The #SelfEsteem Project: Meet Rainy Paul

Sponsored in part by Dove

Sure, CollegeFashionista is all about capturing the latest college fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends. But, at the end of the day, CollegeFashionista is about way more than cool clothes. CollegeFashionista is an outlet that invites our Style Gurus to feel empowered to be themselves, share their unique voice with the world and find confidence through their talents.

But we are not alone is wanting to spread this sense of empowerment and self-worth. One of our greatest allies in this mission is Dove. The iconic beauty brand is committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. Dove statistics show that 9 out of 10 girls want to change at least one thing about their appearance. To combat these statistics, the latest Dove Self-Esteem Project campaign encourages girls to realize they don’t need to change on thing about their appearance.

Dove and research agree—the best way we can achieve this mission is through providing positive, confident role models to girls and women out there. We are so proud to have a network of radiant CollegeFashionista Style Gurus who are beautiful simply by being themselves.

Throughout the next few weeks, Dove and CollegeFashionista will be heading out to campuses across the country to engage in conversations and events about self-esteem, self-worth and individuality.

First up—CollegeFashionista will be heading to San Diego. To kick-off the series, we caught up with one of our rockstar Style Gurus attending University of San Diego as she discusses how she harnesses self esteem and confidence.

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CollegeFashionista: What gives you strong self-esteem?

Rainy Paul: Practicing yoga is one of the many things that gives me strong self-esteem. It encourages me to learn more about myself on a deeper level and puts everything into perspective, making me realize I am proud of the woman I have become.

CF: What is one beauty feature you love about yourself?

RP: The feature I love about myself is my wild curly hair.

CF: Who is your role model?

RP: My mother. She is the one who taught me to always let my light shine, to never stop laughing and to keep my chin up.

CF: Why is it important for you to rally campus leaders to help younger girls understand the importance of body image and self-esteem?

RP: It’s important for campus leaders to help younger girls understand the importance of a healthy body image and positive self-esteem because they are at the age where they need the encouragement to be the strong, beautiful women they truly are. It’s vital that we stand together and show support for one another by celebrating the different types of beauty we encompass because we are the women they look up to. Young girls need to see an example of leaders that are proud of who they are.

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Don’t live in the San Diego-area? You can still be a part of the conversation! Visit Pinterest.com/SelfEsteem. Experience, share and repin free self-esteem activities and tips with the girls in your life using the hashtag #SelfEsteemProject. Be sure to watch the “Dove Change One Thing” film to be further inspired to be a confident role model for the women in your life!

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