community. Not all in Texas, but in Belize as well because it’s a struggle to go from point A to point B.”

 

 

Georgia Matute

“This role will require a lot from us because she’ll have to travel to different events with Miss Wheelchair Texas. She’ll have to travel to different events with her and she’ll have to visit different organizations and government agencies and stuff like that.”

 

 

 

Janae’s story is a true testament to faith, creativity, and perseverance. Through every challenge, she has shown that determination and imagination can open doors and inspire others. And in her own words.

 

Janae Matute“ Be strong, courageous, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not enough because you are. That’s what I want to tell everyone out there as well. You are enough. No matter your disability, you are enough.”

 

From art to advocacy, Janae shows us that inspiration can come from anywhere, even from a wheelchair. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.