BOLD ‘N BEAUTIFUL:
Sydney’s Story
Empower Beauty: Celebrating Confidence, Embracing Differences
COPPELL, TEXAS — Sydney Wood is a sophomore at a small high school in Cop- pell, Texas. At New Tech High @ Coppell, she isn’t quite a typical high schooler, but rath- er a busy one with her weekends packed with Theater rehearsals, Student Council events, and countless friends and family gatherings.
Amidst her strenuous daily basis, Wood has one thing that she can never forget to skip at the start of each day: her make-up and daily closet ransacking session to wrap herself in the per- fect outfits that would go with the day. Numerous pieces of fabric and garments get helplessly thrown down to the floor until Wood finds the most stunning fit that matches her mood for the day.
“The intention behind the outfits and makeup I choose each day is “difference”. I have this “challenge” I’ve been doing ever since the start of sophomore year where I create a completely new outfit with stuff from my clos- et. I mainly did it so I can create outfits with the clothes that I don’t wear anymore and prove my- self that you can pair anything,” says Wood.
Along her makeup vanity lies differ- ent kinds of makeup products and accessories, shining rings and bracelets. To Wood, doing eye makeup is like doing art. Through taking an artistic approach to her makeup, sometimes she goes wild and bold with sharp eyeliner, while other times she goes soft with gentle strokes with warm colors. Her unique eye makeup is what truly defines her bubbly character and vivacious personality. Along the counter, she keeps different kinds of lip-glosses of various tints of pink and red. Today she is feeling the peachy golden pink that she got from the mall when she saw the perfect match with her skin tone. She slowly applies it to her lips. After mushing her lips together once, and twice, she looks at herself in the mirror. Suddenly, she notices a sterling silver ring sitting in the corner of the counter. She picks it up and puts it on her pinky finger, feeling satisfied with her look.
EnChanting
Realm of Beauty
Wood began to indulge in beauty and fash- ion ever since she was little. Fascinated by the en- chanting realm of beauty in numerous TV shows and movies, Wood’s never been so fond of some- thing as much as she is in makeup and fashion.
“I was influenced to do makeup from common YouTubers I would watch when I was little. From that, I remember always film- ing makeup videos of myself on iPad and pre- tending I was the influencers I looked up to.”
Makup is her passion and the force that drives her daily lives. For Wood, makeup is not about hiding the flaws, as many others would say. Her approach is different. She sees makeup as a tool to emphasize her strengths and highlight her “beauty points” even more beautifully. She is not afraid of her imperfections showing to others. She embraces even the slightest flaws and acknowledges the uniqueness of her body. In a world where rigid beauty stands trample on many young women’s perspective on natural true beau- ty, Wood’s philosophy of beauty promotes the individuality and distinctiveness of each individual.
“It also gives me confidence or some sort of validation because I can truly show that I am my own person by the “bold” makeup choices I choose from and inspire others to do the same if they’d like.”
Wood is a true inspiration to many. Her love for makeup will undoubtedly continue to exist in all aspects of her life. Through beauty, she consistently cultivates a positive self-esteem and inner confidence. “You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone, you are your own self. Take the time to explore your own interests & likes.” Ignited by her truly inspiring story, Wood wants young girls and women to be confi- dent in themselves. Find a passion that can become an integral part of your life. Don’t hide your flaws, illuminate your uniqueness.
Sydney is bold and beautiful.
You are bold and beautiful.