Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn O’Connor.
Kaitlyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have loved fashion since I was a child, and was always known for it early in life. When I was in elementary school, I would be bullied a lot for the way I dressed. People would always point out that I would be overdressed, but fashion was how I expressed myself. Styling was my creative outlet and luckily, I found that out early in life, but it was a challenge for me to fully embrace.
During middle school, I became very self-conscious and insecure about my body. Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and many size 0 stars were so popular and that was not my body shape and never could be due to my genes; not everyone is built like that. I feared that I could never be in the fashion world because I didn’t fit the standard. Kim Kardashian came along and really changed societies views and people were so accepting of different body shapes. She inspired me a lot, and I finally started taking pictures of my outfits and posting them on Instagram. I started my own blog and personal styling company when I was 18 years old. I decided to pursue my dreams and attend Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising where I studied Business Management with a minor in Merchandise Marketing.
I’ve been posting fashion, beauty & lifestyle pictures on my Instagram since high school, and I continue to do so. As someone who has always suffered from anxiety, posting for the world to see is a constant struggle, but I want to inspire others. My main passion in life is influencing others in different kinds of ways. Whether it’s about fashion or beauty to faith & self-growth, I am passionate about sharing with others and trying to help those live their best life. This month I am taking a huge leap into finally started my YouTube channel to share all the content that I have always wanted to.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had to overcome my anxiety and social anxiety especially in an era where online bullying and harassment happen often. I have to constantly remind myself how easy it is for someone to hide behind a screen and project their insecurities on others. Along with that, my body image has been a constant battle my entire life. I want to help and inspire girls to love and accept themselves.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Couture Forever – what should we know?
Couture Forever is a fashion, beauty & lifestyle brand. I specialize in those topics and share my everyday life. From clothing to interior design, working out, you name it, I am there so share with my followers. I am proud of how I constantly am evolving and striving to be a better person and that I want to inspire others to do the same.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Perseverance, Dedication, and Empathy.
Contact Info:
- Website: couture-forever.com
- Email: coutureforever@icloud.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/coutureforever
- Facebook: facebook.com/coutureforever
- Twitter: twitter.com/couture_forev
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