#changedestiny

SK-II #changedestiny | The Expiry Date | Zara Top, Mott & Bow Denim, Lulu Milano Bag, Steve Madden Lace Up Christey

Have you ever felt pressured, trapped, or just stuck? Whether it be due to society, your age, your family, or your own circumstances, it's hard. I lived a lot of my life doing what I was 'supposed to' and feeling like I had no choice.

My true passion, since I was probably about 13 years old, was fashion. I ate up everything I could get my hands on that was fashion-related, from Vogue & Harper's Bazaar to shows like America's Next Top Model. If you looked through my notebooks, you'd find clippings of Gucci bags & Prada shoes along with intricately designed, colored & named outfits I'd drawn out. I even created entire collections with seasonal or cultural themes! But due to the culture I was raised in, actually going into fashion was frowned upon and not allowed as an option. To a degree, I understand the concern, as the fashion world can be very hard and very harsh. So I explored other creative interests, like music, photography and I even created my own jewelry business where I designed and handmade pieces that I sold on Etsy and at craft shows. But my love for fashion could never fully be replaced by those other hobbies.

I eventually went to school for music, and then got a job in music, because, well, I had an undergrad degree in piano performance & pedagogy, and a masters piano performance. And while I loved certain aspects of music and teaching, it never was the passion for me that fashion was. But I felt I had no other options, and at 25 years old, you're supposed to be advancing in your career (which implies you actually know what your career is) and know what you want to do with your life.

Then one fateful morning in early 2016, I discovered blogging (I know, I know... SO late to the game, as usual ;) ), and more importantly that it could be a career. I remember the hope and excitement I felt. The thought crossed my mind, that maybe, just maybe, I could still pursue a career in fashion. I also remember how overwhelmed I felt. The more I thought about it though, the more I knew I just to try. I would forever regret it if I didn't take the risk. It took me months to work up the courage to start blog, and then even more time to tell people about it. It was so scary to decide to try something new, when I was already nearing my late 20s! Especially something where you're exposing yourself and putting yourself out there for criticism of all sort, and you just don't know if you'll make it. I remember exactly how I felt when I finally went for it though, and that feeling still brings tears to my eyes. I felt so free and hopeful, and more importantly, like anything was possible. It had been so long since I'd had that sweet, childlike hope and excitement about life and the future.

As I'm sure you can can tell, I'm so happy I took the risk and decided to take control of my future! It's been more than worth it, to get to feel so creatively fulfilled by something that I soon hope to call my full-time job. Not only that, but I've learned and grown so much, and have made so many friends along the way!! And that's why I couldn't be happier to be partnering with SK-II on their newest campaign, #changedestiny. I absolutely love that they're encouraging women to not only defy their age through great skincare, but to defy the restrictions & expectations placed on them by society, age, or circumstances, and to create their own destiny. While many things are out of our control, so many more things than we realize are in our control, and many times the obstacles we face are ones we're allowing to be there.

To kickstart their campaign, the team at SK-II has created an incredibly beautiful and powerful short film, which I'm sharing in this blog post so you guys can view it as well. I hope it inspires and empowers you to never let anyone or anything, especially not your age, hold you back from chasing your dreams and living life to the fullest!

-Laurelle