A wise person once said “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” We’re not sure whether that person was Clint Eastwood or Bear Grylls, but either way, the sentiment still stands, and oh boy does it ring true. Improvising usually entails something unexpected preceded it, which potentially results in a lot of going back and forth on what to do. How to exactly improvise to gain the best possible outcome. Either way, both in life, and in career, a lot of improvising, adapting, and eventually, overcoming has to be done, much to our dismay.
Our latest Cool Face of Bastet Noir, Laureen Uy, is one that worked her way to the top, making moves and pioneering in the fashion industry to make a name for herself though her dedication and honesty. Laureen has done it all, starting her career as a fashion blogger, to eventually move onto Youtube and Instagram, and even start her own non-fashion related business. We are in awe of this woman’s chameleon-like nature to always stay on top of everything, so if you’d like to hear her inspiring story, keep reading!
Who is Laureen Uy?
Laureen is someone who loves to live life, stay inspired, and hopefully inspire other people too through her learnings and experiences in life.
What’s your morning routine like?
I usually wake up, make iced coffee, spend some me-time even if it’s as little as 5–10 minutes (because I believe giving yourself space to breathe in the morning will help you stay more positive and recharged) before starting my day. And of course, skincare. Lol.
Your fashion journey started way back in 2010 with your blog Break My Style, which has rocketed you to success at a time when blogs were just starting to become the main platform for personal expression. As with any influencer, the paths slowly diverged onto Instagram, Youtube, and now TikTok. As a style veteran who has been there through it all, what are your thoughts on the almost necessary shift from one platform onto the next?
I started out with my blog and lookbook more than a decade ago (ikr!), and it slowly transitioned to Twitter, then Instagram, and now Youtube. I think change is constant and we have to embrace new things that come along. I embrace change. I always look for new ways to keep me inspired with what I do.
You have been creating fun content on Youtube for over six years now, from entertaining traveling vlogs to fashion and homeware hauls, which is truly impressive. What prompted you to start creating videos and have you found yourself creating specific boundaries over the years of what should and should not go in the final edit?
I started my blog Break My Style 11 years ago because I wanted to have a visual diary for myself so that 5–10 years from now I can still look back and see how my style evolved and share a part of my life with my readers. It’s really the same now, I just transitioned to videos. I believe there’s a balance in everything — and this applies when I film my travels. I share a part of my life but I also know when to put my camera down and enjoy / live in the present.
So much of your brand identity is closely connected to fashion and lifestyle, which we assume would at times feel a bit restricting as to what your niche on the internet is. Are there any other business ventures outside the fashion bubble that have caught your attention?
I actually have a startup business with my boyfriend in the Philippines. It’s called Hungry Homies and we sell comfort food: burgers and fries. I’m a foodie myself and I appreciate good food, so when my boyfriend started making smash burgers during the pandemic — we decided to try selling a few burgers to friends and from there, we just grew and grew! We now have a headquarters / commissary and hopefully we get to do more popups this year too.
One thing you wish you knew before starting out?
Don’t stress on the small stuff.
Biggest failure/setback in life, and what have you learned from it?
I actually have a lot of failing moments, but it’s how you get back up that’s what’s most important. You need to know that it’s okay to fail because you don’t focus on failing — you focus on the progress. Failing is part of life, but you should never be discouraged when it happens. You learn from them. And you get back up and you do it beautifully and gracefully the next time around.
Books that changed your life
Any Mitch Albom book.
Favorite female empowerment speech?
I have a few favorites, but let me share what Beyonce said during her speech for graduating students during this unprecedented time 2 years ago.
Dear Class of 2020: “To the young women, our future leaders, know that you’re about to make the world turn. I see you. You are everything the world needs. Make those power moves, be excellent. And to the young kings, lean into your vulnerability and redefine masculinity. Lead with heart.”
(I also am a huge Beyonce fan and her songs are very empowering too!)
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