Urszula Makowska is a growing social media influencer, full-time fashion blogger, and actress born and raised in the heart of New York City. But her way to the top wasn’t easy. As a teenager, she faced with many critics who told her off regarding her weight. Nevertheless, she pursued her dreams and learned to ignore comments with her strong will to succeed and inspire others. Today she is an inspiration to many girls out there trying to love themselves despite the bullying and tough times they are facing at the moment. Urszula shared her story and gave advice she would give to younger self and to all the teenagers who are facing the same problem at the moment.
What were your teen days like?
Being a teenager wasn’t always easy for me. I was always busy with attending auditions or going to piano class or working on assignments. I always worked hard and spent a majority of my time and effort paving my way to success. Even being consistently busy, there were the tough times and the good times that I remember very clearly today.
As teenagers, we deal with our personal image a lot and we take everything everyone says about us very personally. Firstly, you should never judge someone based on appearance. In my teenage years, I remember always hearing others talking about how skinny I was and how I’m anorexic because I’m too thin. There were times I was told to go eat a burger or people would say I’m sick. Words like those were very hurtful. I would often come home crying or look in the mirror and question myself, why I look like this. My weight was something I could never control. No matter how much I ate, I just couldn’t gain weight. I really took all of those comments personally to the point that I started to wear heavy makeup because I felt extremely insecure about myself. I covered up my natural beauty with heavy caked up the foundation. This eventually led to people calling me a slut. The more people talked, the more insecure I was and this led to the point of me seeking outside help from psychologist and psychiatrist. At one point I was prescribed anti-depressants.
Even with the negative experiences, there were a ton of positive experiences. I was on the road to discovering who I am and what I want from my life. It was a learning experience. I traveled a lot and was seeing different parts of the world. I was learning new things and creating memories in every place I was able to visit.
I was making new friends along the way. I remember getting into my first serious relationship which lasted three years. I was able to learn what it is like to love someone else and what I like and dislike about relationships. I was able to develop what I expect from a relationship. I also spent a lot of time with my true friends and those friends are still around in my life today. We would do everything together, from laughing to crying.
Looking back, my teenage years were fun! Those were beautiful years. I made mistakes, but that was all part of the learning process. It helped me become who I am today.
Who was your inspiration back then and why?
My biggest inspiration back then was Lauren Conrad. I was obsessed with watching The Hills. I loved her style and how her fashion life was portrayed on television. I wanted to do the same thing with her. She was my biggest source of inspiration.
Notes you would write to your younger self
Always remain positive and don’t let those hurtful words and comments get to you. Who are they to judge you? They are just insecure about themselves. You are an amazing person the way you are and you have people who love you for YOU. Most importantly, YOU should love YOU.
Also, make more mistakes. You are young and you should be living your life. Just remember always learn from your mistakes. It only makes your stronger to realise not to make the same ones over and over again.
What would be your advice to teens who would like to become a fashion blogger?
When I first started blogging, I started to do it for fun, but it soon became a full-time job. Don’t get me wrong, it is still fun, but it is a lot of work. If blogging is something you want to do, please follow your dreams. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you. Work hard and put your heart into it. Get out there, start a website and take photos. Start posting and inspiring others. At times you might get negative comments, but don’t let that get to you. Keep your head high and know that you are amazing.
