Real Recognizes Real
Exquisitely captured by the visionary lens of Mitchell Royel (Pierce College) in 2012, this moment now resonates with the audacious energy of Gucci Gucci by Kreayshawn, a sonic masterpiece that pulses through the frame with contemporary flair and undeniable style.
Darling, let's talk about the most expensive thing you'll never buy: authenticity.
I was standing in a boutique last week, watching a woman agonize over a handbag that cost more than most people's rent. She kept asking the sales associate, "Will people know it's real?" And I thought to myself—honey, the real question is: do YOU know you're real?
Because here's what I've learned after decades of chasing external validation, spiritual bypassing, and yes, even a few designer moments of my own: your soul doesn't give a damn about labels.
Counterfeit Life We're Sold
We live in a world obsessed with proving our worth through things. The right car, the right neighborhood, the right everything. But what happens when we mistake the wrapper for the gift? When we become so focused on looking the part that we forget who we actually are?
I've coached thousands of women who thought they needed to look successful before they could feel successful. They were wearing masks made of logos, speaking in voices that weren't their own, and wondering why they felt so empty despite having everything they thought they wanted.
The truth? Authenticity isn't something you can purchase. It's something you excavate.
Inner Luxury
Real luxury isn't about what you can afford—it's about what you can become. It's the confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are and refusing to apologize for it. It's the freedom that comes from not needing anyone else's approval to validate your existence.
I remember the day I stopped caring about impressing people who didn't even like themselves. I was at a networking event, surrounded by people name-dropping and status-signaling, and I realized: I'd rather be genuinely me than successfully fake.
That shift? That's where the magic happens.
Real Status Symbols
Boundaries that protect your energy
Values that guide your decisions
Courage to speak your truth
Compassion for yourself and others
Presence that doesn't need to perform
These are the accessories that never go out of style. These are the investments that actually appreciate in value.
Breaking the Spell of Superficial
When you stop trying to impress people who are trying to impress other people, you break free from the most exhausting game on the planet. You realize that the people worth knowing don't care about your handbag—they care about your heart.
Ask yourself:
What would I do if I knew no one was watching?
How would I dress if I was dressing for my soul?
What would I say if I wasn't afraid of judgment?
Your answers to these questions? That's your real designer collection.
Authenticity Advantage
Here's what happens when you choose real over replica in every area of your life:
You attract your tribe. The right people, opportunities, and experiences start showing up because you're finally broadcasting your true frequency.
You save energy. No more exhausting yourself trying to maintain a persona that isn't you.
You feel alive. When you're not performing, you can actually experience your life.
Your Soul's Signature Style
Darling, you don't need anyone else's approval to be magnificent. You don't need the right labels to be worthy. You don't need to prove anything to anyone—especially not to people who are too busy proving things themselves to notice your brilliance.
Your soul has its own signature style, and it's been waiting for you to wear it proudly.
So here's your invitation: Strip away everything that isn't authentically you. Stop apologizing for your desires, your dreams, your way of being in the world. Stop trying to fit into someone else's definition of success.
-Mitchell + Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)