Trendsetter or follower?

Among all my fashion evolution so far, the period between my mother passing at the age of 6 years old, to move with my father, entering my teenage years emerged of the confidence of my image.

This period promulgates me to two different worlds. One of a little girl seeing her mother love and mode influence, a second to my grandmother self-reliance with the bare minimum when it comes to fashion.

From six to twelve years old, I lived with my grandmother and aunt, completely contrast sphere, From Houilles Paris to Cocoye Petion Ville. My grandmother was the sweetest and most caring person. She taught me to accept my image and that of others.

Being a Christian (“Protestante”), my grandmother believed in simplicity. As a result, between my childhood till my early teens years, I was declined to wear any earrings, necklaces, or pants, no nail polish or even braids, I snicked my lip glosses and dreamed of a pair of jeans.

Every day she told me how pretty I am, and those garments were not necessary. I had my childlike skepticism of the matter; I was not aware back then that she was in her religious way teaching me self-love and self-confidence.

Most importantly the respect of others image choices, even though her views were different, she did not judge the other parents, nor had negative opinions and criticisms.

Over time, I understand that fashion is an evolution, my grandmother was not forcing me into her religion, the very opposite. Yes of course it took me years to adjust and build my confidence and embrace my insecurities, which is normal in most teenage girls and women.

Accepting myself with being just me, curves and 4C hair, and not feeling less of a person because of social standards or going above my capacities to afford luxury just now.

NOT comparing my image or myself to others, while being nonjudgmental of the people who do, and staying positive, happy, and waiting for my turn is a blessing from my grandmother.