What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and who was it from?
“And above all else, to thine own self be true” — William Shakespeare. Technically, this advice was given to Polonious’ son in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”. But after studying the play in high school, I’ve allowed the advice to guide everything I do in my life.
What is your favorite way to start your day?
I usually start my day with prayer and a devotional in the Bible app. It’s a great way to center myself before my day begins. Other things I HAVE to do in the morning are make my bed, eat a good breakfast, and listen to music.
What does a typical day in your life look like now vs pre-Covid-19?
Being a college student at home, my days are a lot more structured. Still busy, but more of a controlled busy. When I was on campus, I’d go from class to class and then maybe go to the caf, sit in the library with a friend or even grab lunch off-campus. Each day was different. Now that we’re in lockdown, I stay in front of my computer alot, but take intentional breaks to unplug throughout the day.
What are 5 things you will always have in your handbag and why?
Lotion → I have dry skin and honestly can’t live without it
Hand sanitizer → Umm, we’re in a pandemic
Lip gloss → Not chapstick, lip balm or lipstick. It has to be lipgloss. My favorite is Mentha lipglosses from Bath and Body Works because they make my lips tingle and keeps them moisturized for a long time.
Face mask → Once again, pandemic. I recently started using a silk face mask because the material doesn’t dry my skin out and it’s perfect for long term wear. My phone → As an influencer I can’t live without it.
Hand sanitizer → Umm, we’re in a pandemic
Lip gloss → Not chapstick, lip balm or lipstick. It has to be lipgloss. My favorite is Mentha lipglosses from Bath and Body Works because they make my lips tingle and keeps them moisturized for a long time.
Face mask → Once again, pandemic. I recently started using a silk face mask because the material doesn’t dry my skin out and it’s perfect for long term wear. My phone → As an influencer I can’t live without it.
Which fashion era would you have liked to be a part of ’80s, ’90s etc.?
The 60’s! The trench coats, custom-tailored suits, and fashionable accessories like hats and jewelry – it was all about class and elegance, which I believe is a huge part of my fashion identity.
List 5 pieces you think every girl should have in her winter fashion arsenal.
A quality pair of jeans, classic black bootie, light trench coat, cute hat/glove/scarf set (especially if you’re like me and from a cold place!), and a neutral-colored turtle neck
What are two of your current fashion guilty pleasures?
Blazers and monochromatic looks.
What are three words you’d use to describe your personal style?
Comfortable, chic, affordable.
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
I’ve always been super girly and my style has definitely evolved over the years. Most recently, I think I’ve become very confident in my fashion sense. In high school, I’d get called “extra” for dressing nice. I’d dumb down my fashion sense out of fear of being judged. However, now as a student at a very fashion forward college campus (Howard University), I feel I can freely express my authentic style. I genuinely believe that in fashion, no rules apply, so I enjoy putting my own twist on trends.
What has been your greatest life adventure so far?
My freshman year of college. One week after school started I went home to Illinois to compete for the title of Miss Illinois Teen USA and won. After I was crowned, I hopped on a flight back to D.C. and snapped back into the reality of being a college student. Throughout the year, I juggled school while traveling all around the country making appearances, attending community service events, dress fittings, and preparing for the national competition. As an 18-year-old living away from my parents and navigating a new city almost every weekend, the responsibilities were a lot to take on, hence the reason I’d consider it an adventure. I learned so much about myself and the world around me. My time as a Teen USA state titleholder and a Howard University Bison has definitely shaped me into the woman I am today.