SPOTLIGHT: Erika Owens @glitterbuggin
Introducing a very beloved member of our VUSH Fam, it’s Erika Owens (she/her) @glitterbuggin! Erika is a jack of all trades, she is a podcast hoster, a great style haver, an every hair colour suiter, a funky fashion lover, and last but certainly not least, a fabulous accessory maker! We had some very pressing questions to ask Erika and she did not disappoint!
Why was using your platform to promote self love important to you?
It took me a very long time to learn how to really accept and empower myself through self care and expression, and it was never an easy journey. I struggled a lot growing up with fitting in and feeling like I didn't belong in the small town I lived in, so there was a lot of negativity surrounding my own self confidence and worth in my own mind, but once I started seeing others 'like me' on social media all over the world - that LOVED themselves - my mindset shifted and I told myself I would work hard to accept myself. I really resonated with these people and their messages before I had even thought about the fact I could make a change like them too someday. I guess it's important to me that I can use my online platform to promote self care, love, and acceptance because I was able to find myself and truly change my life because I myself was inspired by people doing the same thing.
How have you opened the conversation to those that aren’t as comfortable as you?
If people aren't comfortable having these conversations, they shouldn't be pushed. Sex, pleasure, and self love are all very personal and it's okay to be more private and reserved about it if that's what makes you feel comfortable and empowered within yourself - however, I have had people approach me expressing they have ingrained negative views about masturbation and sex and asking for advice on how to change that. For these people, I try to come from a place of understanding with a willingness to help but still be respectful and encourage them to explore themselves and their bodies at their own pace. Toys can be an incredible help because you can spend this time with yourself (if you choose!) learning without the initial shame that some people may feel. It's a long process and everyone is different!
What was your biggest self love misconception?
For a long time, I didn't feel comfortable talking about sex or masturbation and how they go hand in hand with self love and acceptance for me. It seemed like a dirty word, something to be ashamed about - because as women that's what we're led to believe as we mature and grow. Obviously, after doing the work on myself I learned that it's absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about and we should be celebrating feeling good! It doesn't have to be a dinner table conversation if you think that's too much but it absolutely should not be hidden away like we don't deserve pleasure.
Why is expressing yourself through fashion important to you?
I can't imagine a world where I don't express myself through colour! In my eyes, how you choose to present yourself - not by your face or body or what you 'look like' but through fashion and self expression - tells the world who you are (at least for me!). Personal style is so different for each and every person on this earth - it's one of the things that makes us individual and truly shows our personalities visually. Wearing colour and feeling fabulous is fun and empowering and a huge confidence booster - it certainly makes me feel more in touch with myself!
If you’ve been absolutely razzled by Erika’s dazzle, we don’t blame you - she just radiated those good vibes! Share some love and follow Erika at @glitterbuggin
