We recently connected with Sunny and have shared our conversation below.
Sunny, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Honestly, building my confidence and self-esteem took time and a lot of work. I like to say I built it brick by brick. Growing up, I was that nerdy girl who loved anime and rocked her own style, and people definitely had opinions. Being a little overweight didn’t help either. But dance changed everything for me. It was my escape and my spotlight all in one. When I danced, I could let my personality shine and nobody could tell me a thing. Over time, that energy started to spill into every part of my life and it helped me believe in myself. Even though I don’t dance as much now, that spark is still in me and it’s the reason I walk into every room like I belong there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I make content that’s fun and relatable. It started with dancing and skits, but then I fell in love with fashion and now I’m learning how to blend it all together. I even get to put my computer science degree to work when I edit. Who knew those late night coding sessions would come in handy. Lol. I share tips on fitness, fashion, and everyday life, and I like to think of myself as the cool sister you didn’t know you needed because I’m always going to keep it real with you.
What excites me most is the connection. I love hearing that something I posted made someone feel more confident, try a new look, or even start creating their own content. That’s the magic for me, helping people tap into their own energy and creativity.
Looking ahead, I definitely plan to host events and bring this amazing community together in person. That’s already in the works, and I can’t wait to create spaces where we can laugh, learn, and celebrate each other in real life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’d say the three biggest qualities that shaped my journey are consistency, collaboration, and confidence.
Consistency is everything. You cannot give up. It’s definitely quality over quantity, but you still have to show up just like you would for a job. Even on the days when it feels slow, every post and every effort builds momentum.
Collaboration is powerful because you never know what someone else knows. Knowledge really is power. Take the course, network, reach out to people, and stay curious. The right connection or conversation can open doors you never even imagined.
And of course, confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. It takes time and yes, it might feel a little cringe at first, but if this is something you truly want, take it one day at a time. Be true to yourself, because that’s what makes your work stand out and keeps it fun.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
To be fair, I’m facing two big challenges right now, living at home and dealing with body dysmorphia.
Moving back home was rough. I’m not even gonna hold you, it really hurt my pride and at first I felt like a complete failure. But it also gave me a chance to start over and actually have a game plan. I was so ready to be on my own that I didn’t think everything through. Now I’m more mindful with my finances most days, and I’m handling this chapter with more patience and intention.
Body dysmorphia is a whole other monster. It’s hard to wake up every day and not be happy with the way I look. It’s not even about social media, it’s just me adjusting to how my body has changed. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully overcome it, but I’ve decided to film my journey. Maybe it will help someone else, and maybe someone will help me. The main thing is I’m choosing myself and working on being better every day, even if it’s slow progress. And honestly, I’m learning to throw in a little fun along the way, because if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theesunnymonae
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