“Make sure you don’t start seeing yourself through the eyes of those who don’t value you. Know your worth even if they don’t.”
I was raised with the belief that I could be or do whatever I wanted to. I am extremely lucky that my parents encouraged and validated me enough to believe in myself.
That doesn’t mean that I haven’t met bumps along the way, made life harder for myself, or have just basically fallen flat on my face! But what it does mean is that no matter how many times I feel crappy, have self-doubt, insecurity, or failures, I KNOW I can pick myself up and figure something out. Whether that means trying the same thing over again or trying to do something a different way, I don’t quit.
As the years have progressed, I have found that the more success I have, the more confidence comes from it. I feel very secure in my abilities and know that the only thing holding me back is ME.
After Graduating from College, still living in England, I had an interview with a Pharmaceutical company that I thought went really well. I made it to the third round of interviews – feeling really confident in myself and my abilities I met with the female recruiter only to have a conversation I was not expecting. She explained to me that I would be meeting with Doctors who expect to see a Woman who (words to the effect of) “wears a short skirt”. Being a Young Woman I was absolutely appalled that someone could expect something like this. I was definitely naïve but I have realized as my career has gone on, that unfortunately you meet people like this all the time.
I made it my goal to find a way to express myself with style that did not dictate how short or tight my clothing was. Being remembered should not be for these reasons. I believed that my intelligence would be what people remembered, but after years of experience, I have found that unfortunately that is not the case. Why am I telling you this? Because… if you want to be remembered, the most important factor, is to be your own unique self. Fashions will fade, your confidence and belief in yourself (that very often can come from looking and feeling great) is what people will remember.
You will notice that I don’t always follow rules for fashion and I most certainly like to find things that are different. Now it’s time for you to find your Unique Style.
Cardigan: from Australia Dress: H&M Shoes: MIA