From Glam to Growth: My Story of Strength, Transformation, and Self-Discovery
I’ll never forget my sweet 16. There I was, stepping out of a life-sized Barbie box, glitter in my hair, high heels clicking against the floor like I was walking on air. The song “This Is Why I’m Hot” blasting as I entered was the perfect soundtrack for the moment—glamorous and unapologetic. I was that girl who wore confidence-like armor, and even in that moment of glamour, I was hiding a truth I wasn’t yet ready to confront: I was letting the judgments of others chip away at my sense of self.
I thought strength meant never backing down, but as I grew, I began to realize that true strength comes from something deeper. Growing up, I was a girly girl with a bold attitude, always pushing boundaries to prove my strength. From starting my pageant journey at a young age and watching it flourish into something bigger to leading as Cheer Captain in high school, founding my non-profit fashion organization Strike a Pose, attending a fashion college program in NYC, and serving as Editor-in-Chief of my college campus newspaper, I had it all—glamour, confidence, and the unshakable belief that I was destined to lead. The more I proved to the world I was tough, the more I felt disconnected from who I truly was. I wasn’t out there looking for drama, but if someone dared cross the line, you bet I’d put them in their place—quickly and with no hesitation.
I was caught up in fighting battles that didn’t need to be fought; too focused on showing the world how strong I was while letting their judgments affect my sense of self. I thought strength meant always being in control, always being the one who never backed down. It was about being able to step back, let go of unnecessary conflict, and trust myself. I also came to understand that there’s power in softness—something that was there since I was a little girl, but I became ashamed of it. Leading with kindness and compassion is as resilient as putting up a tough front. Then, a turning point came from an unexpected source: my high school guidance counselor. She saw something I hadn’t—how I let my emotions dictate my reactions and allowed others to validate my self-worth.
She asked: “What’s in your control?” This simple question became the catalyst for everything. I realized I didn’t need to control every situation or fight every battle. True strength came from recognizing what was within my control and releasing what wasn’t.
Luxury is a personal creation that transcends mere appearance; it’s about crafting a life that reflects your values, where you commit to yourself and those around you. Additionally, it involves competing against your past self and evolving into a more gracious woman. I see luxury as the energy you embody, how you treat yourself, and the boundaries you establish. It’s about fully embracing your femininity and power, making room for both grace and strength. Luxury isn’t given; it’s achieved by dedicating yourself to self-care each day. Now, I live by the philosophy of “self-love in motion.” It’s the luxury of showing up for yourself, not just when you feel like it, but when you need it most. Whether it’s lighting a candle that reflects your mood, treating yourself to fresh flowers, or carving out time for self-care, genuine luxury is in the small, consistent actions you take to honor yourself. It’s about mastering your energy, focusing on your mindset, and showing up for yourself—even when things aren’t perfect.
As I progress on this journey, I think about all I’ve learned and how I’m evolving. Shifting my mindset, establishing stronger boundaries, and prioritizing emotional wellness has transformed my life in unimaginable ways. Working with others deepens my understanding of emotional resilience, reinforcing the idea that growth is never-ending. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share the practices that helped my own evolution and now empower others to do the same. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about consistently being there for yourself and gaining insights throughout the process.
Growing up as a Buddhist, I slowly learned to take reflection and mindfulness seriously. It wasn’t until I encountered royalty journals that journaling became my anchor. My mom would bring me diaries from real-life princesses, and the idea of sitting in silence to reflect inward resonated deeply with me. As I expanded my journaling practice, I combined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques with streams of consciousness and reflective writing. These tools allowed me to process my emotions and gain clarity.
As I began to embrace the importance of mindfulness and tuning into my inner compass, there was one Buddhist principle that deeply shaped my life. The concept of eshō-funi, a Japanese term, eshō refers to a living being (shōhō), its environment (ehō), and funi, meaning “not two”. This signifies the oneness of a living being and their environment, reflecting that our external world is influenced by our internal state and that true growth comes from aligning both.
Through my work, I collaborated with health and wellness coaches, hosting transformative workshops that focused on real change. I also led a social and emotional wellness course for young girls at a reputable organization, helping them build resilience, emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of self-worth. Thinking back on the joy of walking the runway and the meaningful impact of my community service presented the perfect opportunity to continue my pageant journey. Reigning as a queen with All-World Beauties and being surrounded by other esteemed titleholders has allowed me to redefine luxury and enhance my influence on the social issues dear to my heart. I was fortunate to use my platform to work with organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), promoting emotional agility and the power of self-love.
But let’s be clear: I’m not the typical wellness girl you see in Lululemon leggings ready to guide you through a yoga session. You won’t always find me posing in outdoorsy settings and highlighting the benefits of slow living. Why? Because life can get messy, and I believe that true happiness is achieved by folding wellness practices in one’s daily life, not only during an annual retreat. I offer a powerful blend of bold, unapologetic energy swirled with the wisdom of self-love and of course the glam of my nails and makeup. I’ve learned that true luxury isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about showing up authentically, embodying self-love in every moment, and taking action toward becoming the person you are meant to be.
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This platform is my gift to the world, and I love creating content that reflects my journey and empowers others to prioritize self-love radically. Whether through blogging, YouTube, or Instagram, I use these channels to connect, inspire change, and share the lessons I’ve learned.
I am currently back in school for Positive Psychology to continue expanding my knowledge and better serve this platform and community. Working closely with my fiancé to bring this vision to life has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Together, we make this mission a reality and support each other as we continue to build something meaningful.
If you're ready to start your own transformation, make self-love an active practice, and create a life of true luxury, join me. I believe we all have powerful answers inside us; sometimes, we need a bestie who asks us powerful questions that help remind us of the queens that we are.
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