By Yael Even
Coming to college, I constantly searched for purpose. It wasn’t until a tube of red lipstick and I came together that allowed me to discover who I am. I finally realized everything I could possibly need was right in front of me.
As it feels crowded on campus, let alone the inner space, there is an urge to find out who we are in our early 20s to separate ourselves from our peers. While building your presence online has its benefits, it’s important to be rooted in who you are.
Now, I go by girlwtheredlip. It all started when I wore a red lip to a New Year’s party in 2020 and have been hooked ever since. It gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed and made me feel beautiful on the inside and out. A whole lot of red lipstick later, it became my brand. I get asked all the time, “How did it come together?” Well, it was a number of things:
- Identify your values: So much of who we are is what we believe in. Once you have your values right in front of you, there’s no looking back. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe. Make sure to keep your beliefs in mind with every step you take. I believe in being kind, loyal, and honest. My values ground me, reminding me of what truly matters.
- Find your prize: Whether it’s a couple months from now or five years down the road, write down your goals. It’s my way of keeping my “eyes on the prize.” Your prize can be something tangible or can even mean achieving something from within. My ‘prize’ is the Big Apple. I have dreamt of living there since I was a little girl. One day, I hope to make it on the big screen in NYC. Mark Murphy, senior contributor to Forbes, said “People who very vividly describe or picture their goals are anywhere from 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish their goals.” There is value in identifying your prize early on. My dreams are big, but they keep me on my toes. It’s important to live a life that excites you and hopefully your prize will lead you in the right direction.
- Tap into what makes you feel you’re best: It could be the people you surround yourself with, your hobbies, dreams, etc because for me, I find peace in a red lip. It gave me the clarity I was searching for all along, allowing me to unfold who I’m meant to become. It made me feel unstoppable and led me to realize I don’t need a red lip becauseI can do anything I set my mind to.
- Say yes: The neat thing about being in your twenties is that it’s never too late or too early to start something. There are a million opportunities right in front of us, all it takes is one word: yes! You never know what door a “yes” could open, let yourself find out. You never know who you’re going to cross paths with. Sometimes you can even create opportunities for yourself. This past summer I served as a Press Intern on Capitol Hill. I never had planned to work in politics, but the door opened after I visited D.C. over spring break. You never know where a “yes” can take you.
- Face adversity: I’m a firm believer that you grow the most when you’re uncomfortable. Change is scary, but don’t let it hold you back. Have tough conversations, ask yourself hard questions, and take advice from others. How you handle change says a lot about your character.
Your brand is more than a tangible item, it’s who you are. Your brand really begins once you start your self discovery journey. It can look like a million different ways, though it’s most effective once you begin to embrace your true self.
Ever since finding my “why,” I learned I can do anything I set my mind to. I may fail, but I can get right back up. That’s the beauty of it. So for me, it was a red lip that helped me ignite my fire and never look back. Everything you could possibly need is right in front of you whether it’s a beauty product or a mantra you live by. Whatever it is, make sure to tap into it and never stop dreaming.