LIFE

Growing up as an only child, I had a lot of time to myself—and I spent that time creating and coming up with ideas, collages, mood boards and "fashion" looks. I was constantly fixated with putting pieces together, or attempting to create my own. During my time in middle school, my mom gave me the freedom to dress myself. Whether I wanted to walk out of the house with a tiara on my head and my favorite colorful rainboots or a flower dress and matching headband, my mother was always supportive of my “different” looks. In eighth grade, I became obsessed with thrift shopping. I loved getting more clothes for a lower price and it made me (and my mom) very happy.

One day during school, though, a boy in my class told me that my clothes always looked old and I'd never be the same as all of the girls around me. I cried at the time, but now I look back at it as a defining moment. Being different was good—and one day, it would make my life a whole lot better.

 Now, I've turned my dreams into a real business: Style Fanatic Stylings, a wardrobe styling and image consulting company. I started out just giving style advice to my friends, but then I began a blog, and now my hobby is a full-blown business. I now do editorial shoots, personal styling, image consulting and wardrobe revamping.

I love being able to be my own boss, calling all of my own shots and having total creative freedom. Though I sometimes doubt myself and worry whether people will like my product, prayer and the continuous support of my friends and family gets me through. I couldn't be happier that I stayed true to myself and my style, and I can't wait to see where I end up in the fashion world.

by Tonae Lee | 2/1/2016