Lauren Galley On Girls Above Society!
Lauren Galley is just 18 years old, but she's already a huge advocate for girl power and started her own website, Girls Above Society, where she encourages all girls to be confident and rise above peer pressure.
We spoke to Lauren about her girl power inspirations and the how and why she created Girls Above Society! Tune in Sunday to read some awesome girl power advice by Lauren Galley!
"Growing up, my experience with peer pressure could be considered both positive and negative," Lauren Galley said.
She explained that she was exposed to many negative influences, but never succumbed to the peer pressure.
"I am confident enough to say no and stand up to my morals and values," she said. "I have always had a very positive self image."
Lauren's idea to create Girls Above Society came from the realization that not all girls have the kind of confidence to rise above pressure from friends and peers.
"My need to create Girls Above Society was triggered by the lack of confidence and the self-hate comments I overheard among girls throughout my life, particularly when I began acting and modeling," Lauren explained.
The entertainment industry can be very focused on appearances, creating a tough environment for girls who are doing what they can to look perfect.
"This pressure can be too much for a lot of girls who feel that they don't measure up and it brings them to lose confidence," Lauren said.
Throughout Lauren Galley's life, she had a number of people she could look to for support.
"I am lucky to have positive role models and mentors in my life who love what I stand for," she said. "They are there for me no matter what and I don't know what I would do without them."
Other girls aren't so lucky to have this kind of constant affirmation, and that's part of why Lauren Galley created Girls Above Society.
"I hope that girls take away from Girls Above Society that they are unique and beautiful just the way they are and that they should embrace their differences," Lauren said. "I always tell girls how boring it would be if everyone was perfect. We would all look the same – YAWN."
She said that girls of all cultures, ages, shapes, and sizes are beautiful and that she loves meeting them.
"It's important to realize that we are NOT alone," Lauren said.
She has a contact button on her site where girls can get in touch with Lauren if they need any help or have any questions.
"I know what it feels like to be alone and I don't want any other girl to experience that feeling!" Lauren said. "As girls we have to stick together and communicate with each other. No more backstabbing, jealousy and judgement! We will all be happier if we accept each other and help push each other to the top :)"
Lauren's girl power role models include Emma Watson, Ellen Degeneres, Selena Gomez, and Oprah Winfrey.
"They are all such talented and independent women," she said. "Emma Watson is brilliant on camera, but she also seems very genuine. She is pursuing a college career even though it wouldn't be considered 'necessary' for her to do so since she is famous. I think that is so inspiring."
She said that, like Emma Watson, Selena Gomez seems very real.
"Selena wasn't handed anything, but she worked hard, took acting classes, and got herself where she is today."
Ellen and Oprah are also big influences.
"Both Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey have faced a great amount of prejudice in their lives. However, they haven't let that stop them and they have followed their dreams and made huge names for themselves," Lauren said.
Make sure to check out our blog on Sunday for even more from Lauren Galley!