People usually describe me as an old soul with a young heart.  I was born in NYC, but grew up in the South - I guess that makes me a sweet and salty mix.  My family is Italian, so I basically grew up in a kitchen, surrounded by family (as any Italian knows, that’s the center of the house).  My family situation radically changed during my college years. My incredible mother, a cancer survivor, put me through college and kept our family afloat.  Her strength and resilience reminds me that anything is possible, and is a consistent motivator for me to act as a voice for independent women everywhere.

 

The challenges I’ve encountered have driven me to be independent, to find my stylistic voice, and to believe in the power of sisterhood.

 

I returned to New York after graduating from college, ready to start a new life for myself, and excited to take part in the kinetic energy of the city. As I’ve immersed myself into New York over the past few years, I’ve met some incredible people, and seen amazing things. I have been so fortunate to realize my dreams of becoming a model, and have learned so much about the power of true beauty along the way. I realized I could be (and should be!) channeling energy into telling stories of amazing style, strong women and genuine beauty.

 

I want to help people. I want to reach people. I want to change (at least some small corner of) the world. And that’s why I created JustSaraJane. 

 

A “real person” model is a category of modeling that uses individuals that look like the everyday Joe and Jane.

 

I think it’s great when all kinds of beauty are shown in the media, especially when photos are true to life!

 

Self-esteem is created from within.  You have to define what’s important to you, and withhold judgment (of yourself, and others).  People are different, and what’s important to them is different.  It’s critical to remind yourself of what you love about your body and your character.  If you are affirming these positive things from within, you will send good energy into the environment and create positivity around you.

 

 

 

I find confidence through my fantastic family and friends, as well as self-affirmation.  It was a challenging road, regaining confidence after some of the things I’ve been through.  But one day, I realized that I could spend my life being positive, or not.  I chose to be confident and happy about my life.  Life is wonderful.

I know I am happiest, and most confident, when I’m around people I love.  These real and genuine relationships give me confidence to be exactly who I am.

After my father's abrupt departure, my life radically changed. Drawing on my resilience, I channelled the emotions from this difficult experience into creating a forum that helps other women who are in similar situations. I plan to start a support group for daughters whose fathers aren’t present in their lives - because of death, estrangement, or any other reason. I believe this group will give an outlet for women to discuss their feelings, and share their resilience. The power of sisterhood can never be underestimated.

Stay tuned in the coming months - www.fatherlessdaughters.com will be launching soon.

 

I am fortunate to have an incredible mother, sister, extended family, and amazingly supportive group of friends that make me be the person I want to be.  But at the end of the day, you have to love yourself, and be proud of yourself.

What is your dream for your blog and work as a publicist?  

 

I was drawn to publicity, and have launched my blog, as I am natural storyteller.  I want to not only share my personal stories, but also tell the stories of others, through photos and anecdotes about personal style.  Humans and their stories are the most fascinating things to me.

 

 

 

Greatest Accomplishment

2013 was a banner year.  This year I launched my site, became a working model, and have started being a voice for women and body confidence.  If I had to pinpoint one moment that was particularly surreal, I think it was seeing myself in a print feature in Verily Magazine.  I feel they are paving a new road for women in the future – one where real beauty is celebrated.  I feel incredibly grateful I was a part of it.

Lesson Learned

We create our own destiny.  Take (even small) steps to get where you want to be.  Failure only makes us better.  Dream big.  And never stop chasing your dreams.

Advice to your younger self  

Enjoy every moment; you have plenty of time to grow up. You will live and learn from everything that is happening to you now. Cultivate your friendships; they will often become the family you create. You have time to find your passions and purpose in life; try new things now. Always have a generous heart. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Love yourself.

And listen to your mom, she knows what she’s talking about (especially in reference to wearing blue eye shadow). 

bSmart Words of Wisdom

Life is not about defining yourself.  It's about creating yourself. - Sara Jane Baker