Sandra Hubbard

Welcome to Issue 5 of The Elegant Standard.

Authenticity is a dying art. 

Imitation and replication have replaced creativity and originality.  We’re influenced to replicate our home decor, style and beliefs.  To dilute our personalities and second guess our choices.  

Is it trending, in style, aesthetically pleasing or algorithm friendly?  

We see other women experiencing our dreams and believe the only way to do the same is to become her.  

Inadequacy and insecurity have us buying clothes that don’t flatter us and filling our homes with stuff that doesn’t reflect us.  

We alter ourselves to be approved, applauded and affirmed.   I used to try to imitate women succeeding in my field. 

Regurgitating their words. Replicating their content.  Not only did I fail but I felt like a fake.  

We walk into rooms seeking to fit even if it requires we shrink or stay silent. 

That was me for years. 

We can walk into new environments and let them educate and elevate us to become more fully who we are or pressure us to perform or people please to be accepted or included. 

Meet Queen Esther.  

A peasant girl turned palace occupant she was one queen candidate among many.  

We don’t see her trying to imitate the other women vying for the crown. Or altering herself to look, sound, dress and become anyone else.  

The royal surroundings she walked into became a transformative tool she used to prepare her to become more of who God designed her to be.  

A queen. 

Instead of conforming she creatively adapts the environment to inspire her.  Without forfeiting her authenticity. 

God never demanded she remove all traces of her real self to receive His favor or promotion. 

She spent a full year becoming more fully who He designed her to be so she could step into the role He designated her to fill. 

Buried underneath the social pressure and the expectations and demands of work, family and friends is an extraordinary version of you that deserves to be seen, felt, heard, valued and loved. 

Crowned with confidence. 

And it begins with rediscovering your truest self. And without apology.