Born Beautiful Story @lexichantel

Posted by Hoan Nguyen on

Tell us about yourself in 50 words or less. We want to know one or two things that you'd want someone to know about you?

My name is Alexia, and I’m a 20 year old fashion merchandising major currently living in Texas. I’m a shy, but passionate girl that loves the arts and enjoys inspiring other college students through my own personal experiences!

What are you most grateful for in life?

I’m most grateful for my family. I have four brothers, one sister, a small dog, and two amazing parents. My family is extremely close knit, and I’m very close to them!

Who do you find beautiful – and what makes them beautiful to you?

I find my mother beautiful in every aspect. I know a lot of people probably say this as an answer, but mothers are the most inspirational people in our lives as women. My mom works hard from the time the sun comes up until one to two in the morning. Yet, despite her doing all of this, she always has time to make home-cooked meals, help us with our cliche, teen drama, and run her own online, clothing boutique. She’s the literal definition of a boss woman, and it’s inspiring to me because she’s showing me that I can be a mother and own a fashion empire.

Was there ever a time that you didn't feel beautiful? What happened and how did you react?

Yes. I’m a dark-skinned, black girl. Growing up, I was often made fun of because of my skin, and I hated myself for it. I always prayed to God that I’d wake up the next morning with long, straight hair, blue eyes, and light skin. It was an internal struggle, and I honestly really disliked myself.

Based on the time above, when did you realize that you were beautiful?

I honestly don’t know when I finally realized I wasn’t beautiful. I guess when social media became larger and more popular, I was able to see girls that looked like me, and I was able to view more of the black community and the body positive community. I started to realize that my skin was a blessing, and I started to see all the ways it would glisten in the sun on a hot, Texas, summer day.

What makes you beautiful?

Lots of things! Wearing a really cute, fashionable outfit really makes me feel great, especially on a day where I don’t want to go to class. Also, wearing my natural hair out in the sun on a summer day where my dark skin glistens and shines! 

How has your idea of beauty changed over the years?

As I was younger, I feel I had a more Eurocentric view of beauty because of the way I was treated. Now, these things have definitely changed. As I’ve come into my own person and stopped listening to others’s opinions and so-called “suggestions.” I know now that there isn’t one specific standard of beauty. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would definitely tell my younger self to stop caring and worrying so much about what other people think. I still struggle with this at 20 years old, but it’s definitely getting better as I grow and go through life. Other people do not dictate anyone’s beauty, success, or anything else in that department. 

 

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