Q&A

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Ten years ago, I was scouted in my local mall by a modeling agent.

There I was on a normal Saturday afternoon being a typical (albeit above average height and awkwardly gangly) 14 year old girl goofing off with friends inside the Candy Factory.

A tap on my shoulder and a business card in my wallet later,

I entered a world of comp cards and go-sees.

a world of uplifting industry standards and unending rejecting criticism.

By age 17, I was presented with a choice.

cramped models' apartment in europe

or

whatever else in the world I could dream of doing.

The photos. clothes. makeup. lights.

all fade away.

It was tiring being "in" one season and "out" the next.

Continually having to change myself to fit the mold.

I needed to find something constant.

something true.

And I did.

That's why I feel so drawn to companies like {The Monument of Our Hearts}

spreading the message of real beauty,

while making some rockstar clothes along the way.

TMOOH founder and friend of a friend, {Brett Clouser}, recently answered a few of my burning questions about life, style, and purpose.

Good stuff.

...

*How is a clothing company re-defining the typical version of beauty?

This is a great question. The Monument of Our Hearts is dedicated to helping people see that their beauty and worth come from within. We are sending the message to people that their beauty stems from something inside of themselves rather than solely on the exterior. Our main logo, an upside-down heart graphic, acts as a constant reminder of our internal beauty. The idea behind it is pretty simple, when you’re wearing one of our shirts, the logo is upside-down to others but in perspective to you. This reminds you to forget about trying to fit into a physical beauty ideal and letting your beauty shine from within.

*Has there been any difficulty in finding acceptance, (especially in L.A.), with this outside of the “beauty- box” message?

Whenever you’re taking on an initiative that contrasts mainstream culture it can be hard to find acceptance. We have definitely experienced some setbacks from some media and retail channels because of our messaging but that is totally understandable. I don’t think TMOOH would be in existence if our message was happily digested by mainstream culture. Our message of helping people see their inner beauty and infinite worth within may never be en vogue but it is relevant to each of us. Sir Winston Churchill said, “kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” The resistance is inevitable and obstacles are in place for us to overcome every day.

*Is there a story behind the upside-down heart logo?

When you look at the heart from an external vantage point, the heart is upside down. However, if you’re the person wearing wearing the shirt and look down, the heart is in perspective to you. This acts as a reminder to be true to yourself and let your beauty shine from within.

*Favorite TMOOH shirt/product?

Right now, I am loving the heart logo raglan with the charcoal graphic on black. I think it is a highly versatile piece for almost any wardrobe and acts as a constant reminder for me to find my worth within is much needed. Every time I put the shirt on at the beginning of the day, I take one of the TMOOH mantra’s which are printed on the inside of the shirts and meddle with it for that today. Last time I wore it I was contemplating how to integrate the following line into my daily life, ‘aim for excellence, not perfection.’

*Best part of/or experience in this whole journey so far?

I wrote part of my story on the blog a few months ago which summarized some of the struggles I’ve personally endured while working with TMOOH. There are two things specifically I am grateful about my journey thus far. First, I have been able to use the mission and some of my experiences working on TMOOH as a catalyst on my journey to finding my own inner beauty and worth. Secondly, there was a girl who messaged me a few months ago that said “For the first time ever, I looked into the mirror and actually believed it when I told myself I’m beautiful.” Hearing those words touched my heart and reaffirmed the whole reason I started TMOOH three years ago.

*Do you have a personal style icon/influence?

My style is a mixture between Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia), Johnny Depp, and 1990’s Will Smith & Saved by the Bell cast. I tend to define my style with a minimalist outdoors aesthetic, neon/bright tee’s, bohemian/eclectic styling, and 20th century workwear.

*What inspires you most?

I’m inspired most by seeing people believe in themselves to the point where it inspires them to chase their dreams and impact the world. I’m also inspired by seeing or hearing from people who are progressing on their journey to find their infinite source of beauty and worth within.

*If you had to sum up what true beauty is, in a few words?

Beauty is authentically loving yourself.

*TMOOH claims that, and I quote, the shirts are “as soft as a unicorns mane.” True or False?

True story....but you’ll have to feel them to truly find out.

...

Thanks again Brett!

Next up, baby sizes, right?

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xoxo

{Bon Bon}