Growing up an artistic kid, I've always seen the world slightly different than my peers. Where other kids saw a triangle, I saw an incomplete pattern, a part of a star or half of a diamond. I saw colors, sparkle, whimsy and personality in the smallest of things. To me, there was a whole world of possibilities and people looked at me like I was incompetent if I voiced such. Everyone's worldview is different, but mine was apparently too different. As I got older, my mindset bled into how I dressed and presented myself. Clothing quickly became my favorite way to express myself. Outfits that require more effort elevate my mood. A color scheme that I feel matches the energy of the day excites me. This "dramatization" of my life hasn't done me any favors among my peers. Over the years I've been laughed at, isolated and ostracized because I didn't show up to school in leggings and a hoodie every day. I was often labeled "too extra" or "dramatic". I was told that I "didn't dress black" as if my race only fits a certain style. People have laughed and taken pictures of me and in the face of that adversity, I did exactly as I've done my whole life. I did what I wanted. I am never going to dim my personality and self-expression to be accepted. What being an "IT" girl means to me is staying true to yourself. It means not letting anyone change you or pressure you into conformity. Tamika A. Nurse’s books help guide young women in achieving a self-assured look that's essential in everyday life. I fully intend to apply this to my career in fashion and business. This isn’t just tips but advice for life. You can’t be self-assured in anything if you’re hiding part of who you are. I want my clothes to embody differentiality. I need to encourage others of this seemingly foreign concept of staying true to themselves that's gradually getting lost in today's world. To me, being an IT girl also means breaking cycles. I want to break the cycle of ignorance, intolerance and shaming that's normalized towards anyone who shifts from expectation or stereotypes. I know my experiences aren't unusual. Many little black girls who shine in their individuality, who shine in that special way God gifted to them, have to dim their light in this hateful world. Then, everyone is so angry hiding who they are, they take out their resentment and bitterness on others. It hurts my heart and spirit to see. I know God created us all different and unique and to not honor that feels wasteful. The fashion I'll create will encourage individuality. I'll be able to style and design clothing and accessories that have personalities that match who people are. I want to instill confidence in all young people to express themselves but especially the black community. Additionally, I want to help people design and find affordable fashion without a huge price tag slapped on giving people another reason to flee from being unique. Art sends a message and fashion is art. My art will say “you're different for a reason.” I’ll change the conversation and people’s opinion because to me, there are few worse things than hating who you are.