COMMENT: Why I will never apologise for my love of fashion
As frivolous as it sounds, fashion means everything to me.
It's not just about buying the latest trends or keeping up with fashion designers; for me, it's about owning who you are and making that known to the world.
It showcases your personality, alludes to your nature and hints at your own idiosyncrasies. It's telling the world who you are without saying a word.
Since I was young, I always had an eye for the latest trends. I would style my uniform up to stand apart from the other school kids. I cut and sewed my clothes so they would be more 'me'.
The fashion industry faces quite a bit of backlash sometimes. People think it's not important and not something to worry about. But, I worry about it.
Whether it's going to work, a press event, a party or a dinner, I curate outfits in my head for every occasion – sometimes weeks or months in advance.
If I'm not in a good mood, my clothing choices will reflect that. If I want to be a BOSS in work, I dress to make me feel empowered.
And people will call me shallow and materialistic as a result.
I began my career in fashion, working with various stylists in and around Ireland. And some of the first reactions I received when I told people were, 'You? Working in fashion?'
They didn't think it was a real job. They didn't understand what it meant to me to be working with top stylists in the country.
I worked on photoshoots, campaigns, fashion shows and TV shows. I styled regular men and women as well as models and TV presenters.
And the more I worked, the more I realised what an amazing career it is.
But as brilliant as it is, it's also hard and takes a lot of effort. You'll be up at the crack of dawn to head to a photoshoot. You'll be on your hands and knees all day, pinning, cutting and taping clothes to make them look perfect.
And while you may be tired and ready for bed, the minute the creative minds of the stylists, photographers, make-up artists and hair stylists come together, you get a rush of total achievement.
Some of my favourite fashionistas in Ireland, like Courtney Smith, Brendan Courtney, Darren Kennedy, Louise Cooney, Louise O'Reilly and Anouska Proette Brandon, worked their asses off to get where they are.
Whether they're stylists, bloggers or models, it's a tough industry and not something to be dismissed as whimsical or frivolous.
For me, fashion means creativity, it means diversity, it means change, it means hard work and it means owning who you are.
It will forever be an expression of each and every individual.
Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote for your favourite style icon, and you can do it right here!
