Black on black on black… The only colour I seem to wear lately. Plus I have news!!

Hey guys! It’s been a wild few weeks and I’m loving it. So much has been happening, it’s crazy! At the end of August, I competed in Miss Universe Ireland and although there was no crown for me on this occasion, it was an unforgettable experience and one that I learned a lot from. Had you told me 5 years ago that I would be walking down a runway in front of hundreds of people I would never have believed you. That’s because for the entirety of my teenage years, I really suffered with my health. My life was turned upside down as a result of chronic illness to the extent that I couldn’t finish my formal education and, at times, I wouldn’t even leave my house.

It’s not something that I have really opened up about before, but the fact is, there were points when I wondered how in the world I could go on. However, I worked through those struggles and after a long battle, I got through them. That period of my life is something that, I haven’t always dealt with, and instead decided to block out, but we all have our demons. From health issues to bullying to low self confidence, it’s not always easy. However, I really believe that our mindset plays a huge role in the way in which we tackle these obstacles. It might sound cheesy but I really feel that it’s an important topic to discuss, because our mind can be our greatest asset or our greatest enemy.

As I said, I never would have imagined I would be walking down a runway at the final of Miss Universe Ireland 2017 but here I am writing this post, having just competed in the competition. I am now the healthiest and happiest I have ever been and things are really exciting in my professional life too… All because I didn’t give up and pushed through the setbacks. Whatever you may be dealing with, know that anything is possible.

Today, I’d like to encourage you to keep pushing forward, because things will get better… As long as you don’t give up on yourself. ❤️

In other news… After a few hiccups along the way, I’m so close to having new music to share with you! I have been back in the studio working on new material and I am really pumped about it. I’ve spent the past year writing and refining my sound and I’m more than ready to get it out there and start performing again. Music will always be my first love so I’m itching to get myself back on stage, haha!

Also, I had a really fun trip to London a week or so ago, that led to some big changes for me. I’m actually really passionate about business and entrepreneurship, and have a number of projects going on in the background in that regard that I’ve not once talked about on my blog or Instagram. The trip to London was for some very insightful seminars that led to a lot of growth in my business projects. I never felt ready to share that side of my life but I have no idea why. I suppose I didn’t want it to clash with my fashion and musical endeavours, but my love for business is a huge part of my life and it’s something that I would like to invite you into that bit more. Entrepreneurship is what gave me a platform to grow when I couldn’t finish my formal education, and it’s opened so many doors for me aside from school. So I plan on sharing more about my career ambitions and tips I’ve learned along the way that will hopefully provide you with some practical help with whatever you are pursuing.

I didn’t want to write too much of an essay so I will leave it there for now. That’s a pretty speedy summary of everything that’s been going on lately. But before I go, I’d like to share my news with you! I’m overjoyed to say that HannahHawkshaw.com has been chosen as a finalist in the fashion category of the V by Very Blog Awards Ireland! I really can’t believe it and I am so grateful to have been chosen. Blogging is something that has become a huge part of my life since I started my first blog back in 2010, so I am truly honoured for my this new blog of mine to have been selected, and so soon after it’s launch!

Watch out on my Instagram for the behind the scenes of the final night on October 5th – It’s time to get outfit planning!! 🙂

Thanks for reading – I hope you enjoyed this catch up & the images to follow.

xo,

Hannah