When I was in Cali earlier this month, I met up with Angela Gulner of the YouTube series, BINGE. If you’ve never heard of BINGE, open a new tab and go watch it now. 

Ok, hi again. I was surfing through the web last year and ended up watching the show and falling in love with the concept and characters. Angela is one of the coolest chicks around. I met up with her at a bakery in West Hollywood to talk about the series, her life, and the next steps to making her series into a TV show.

One of the reasons I admire Angela is because she has no shame in bringing awareness to a topic that many people don’t want to openly talk about. Eating disorders are rampant, in both girls and boys, and steering away from the discussion means more teens are dealing with them and having nowhere to turn. I never battled with bulimia, but from what I can tell, Angela deciphers the disease so clearly in the video. If you scroll through her channel, you’ll see Drake Bell (of Drake & Josh) in her latest episode, too!

Enjoy!

Xo,

Alexa

Saturday was SUCH A COOL DAY!!! I feel like nothing super worthy of talking about ever happens on the East Coast (no offense, East Coasters) so I’m feeling like I have to head West lately to get in on the cool action…

well, The Lady Project is bringing swag back to the East Coast. On Saturday, a bunch of cool ladies hailing from CT, MA, RI and more headed to Providence, Rhode Island to indulge in a day full of speakers, swag, and goodies. I was most excited to see Ann Shoket, ex-editor of Seventeen Magazine, speak about her book and life. One thing I’ve come to learn is that life gets so much better when you have incredible people surrounding you. Having tons of guy friends is great, but nothing compares to being able to just talk with some girls who have similar interests to you. Ann hosts a group called Badass Babes, where she gets some similar women in a room to talk about issues that they’re dealing with. Like I battle with M.I.N.T., there really isn’t anyone else in the teen space that isn’t a celebrity talking about issues teens need to hear. I’d love to start having a group like the BB but for teens!

If you’re feeling like I did in high school, like you wish you had more friends (especially girlfriends) than look no further than A Life in the Fashion Lane. I used to be the girl who ate lunch in the bathroom because I literally had no cool chicks in my life, and now I like to consider myself pretty educated on the topic of friends. Depending on where you live, there’s lot of networking groups in your area. If you’re in Boston, I host a Meetup called Women for Women (find it on meetup.com) and I’m hosting one next week in San Francisco, but your school usually has groups for girls too! Or, take it into your own hands to start your own Badass Babes dinner. You’d be surprised at how many girls in your school are probably facing the same insecurities that you are- you just have to be willing to search a little.

Xo,

Alexa

I met Maggie last year (I think, I’m starting to lose track of time) and fell in love with her aesthetic. She’s a young entrepreanur who started Ramblerose Jewelry, out of Boston, MA. Thanks to the power of the Internet, her business is growing rapidly. People love dainty, pretty jewels, and Ramblerose is just that.

Enjoy reading her perspective on running a business as a young entrepreanur!

Are you a young entrepreanur who wants to be featured? Email me! alexa.curtis@gmail.com

A: What inspired you to start your jewelry line?

 I took a jewelry class while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I totally fell in love with the craft! When I came home, I assisted an artisan jeweler. I eventually started making my own designs and gifted them to friends and family. They encourages me to start my own line Etsy shop, which eventually grew into my business.

A: What are some struggles that you came across as a young entrepreneur? How have you worked through them?

 It can definitely be intimidating to go to pop-ups and trade shows where you are speaking with the customers in person. It doesn’t matter how well spoken you are, they will still SEE how young you look. Sometimes, it impresses people, but often, they tend to distrust your product with the assumption that you haven’t been doing this long enough to be an expert in your craft. I’ve worked through it by getting the product out there, having my loyal customers spread the word about the quality of the items, and presenting myself professionally every time I see customers in person. I am the brand, so I stand tall with confidence.

A:  What makes your jewelry different and unique compared to other companies out there?

 My designs are original and inspired by trends combined with energetic crystals. I think many jewelry companies out there either follow the trends and make the quick, cheap products, OR they follow really traditional standards and make outdated items using quality materials. I try to use quality materials like gemstones combined with today’s trends to set myself apart.

A: What are your goals for Ramblerose jewelry for this year? And the future?

 The goals are forever changing! This year I hope to get into more boutiques. In the future, I’m hoping to build my team to work in a more collaborative environment.

A: What is the best advice you could give to other young entrepreneurs to help them succeed?

 Work hard at your craft! I made hundreds of designs before I produced anything that was actually appealing enough to sell. You have to understand that before you can expect success, you have to put in the time to learn your necessary skills. Lastly, find people who are BETTER than you to collaborate with. Their skills will be invaluable in helping your grow your business.

Xo,

Alexa

I love wearing affordable clothing on television. The cool thing about blogging is that you always get to show people a different side of things. I put the last picture into the mix to show that I don’t ever wake up looking like I do when I go on TV. The minute after a segment ends, I put on my regular clothes, take off my makeup, and go about my day. It’s rare that I spend more time than necessary looking all glammed up because that’s not the real, authentic version of myself. You have to be ready to always accept that once the makeup comes off, life goes back to normal.

The segment airs on April 4, and I got to showcase some lovely trends from NY & London Fashion Week straight from Lands’ End! I’m a huge fan of showcasing brands that I know teens would love, and since most people only know LE because of their parents, it’s time that teens start seeing that they can totally rock the line too. From great and affordable swimwear (with tons more sizes than a brand like Triangl) and professional dresses (like for your graduation or an internship) Lands’ End actually has something for everything.

I’m wearing an outfit by LC Lauren Conrad (OBSESSED with Lauren and her line) at Kohl’s, and my hair is by Blo West Hartford. I think this was by far one of my favorite looks to date, because it’s not too much. Sometimes I’m wearing super uncomfortable shoes and dresses, or tight skirts, and this was just me. I would’ve worn an outfit like this (minus the makeup and hair) to school when I was in high school.

That’s what life is about; being your authentic and true self as much as possible.

Xo,

Alexa

Primark dress and bag, Boohoo sneakers, Ray-Ban sunglasses

Brian Kramer Photography

I’d actually move to California because the lighting there is perfect, 24/7. Joking but not joking…

Before the Kids’ Choice Awards, my friend Libby (read more about her here) and I met up with Brian Kramer, famous California photographer, to shoot in Venice and Santa Monica. I threw on a few of my favorite looks, all from Primark, to wander around Cali in. The fact that my dress and handbag were both $14 reminds me that style can be cheap. You don’t have to spend tons of money to look trendy.

On the topic of trends, I’ll be on CT Style tomorrow at 10 AM to talk about runway to real style. I’ll be teaming up with Lands’ End to showcase some of their newest pieces, and talk about how to wear the trends from the studio to a day at the office or school.

I put up another blog post right next to this one with my experience talking at SXSW, so make sure to check it out. Or, make it easy on yourself and watch me speak here. 

Xo,

Alexa

One of my goals for 2017 was to speak at South by Southwest. If you’re not familiar with SXSW, it’s a three week conference in Austin, Texas. It’s got everything around music, interactive, tech, food…it’s one of the coolest festivals around. I always wanted to speak because the conference is filled with so many intellectual individuals who are skilled in the field, and for me, I knew it’d be a huge accomplishment to speak surrounded by tons of crazy smart humans. I never usually get nervous or intimidated, but speaking with Spectrum Reach was totally intimidating. I love getting intimidated, because to me, that means I’m growing and constantly pushing myself to reach a new level of success.

So, I made it happen. Just like every other dream, you have to act on it to make it come true. The panel was on B2C (business to consumer) products and businesses, which is slightly different than my business, but I did my best to give my opinion from a young influencer perspective. Alexa, Cici, and Megan are super rad, and since I’m usually surrounded by tons of teens, I was actually excited to be speaking with people a little older than me. Like my mom always said, the older you get, the wiser you get!

I followed up my talk with a little gelato (at my favorite spot, Dolce Neve) before heading to Key West for a vacation. Being back in Connecticut with this snow sucks!

See me speak here!

New newsletter is going out at 2 PM today! Subscribe below!

Xo,

Alexa

Pure Fitness Shoreditch is one of the top places in London to work out and it’s easy to tell why people love it so much! Everyone is different and Pure Fitness recognized that. Their personal trainers will work with you to find the best routines that fit what you’re looking for, whether it be injury rehabilitation or improving your performance for a sport. They have you covered with top trainers who want to help you reach your highest potential! It’s a really cool space that will make you excited to work out. Instead of going a big, crowded gym, Pure Fitness Shoreditch is a great spot that gives you the right training for your body and at an affordable price. It was such a blast getting to work out there!

When Bethany Mota shouts you out, you know you’re doing something really good, am I right?

HUGE thank you to everyone who made this video possible!

 Hyatt LAX, Intercontinental Century City, Primark, Serafina, H.Wood Group (The Nice Guy, Peppermint Club, and Delilah), La Tropezienne Bakery, Nickelodeon, Libby Vilner, Kreation, and Brian Kramer Photography!

We just launched our OFFICIAL GoFundMe for M.I.N.T. TODAY!

http://gofundme.com/medianav

Thank you to everyone who continues to make my dream of inspiring teens across the GLOBE possible.

You all deserve to live out your biggest dream, you’re fullest potential, and everything else.

This world is your oyster. Make the most of it.

Follow your dreams.

Xo,
Alexa

Primark boots/ blazer & top, Dior sunglasses, Vintage leather bag, Ramirez Tran Salon hair

I went to the Kids’ Choice Awards last night and had the time of my life!!! When I was younger, I used to always dream of being on the red carpet out in Los Angeles. That’s probably a universal kid dream, right?  I never thought I’d actually be able to make it there, so yesterday was such an incredibly huge accomplishment for me.

On the read carpet, my friend Libby and I got to interview just about everyone important. Daniella Monet, Bethany Mota, and Alli Simpson were some of the celebs we got to talk to about inspiration and passion. If you’re following me on Instagram, you probably saw Bethany give a little hello to my project, M.I.N.T., too! See her say hi here!

I like the Kids’ Choice show more than other award shows because the majority of people on the red carpet made it on their own. I love Bethany because of her passion to inspire and change the way girls look at themselves, which is similar to my mission, so I really relate to that.

 Before we got ready for the show, we ended up at Training Mate in West Hollywood with Luke Milton, Khloe K’s trainer from Revenge Body! He’s such a cool person too, and the workout was fantastic!

Overall, my trip to CA was a total success.

I’m in Austin right now getting ready to speak in one hour at Spectrum Reach- tune in LIVE here!

Xo,

Alexa

Last year, I spoke at the United Nations. When I spoke, I met Meredith O’Connor, who is an amazing actress. She’s incredible, and is such an incredible young adult and inspiration to so many teens. Whether it be following your dreams, or body image, Meredith is the girl to look up to. I’m excited to speak with her at the United Nations again next month!

Enjoy her answers, and happy Friday!

A: What’s it like being a singer in 2017?

It’s fascinating to see how much has changed, I’ve only been signed for four year- yet my producers and manager always joke about how much the game has changed. I love it, meaning, it’s gain me the chance to be discovered directly by the fans. My first hit song became viral because the internet, at the time, let people share content they enjoy. Now, what makes it so great is the interaction I have with the fans directly. To see them tell me at my meet and greets how bullying has affected them as well, and then actually be able to continue to talk to them on Instagram, is really a new thing. The fans in 2017 are able to interact with artists, and I think its a great thing. I’m lucky that my following is so loyal and dedicated.

A: What sets you apart from the next Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez?

Ariana Grande is so sweet and talented, and I love the work her brother Frankie Grande does for the less fortunate. I’ve heard Selena is nice as well. But to answer the question, I remember being nine years old and feeling so alone in being bullied, because there were no pop-stars that I could look up to that shared similar experiences. I always remember feeling like if my dreams came true (long before I even knew I would have the chance to model) I would be the role model that kids like me didn’t have. I would be someone who they can look up to because I’m up for that task, not because someone put me there. That inspiration and drive reminds me everyday why it is important to be a good role mode, and to love what I do and not let anything go to your head.

A: What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs that are just getting started?

I would say that it’s important to not say no for an answer, and if you are lucky enough to be different, not to ever change. Things that make you think differently, will set you ahead and set you apart, (no matter what they about it in middle school). As a co-producer of an upcoming film, I can say there is no better feeling in the world than having creative freedom, passion, agency and drive. It’s like finding success without the superficial element that often comes with it. Pursue the business. Work hard, and then you will be able to have the power and voice to help others, and most importantly, use it and give back.

A: What is the hardest part of being in the business under 25?

Starting out in the professional work at age 15 (as a model) was tough, and I often faced- and still face- the same challenges. That being, finding people who may not have your best interests, thus having a hard time knowing who to trust. Time, age, and experience helps give you a better sense of knowing when something isn’t right, or someone has a bad agenda. To be quite candid with you, as I’m sure you have faced these issues too in finding success at a young age, I’ve been burned by people in the industry and it’s only made me closer with those I trust.

A: What has been your greatest success so far?

Selling out concerts in London, Los Angeles and New York on the world tour is what made me like- wait this is happening. Kindof one of those pinch yourself/take-a-step back moments. More importantly, the meet and greets all teaching me how I was never alone, millions also experience what I have, and together we can teach the world that things to get better, and not to give up hope.

A: What is your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal is to be in movies and produce them. I never thought that it would be a reality the way it is becoming thanks to Lakeedge Productions, Laurence Williams, 4 Digital Media and Rick Galvin. Stay tuned for their upcoming projects, as I know many are unaware that I used to act before I was signed. My goal for singing is to have my message heard by billions, so all people know that they are not alone.