Staying True To Who I Am

If there is one thing I would want people in my life to describe me as, it would be genuine. To me, there is nothing worse than being fake. Sure, we all have times where we aren't happy or just aren't feeling whatever it is that we have to do so we put on a happy face and fake it 'til we make it. That is not what I am talking about. I am talking about that person who has no idea who they are so they just act accordingly to whoever they are hanging out with or who they are dating. I have to say I am pretty lucky that I know who I really am. So many people get lost in the crowd or caught up with society and never really establish beliefs or thoughts of their own.

So who am I? I am first, a passionate hairstylist with big dreams of becoming the Artistic Director and Platform Artist for Pureology. I love teaching and sharing with those who want to learn in my industry. I am extremely confident in my skills as a hair stylist, but that comes with my undying love for education. I give all I have to be the best I possibly can at what I do. I love it so much that I have been working through being in pain for much of this year. I can't imagine not being able to do what I love.

I am an Auntie to 3 nephews and 2 nieces that truly bring light to my life. My first nephew Landon is 6 1/2. He is smart, artistic (just like his Dad and Papa) and adventurous. My first Niece Lola is almost 4. She is Sassy (like her auntie) a daddy's girl and so beautiful. My second nephew Kylen is 3. He and I have a special bond. I'm his "favorite girl". He is the smartest little boy I have ever met, stubborn and a little bit OCD. My second Niece Kinsley is 19 months. She is already outgoing, bossy and very independent. Also, the cutest thing I have ever seen. My third nephew Braylon is almost 2. He is a handful, obsessed with movies and just like his daddy. I never turn down the time to see my babies, hold them and tell them I love them.

I am a gay-loving, vegan, feminist- Liberal. (I feel like I can lump these into the same category) These are my beliefs. These are my core. I wasn't raised to be this way at all. I didn't become this way to rebel against my parents and upbringing. I am this way because it is what feels "right" to me. I truly care about the rights of my gay friends. I don't want them to have to feel ashamed of who they are anymore, or to be denied the same rights as others because of who they love. I feel the same about women, it is so hard for us to get ahead and lead the way. Society leaves much to be desired when it comes to giving us women to look up to. I feel like the message they send is all women should be materialistic whores. It's sad. Really sad. I would like to set a better example than that.

I am a girlfriend to an amazing guy. Jermaine is pretty much my polar opposite. He is reserved, always kind, slightly conservative, meat-eating, hopeless romantic. Sometimes(most of the time), I don't know how he puts up with me. Despite our differences, we actually get along really well. Although, I feel like I am constantly pushing him to grow up and be more like a 28 year old than a 23 year old that he is. Everyday is a challenge with him but one I gladly accept.

I am a cautious friend. As much of a social butterfly as I am and how much I enjoy interacting and meeting new people, I don't let a lot of people in. I have a lot of people that I call "friends" but very few who know my every move and thought. I will listen to you and be there for you and I will be forever loyal. I just can't trust most people to be the same for me. I'm terribly guarded and horribly cynical. I love and hate this about myself. I get caught up in work and planning my future and forget to include others. I get my feelings hurt easily by friends but never say anything. I can have easier conversation with guys than girls.(A lot of people think that makes me a flirt) I told myself for much of my life that I was too much of a bitch to have girlfriends. I don't believe that is true anymore.

Most of all, I am not ashamed of who I have turned out to be. I don't want to change and and I don't want people in my life who want to change me. I am happy.