To Be Honest, It Feels Good to Be Myself

Some journeys aren't about becoming someone new, they're about finally giving yourself permission to be who you've been all along. This week we have an exciting To Be Honest epsiode with one of my best friends, Holt! In this conversation, Holt shares what it was like growing up in a tiny North Carolina town where he didn't always feel comfortable being his full, authentic self, how moving away for college began to expand his world, and how finding community in Denver helped him fully embrace who he is today. We also talk about the role fashion has played in self expression, why no single part of your identity defines you, and how authenticity isn't something you arrive at overnight, it's something you build one small step at a time. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up in a small town and feeling like you had to fit a certain mold How college and new experiences can expand your perspective Finding community and the power of being understood Using fashion as a form of self expression Why one part of your identity doesn't define your entire story Taking small, courageous steps toward living more authentically Whether you're navigating your own identity, searching for where you belong, or simply learning to show up more fully as yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you that becoming who you are is always worth it. ✨Lets connect on instagram: @mikalen.co