Embracing Your Unique Beauty: Lessons from Lupita Nyong’o.

Being a woman in today’s society, standards of beauty are constantly shoved in our faces. We are supposed to be tall, thin, have perfect skin, and glossy hair. But, what happens to those women who don’t fit this mold? What happens to women who have dark skin, kinky hair, or a curvier body type? These women often find themselves feeling inadequate and unsatisfied with their appearance. However, actress Lupita Nyong’o’s meteoric rise in Hollywood over the past few years has proven that embracing your unique beauty is not only possible but is also essential for true happiness and success.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the valuable lessons that we can learn from Lupita’s experience and discover how to embrace our unique beauty.

Lesson 1: Embrace Your Natural Hair

As a woman with kinky African hair, I know how challenging it can be to keep up with the societal standard of long, straight hair. For centuries, the world has told us that our hair is unruly, unmanageable, and unkempt. It’s no wonder that most of us have resorted to using weaves, wigs, and relaxers to try and fit in. However, Lupita has shown us that embracing our natural hair is not only possible but is also beautiful.

Lupita has always embraced her natural hair and has been seen rocking her kinky curls on the red carpet and in her movies. She has spoken out about her love for her natural hair and encouraged other women to do the same. In a speech at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event in 2017, Lupita said, “I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin. I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin.” She went on to say, “But when I finally look at myself and said, ‘Yeah I am beautiful’, and carried that with me, my life changed.”

Lupita’s message is clear: the key to embracing your natural beauty is to first accept and love yourself for who you are – kinky hair and all. When you love yourself, it’s easier to embrace your natural hair and feel confident in your appearance.

Lesson 2: Be Confident in Your Skin

Being confident in your skin is easier said than done, but Lupita has mastered the art of self-love. She has never shied away from showing off her stunning dark skin, even in skin-baring dresses on the red carpet. She has always been vocal about the importance of embracing all skin tones and has consistently advocated for better representation of black women in the media.

In a 2014 interview with Glamour, Lupita said, “I hope that my presence on your screens and in the magazines may lead you, young girl, on a similar journey. That you will feel the validation of your external beauty, but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside.” Lupita’s message reminds us that beauty is not just about outward appearances but also about self-worth and self-love. Being confident in your skin means accepting and loving yourself for who you are, regardless of what the world thinks.

Lesson 3: Dress for Yourself

Lupita’s fashion sense is unrivaled. From her colorful headwraps to her bold makeup choices, Lupita stands out from the crowd in the best way possible. She dresses for herself, and as a result, she exudes confidence and self-assuredness.

In an interview with InStyle, Lupita said, “I dress to express myself. I love color and texture and print. I’m not afraid to wear bold, daring makeup or accessories. I enjoy taking risks with fashion because it’s a way to communicate who I am without having to say a word.” Lupita’s message is simple: dress for yourself. When you embrace your own style and wear what makes you feel good, you’ll not only look good but feel good too.

Lesson 4: Believe in Yourself

Lupita’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of belief in oneself. She believed in her talent and abilities and pursued her dreams, even when the odds were against her. She didn’t let her dark skin or African accent hold her back and instead used them to her advantage.

In a 2014 speech at the Black Women in Hollywood event, Lupita said, “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.” Her message is clear: believe in yourself, and your dreams are achievable.

Lesson 5: Stand Up for What You Believe In

Lupita is not just a talented actress; she is also a passionate activist. She has used her platform to advocate for various social and environmental causes, including the Elephant Crisis Fund and the Time’s Up movement. She has been vocal about the importance of representation in the media and has encouraged Hollywood to diversify their casting choices.

In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Lupita said, “I realized that my value was not in my skin and that it was not in my hair. My value is who I am, and nothing about that has changed. I remain the same girl.” Lupita’s message is clear: stand up for what you believe in. When you use your voice to advocate for causes you believe in, you not only make a positive impact on the world but also feel a sense of confidence and self-worth.

In conclusion, Lupita Nyong’o is a shining example of what it means to embrace your unique beauty. By embracing her natural hair, being confident in her skin, dressing for herself, believing in herself, and standing up for what she believes in, she has become a role model for women around the world. Her message is simple: beauty is not about fitting into a mold; it’s about being confident and loving who you are. By following Lupita’s example, we can all learn to embrace our unique beauty and live our best lives.