As a little girl I had 1 career in mind…I wanted to be a cashier so I could push buttons all day – True story. Well when I was 16 that dream came true as I got my first part time job as a cashier at a lumber store where I worked for 7 years (I think I got more than my fill of pushing buttons). Now, the reason I got this job to begin with was because I was grounded for 6 months and yes, you read that right. I mean all I did was send my parents away on a romantic weekend and then proceeded to have a huge house party and drink far too much for the first time. Needless to say, my parents were not a fan of my extra circulars. So, I was grounded for 6 months – no going out, having friends over, no phone, internet, nothing except going to youth group and then getting my first job.
However it was during this time of intense solitude that my faith became my own, I had started the journey to discovering more of who I wanted to be and as a result decided to go on a missions trip to South Africa for a month to teach children in schools.
Fast forward to high school coming to an end. I had to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. What career did I want, where did I see myself and so on. I was never a straight A student and actually struggled in school except for any of my business classes – Entrepreneurship was my highest grade ever – 98% – I mean he could have given me the extra 2% and made it a whole 100% but I likely got docked for being too social so I guess it was fair.
When I completed high school I went to Bible College and took Business Administration just to get the Bible College experience – it wasn’t that great living off campus and working full time. But what I discovered while there was that I had a love for marketing. I ended up transferring to a local college and staying in Business Administration but that only lasted a semester before I moved my major to marketing. My grades had never been so good! I felt accomplished, proud and eager to get my career going. I had some really great jobs and really focused on my career. It was something that was always important to me and still is, only now, I kind of have 2 careers in 2 very different worlds. I was often still in a supporting role (administration) but always pushed the envelope in trying to take on more and expand my knowledge.
So why do I tell you all this….in life we have experiences, we learn new things, we journey through life and each experience teaches us something and gives us what we need for what’s next in life. Some things are really hard and we think that they will never get better but then, joy comes in the morning. If we are open to it, we can allow each experience to teach us something and prepare us for the future. Each success and failure throughout my career has taught me something and given me the tools to be where I am today. Rather than fighting through all the crappy stuff and dreading it, pick up a new outlook and realize that this too shall pass and that you got this. After all, you are just as much of a boss babe as me. My professional career outside of modelling is just as important to me as my modelling and I’ve worked hard to be where I am and can finally say I am proud of the progress I’ve made in both.
Fun fact – this shoot was done in my office. It’s a pretty cool space eh?!
This post was inspired by the way this outfit from Your Big Sisters Closet makes me feel. This is a new piece from their store and I’m just in love with it. It’s perfect for client meetings and I even wore it out for dinner and drinks with the girls. I’ve also paired the jacket with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and some hot pumps. It’s quite the versatile outfit and has officially been added to one of my favs.
Take a look below to check out some of my other picks from Your Big Sister’s Closet. Karen and Peter (pictured right) are amazing store owners and a couple that I call friends. Not only do they have great choices for us curvy ladies – they are all about the body positive movement, have inspired me in my journey and have been such big cheerleaders and I’m so grateful! It’s also so cool to see a man support his woman and her dreams like Peter supports Karen! My first modelling gig was also at their store, I have lots to be thankful for when it comes to this power couple! Be sure to check out their store in Toronto and Online (they ship internationally).
And if you are in Toronto, be sure to pick up a cover of the Metro today where you’ll see an article written by Karen and some pictures of some other boss babes that are a part of the body positive movement here in Toronto
All photos © 2015 Robert Skuja Photography
Eye Lashes (extensions) by Love Ur Look Beauty my official eyelash extension specialist
Hair and Makeup by me
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