What Have Your Twenties Taught You? Sarah Cook Author of Hip & Haute

Sarah is the author of Hip and Haute (Link to Hip and Haute) a stylish Beauty Blog that's honest and on-trend. Not only is Sarah a stunningly gorgeous girl she has a successful career in Marketing, owns her own home, has a loving long-term partner and is the sweetest most beautiful little thing.  What a stunner, and she is so sweet, successful and kind 
How have you changed in your twenties?
Your twenties are such a growing phase... you get shacked up, you find a career (or two) and you find out who you really are and what you're capable of. I really disliked my teens. I was a completely different person back then. A lot of my friends even comment on how far I've come and how strong I am nowadays. Today I am a fiercely strong and independent woman with huge dreams and goals in life... and unlike in my teens, I actually believe that I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. Not that I didn't accomplish things in my teens (quite the opposite, I've always been a perfectionist and over achiever, I am a Leo after all), the difference is now I'm CONFIDENT! Those damn teenage years and the low self-confidence that comes with it. I am very proud of the person I am now in my twenties.
What lessons have you learnt?
If there is one thing I could tell my younger self, it would be to be more confident and not scrutinise my body. I was healthy and normal weight, yet back then, we would always be comparing ourselves with our friends... and it's just NOT RIGHT! Now as I have grown up, I can see that every woman has a different body and we are all beautiful in our own way. If we were all the same size and tried to look the same, the world would be a screwed up place! Individuality is beautiful!! Embrace your own body and play up your strong points - if you like your eyes, then learn a great smokey eye technique or practice liquid eyeliner until you find the shape that accentuates your eye shape. Everyone is different and not one makeup look suits everyone. I have also learnt a lot of life lessons along the way, but the main lessons I have learnt to be happy in life are: a) be true to yourself and put yourself first... yes I know that sounds selfish, but if you don't no one else will and YOU will always have to look out for YOU; b) Look after your health and make sure you exercise and eat well. Your mood and outlook will only be reflective of how you are treating your body; c) friends will come and go, but family is forever. Make sure you have family close to you in life.
What do you know now that you didn't when you were a teen?
Pretty much all the points above. As a teen, I wouldn't have dreamt of all the crazy achievements I have made in life. I didn't even know what a blog was (actually I don't even know if they existed), and if someone told me that I would have my own home at the age of 22, and would be a Marketing Manager for a whole bunch of pub/bars in Brisbane by 25 I would never have believed them. 
Oh and all that trivial shit that you fuss about as a teen... doesn't even matter in the real world!! Who cares if you have a bit of extra body hair, your parents don't let you go to a party and that you don't have a flat stomach or the latest clothes? The real world doesn't care about that crap! Focus on the important stuff in life like education and happiness. 
What achievements are you proud of?
Gee, I get ahead of myself in these questions don't I? Well I have already listed some above, but I would say my biggest achievements would be:
• Building a home with my partner, straight out of university at the age of 21 and paying off a mortgage at such a young age. We both did it all by ourselves, with no clue and no help! I have had to make a lot of sacrifices (i.e. travel/partying/splurging) but hey... I would never change that.  • Finishing my Bachelor of Business at university in Marketing/Advertising • Starting up my beauty blog (including all the design) over a year ago, and having such a great response. I still pinch myself when someone says that they read my blog. • Getting a career started in Marketing... it's hard... no one tells you that. But I pride myself on my work ethic and achievements. • Being a kick ass big sister :P Lol
What have you overcome, been through?
A lot! Not a lot of people know, but when my partner lost his job a few years back, we struggled to pay the bills and mortgage and we fell into financial hardship. This was a VERY stressful time and it took a huge toll on my relationship, friendships, social life, bank balance and general state of mind. It was a very low point in my life and at times I really struggled to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But being the stubborn and determined person that I am, I pushed through and kept telling myself that it would get better and I could get through it. As a teenager, I suffered a bit emotionally. I don't know whether it was depression, but I struggled a lot and was very unhappy. I hated my teens. But I eventually got over it and grew up and got on with life. 
How do you feel you have grown and developed?
I have always felt like my maturity was years ahead of my age. I had been forced to "grow up" quickly when I was young and help out at home by looking after my sisters and cooking/cleaning and I always felt like I was a 30 year old in a 13 year old's body. But the trials and tribulations I have been through have made me the person I have become today! I am strong, big hearted and determined to be the best person I can be. Who knows what kind of person I would be today if my upbringing was any different? 
Who inspires you?
My mom. She is such a strong person. She has overcome so much and has achieved even more! She amazes me everyday. I owe her for a lot in my life.  I am always inspired by fellow bloggers as well. A lot of us are career women, with partners, families (with kids/babies on the way), responsibilities and how they still manage to keep it all together and achieve so much with their lives amazes me! 
Sarah and her beautiful Mum ( I know I cant believe thats her Mum either, stunning.. Sister maybe) xx
Thanks Sarah for your amazing story, you inspire me and I am so happy to call you a bloggy friend xxx