SELF INSPIRED BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

Since I have been 16 I have been on the quest to find what my purpose in life was. At one point I wanted to work for the United Nations. At another point I wanted to be a social worker. I even contemplated being a journalist, until something hit me and I made the grand announcement that I WAS GOING TO BECOME A TEACHER!! Yes, finally I found what I wanted to do with my life right! WRONG! It wasn't until recently that I realized that I do in fact have teaching in my spirit however, my teaching energy is in another realm of teaching. My goal now is to teach women how to find and appreciate their self inspired beauty, to go after their goals, and to accept nothing less then pure happiness in their life. Its a great thing when you finally realize your goals in life.
This month Self Inspired Beauty figured out her goals at the young age of 21. Allyson Marie Leak is a jewelry designer, a journalist, a motivational speaker and much more. ( check out her jewelry at allymarie.com) In 2001, Allyson attended Temple University and majored in broadcast journalism. She became the founder and editor-in-chief of “She Mag”, a magazine focused on uplifting and uniting young women.A magazine like " She Mag" is hard to find these days. That is why its always amazing when you find a women who enjoys inspiring and uplifting other women.Especially in our subculture were women often put each other down and are Major haters. After graduating, Allyson moved to New York City and became a writer for Hype Hair Magazine, Angela Simmons “Rundown Mag” and Soul Food magazine. This was also the time Allyson started designing her jewelry line. In 2007 Allyson was a featured “fashion writer” on an episode of MTV’s hit show “Runs House”. Allyson is truly the epitome of a self inspired beauty. Her beauty clearly lies not only on her outer appearance but it is evident that she takes pride in her creative beauty also. To be so accomplished at her age is clearly proof of her creative beauty as well as her entrepreneurial spirit. Through reading her amazing blog ( she-blogs.com) You will discover that she has a passion for uniting, empowering ,and uplifting womens accomplishments.I have been extremely impressed by her as well as inspired, Allyson was gracious enough to let me feature her in my blog so that you can have the opportunity to be introduced to a true self inspired beauty. Check out my interview with Allyson below. Allyson has made it even more clear to me that life can not be lived to its fullest extent , unless you are inspired. Until next time, always be on the look out for your self inspired beauty.

(Don't forget to check out Allyson's Blog SHE-BLOGS.com and her Jewelry line at allymarie.com. Did you miss last months Self inspired beauty of the month Cielta Thomas? click on this link to catch up http://selfinspiredbeauty.blogspot.com/2009/05/self-inspired-beauty-of-month.html )

How would you describe your style?

Ally: Hmmm. My style changes with my mood. But usually I like classic simple chic pieces that are reminiscent of a great fashion era like the 40’s or 60’s

Skinny leg or boot cut ?

Ally: Well maybe a few months ago I would have said skinny leg but now I am into both. I like boot leg high waist pants if I am wearing a high platform pump. But I won’t do boot cut with flats…

Stiletto or pump?

Ally: I am so over super skinny heels because they make my feet hurt LOL.

Mac store or Sephora?

Ally: Well I barely ever wear makeup but if I had to choose I would say Sephora because it’s like being in a makeup candy shop with all the great brands.

Pointy toe or round toe?

Ally: For Fall I will be doing round toe…

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?

Ally: LIP GLOSS. If I leave home without some gloss then I will buy some while I’m out...

What do you admire most in a women?

Ally: That we are so strong by nature. Even through hard times we manage to come out on top or at least ask for help.

What do you think is the most important asset a women can posses?

Ally: Honesty… If you can get to a point in your life where you view your honesty and integrity as sacred attributes then you have come far in my opinion.

What in your environment inspires you to recognize your self-inspired beauty?

Ally: Hmmm I have little things around my apartment that serve as reminders for me. I have famous quotes about life and quotes that I have written. I have affirmations to help me get through the day. I also have really girly creative decorative accents in my apartment like bright turquoise candles and a pearl antique picture frame that just remind me of beauty and make me happy ;)

What in your environment inspired you to chase after your dreams? Ally: Well my mother has been supporting my efforts ever since I was about eight years old. I wanted a t-shirt business and she bought me an airbrush t-shirt machine. I wanted a jewelry business and the next day we were in the craft store buying clay beads and baking them at home. She has supported my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and that is why I can do what I do now.

What was your first step in becoming a jewelry designer/vendor ?

Ally: I went to the bead store and picked beads I liked. I bought pliers and wire and went home and started practicing.

How old where you when you realized what your life's goal was?

Ally: I realized my life goal or one of them at the age of 21. At 21 I had a revelation. I knew that I was supposed to help people. I am using my blog as my first outlet to get that dream started.

If you weren't living in New York being a jewelry designer/ public speaker/ everything else what would you be doing instead?

Ally: I would love to one day live a very simple life. I would be living on an island somewhere. I would wake up everyday on this island to journal, meditate, and pray, raise a family, and work with kids at a center. I love my lifestyle now but would also love to experience that one day.


If you could give once piece of advice to a woman who is an entrepreneur, what would it be?

Ally: There are a million paths to the same destination. Meaning try not to get frustrated when you work hard or create a path and things go differently. They go differently because there is a divine plan for you and if you learn to work with it or go with its flow then everything falls into place at the right time. And stay away from negative people. Remember there is nothing normal about following your dreams. It means being out of the box, being abnormal and trust me people will not understand you but try to ignore them and keep it moving. It takes perseverance, a lot of courage, and discipline to follow your dreams and if you think you can do it then please at least try.

Why do you consider yourself a self-inspired beauty? Do you feel that all women should recognize their self-inspired beauty? If so why?

Ally: I am a self-inspired beauty because I don’t need anyone or anything to define me. I wear what I want, do what I want, and dance how I want (LOL) and rarely every worry about what people think about me. Part of loving your self is being free. The more you grow and learn about yourself and the world around you then there is this indescribably feeling of “freeness” that comes along with it and it’s amazing! I think that all women should aim to find their self inspired beauty because it makes life that much more enjoyable.