Meet Alice Chen, a New York-based content creator empowering female to overcome body shame and discover their unique style. As she shares her journey of self-expression, Alice emphasizes the importance of authenticity in digital content and avoiding the trap of being a superficial “paper person” online.
In three words describe your style.
elegant, simplified, sophisticated.
How did you find your own style?
In fact, I won’t confine myself to a specific style. I believe that girls should be versatile. Fashion should be fun and allow us to express different sides of ourselves. In my own journey of finding my style, I’ve experimented a lot. I tried on different clothes, explored various styles, and discovered what resonated with me.
Tell us about your journey being a content creator.
It all started with my love for photography and traveling. Initially, I didn’t have the concept of content creation in mind. But as I started to enjoy shooting and editing videos, taking photos, and sharing glimpses of my life, I realized how much I loved it. I also wanted to inspire other girls like me, showing them that with determination, they can also live a beautiful and exciting life. But I still have many concerns about my content right now being a little bit flat.
Do you mean you are worried about digital content lacking soul and depth?
Yes, I always worry about whether my digital content is interesting enough. I don’t want to come across as a flat “paper person” on the internet, just a shell without substance. It’s a bit challenging for me to explain what it means to be a more three-dimensional and authentic self, as I feel that what I present online is closely aligned with my emotions and circumstances. In reality, I don’t always wear full makeup or dress up as it may seem online. Most of the time, I prefer to keep it simple and not put too much effort into my appearance. Just being clean and comfortable is good enough for me.
What does your own ”inner world” look like?
Right now, I would say my inner world is like an ocean with a large tree growing on a white sandy beach. Whether good or bad things happen, they are like waves that come and go. But waves always recede, and the sea returns to a mostly calm state. The ocean itself encompasses everything. I wish I can reset and face new challenges like the ocean. I also really like trees. They have a subtle presence, but being close to them often makes me feel comfortable. On sunny days, they provide shade for passersby, and on rainy days, they offer temporary shelter. Trees themselves are strong, with roots firmly planted and able to withstand wind and sun. I feel that my inner self is currently both lonely and slowly learning to coexist with the outside world.
Does it always look the same?
The truth is not, when I was a child, my inner world was quite imaginative. Every time I felt unhappy, create scenarios in my mind, like being a superstar on a stage or a teacher with imaginary students. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and values. I did spend some beautiful moments finding joy in my own little world.
Do you have any advice for young people who have not yet found their own style of dressing?
My advice is to be open-minded and adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try new things, mix and match, and explore different fashion inspirations. The key is to embrace your uniqueness and let your style evolve naturally.
