MY PAST, MY STRUGGLES, MY STORY

This quote is exactly how I felt a few years ago.

I had hit a really low point in my life that no one around me was even aware of.

It’s interesting how much easier it is to talk about things once we are on the other side.

I’m sharing my story with you because this is how I got to where I am today.

I’m sharing my story today because I hope it helps others.

You are not alone.

I grew up always being the creative type. I loved fashion from day 1. I remember having sleepovers in jr. high/hs with my friends and we’d bring a ton of outfits, do our hair and makeup and take pictures. (so ironic you can actually make a career out of that now). And good thing there was no social media back then…some of those outfits were LOL.

I got my degree in Interior Design at SDSU and worked in the interior design field designing residential and commercial spaces. After working many years in that field I decided to quit and pursue my own handbag line “CiCi handbags”. I would drive up to LA 3 times a week (about 2 years), meet with manufactures, reps, showrooms, buyers, etc. It was a cut throat industry and it left me with no money to keep creating new collections. The interior Design firm I had worked at prior was looking for a part time consultant….so that was such a blessing to go back to.

After my husband Jeff and I had been married for 4 years we thought it was the right time to start a family. I left my job to be a full time stay at home mom. Best job ever! I’m so beyond blessed to be a mom and love my 2 littles more than anything! Fast forward years later and there were days I would feel really down and depressed. Those depressed feelings would then turn into huge guilt. I would look around and see everything I had dreamed of but I would sometimes feel so sad. I was lost in my thoughts and I didn’t know why.

My ultimate low point was passing by our downstairs mirror one day.

I took a glimpse at my reflection and I couldn’t help but just cry. I didn’t recognize who was looking back at me. Where’s Aylin, where did the old me go? My husband found me bawling on the floor. This was my low. I knew I HAD to do something about this. And there was only up to go. It didn’t happen overnight. I had to do a lot of soul searching. I started to see a therapist. I had a lot of things from my past that I was holding on to. But here is what was life changing out of this. I came to the realization that I had lost my creative side and as a result had lost my identity.

“THIS” is what motivated me to start a blog.

Having this blog and community as my creative outlet has made me a better mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend so I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Today my heart fells full and proud. To see where Stylin by Aylin is today makes me so emotional…happy tears. I would have never imaged all the opportunities, brands and amazing people I have met in such a short time. And to be one of the hundred influencers featured in the new Liketoknow.it book is such an honor. This is just the beginning of my journey and I have you to thank for all the support and for following along!

“THIS” is how I found myself again.

“THIS” is what drove me to push though those limiting beliefs in my head.

“THIS” is what pushed me out of my comfort zone and to be vulnerable.

“THIS” is what made my believe in myself again.

“THIS” is why I’m sharing this because I hope it helps even just one person.

You’re not alone. You are loved.

xx,