"I am Ornela Smith, age 21, a fashion icon and influencer from Albania.

Growing up I always knew I was different compared to the other kids. I was a troubled child who grew up without a mother figure to guide me through life. I never knew what being a "woman" really meant.

Age 13, was the year that everything had changed. I had only just realised I wasn't attracted to the opposite sex but instead felt more comfortable and secure around females. I tried so hard to forget about it and tell myself it was only just a phase. Having no one to tell my situation to, I really felt isolated.

The bullying had started around age 14, I felt lonely and ashamed. I had to occupy myself, do something to make myself feel good. I started creating and producing fashion items that represented me as a young troubled female, this is where my passion for fashion took off.

My clothes symbolised me because, I was able to create art and express myself. I signed up for modelling jobs and finally got accepted to one, this was when my career really took off. I was walking runways wearing clothes that conveyed me, and it was me that stood for what I am. A proud young lesbian female.

The runway was all the support I had, so I finally came out to society during my walk, until this day I stand as a proud lesbian female.

Ultimately it was fashion and modelling which made me realise that there is no set way about how a woman should be like. It is about me. 

It should not matter who I am or "what" i am all that matters is me as a person, a fashion icon and what I can contribute to this industry.

The only way you would feel comfortable in your own skin, is when you truly search for the real you. There's no need to be ashamed of who you are, be true to yourself and always stand up for whats right. You are your own best friend so make yourself happy". 

#FindYourselfBeYourself

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