The future is bright!

After meeting some of the wonderful moms of Portland in May, we couldn't wait for our next photo shoot with photographer Paige Jones — this time capturing the infectiously positive energy of some of the inspiring young people in our future U.S.home base, who are embracing their true colors and letting their light shine. As school gets out for summer, they talked to us about who they are, what they're proud of and where they'd like to go. 

Q&A: Meet Grace 

Meet Grace

Grace wears the Solitaire Studs in Pink, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I am proud that I have been able to to maintain my academics in addition to being involved in sports and other activities.

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

My mom has helped me grow tremendously. Her endless love and support has given me the ability to pursue what I love.

Meet Grace

Grace wears the Solitaire Studs in Blue, Solitaire Open Top Ring in White, Baguette Linear Ring in Blue, Solitaire Open Top Ring in Pink, Princess Open Top Ring in White, Princess Pavé Pendant in Blue

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

This year, I competed in pole vault for the first time. I exceeded my goal that I established at the beginning of my season. I was also able to compete at the state meet with my relay team.

What are you inspired by? 

I am inspired by athletes who have worked hard to accomplish their goals. 

What do you hope for the future?

As I grow up, I hope to be a courageous and bold person and to become independent and self sufficient. 

grace

Grace wears the Pink Heart Studs, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White

 

Q&A: Meet Kain

Kain

Kain wears the Solitaire Stud in Blue

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I’m most proud my ability to connect with people. I love relating to others and making people feel cared for, loved, or valued.

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

Someone that has helped me grow and someone I look up to most is Jasmine. She was my teacher in middle school and sadly she passed away from cancer, but what’s important is she didn’t pass without a message of love and empathy for others, which is something I learned to embrace because of her.

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

Something I’ve been doing a lot recently is exploring my artistic freedom. I’ve been making a lot of music and writing a ton and doing a ton in terms of acting and modeling.

What are you inspired by?  

I’m most inspired by music, film, and those around me. I’ve always been like that because I’ve ALWAYS loved movies and music. People around me tend to inspire me to be a better version of myself.

What do you hope for the future?

I of course hope that we find a cure for cancer.  I also hope in the future that everyone around me can be happy and live their best life. I hope in the future that I can make a positive impact on others. (And I hope in the future my career in modeling and acting continues - I love it) :) 

Kain

Kain wears the Tiny Chevron Earring in Pink

 

Q&A: Meet Serena

Serena Killion

Serena wears the Blue Moon Necklace, Solitaire Studs in White, Trillion Open Top Ring in White, Baguette Linear Ring in Blue

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I'm proud that I decided to go back to school after modeling full-time to pursue a degree in computer science. It's been challenging, but I am fulfilled by what I'm learning and have met amazing people along the way. This summer I am working with my best friend at school on an app for models working in the fashion industry. She modeled as well and through sharing our experience, we realized there was a need for something we could create.

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

I look up to my mom greatly. She always strives to do what's right and remain open-minded. I admire her steadfast moral compass and her dedication to her family, friends, and employees. I hope to be like her someday though I know I will never be able to cook as well as her!

Serena Killion

Serena wears the Chevron Pendant in Pink, Solitaire Open Top Ring in Pink, Trillion Open Top Ring in White, Solitaire Studs in Pink

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

I was recently accepted for the IsraAID Humanitarian Fellowship. Next week I will begin a six-week internship in Berlin, Germany, aiding their refugee rehabilitation work. I started working for a non-profit last year and have found joy in this field of work, so I was very happy to receive this fellowship which will allow me to gain hands-on experience.

What are you inspired by? 

I've drawn most of my inspiration from books and film, but I am always impressed by people who follow their passions, especially when the end goal is to help humanity. My favorite author is Aldous Huxley. A lot of people have read Brave New World in school, but I think more of his books should be read. I took a seminar on his work last semester and was moved by his dedication to writing about the human situation. If I could live an alternate life, I would study film because the medium pieces together storytelling, visuals, and music in a manner that expresses life most honestly to me. My favorite directors include Andrei Tarkovsky, David Lynch, and Zhang Yimou.

Serena Killion

Serena wears the Solitaire Studs in PinkPrincess Open Top Ring in White

What do you hope for the future?

I hope people will be kinder to humanity and our environment and find peace within themselves. 

 

Q&A: Meet Riley

Riley

Riley wears the Princess Open Top Ring in Blue, Baguette Linear Ring in Pink, Trillion Open Top Ring in White, Baguette Linear Ring in Blue

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I would say that I’m most proud of how I’ve used obstacles that might have deterred others to motivate myself to create the life I want. I could easily have let limitations define me and used them as excuses for shortcomings, but I instead chose to grow from them into a more determined and creative person.

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

Definitely my mom. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have a role model like her showing me that kindness and strength go hand in hand.

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

A few weeks ago I got cast as Roxie Hart in a production of Chicago, which is kind of huge for me. Roxie has been one of my ultimate dream roles since I was little, and I never thought I’d get to perform a role like that before I turn 18.

What are you inspired by? 

I find inspiration in the people around me. It’s so incredible to me to see how strong and brave people can be in a world that can be so dark and scary. I love seeing unlikely success stories —especially from people I know. Seeing my friends, family, coworkers, et cetera overcome circumstances to achieve their goals and become the best that they can be is the most inspiring thing to me.

Meet Riley

Riley wears the Chevron Pendant in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White, Solitaire Linear Ring in White, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink

What do you hope for the future?

I hope one day every child is given the chance to pursue their dreams and live freely and fearlessly regardless of who they are, where they’re born, or the family they’re born into. 

 

Q&A: Meet Athena 

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

Something I am really proud of is learning to find and follow my own moral compass. It’s not always easy to make your own path but it’s important to me in order to be true to myself. 

Meet Athena

Athena wears the Princess Linear Ring in Pink, Solitaire Open Top Ring in White, Trillion Open Top Ring in White

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

My mom has helped me grow into the person I am today. She is always there for me whether I need advice, driving me to auditions, staying up late to help me self-tape, and much more. She balances so many crazy schedules with 7 kids and somehow always makes it all work. I aspire to be as strong as my mom as I grow up.

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

Something I’ve accomplished recently that has brought me joy is learning how to drive. It took me awhile to feel comfortable but I finally got to the point where I do and I’m so happy! I drive everyone everywhere whenever I can!

Meet Athena

Athena wears the Solitaire Studs in Pink, Three Stone Pendant in Pink, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Princess Open Top Ring in Blue, Solitaire Linear Ring in White, Princess Linear Ring in Blue, Baguette Linear Ring in Blue

What are you inspired by? 

I am inspired by music. I love all types of music, but reggae has to be my favorite. My parents would play it when I was a baby and it was the only thing that would calm me down. It is still something I always go back to. I always feel relaxed when I am listening to it.

What do you hope for the future?

My hope for the future is for the world to be more loving and accepting of everyone who lives in it. So that we can all not only have our basic needs met but flourish. I know this is a lofty goal, but it is worth striving for.

Meet Athena

Athena wears the Pink Heart Studs, Pink Heart Pendant, Solitaire Pendant in Pink, Princess Linear Ring in Pink, Solitaire Open Top Ring in White, Trillion Open Top Ring in White

 

Q&A: Meet Ajaya 

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

Maintaining good grades and filming and editing a family reality show i'm working on. 

Meet Ajaya

Ajaya wears the Halo Earrings in White, Solitaire Open Top Ring in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

My parents.

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

I recently completed my seventh Hollywood dance.

Meet Ajaya

Ajaya wears the Solitaire Studs in Pink, Pink Heart Pendant, Pink Princess Pavé Pendant, Princess Open Top Ring in Pink, Princess Linear Ring in Pink, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink

What are you inspired by? 

I'm inspired by people who have achieved big accomplishments. 

What do you hope for the future?

To become a professional model.

Meet Ajaya

Ajaya wears the Solitaire Studs in PinkPrincess Open Top Ring in PinkPrincess Linear Ring in PinkTrillion Linear Ring in Pink 

 

Q&A: Meet Erin 

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I would say I’m most proud of the type of person I’ve become. I know I’m young, but seeing my personal growth throughout the years feels like a big accomplishment for me.

Meet Erin

Erin wears the Solitaire Studs in White, Three Stone Pendant in Pink, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White, Princess Linear Ring in White

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

My mom has taught me everything from how to tie my shoes to understanding my connection to those around me. She is the most in-depth thinker I have ever met, and her insight inspires me every day. 

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

I went skydiving for the first time recently, and I had never felt happier! I didn’t feel nervous on the plane, and it was just when the door opened that my heart started to race. Overall, I was proud of being able to keep my fears in check.

Meet Erin

Erin wears the Pink Heart Studs, Princess Linear Ring in White, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Baguette Linear Ring in White, Solitaire Open Top Ring in White

What are you inspired by? 

I would say I am mainly inspired by people and music. The wonderful people in my life inspire me to be the best person I can, and music inspires me to create and envision.

What do you hope for the future?

For my personal future, I hope to be happy, financially stable, and surrounded by people I love. For the general future, I hope to see more people taking action to fight climate change and make the Earth a little greener.

 

Q&A: Meet Avery

Avery

Avery wears the Solitaire Studs in Pink, Solitaire Linear Ring in White

What are you most proud of at this point in your life?

How much I’ve grown as a person during the past few years, for sure. It’s really satisfying to recognize it and still see where there’s room for more, but also to be proud of who I am right now.

Who is someone that has helped you grow or that you look up to?

My mom, hands down. She’s the strongest, and most loving person I’ve ever met! I could go on for hours about how much she inspires me, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I got lucky enough to be her kid. 

Is there something you’ve done or accomplished recently that has brought you joy?

Outside of modeling, I work in bridal. Every day that I get to help be a part of making people feel beautiful and happy is something I truly treasure. People deserve to feel as lovely as they are!

Avery

Avery wears the Solitaire Studs in Blue, Trillion Open Top Ring in Blue, Trillion Linear Ring in Pink, Blue Moon Pendant, Solitaire Linear Ring in WhitePrincess Linear Ring in Blue, Solitaire Open Top Ring in Pink

What are you inspired by? 

My mom, again, but also my loved ones! It’s easy to find inspiration when you’ve got such phenomenal people in your life. 

What do you hope for the future?

In the long run, I really just hope to be happy, and surrounded by my loved ones. No matter where my life takes me, that’s what's most important.

 

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