15 Fun Facts About Our Founder!
Learn More About the Woman Behind The Hippy Edit!
1.) I have a BA in Political Science
I recently graduated from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science! I grew up involved in politics and after the 2016 Presidential Election, I felt hopeless and so out of control that I decided to get a whole degree devoted to politics. It's actually a pretty versatile degree that I can use in a number of ways, but for now, I love being able to apply that knowledge to this business! The Hippy Edit is all about making a difference in whatever way we can!
2.) I'm a DIEHARD Boston Red Sox fan
I grew up on the East Coast and that means one of two things, you're either a Yankees fan or a Red Sox fan. For my family, the decision is an easy one and it's Red Sox all the way. My grandfather was a Dodger's fan before they abandoned Brooklyn and moved to LA. After that, he adopted the Red Sox because he couldn't justify supporting another New York team. My parents have season tickets now and I love catching a game whenever I'm home (when COVID isn't a factor)!
3.) I went to school originally for Fashion Design
I started college in a program for Fashion Design but decided it wasn't the best fit for me. I love fashion still (obviously) but that program made me worried that I would lose that passion. The competitiveness of it along with the drama that was already starting on day one made me pretty sure I wouldn't be happy. I switched on the first day of classes to my Political Science program and was so much happier for it! Clearly, I've been able to find a way to tie both those passions together and have no regrets!
4.) I'm diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2, PTSD, and a Panic Disorder
I've struggled with mental health issues for most of my life. In high school, I was diagnosed with borderline ADHD and major depression, but that diagnosis was changed to Bipolar Type 2, PTSD, and a Panic Disorder in December 2020. Since receiving that diagnosis, my mental health has improved SO much! I can't recommend therapy enough to EVERYONE, even people that think they don't struggle with mental health. Your brain is a part of your body, so take care of it just like you do for your physical health!
5.) I have a kitty named Obi
He's perfect and a weirdo and absolutely adorable. He's named after Obi-Wan Kenobi from Start Wars because my whole family is obsessed and I grew up watching the whole franchise with my Dad and brothers. Obi definitely used the force on my boyfriend and me when we went to adopt him, because he was the only cat we needed to see to make the choice to bring him home!
6.) I grew up in the oldest town in CT
Even though I no longer live in CT, my hometown, Wethersfield, will always hold a very special place in my heart. It's the oldest town in Connecticut and we have so much history there, including George Washington staying there during the Revolutionary War! The original section of town that was built in the 1600s has been preserved as well as possible and I grew up walking the streets of a beautiful colonial town with amazing architecture. If you're ever on the East Coast, make a stop in Wethersfield, CT, and take a tour to learn about the unique role my hometown played in history! These photos were taken by my Dad! Follow him on Ig @flynnfotog
7.) I love doing makeup
My first creative outlet, outside of dancing competitively, was makeup. Thanks to dance, I was introduced to stage makeup at a pretty young age and quickly fell in love with the artistry behind it. For the longest time, I wanted to skip the whole college idea and go straight to cosmetology school (I still kind of wish I did that and still might)! I love being able to completely transform how I look with makeup and really enjoy collecting different pallets and other products!
8.) I LOVE Mac Miller
I'm a little ashamed to admit that I really didn't appreciate him until after he passed, but now I've listened to every single song multiple times. KIDS is my favorite album, with Poppy taking the top spot for favorite songs. His music means a lot to me and I relate to it in a lot of ways. His songs have pulled me out of some of the darkest moments I've had in the last couple of years and I can always find a song to fit my mood because he was such a versatile artist.
9.) I studied abroad in Florence, Italy
This is included because I'm crazy proud of myself for taking on this challenge. When I studied abroad, I went alone without knowing many people in the program. I knew one of my roommates, but everyone else for the most part was a stranger. I get incredibly uncomfortable and anxious in situations where I don't know anyone, and when you add being in a foreign country where I don't speak the language makes for a pretty tough combo. My Grandma/best friend/number one fan also passed away while I was there and that was really hard to cope with. But I made it through and managed to have a blast while growing as a person! Now I can't recommend studying abroad enough!
10.) I was in a sorority (Alpha Xi Delta)
Those are words that I never thought I'd type five years ago. I was completely anti-sorority when I got to college but quickly fell in love with the greek life on my college's campus. The sororities were really about philanthropy and sisterhood instead of the parties and silly things you see on TV. I'm so proud to say I held two positions in my chapter and helped my chapter raise over $80,000 in one year for our philanthropy, Autism Speaks, a cause that means the world to me and my family!
11.) I've been with my boyfriend for over 3 years
I met my AMAZING boyfriend our Sophomore year of college. He's the best and does everything he can to support my business, including pushing the cart while I shop the same aisle at Goodwill for an hour. He never shoots down the crazy ideas I have to grow The Hippy Edit, but at the same time does an amazing job of keeping my feet on the ground and in reality (even when I don't want to be realistic). Not to mention he's pretty good looking too ;).
12.) My favorite place in the world is Nice, France
When I studied abroad, I was lucky enough to travel to Nice, France for a weekend. I absolutely fell in love with the city and the people. I took French for 7 years but had never had a chance to travel to France. It was everything I hoped for and more. The people were so kind and the food was obviously delicious. Getting to actually use the language I'd studied for so long was just the cherry on top of the beautiful beaches and historic architecture. If you ever get the chance, go to Nice!
13.) I'm obsessed with Bob's Burgers
I've watched every episode so many times I've lost count but it's definitely over 20 times. It's my happy show and my background noise show and the show I throw on when I don't know what else to watch which is pretty often. Something about the Belcher family is comforting. If you haven't watched it, please do. It's such a wholesome and hilarious show!
14.) I have 2 tattoos and several piercings
I have two tattoos that each have an incredibly deep meaning to me. One is for my dad and it's an outline of a bunny. He's called my bunny since I was a baby, and I wanted my first tattoo to help me keep that with me forever. My second is for my grandfather. He used to read the book Goodnight Moon to me every single time I stayed at their house and he worked on the Apollo missions as a literal rocket scientist. He passed his love of space down to me and now I carry a piece of that with me everywhere I go. I love body modifications and my plan is to get my nose pierced and a tattoo for my grandmother next!
15.) My favorite book is Becoming by Michelle Obama
I read Becoming my junior year of college and it was the first book I took notes in other than a textbook. I couldn't help myself. So much of what Michelle Obama wrote leaped off the page and stuck in my brain. Her path in life was similar to the one I was journeying down and a lot of her words really resonated with me and made me rethink how I wanted to live the rest of my life. Because of her words, I realized what my real passions were and completely changed my life and how I think. I'll forever be grateful for the stories and emotions she shared.
