Miss Independent

Some call it stubbornness, I call it independence. In high school, I was involved in everything music: choir, musicals, talent shows, piano, voice lessons, all of it. Everyone around me pretty much assumed that’s where my life was heading. I would probably go to a music school and find some sort of career as a singer of some kind. I didn’t like that though. Don’t get me wrong, I loved music (and I still do), but I didn’t love people assuming they knew the trajectory of my life. I’ve always been one to do my own thing, always miss independent.

I have always loved doing the opposite of what others suggest. When I was in 3rd grade my mom randomly suggested I keep growing my hair out. What did I do? I had my grandma take me to get a bob haircut. It did not look good but I liked it because I made the decision. I will never be satisfied if it isn’t a decision I’m making for myself. So when it was time to decide where to go to college and what to do with my life, I took the road less traveled by so to speak.

Now, maybe doing a complete 180 into the fashion industry came from a place of wanting to be unique, but I think it came more so from a desire to prove others wrong. I always had an interest in fashion and design in general. I was voted best dressed senior year. But deciding to come to Nashville for fashion school definitely subverted expectations. Oh, how I loved telling people about my college plans, I loved the surprise mixed with a type of worry on their faces, I loved their questions, I loved it all.

Now I’m here. I’m in the thick of it and I still love it. School has its growing pains, but the satisfaction of allowing myself to be creative and to follow a path I paved solely for myself makes it all worth it.