My name is Sarah Ashton Hollen, and I am 16 years old, a junior at my High School. I am from a small town in central WV. I am blessed with a wonderful mother, father, little sister, and dog named Jasper. I play tennis for my school, and also attend Horizons Church.

What is your biggest dream?

I have so many answers to this question. I have so many different ideas of how I’d like my life to turn out. I would love to share my story, and stories of others through an acting career. I’d consider that a pretty big dream. Mainly, I dream of being successful and loving the life I choose for myself in the best way possible.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

Being your own kind of beautiful, to me means, living your life the best way you can, regardless of how it is perceived by your peers. Everyone has a path they intend to follow, and goals they want to reach. Taking steps to achieve those goals is beautiful, and in the process you may realize, that so are you. Each one of you are so beautiful, and different in so many ways. Beauty is the moments we feel free, and real. Our souls aren’t attracted to how pretty someone is on the outside, they appeal to the raw moments and images that clearly represent the attractiveness of someone else’s soul.

Tell us about your modeling experience.

I attended NYFW in February of this year (2018). I had never really thought much of the subject, until my friend, Sara, introduced me to it.

That weekend in New York was without a doubt, probably, the best experience of my life so far. Expressing yourself behind the camera, or on the runway is one of the most extraordinary feelings in the world.

What is your dream brand to model for?

I have always adored Paolo Sebastian’s works of art, through fashion. Modeling for him would be the dream. Other companies like, Brandy Melville, represent my style well, and modeling for them would also be amazing.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would describe my fashion style a little all over the place. It’s hard for me to find clothing that I don’t like. I could buy everything at Brandy Melville, Pacsun, and Pretty Little Thing.

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

Self-awareness, being able recognize how you feel and have conscious knowledge of how your character affects yourself and others is HUGE. Confidence is immensely important in every aspect of life. Being confident in anything is truly a blessing and no one should ever take that for granted.

What makes you beautiful?

This question took the longest for me answer. I assume it would take a lot of girls ,or anyone for that matter, a while to think about too. But why? Why do all of us think less of ourselves? I assume it’s because we are exposed to only one type of beauty in this world. Beauty that is only defined by your physical appearance. Which SUCKS. If you don’t have a perfect body, or perfect hair, or perfect teeth, or perfect skin (this could go on forever), society doesn’t look at you as beautiful. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever looked in the mirror and been perfectly content with the image starring back at me. And if you’re in the same position that I am, there’s nothing wrong with that. Being confident is a process for everyone. Although, I really love the personality and soul that I possess. This last year has been extremely rough, but I believe I am a better person because of it. I know how to handle tough situations and I am extremely sincere, I think I give good advice (if I’m wrong about that sorry in advance), my faith in God is stronger than ever, and for those reasons I am beautiful. If anyone ever needs someone to talk to, or some advice just dm me I’ll always be there if you need someone!

What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

Honestly, I would say, me too girl. Again, it’s a process for everyone. I wish I was in a place where I could tell you the secret to confidence, but I’m just not there yet. Hopefully one day, but I have always struggled with this concept.

Ashton H.