A normal response I get when I mention the name Zoe Sugg is, “Who is that?” If you were to Google her name, you would learn that she is a British YouTuber who is also an author and creator of the beauty range Zoella Beauty. To many, Zoe Sugg is so much more that a girl who posts light and funny videos to the internet every week. A few years ago, I found Zoe by accident, and I’m very grateful I did. At the time, I didn’t know that I what was happening to me were panic attacks. Luckily, having the technology we do today, it's very easy for anyone to find answers via the internet. I had come across a video posted by Zoe called, “Dealing with Panic Attacks and Anxiety.” I clicked on that video and finally had some answers. Everything that she described was how I was feeling. Along with her near 10 million subscribers, I had found someone I could relate to. Zoe shares her story about her panic disorder and ways to cope and things you can do to get help. This video became my words when I couldn’t find the right ones to explain what was going on to family and friends.
On September 1, 2012, Zoe posted a blog titled, “Just Say Yes." She writes about her anxiety disorder and how it holds her back from doing things in life that she would love to do. I instantly related to this. “Just say yes” has become much more than a sentence to me because of this post. She discusses the 'what ifs' people with anxiety fight with and tells her readers that it’s OK to just say yes sometimes and live life to the fullest.
Starting out, Zoe posted videos for fun, making videos was simply a hobby for her. She displays her fun and upbeat lifestyle for the world to see. For someone who struggles with anxiety I couldn't imagine sharing that part of my life with millions of people. From the outside Zoe's life looks perfect and she could keep everyone thinking that way. I admire her for so many things, being real and true to herself are just a couple reasons. She doesn't hide parts that she wouldn't want people to see. She shows the good, the bad, and the very hard times.
Her success from her channel has brought her many awards, two best-selling novels, and a self-created beauty range. In 2014, she was named Digital Ambassador for Mind the Mental Health Charity. In 2015 she was listed by Debrett’s under the most influential people in Britain and named the most inspirational women of the decade in technology. She has accomplished all of this before the age of 25. Her YouTube channel, Zoella, has brought her a close to 10 million subscribers. He second channel, “MoreZoella,” which includes vlogs of her daily life, show the kind and fun-loving person that she is.
Zoe Sugg is talented, inspirational, influential, and just plain fun to watch. She shows us that at any age we can be whoever we want to be, to live life to the fullest and that it's sometimes OK to not be okay. So, 'just say yes' to Zoe Sugg.
