Confidence is not something that comes naturally for most people; it’s built over time through experience, resilience, and practice. It’s the courage to put yourself out there and that doesn’t always mean facing your biggest fears. For me, my confidence has grown through art and fashion, my most powerful forms of self-expression. This matters because when you’re unsure about who you are and what you bring to the table, it deeply affects your emotions and mindset. As an African American woman, I have had my share of feeling uncertain of who I am or who I am meant to be. Standing out was certain in any environment that I entered, but I wanted it to be for reasons that weren’t my skin color or my hair texture. Which is why I have chosen to pursue art as my career because it allows me to transform my feelings into physical form. Wanting to feel understood in a world that often isn’t willing to listen is what drives me to use art, where I don’t need words to express myself. Art is limitless in its expression, and that freedom excites me most, especially within fashion marketing, my chosen path in the arts. I’ve experimented with a wide range of mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting, sewing, and creative writing. These experiences have helped me grow artistically. Like any skill, practice and taking initiative is how you expand your craft. This field also allows for collaboration that creates stronger works capable of inspiring others and telling powerful stories. In fashion marketing, I bring my creativity to life both physically and digitally as the world continues to evolve. My experiences inspire every piece that I create and help me connect with others who may have faced similar challenges. Like Mcristle Ross, I believe that art is not only a reflection of the human spirit but a necessary force for connection and expression. With each piece I’ve created, I truly believe that my passion for art has shaped my identity and given me purpose. My journey is not as I envisioned, working a full-time job as a Teacher’s Assistant while in school. But I’ve learned that passion and determination are powerful forces that will open doors that I only once dreamed of. Although I have had the financial burden of fully paying my tuition, support like this helps students like me stay committed to our creative paths, even when the odds are stacked against us. What often goes unrecognized is just how influential art can be, especially when it’s created by those who are deeply admired. My goal is for others to experience my art and feel a sense of hope, a reminder that there is purpose in the process. I especially hope to inspire other Black women who carry a strong desire to create and leave a lasting impact on the world.

7:00 AM – wake up, journal. 9:00 AM – pilates. 10:00 AM – get ready. 10:30 AM – make breakfast. 11:00 AM – organize goals. By noon, most “it” girls are juggling careers, creativity, or school... all while looking effortlessly put together. Pilates class, $35. Organic meals, $30. The outfit prices vary, but nonetheless, her day is expensive and for a middle-class Black girl with a dream, that lifestyle seemed unattainable. I always viewed an “it” girl as someone who has it all... luxury, designer labels, and a perfect schedule. Social media made me believe that I had to imitate this lifestyle to be considered one myself. In reality, an “it” girl doesn’t need to have everything right now. She creates everything with all that she has. To me, an “it” girl is someone who’s confident, someone who has the courage to show up authentically, making the most of where they are. Ms. Tamika Nurse states in her book, The It Girl Rules: It’s Getting Haute In Here, “Each of us reflects God’s masterful creation... I advocate dressing the person you are today.” Although she speaks of clothing, this applies to any obstacle: to begin with what you have, and trust that it’s enough to start. This philosophy reflects my journey as a Black girl with a lifelong dream of working in fashion. That dream felt more distant when I learned I’d be funding my own tuition. The challenges of Black woman in fashion fuel my drive to make this dream a reality. Currently, I am working full-time as a Teacher’s Assistant while taking online courses at community college. It’s not the path I imagined. I realized feeling discouraged would not get me to where I wanted to be, so I took control of my narrative and evolved into my own version of an “it” girl. College courses alone didn’t feel fulfilling, so every night I read fashion history, studied industry icons, explored textiles, and watched fashion shows. I enrolled in extra courses and immersed myself in the fashion world. I made it real before it became reality. This brings me to rule #10 from Ms. Nurse’s book, “Fake it until you make it.” In this industry, that means showing up with confidence, owning the spaces I aim for, and embodying the mindset of the professional I want to be. Even without the job title or connections yet, I’ll continue carrying myself like a fashion leader, until my visions become reality. Many women don’t realize that being a work in progress is a beautiful journey. As Ms. Nurse writes, “It’s a marathon and not a sprint.” My life may not be perfect, but I’ve created a routine that drives me forward. With faith, I learned to love the life I live, so I can live a life I love. Despite financial barriers, earning this scholarship would make attending LIM College a reality. It’s rare to see a successful Black woman in fashion, and I hope to become one, not only for myself, but to inspire others. I want to turn my passion into purpose and be the “it” girl young women admire simply by being myself. Rule #9 states, “Whatever style statement you choose, put your personal signature on it.” Dare to stand out. Success in fashion often comes from daring to be different. I want my work to reflect who I am, not anyone else. This is the essence of my journey. Style is eternal, and so is authenticity. Being an “it” girl isn’t defined by where you end up, but by who you become along the way.