Taking the first step towards growth
Not only that - let's also address the fear that comes along with it.
Starting this publication almost feels like I’m starting a new chapter in my life. Almost like revealing different parts of me that were not so visible before. I’m hoping you’re going to love what you read, absorb, and discuss on this site as much as I’m going to love writing about it.
Some of the things that I will be writing about - that I have been secretly passionate about but just haven’t had the courage to be as vocal or transparent about are things like style, mindset, food, travel and I’ll throw in some tv and movies occasionally. The reason I say style and not fashion is because I really think it’s all about how you style yourself as opposed to following a trend. I always see reels on Instagram of fashion influencers showing us what to wear or how to wear a white shirt in five different ways, and so on. It’s the kind of content I would love to create, but I just haven’t had the courage to create it and put it out there for the world to see. It’s strange because I have so many years of experience in the beauty industry, so I have no fear when it comes to being transparent and creating different types of looks. However, when it comes to fashion or style, it’s something that I’ve personally loved, but I’ve never ever put it out there for anyone to focus on, so I guess, in all honesty, I’m kind of a little scared of being judged. I don’t have society's version of the right body type for Fashion reels, and to be honest, every reel that I see based on fashion kind of looks the same. It’s very difficult for me to find an influencer who shows how to style clothes that fit my body type. I can look up fashion or style reels, and it comes up with influencers that have the same type of body; slim, pretty, and well, just the perfect body type for that outfit. Everything looks good on them. The only other option I have is to look up plus size, but I’m not plus size, so that’s what makes it difficult because I’m somewhere in between. I’m not skinny, I’m not slender, and I'm also not plus size so I guess if you think about it, there is actually a gap in the market, but I’m just a little bit afraid of kind of stepping into that gap and trying to make my own little home there.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is…here it goes. I’m going to try to actually fill that gap. I may not be amazing at it, but at least I’m going to try. Then, at least later in life, I won’t regret the fact that I could’ve done something I’m actually pretty interested in. I think I’ve gotten to the point where I’m really thinking about how I will feel later on in life if I have not done things that really interest me. I don’t want to be that person who says, I wish I had done that. I really did enjoy this topic, but I just never did anything with it. So this is my way of putting myself out there, facing my fears, and hoping that in the process it gives you some type of encouragement, and hopefully inspires you to face your fears, no matter how small or big they might be.
Just the fact that I’m starting this publication is growth to me, so if I can accomplish something from this or accomplish something for someone else from this, then I feel like I’ve achieved something, even in the smallest way. Hopefully, along the way, this will improve my own mindset, as well as your own.
Well, there it is. This is my first confession as a creative, and it feels pretty good. The growth has started.
Boom! What a topic to begin with Nina! Body image and styling... Omg where do I start! Firstly congratulations on starting this new publication. I work for a very BIG IT company and having a growth mindset is a key trait at the heart of everything we do. The training itself is deep and meaningful but it gives you that shift you need to be compassionate, open and transparency is key. One of the reasons I stalk you (sorry follow you!) on your vlog and beauty channel is simply because I can resonate with so much with what you say. So thank you for allowing me to finally tell you that! As for body image and styling. I am in a corporate world surrounded by men. I am one of three women in a team of 35. How I dress and style myself is my choice. I maybe only be 5'2", but I've found being myself, wearing what I want, my makeup, my hair, if I feel good, I exude the confidence to be good at what I do. One of my clients is a massive online fashion website and when I go to the Headquarters and see all these model type people working there, my insecurities kick in... Then I look at the way they've applied their cakey makeup and I realise I have come in leaps and bounds with the way I apply my makeup thanks to you, and that makes me even More confident when I'm with my clients! 😂 There are over 2 billion active users on Instagram, don't be afraid of sharing your style, it may not appeal to everyone but remember, you're filling in the gap you've clearly identified!
Nina,
I loved your first confession, and learning from it!