Growing up I really struggled with self-esteem and body image issues. I spent most of my teen and adult years trying to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. I didn’t fit in.

As most young girls do, I also enjoyed retail therapy however, it wasn't always a fun experience. I would rarely find jewellery in my size, or I would buy something only to come home and realise that it didn't quite fit right. These experiences would further diminish my self-worth and dim the light inside me.

Now with the wisdom of age, life experience and a little bit of confidence, I'm finally learning to embrace myself. I make a conscious effort to be kind to myself and avoid negative self-talk. It has taken a lot of inner work and I don't always get it right, but I accept that I am perfectly imperfect.