Guest Spotlight: Jennifer Luna
This week's guest blogger is Jennifer Luna. She is based out of San Antonio. Jennifer is on mission to empower women. She recently started a Facebook thread that has gained thousands of followers.
The Empowered You
By: Jennifer Luna
I believe being an empowered woman means encouraging other women to look in the mirror and feel amazing about themselves. I think every woman knows what it’s like to feel ugly, or not worthy enough. It’s such a horrible feeling and it will literally keep you from living. Like, living. For me, personally, I have witnessed how much insecurities can hold a woman back. I just didn’t want to be held back anymore. For example, I love the beach - and I would never let cellulite, or my mommy tummy stop me from enjoying any beach vacations in an amazing swimsuit.
I love posting body positive messages on social media. Most recently, I started a thread on a Facebook group with over 60k followers. It was so beautiful. Hundreds of women have posted beautiful photos in their swimsuits. It's amazing to see all different kinds of women just look so happy and gorgeous.
It’s a reminder that the energy you emit is what makes you beautiful. Makeup or no makeup, “beach body” or not, none of that defines you. At the end of the day, it's how you make people feel. Your energy is what will make all those precious things in the world more attracted to you. It was amazing to see real, raw, beautiful women - embrace all aspect of themselves outside of “societal standards.”
I used to work at a bridal store as a dress specialist. During prom season, I always loved taking care of all the high school girls looking for their perfect dress. One girl specifically, I remember came into the store with her dad and we picked out a couple of dresses for her. She didn’t like dressing up and didn’t dress up often, but wanted to give prom a shot. I could tell this was so important for her, and it was a way to help build her self-confidence. I really tried to devote all my attention to her. She ended up picking out a beautiful red dress that went perfectly with her red hair. I remember when she looked in the mirror, she started to cry.
She loved the way she looked and it even brought tears to her dad’s eyes. He was so grateful that his daughter was finally able to see the beautiful person she was; not only on the inside, but on the outside too. That was a turning point for me. I know that no matter what I do in life, I want to help women feel amazing. Across the world, women face all kinds of challenges including domestic violence and inequality. My son is my biggest motivation and inspiration. I communicate with him about some of the challenges women face, and that I have faced. I try to use it as a way to teach him how things can be better. Showing my son a woman’s worth, is something I always try to instill in him. He’s 8-years-old now, and he’s constantly surrounded by women, including myself and my mom. Raising a child that will eventually be a part of a promising future that will vote, and make systematic changes - is a job I do not take lightly.
Overall, I feel women want to be accepted, and supported— we have to be. Life is hard and it doesn’t give us any favors, or benefits of the doubt. In order for empowerment to grow, it must come from people who accept and support each other; even if it means helping build self-confidence in each other.