project 30- alex

Alex, 33

What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?

I would tell myself that everything has worked out, and that it’s ok to be fearless.

What do you wish you had taken more seriously in your 20’s?

Not much! I’m glad I didn’t take life as seriously then as I do now. It was the time in my life when I could just float; Live for my passion and see where I landed. I appreciate that I left no stone unturned and traveled as much as I could; as it opened up my mind and soul to the person I am today. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the beautiful culture and daily life of Italy for over 8 years. As a result, some of the most important people in my life are from all over the world. It’s not for everyone, but boy, was it sure for me.

What do you wish you had taken less seriously in your 20’s?

I wish I hadn’t spent so much time being so concerned with the future and worrying about the unknown.

Favorite memory from your 20’s?

Of course, it has to be living in Italy! Enjoying the fruits of life and living it to it’s fullest. Waking up and walking out my front door to work, the outdoor markets, the piazzas, etc. The world was my oyster, everyday. I adored being able to jump on a train and go anywhere in Europe for the weekend, or even just for the day!

In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live, etc.) by 30?

I was pretty sure I would be working in Valentino’s Atelier in Rome with some friends, or moving to Sardinia and developing a line to show at Paris Fashion Week.

And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?

I moved back to Los Angeles. Opened a shoe store on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Started my own company. Became the Senior Designer and Head of Production of two high-end women’s-wear lines. Helped to successfully build several fashion brands from the ground up. Traveled to New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. Working A LOT.

Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?

Absolutely. I had my concerns for the future in general. But my parents lived for what they love. And somehow I wasn’t scared to float like a feather, as long as I was following my passion, even with $3 in my bank account.

What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?

Self-realization, acceptance, and love. The experience to learn from your life and the confidence to believe in yourself is pretty powerful. And for me, learning what love truly means was one of the greatest gifts of all. In my 20’s, I was the classic strong, independent, American girl. In my 30’s, I learned to trust fall backwards into the arms of someone who I can depend on to never let me fall. I also learned to grow stronger as a team than I ever could standing alone.

When you look out onto the horizon, what do you hope your life looks like at 40?

I’m hoping that I can successfully juggle all the balls of family, work, physical fitness and personal joys. Honestly, Kate, it’s truly been so inspiring for me to simply stop and take a moment to ponder, and take a sip of my own life! All I can do is think positively about the future, and my path will become clear. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

What’s a quote/saying you try to live your life by?

“Seize the day. This is your life.”
This is a quote that I see on my keychain daily.

Personally, I gain an incredible amount of positive inspiration from quotes that I find all around me, and I often put one up on my door to remind myself of whatever I might need to take away in that moment. I’ll leave some of my favorites in hopes to inspire.

“Everything changes, and usually rather quickly.” – Kate Glodney
“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” –Farrah Gray
“Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.”- Ritu Ghatourey
“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” –Gloria Steinem
“Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed,
is so you could open one that leads you down the perfect road.” – Katy Perry
“Letting go is the scariest and most liberating thing you can do for yourself.
It’s a gift in disguise.” – Jen Nicomedes
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” –Steve Jobs
“Fame is fleeting. Perfection is forever.” – Patron Tequila
“You have to fall in love with the process of becoming great.” – Jeff Capel
“I don’t embrace excuses. I embrace solutions.” – John Taffer
“Tomorrow is not guaranteed.” – Anonymous
“It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” – George Eliot
“So little can yield so much. A new perspective…changes everything.” – Anonymous
“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” –Dalai Lama
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” – Hunter S. Thompson