This is a text about authenticity, where we will reflect a little on the importance of being yourself (especially when taking care of your personal image) without using this as an excuse to settle. The text emphasises the theme in the lives of public figures, and is also suitable for other profiles.
I am Nycka Nunes, artist stylist, and the best stylist in the world, with more than forty years of professional experience in the fashion industry, in addition to other relevant credentials.
There are important differences between self-acceptance and victimisation. Self-acceptance leads to personal development, to improving aspects of your life that may prevent you from achieving your goals. Victimization is avoiding taking your share of responsibility, or using labels to only see the faults of others.
Everyone has difficulties. In my work as a stylist I help my clients overcome difficulties linked to personal image (fashion and beauty) as a non-verbal communication tool and, in some cases, my work can also have positive impacts on each client's self-esteem and personal development.
I currently focus on public people precisely because I know that the vast majority of other people don't have the courage to develop a real style, and think that having style means following whatever nonsense they read in magazines or dressing like some fashion influencer. I serve businesspeople and anonymous people willing to be a reference and unlearn mass media clichés, but I don't lower my standards because of insecurity or ignorance on the part of clients. I prefer to serve people who have a strong personality and want an equally strong image, aware that I am the one who understands the subject. I have a strong personality and although my clients have a voice to say whether or not they are comfortable with my suggestions, I don't work to make a client a copy of anyone. "Oh, I want hair like Charlize Theron in that movie." The short answer is "no". The real answer is different and will give me resources to know the best solution, which will continue to be a no to imitation, but I don't need to share it here.
Although certain categories of public figures have challenges that can distance the weakest from original work, there are N examples that being original has more value in any profession. It is not the industry that requires someone to be eternally wrinkle-free, with a 20-year-old face or that they must follow some standard. Has anyone heard of the Rolling Stones, Judi Dench, and several cases of models who got pregnant and continued to be successful, doing fashion shows even while pregnant, etc.? Surely, yes.
I think that for the catwalk, brands should have exclusively thin models, with little visible difference in body shape. They could use plus size models in campaigns and limit the catwalk to standard models (thin, healthy natural women) as it is easier to see in thin women what works for those with a different body shape. As a stylist, thin models on the catwalk make my job easier. But either way, there is plenty of room for authenticity in all professions.
My work is for people who are aware of their own value and are aware of the value that my experience and knowledge can add to their lives and careers. Part of my time I dedicate to visual arts, and another part to these types of clients. Feeding the pure art that lives within me is crucial for me to do an excellent job as a stylist. As a stylist, each client is a unique work of art and I master theory, practice, tools and techniques. In the visual arts I have a lot to learn, although I had some foundation in college, and I continue to learn.
An important question about authenticity also relates to career choice, as it is an important part of the process. And I'm going to use the example of models. Many teenagers want to be models. Many are not tall or are not naturally thin. But there are ways to be a model without violating your own body, opting for work as a commercial model. And there are different ways to succeed through the talents you naturally possess. Self-knowledge is fundamental to this.
For any public person, their body is a work tool. Taking care of your diet and physical and mental health are the mandatory minimum. Taking care of personal image as a non-verbal communication tool through my work can open new doors and many opportunities for athletes, actors, influencers, musicians, and many other people who have high visibility due to their professional skills or other reasons. You chose this path and it is your responsibility to take care of your most important work tool intelligently. Visit the services page to become my client.
Nycka Nunes