Standing out is a strength rather than a weakness. But growing up is a notoriously turbulent process that encourages us to fit in, above all else. Hopefully, as we age, we learn to embrace what sets us apart, seeing the beauty (and power) in our differences.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Here, some of the contributors behind Fashion Journal‘s latest print edition, Issue 197, reflect on the qualities they were teased about when they were younger and how these helped shape them.
Evie Waterman-Witchell, model
“I was teased about being shy. I was told I was too quiet and was asked to repeat myself or to speak up all the time. When I was a teenager, a few girls picked on me because they saw me as an easy target. People treat you differently when you’re quiet. I think it’s made me a bit more gentle, and I notice more about people and the world around me. I also feel like it’s made me stronger and more creative, and I don’t think I’d be who I am without that part of me.”
Zebe Haupt, photographer
“The list of things I was teased about growing up is long – kids can be brutal and creative. From my name to my background, I copped it all. But one quality I’m proud of is my ability to brush it off. Not letting passing comments stick became my superpower. I’ve always run my own race: travelling solo for tennis, moving to America after university and quitting consulting for photography. I’ve always loved who I am and how I express myself, and that won’t change.”
Daniel Mizzi, writer
“I used to see this boy for quite some time and he’d often tease me for looking at myself in the mirror. To his credit, it’s one of my less endearing traits. Still, unlike him, I have the good fortune of not having the glass crack at the sight of me. Which quality has made me a greater writer: my vanity or verbosity? Well, they’ve both played a part but I have invariably been, and remain, an incredibly lucky man. I always find a dollar in my pocket, always draw an ace of spades, and my reflection always winks back at me.”
Kirsty Barros, stylist
“I always dressed differently from those around me and as a consequence, received a variety of responses – some good, some bad. When dressed in my casual whatevers, I would often be asked what the ‘theme’ was. To this day, I’m still asked if I’m in dress-ups. I love an outfit with a sense of humour and a teeny bit of chaos, something that makes you feel good on the inside and out. Comfort and chaos are a good combination.”
Sienna Barton, writer
“Going to an affluent inner-Melbourne public school was brutal. Most students were white and from rich families, while I was brown and lived in government housing. In prep or grade one, I was told I couldn’t play kiss chasey because I had “n-word germs”. My mum, a woman with dark Sri Lankan skin, was horrified when she had to explain what it meant. It was the first time I realised I was perceived differently to my white peers but it wasn’t the last. While I’m still coming to terms with being biracial, these experiences fostered my sense of empathy and social justice.”
This article was originally published in Fashion Journal issue 197.
For more on building resilience, try this.
This article “I’ve always run my own race”: Five creatives share what they used to be teased about appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-06-02 05:15:00
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