Here to talk on this issue is the Editor-in-Chief, Creative Director, and Photographer herself, Hannah Beil:
I think it is a fitting month for a story time of the events that led me to this very moment, being a part of my very own editorial.
Way back when I was quite young, I remember being able to shop in Justice all day long with my mom. We would set out for the Promenades mid-morning and find ourselves finally refuelling ourselves with a sandwich from Pita Bread nearly close to dinner time. Even though I did not buy every item my eye fell in love with, I admired from afar.
Clothing is a noun that quite literally controls our mind. A daily habit for us all is to change out of our night time attire into our twelve hour look suitable for the events ahead. Our eyes first look at outfits of strangers almost every time, at least it is one of the most frequent focal points. I appreciate how every time I put on a dress I feel free and peaceful. I appreciate how every time I put on jeans I feel structured and strong. I appreciate how every time I put on a set I feel put-together and motivated.
Deeper and deeper I went into this beautiful hole of consistent conspiracy of clothing. Nothing is quite like the crafted pieces we wear on the daily. Nothing. We rely on them to feel something so distant from any other feeling.
There is more to the love for clothing, for it provides a foundation for every day we stand on our two feet.
That period of obsession kick-started my internal revelation that I had a niche for fashion related interests. Styling grew into a plethora of stores and trends as I aged. Closer to being an adult individual, I found myself. I found what matches my energy. I found what matches my skin tone. I found what compliments my body. I take inspiration from all modes of media these days, but, to be honest, I find myself heavily attracted to items I have never seen on other women or men.
Now this is where life gets even more interesting.
It goes deeper than clothing.
I evolved from a naive girl to a confident woman when I discovered my purpose. The ignition to the engine unhinging for my brain to capture. Now, we are talking about an immense amount of visions sworming my mind, and the reasoning behind the slogan for ÜP. I am a dreamer.
While some hesitate to let their dreams take over, I welcome the visions with open arms. I know I am made to create. Personally, I am able to put two and two together- whether that be clothing pieces, angles for pictures, themes of issues, or places that will best fit the imagery.
Dreams are the best advice you will ever receive. They bring about an all-or-nothing mentality that teaches you to be mentally tough. As you configure your plans and begin your journey, aspects of becoming grow thick, but then you remember the process is the part that makes the end game all too worth it.
I sat down and considered taking on the ownership of an editorial. Before I typed one word or thought of the first person to be on the cover of an issue, I made a pact with myself that I would not stray from being the utmost professional and intentional. To ensure the professional length reached a certain mark, I took a leap of faith and established a website with its own domain.
Upeditorial.com is now my own brand that I add monthly issues on to and articles based on fashion, culture, lifestyle, travel, and beauty. Writing for me is an outlet where words become simplistic. I could never compare anything to writing. I sit down for hours on end letting my brain release, exactly as I am doing currently. Researching more about the world and its features has branched me farther from the norm in my small town. I feel more connected to my inner self when I found something I love.
Calling something your own is a title that I am proud to hold and even more thankful for those who support the content. Every action of mine is to benefit the people attached to my site and social media accounts. You reading this, you are my priority.
I thoroughly think through each venture I take in order for my ideas to come alive. Imagination can lead you so far, but you have to physically and mentally input yourself. Scouting for certain clothing items has been a major step in the creative directing scene. I tend to gravitate towards the more outlandish creations for the sake of the editorial roots. Days have recently been filled with many trips to stores of all sorts to find the matching pieces to one another in an outfit for a certain issue.
Each birthday rolls around and I find myself more in awe of life’s offerings. I am offered this opportunity to implement my natural inclinations, so I will continue to take it.
As a nineteen-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, I find that each day is a growth spurt. Whether I find an alternate way of photographing or understand more about a person from interviews- or even in my own daily life (cooking, driving, navigating, reading, etc.)- I know I am even closer to becoming the next teacher for an apprentice like my current self.
For those that follow along on the journey of ÜP and my own, I admire you. I admire any being that surfs along my page, reads the bio, or even just taps on the account handle.
Nineteen-year-old me has quite an odyssey before her that I am more than ready for.