Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Reis.
Kara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story started years ago when I was an awkward teen who was too ashamed of my skin to wear the clothing I wanted to wear. For years, I was too self-conscious to wear tank tops, bathing suits, dresses, essentially anything that would show my skin, due to my crippling insecurity about acne. YES, I know and understand how silly it may sound, but it has taken me years to understand and appreciate not only the body I was given but the SKIN I was given as well. Now, fashion has given me the most positive and life-altering confidence boost, which led me to create my blog, Sun, Smile & Style. I want to be that positive inspiration for people out there who feel that there are areas of their bodies that they need to hide with their clothing. Fashion can express who you are and how you are feeling without even speaking. If you’re feeling fun and flirty, you can grab a floral dress and throw on some heels or if you’re feeling like a BOSS and want to dress to impress, then you can grab a blazer and pair it with a daringly bold boot to exude all that beautiful confidence. I have recently been trying to pursue becoming an Instagram influencer in hopes to spread my positive outlook to the world and I hope even if I can convince one person in this giant world to throw away their fears of their body or skin and just WEAR WHATEVER THEY WANT, then my goal is achieved. Everyone should always remember when rocking their unique style to smile because the glass is always half full!!! Xoxo
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been anything but smooth when trying to find yourself and your confidence. In a world where “likes” are monitored and people are continually competing to be better than one another, it is extremely easy to give up. My advice, as cheesy as it sounds, is to focus inwards on what you feel is right and what makes you feel good. Nothing in this world can trump a happy heart and a positive outlook so try not to ever let those around you change who you are! No matter how hard it may seem, try to stay true to what you believe in. I know I won’t gain millions of followers and guess what? I don’t really mind. That is not my end goal in this… my end goal is to inspire others and to make them feel as confident and beautiful as they can!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sun, Smile & Style – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I played Division 1 volleyball in college with a lot of females who were very insecure about their bodies. Sports teach people so many unique life skills, such as effective communication, time management, team togetherness, but sometimes people can go a tad overboard and unfortunately, do things that harm their body. When it comes to weight, strength, etc. you just have to remember that there is a balance to everything. Try not to go overboard, and don’t lose sight of the end goal. After I graduated college with a degree in Communications, I actually jumped into the retail world! It was the only job available for me right out of school and it taught me a lot about who I am today. You learn patience, kindness, customer service, how to say yes and so many other tools that I continue to use in my profession today. Currently, I work in Accounting for a wonderful company and while again that was not what I studied in college, it has taught me so many wonderful skills, for which I am forever grateful. I still have a long way to go before I find my career for the next 30 years, but for now, I am extremely happy and thankful to have a job, my health, my family, friends who love me and a wonderful boyfriend that I live with in San Diego!
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My mother is my role-model, in every way. She actually was my high school P.E. teacher and my volleyball coach for a few years growing up, which was very interesting, to say the least. Her tough mentality and huge heart are things that I have continued to learn (and attempted to exude) that have played a giant role in the success in my life. I owe her everything, love you, Mom!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunsmileandstyle.wordpress.com/
- Phone: 619-507-4162
- Email: karalreis@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleila/
Image Credit:
Tyler MacINtosh: https://webprobie.com/blog/
Last three photos – Brittany Szabo brittanyjadeszabo
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