Hayley Williams: Lead vocals of the band Paramore.
Wow, so where do I begin! Hayley Williams has been an inspiration and role model to me since 2004 when Paramore first began. I first saw her perform on a tiny stage at Warped Tour, and when I say tiny I mean the size of one you would see at a kid's karaoke birthday party. Williams music inspired me to write my own and to not be afraid of dressing "different." She helped me tap into wild rocker-chic hairstyles and makeup, but also to use them as a way of self-expression. I have met her a few times and she was always too kind. I aspire to be more like her every day,
Renee Yohe: To Write Love On Her Arms and lead vocals of Bearcat.
I first discovered To Write Love On Her Arms in ninth grade when I attended my first Warped Tour. After talking to the people running the booth I immediately needed to know more. I read Yohe's story on the To Write Love On Her Arms website and immediately felt a sense of belonging and understanding. I came across her story at a darker time in my life, which was when I began to self-harm. Yohe's story taught me that hope is real and recovery is possible. It took me roughly eight years to finally be free of self-harm, but when I met her I was able to share my story. I cried when I met her and every so often I message her just to say thank you.
Lights: Singer and songwriter.
OK, aside from the fact that we look alike, she is my spirit animal. She stays true to herself and is not afraid to show it. She taught me it is fine to love swords, anime and video games. Also, it is fine to copy a Final Fantasy character's hairstyle. Lights showed me it is perfectly fine to be covered in tattoos and not to be embarrassed when people stare. She also writes her own music and does not let anyone try to change her style, which is something that is most admirable.
Melanie Martinez: Singer and songwriter.
Martinez has a wicked sense of style and always has the coolest makeup! She has her own sense of style, which is something that I look up to. I connect to her music in so many ways, because she writes about topics everyone is afraid to address. She gets her music to connect to you on a personal level and when I'm feeling down, left out or alone I turn her album on and sing my heart out.
Gala Darling: Speaker and writer.
She is a total witch-babe! She is super inspiring and she hopes to bring radical self-love to every one in existence. Recently, she released her book "Radical Self-Love," which teaches the reader how to love life and find magic in everything and everywhere. She teaches classes on "Radical Self-Love" as well, which was such a huge help in my life. She inspires me to try and be happy every day!
