BeautyTies creator: Julia

 

Hi everyone, Julia here! I thought it would be great to introduce myself to you all and my journey so far. Let’s start this from High School. My accomplishments were made from here and it formed who I am today. When I was 8, I was classed as a young carer for my Mum. When I was 12, I sat in Scottish Parliament with other MSPs to fight for rights for carers across Scotland (of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances). I don’t quite think my teachers believed me when I handed a note in to say I was debating with MPs, but that was just a typical day in the life of Julia! 

 

I was awarded a Queens Diamond Jubilee medal for leadership, as young carer. I was at a highland getaway with Fife Young Carers and we did various tasks. I was given this at the end.

From being a young carer, I was made an ambassador for all carers in my high school. I stood in front of every single staff member in my school to tell them exactly what issues we faced every day. My time at Fife Young Carers I appeared in their adverts and I was also was invited to the Queens Garden Party. It was such an honour for me to attend, I will never forget this. 

Myself with a gentleman who is a member of  The Royal Company of Archers. The Queens bodyguard on Scotland.

 When I was in school, I could not take to tests or exams. No matter how much I had studied, I just could not do it. I applied for college in my fifth year to study Events Management. I finally found an area I loved to work in. I had to pass one Higher exam with a C pass in either English or Business (easy, right...?) but I didn’t pass. The devastation was unreal. My dream of getting a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes were out of my reach. My Mum then told me I should phone the college and speak to someone to see if anything can be done to help; and so, I did. It so happens that the college had a clearing event to help those in my situation still get onto a course. My Dad drove me to the nearest campus, and I went in with no hope, and left with a vision. I was accepted onto my course but a level below and would progress onto it the following year.  In my first year of college, I loved the hospitality industry. There was so much to learn, and I mean more than I imagined. Our lecturer tells my class that there are scholarships going that the class should look into, so I did. Though I had no idea what scholarship I applied for, I did it anyway. Weeks later, I receive an email to tell me I was the person chosen as the winner of the scholarship! The college make the bistro available, and the manager of this scholarship does his speech. He then announces that for two days, I will get an entire Gleneagles experience as a customer, how staff live there and so much more. It is more than what most people would see and hear about. The experience was just out of this world.

Me receiving my scholarship. I learned so much at Gleneagles. It holds a place in my heart.

I was the college mascot sometimes too! It was so much fun.

Ready to meet people

 

Me with my awards at the College for my work. Not bad for a girl with no high school grades!

In my last year of studying (my HND) I joined the college’s student’ association as a women’s officer – then later Lead Equalities Officer – which was an amazing experience. I joined the board of the college and was able to see the college as a student and staff member. I wanted to do an event for International Women’s Day and raise money for Women’s Aid. By doing so, I had contacted a number of companies to come along: FRASAC, Women’s Aid, White Ribbon, Body Shop and more. The feedback was incredible, and I managed to raise £200 for the charity. From this, I had received an outstanding achievement award with the student’ association as someone that was recognised for the hard work I had put in. 

Awarding the cheque to Woman's Aid. I wish I could have made more but I only had four hours for the event.

 Now, since graduating with my HND in Events Management, I work at the college I also studied from. I am also studying my degree part time and life is just super busy! I am so thankful for everyone that saw my potential when I didn’t. Part of who I am and what I believe is to stick up for what is right. I could get knocked down a million times, but I will still get up. Thanks to my Mum and Dad for being rocks and guiding me through it all, I have every confidence that when I move out this year (I have already viewed a flat this week for the first time ever – yay!) I will be confident to take on any new challenge that comes my way. The blog is a great focus for me to do something different. I love beauty products. Even on zoom calls I need to make sure I look great for work and online conferences.

LOCKDOWN

I moved in with my elderly Nan who has Alzheimer's in lockdown. My family were trying to think of way to cater for her as her usual routine out to care home was stopped. I love my family so much and I moved in with her for a while to help look after and sorting out working from her home as she doesn't have broadband. My work was great at fixing broadband. It was juggling act and I  even did a job interview from her house and got it! 

I painted my nans nails. She used to get them done on her visits out at the care home.

Me with my nan. There was a group chat set up with family where I could send photos and updates how she was. These are the screenshots from the group chat. It is important to connect.

My dream came true and I got myself the Christian Louboutin shoes! I worked hard and got them.

                              I first wore these to The Ivy. 

                                                    Cocktails at The Ivy

I could have given up since the moment I knew (or thought I knew) I couldn’t go to college, but I didn’t. I wiped the tears, put on my mascara and fought. If I can do it - so can you! My mum taught me there is more than one path to where you want to go. It's true. Follow your own footsteps because you don't need to walk in someone else's. Work hard. Surround yourself with positive people who can acknowledge you and hear your voice. We started a BeautyTies Spotify account. On this you can hear the playlist we listen to in the car, music to relax or going out. More importantly, is the Survivor playlist. I made it up with my mum of tracks we connect with. When woman's voices are ignored in domestic abuse scenarios and they feel lost, listening to music can help. The strong messages. Stay strong, love deeply and be kind.

Spotify:    https://open.spotify.com/user/ozldx7i1memih73uvtm6isyrb?si=5O_fuQHaSQG_QkcJu84QOg

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxxyd0U2AZKEzqc8UbQKYsQ

Pinterest: https://pin.it/1Wf4wqS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautyties?s=21