It’s time to celebrate your differences.

To mark mental health awareness week I thought I’d write this post as a positive boost to your day, drawing from personal experiences, other businesses/influencers I look up to, and the core values of Freya Niamh Design. I think it’s really important to celebrate uniqueness especially in a society that insists that we all follow ‘the norm’. In recent years I’ve noticed ever-increasing pressures on both men and women but I’ve also noticed a lot more badass, beautiful people celebrating their differences which have both inspired me and helped me to accept my pre-conceived ‘flaws’.

Starting with one of my absolute favourite body positivity and acne queens Izzie Rodgers <3 Acne has been something I’ve suffered with on and off my whole life, growing up I used to cover up with layers of thick foundation while trying to avoid certain lighting that would accentuate my bumpy skin texture. I know all those years ago, especially at secondary school, I would have absolutely loved to see confident, beautiful women like Izzie on my phone highlighting how bloody normal (and beautiful) acne is. I think she’s making such a difference in a lot of young people’s lives as they grow up with insecurities about things that they’re naturally blessed with. Thank you Izzie ya absolute goddess! X

Next, we have one of my absolute favourite brands at the moment: Lucy and Yak, leaders of the comfort movement. I don’t know about you but being quite tall with wide hips I find it pretty hard to find clothes that aren’t either too short for me or just ill-fitting of my body shape, this one size fits all for clothing can be pretty stressful and a real blow to the confidence when sizes across the brands differ so drastically. Lucy and Yak stood out to me just because of their inclusivity of customers while also looking stylish and high quality. They cater to a whole spectrum of body types across the sexes and I just love it.

I mean it’s not so much a business but my ultimate feel-good tv show has got to be Ru Paul’s drag race, the whole notion of people embracing and showing off their differences can literally bring me to tears with happiness. It feels comforting, fun, and refreshing to see such an uplifting show on mainstream tv. I often delve into old seasons for a quick pick-me-up when I’m feeling a little lost and lacking in confidence. My favourite has to be the UK drag race, I just live for those comedy queens (Bimini Bon Boulash ya lil babe). I think it’s so important to have access to shows like this to remind those that feel like they don’t fit in that they are absolutely fabulous and that there are people out there ready to accept you for you. I love you mama Ru!

Diversity in all aspects is so important but one that I personally feel can get overlooked when talking about inclusivity is a disability. I recently worked for a disabled children’s charity and have family members with various disabilities such as MS and over time I’ve heard a few of the things some people have had to experience while living with a disability from being ostracized and judged by society to having difficulty with basic day-to-day experiences, ones others often take for granted. Disabled_Eliza is really inspiring for those looking for someone to relate to regarding these topics, talking about their own disability, mainstream topics on disability but also feminism and other core societal issues currently going on. Their open and honest platform supports those with disabilities who may be in a similar position but also educates those who’ve never really thought much about it before. Such a positive and kind role model for people to learn and grow from.

The Unapologetic Street Series is the one for boss energy. Founder and artist Johanna Toruño brings visibility to an array of topics from race to gender through the use of eye-catching street art. Her current works on transgender rights, Palestine, and racial equality really stand out from the environment she sits them in shedding more light onto important struggles people are experiencing right now. Her work is more than art but more so part of an essential movement which I hope many more will absorb, follow and learn from. I’ve loved her work since the moment I found it and I think you’ll love it too. What a woman.

Now I have to admit I’m slightly addicted to the next brand/social platform I’ve picked. This inspiring page of education has taught me so much about my own body and the very rarely talked about normalities of being a woman. The Vagina Blog is the epitome of a safe space where you’ll be surrounded by lots of like-minded women learning about everything vagina from the physicality of your own to the normalities of sex, all your questions you’ve never felt safe asking can be answered here through anonymous polls and question times. Top job.

Finally I’d like to end with two of my fav unique creatives at the moment. Starting with Ponky Wots (doesn’t that name just bring you so much happiness?) the beautiful originality of these pieces brings me so much joy, the character and aesthetic of each individual pot is so charming they’d make the ultimate gift for a bestie. Ponky wots are handmade by Jade Groves in London an illustration and animation graduate. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next with her creative talent.

I mean I had to include this brand, just look at it. Blackcurrent pop is what I dream of when I go to bed at night, the colourfantastic accessories are so tacky and barbielicious I can’t get enough. Wearing these pieces you’d feel like a total badass and you can guarantee that you won’t be catching anyone else wearing one. I love the playful, not giving a shit attitude these pieces radiate, they feel so energising I want to have them covering every part of my body.

So there you have it, all my fav brands, people and influencers celebrating individuality and the importance of difference at the moment. I’d just like to say while on the topic of mental health how important it is, not just during mental health awareness week, but through your whole life to avoid comparison with others if it makes you feel unhappy. There’s only one you, made exactly as intended and only you can share what you’ve got with the world, by doing so you’ll be sharing something absolutely magical just like these people have here. Be kind to yourself and block/unfollow anything that makes you feel any less than who you are. I can guarantee you’re not alone, we all have times of doubt and insecurity but by absorbing content from positive, uplifting people and brands you’ll feel a lot better in yourself. I hope you have a wonderful morning/evening whatever you’re doing and I hope I’ve introduced you to at least one new brand that will give you a sense of belonging, positivity, and relatability.

Until next time…

Hannah XXX