Hannah was so open and excited to participate in my Colors of Your Heart photography project. Please check out this previous blog post to find out the whole story behind this project.

The short and sweet summary is that I want to help women empower other women, to show their true colors and their inner beauty. Read on to learn about Hannah!

 

Question: What would you do differently in your life if you knew nobody would judge you?
Answer: Well, last year this time I would’ve said I’d love to get a whole sleeve, but I’ve collected quite a few tattoos over the past year so I’m well on my way to having a full sleeve. I think at some point I decided that I only have this one life to live, and I don’t want to look back at my life in 10+ years and regret not doing something.

Q: What do you do really, really well?
A: I like to think I’m relatively good at hair and makeup. I styled hair for a handful of shows during college, and I’ve done friends’ makeup for special events. I’ve thought about going to cosmetology school before.

Q: When was the last time you did something for the very first time?
A: A little over a year ago I tried Zumba for the first time. I have a cheer and dance background and I had wanted to try Zumba for years, but I didn’t want to go by myself so I just never went. Something just clicked in me and I decided it was time to forget my fears and go, and I’ve been a Zumba fanatic ever since (I’m even licensed to teach it now)!

Q: What do you imagine yourself doing 5 years from now if you could do or be anything?
A: I would love to work for a non-profit organization that helps those who deal with depression, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. I’ve struggled with my fair share of mental health issues since high school so I have a big heart for others who struggle with those things as well. I think so many women in this world don’t realize how beautiful they are, and if I could spend my days encouraging and uplifting other women, my heart would be full.

Q: Has the fear of failure stopped you from doing something and if so what?
A: Oh absolutely. I like to know I can be relatively good at something before I do it. If you ask my friends and family, they’ll tell you about all of the different career ideas that I’ve had over the years. I always get these wild ideas, but then I second guess my skills and abilities and give up before I even begin.

Q: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
A: artistic, eclectic, unique

Q: Do you feel like others see you for who you really are?
A: I think the people closest to me do, but I’m not a naturally outgoing person and I tend to keep to myself in big groups of people.

Q: What stops you from completely opening up to people?
A: Worrying about people judging me for being myself. I’ve been around people in the past who always treated me like I wasn’t funny enough, witty enough, skinny enough, pretty enough, etc. to associate with them or be their friend–and while that feeling gets easier with time, it’s still hard to shake sometimes.

Q: What piece of advice can you give to other girls and women who struggle with just being themselves and letting who they are be enough?

A: You are one of a kind. You are beautiful. Stop comparing yourself to others. No goal weight, bikini, dress, special event, or person is worth starving, purging, self-hatred, and tears. Stop wasting your time with judgmental people who make you feel bad about yourself, trust me they’re not worth your health and well-being. Be yourself, and don’t care what other people think.

Q: Do you have any women role models? If so, who and why?
A: My great grandmother. She is the most incredible, Godly woman that I will ever know. She’s always been the glue that holds the family together and she gives the best advice. I hope someday I can be half the person she is.

Q: Is there a mantra, verse, or saying that you use in your daily life that empowers you?
A: I have a tattoo on my forearm that says “I am enough.” It’s my daily reminder to myself that I don’t need the approval of other people in order to be myself. I’ve spent so many years of my life damaging my body by not eating, super restrictive dieting, binging, and purging all to make me feel “good enough.” Let me tell you, it is not worth it.

Q: What do you feel is the number one thing that makes women in today’s society feel inadequate? What is something we can do to work towards reversing this?
A: The constant judgmental and catty behavior we receive from other women. We are all guilty of being judgmental. We judge others when we feel inadequate, therefore we point out the flaws in others to make ourselves feel better. How messed up is that! If we could start being more kind and loving to each other and stop talking trash on each other, I think women would be a lot better off.

Make up: Keren Salsgiver

Keren is such a sweetheart and she is a Younique Presenter. I love teaming up with her as Younique’s passion is to uplift, empower and build self-esteem. Such a wonderful company!

Dress: Mary Crafts

Necklace: Francesca’s

Shoes: Payless

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact me here!