Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Gorjala.
Hi Asha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have loved fashion ever since I started watching Project Runway with my mother. My mom and I started watching Project Runway when I was in elementary school, and I was in awe of all of the amazing designs. I knew I wanted to learn more about the fashion industry and told everyone my dreams of being in fashion. In high school, I was known for my shopping addiction. I love styling people and have gone into my best friend’s closet at UT to show them how they can make the most of out their wardrobe. During quarantine, I desperately needed a creative outlet because I was struggling with my mental health. I decided to turn my love for shopping and styling into a blog to help others! When I first started my blog, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I did not know how to grow a following or what kind of posts to create. I found tips online and messaged other bloggers who helped me with their tips. I then started getting ready and shooting pictures everyday which helped me grow tremendously and distracted me from my mental state. I also began interacting with followers, finding other bloggers like me, and giving everyone a glimpse into my life. Suddenly, my blog just took off. I am so grateful I have been able to interact with so many amazing brands and people along the way. I definitely did not know where this journey would lead me when I first began, but I am so glad I kept going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was struggling with my anxiety and depression when I created my blog. I was having a hard time because I could not control my intrusive thoughts. I was struggling with the pandemic and felt like I could not even control my mind anymore. My anxiety and depression was consuming, and I felt like I could not even think. It would take me hours to fall asleep which usually resulted in tears. I created the blog as a creative outlet to help me get through the pandemic. I am now doing so much better because I am taking the correct medications and going to therapy weekly. I wanted to be open about my mental health on my page because I felt so alone when I first began struggling. I strived to create a safe place for people who are struggling. I hope to share my story to make sure people feel supported throughout their recovery journey. I struggled a lot during the beginning of my blog because I felt like I did not have enough followers or I did not have any collaborations. I kept comparing myself to others which made me anxious to grow. I just felt a lot of pressure and had no idea what to do. However, I started asking questions, and one amazing tip I received was to make sure to stick to my personal style! Be yourself and do not get lost trying to be someone else!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My blog centers around my personal love of fashion and style. I love helping people with style tips I have learned along the way, so they can make the most out of their closet. I also love trying and reviewing new, innovative products and brands. This way, my followers can see what is worth their time and money. I style outfits, try to work with brands, and send out emails everyday. I try to keep a mix of my personal purchases and sponsored content on my page. I want to authentically show my life while still collaborating with brands I know my followers will love. I try to keep my feed representative of my own life. There is no specific theme, but I like to say my feed shows how my life is: Not organized but somehow it fits together. Of course, when starting out, I was scared to post on stories everyday and show my entire life. You never know if people will relate with you or just think you are annoying.
However, I have had the best time sharing my life with my followers and have made friends because of it. Especially through mental health, I have communicated with people who went through a similar experience. I love talking to other people and having open conversations about mental health. Open conversations are so important to help others feel like they can reach out and feel supported. I am proud of how my page is a community of accepting people. My page is a safe space where anyone is welcome, and this page has helped me get through a terrible time. I hope that people can see my page and feel like they could always message me or just have a relief from everyday life. I am also proud of myself for taking a terrible situation and creating this light. I thought I would never feel normal again and was terrified. This blog pulled me out of my hole and gave me a purpose. I am so thankful for this experience and so thankful for all of the people who have helped me get here. I could not have created a blog without support from friends and family as they are always willing to help me and take pictures of me!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As online shopping takes over the fashion industry and social media is on the rise, I see my industry growing. Online shopping has already taken over the fashion industry, and social media makes this process even easier. What I love about online shopping is that you can shop from the comfort of your own home and without any pressure. However, sometimes it can be hard to find stylish pieces on a website or find what you are looking for. Influencers provide people with style tools that are easy to access. You can easily find clothing and brands without even having to look through the website. Also, influencers with similar body types can show you how an outfit would look on you. I also hope that we can have more open conversations about mental health in the future. It took me so long to reach out because I felt like no one could understand me. I am so glad I asked for help because I do not know where I would be today. I hope we can work on ending the stigma against mental health so more people can feel loved and supported. Open conversations are key.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashagorjala@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledby.asha/
