Femmes Who Flaunt is a blog series highlighting awesome females doing awesome things in our community.
To start the series, we'd like you to meet Katy Ho, our Style Ambassador and invaluable summer intern.
Outfit: @bananarepublic shift dress
Photography: John Bello @jayembello
Company/Job: Model & Business Student
Instagram: @mskatyho
1. Who are you and what are your main goals in life?
I study commerce at the University of British Columbia, and I'm passionate about human rights, animal rights, and sustainability. I think everybody is always figuring out and refiguring out their path in life. All I know is that I'd like to contribute to a project or company that benefits the world through creativity, commerce, and innovation. I've been very inspired by FlauntBox's commitment to revolutionizing the fashion industry on my journey as a style ambassador. Career aside, my main goal is simply to treat life as a great adventure and live it as fully and lovingly as possible.
2. Who is your style icon?
Gigi Hadid and Ariana Grande are both my icons, Not only are they both women who exhibit strength and kindness in everything they do, but they also work with amazing designers like Donatella Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vera Wang to create trend-setting looks that unabashedly showcase their unique personalities and styles.
3. What is your life motto?
I am such a lover of quotes that I could give you dozens of answers to this question, but one that has always stood out to me is from author John A. Shedd: "A ship in the harbour is safe, but that's not what ships are for." There is so much beauty in this world to experience that we cannot let our fear of risk and uncertainty prevent us from truly living. A few years ago, I came across a study showing that what the majority of people regret most is not what they did, but what they didn't do. I have always vowed to myself to never become one of those people. To experience life to the fullest, I really believe it is important for us all to live authentically and free from fear. Learning to say no to self-doubt is essential to achieving your goals and being happy.
4. What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career journey?
Where there's a will, there's a way. If you are truly passionate about achieving a certain goal, you are absolutely capable of crushing it if you put in the necessary time, effort, and strategy. The strategy part I must emphasize: you cannot just invest time and effort doing the same thing over and over again, and expect different results. When I was in my first semester of university, I applied to several different clubs to become part of their executive teams, and was faced with rejection after rejection. It took a change in strategy - getting to know members of exec teams, researching the clubs' past initiatives, brainstorming ideas, refining resumes and cover letters - to land me executive positions that I am incredibly passionate about, from president of Amnesty International UBC to VP Philanthropy at Young Women in Business UBC. Staying resilient, maintaining a positive mindset, and remembering the big why behind your intentions is what will make you successful in your journey.
5. What’s a world issue you are passionate about?
Since my first time in Washington, DC touring the Holocaust Memorial Museum, I have become more and more passionate about human rights. The very notion that some human beings are somehow of lesser value than others - whether that be because of what they look like, what they believe, or who they love - is simply outrageous. Fundamentally, we are all equally the same species and equally as deserving of life, love and happiness.
6. What motivates you?
I love being surrounded by high-achieving, positive people who are passionate about what they do. In turn, they inspire me to do my very best in pursuing my own goals. There is nothing that makes me happier than having a conversation with someone and seeing their eyes light up when they talk about their work and their passions!
7. What does being a Style Ambassador mean to you?
Being a part of the FlauntBox community goes far beyond the convenience and high-quality designer pieces. It's about empowering women to look and feel confident in every aspect of their life, and doing so in a sustainable, innovative way that promotes slow fashion consumption. I believe what FlauntBox is doing needs to be the future of fashion, and I'm so thrilled to be a part of it!
8. What are your favorite FlauntBox items?
Left to right: Zara gingham sundress, BB Dakota v-neck slit dress, L'Agence pleated goddess gown
To follow Katy on her journey, you can find her on Instagram @mskatyho.