When self-esteem gets in the way of progress / by Nina Gbor

Nina Gbor polka dot vintage 1

Even though I post a lot of content online and on social media, I'm very private. As an introvert and sensitive person, I can be a little apprehensive about sharing too much personal info. I’ve grown to realise that when people are open and vulnerable, it can create a space for others to relate and connect. Such interactions open possibilities for magical things to happen like inspiration, tolerance and positive change.

sustainable fashion nina gbor 7
sustainable fashion nina gbor 1
Givency hat Nina Gbor 1

I never liked close up photos of myself like this one because I believed cameras made me look strange. And therefore, I wasn't good enough. One day it dawned on me that how I look doesn't matter! The reason I do this work is to be of service. It's with the hope of contributing to making a difference to the environment and to peoples' lives.

ethical fashion nina gbor 4

How I think I look should have nothing to do with that mission. It's just vanity after all. This vanity has crippled some progress in certain areas of my work. This self-awareness gives me the strength to let go of worrying about how I might look.

For anyone with a volition to do something progressive, how they look shouldn’t matter. It’s irrelevant when it comes to matters of positive change.

eco stylist nina gbor 6

Now I know that sharing my experiences, values and thoughts can be a way to reach people who need to hear from someone who has gone through something similar. It helps people know that they’re not alone. And that they’re going to be okay.

Eco fashion Nina Gbor 1
slow fashion nina gbor 2

Outfit sourced from:

Hat and silk scarf - The Green Shed Underground Op Shop

1960s vintage polka dot dress – The Green Shed Underground Op Shop

Beige chunky heel strappy sandals – The Red Cross Op Shop

Sunglasses – The Red Cross Op Shop

Photography by Bryant Photographer.

♥ Nina Gbor