Bold Journey Magazine | Lo Cornell on Confidence & Self Esteem

June 12, 2023

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lo Cornell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lo, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Thank you so much for having me!

Great question- I’ll say, the only tattoo I have on my body is one that reads, “do it scared”

What does this have to do with confidence? It is the one notion that has pushed me to go through with my dreams even when they seemed impossible.

Confidence is something that I’ve always had, and simultaneously always been looking for… let me explain…

I was always a confident child in the sense that I knew what I wanted from life- to be an artist, to have my own business, and do right by the world. The hard part was having enough confidence in myself to believe I could actually accomplish these things. Believing that I was worthy of these dreams.

When I first started Think Unique, I thought I was maybe going to sell a few items, and then let it fall by the wayside like so many hobbies and passions before. I have had a habit of getting in my own way my entire life, and this seemed no different.

However, something inside me knew that this path was different, and one I was meant to be on. It felt right in my soul, and seemed like an opportunity to help others along their own journeys of self love as well.

I began applying for shows even when I didn’t think I would get accepted- I did.

I began to make new jewelry I didn’t think other people would buy- they did.

I began to connect and network with others, but didn’t think anyone wanted to hear my story- they did.

I put myself out there time and time again even when the world was telling me this wasn’t a viable career choice, you can’t live as an artist in this world, women your age down own businesses… the list goes on.

It has now been almost six years of Think Unique, and I have sold hundreds of pieces, made countless connections with beautiful souls all over the world, shared my story with numerous publications and media outlets, and now I am here to tell you that it is okay to just-

do it scared.

It has taken years of all kinds of practice- morning affirmations, journaling, valuing my work, accepting compliments, and not being so hard on myself. These small regular actions have slowly built a stronger sense of confidence for me in my life, and have in return given others more confidence in my abilities, and in themselves.

I think when we are able to love and accept ourselves for who we are- not who we think we should be- our confidence and self esteem can blossom into such a beautiful and nurturing part of our lives. The hard part is breaking through that barrier of societal and family pressure that so many of us have experienced in our lives.

I know that it may seem impossible to believe in yourself, that you aren’t worthy of the life you’ve imagined, or that someone else is more deserving… but I can tell you that each and every person on this earth deserves to be loved, cherished, and cared for. Part of that love is the belief that your dreams are possible. We at least owe it to ourselves to give it our best effort, and let the universe carry us forward towards our destiny.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Currently, I am working on growing and expanding my business through wholesale accounts and partnership with shops and retreats. I have been blessed to connect with some amazing partners, and have been able to share my craft with so many through these outlets.

It is my goal to partner with as many local and international retreats as possible to offer my goods as a gift for attending such a transformative event. I know that my mission – jewelry for a brighter tomorrow- can be reached through these connections, while helping individuals reach their own spiritual goals as well.

I am also starting to participate in in-person shows again! This was an enormous part of my life when I first started my business in Chicago, and am just entering the art world here in San Diego. I am so happy to be able to connect with all of the beautiful souls here in Southern California, and share my work with them while learning their stories.

At these upcoming shows, (check https://shopthinkunique.com for dates!) I will also be selling my new Summer collection, which will be available on my website in the next month.

I look forward to all of this growth and connection, and feel such gratitude for this life I get to live!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities I think are most important when starting any major type of journey (business, self love, relationship, travel, new place to live) are- flexibility, open-mindedness, and a sense of humor.

Flexibility is important because it is so rare that things go “according to plan”. Life is a series of curveballs and the ability to be adaptable, flexible, and to pivot, is an incredibly valuable skill to have. It has helped me with countless career changes, starting my business, moving to California, and even just the daily surprises life has thrown at me.

Open-mindedness is an essential life skill, or quality, that I think everyone should have. It allows your mind to accept, and be open to, new blessings. This could mean staying open minded about a stranger, and instead of judging them, having a genuine curiosity about their unique life. This could blossom into a beautiful friendship, and an expansion of one’s understanding of the world. This could also manifest as a business opportunity- had I not stayed open minded throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I would have missed so many opportunities for partnership, sales, show opportunities, and more, simply because I didn’t have a concrete understanding of what these new opportunities were. I always ask questions, and I truly believe that being open minded has shaped my life in the most lovely way.

The last quality is humor. This may seem odd as an ingredient for success, but I truly think that being able to laugh at yourself, and not take everything so seriously, gives you a leg up in life. People enjoy being around others who have an ability to laugh at themselves, or laugh at life when it gets hard. Sometimes, a smile, or a burst of laughter, is enough to lift an entire room of people out of a somber mood. I think it is a natural part of the laws of attraction, and will bring you, and others, so much joy on your journey.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Oo yes! I love to collaborate and work with new businesses and folx!

Those who are familiar with my brand know that manifestation is an enormous piece of it. Part of that is speaking your wishes and goals into existence, so here I am, manifesting my dreams!

I would love to partner with any retreats that focus on self improvement, spirituality, yoga, or any form of self-love and self-care. I offer discounted wholesale packages of my mala bracelets, smudge bundles, and Versitowels, as a gift to welcome, or send off, your retreat guests on their new journeys. I have worked with a few so far and they have been the most rewarding experiences- it would be an honor to create these types of relationships with new beings. Inquiries can be sent to thinkuniquejewelry@gmail.com, with the subject line- Retreats.

I am also always seeking models and photographers to work with for photoshoots. I aim to represent a diverse group of humans, because I truly believe that we all deserve to manifest our dreams. I also think accepting all different kinds of beauty is the key to a happier, and more open minded society.

I am also always happy to connect with individuals looking to discuss spirituality, manifestation, small business ownership, creativity, or making your own path in the world. I enjoy speaking with podcast hosts, interviewers (like this one!), and anyone looking to make positive change in our world.

Please feel free to contact me through my website, or directly at thinkuniquejewelry@gmail.com

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