My Thoughts - Essena O'Neill 'Quitting Social Media!"

Hey Everyone!

So during the week the buzz word on social media was "Essena O'Neill" and "Quitting Social Media"... Yup, ironic that this idea of quitting social media was trending ON SOCIAL MEDIA..
Anyway - as someone who is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, has a blog and is trying to build a YouTube channel.. I thought I would write (use social media, lol) to give my two cents on this idea and Essena's trending video...

If you haven't seen the video then watch it first so you have some clue about what I'm talking about...

Ok here's the thing...I personally had never heard of Essena O'Neill or seen any of her pictures/videos before this video went viral.. I know I saw many saying the same online... so in complete contradiction that shows the absolute power of social media! 

When I first watched the video I could relate to her message and what she was saying... I personally can, at times, find social media very draining! so I get it! A part of me was saying "good on you" and "you go girl!" as she did make some very good points.. I even shared the video on my facebook and said that I found it very interesting... because I did! 

The part that left me very confused was the end... the part where Essena says that as a result of quitting her job(social media) she will not be able to pay for her rent and she asks her followers to donate money to her via her new website... This left me with a bit of a weird feeling in my stomach, I almost felt like a bad person for feeling a little negative about that part and this young girl... You see the thing is, as far as I'm concerned, if you truly want to quit social media because you feel it is doing you personal damage (which I can understand why/how it could do that) surely you would just post the video and then delete all social media accounts? At 19 years old (Essena was just about to celebrate her 19th birthday the day after making this video) most normal teenagers don't have a career yet anyway... many have no idea what they are going to do with their life and most have little or no money to their name.. Therefore it would be my thinking that you would just do some soul searching, decide what it is you want to do, even move back in with family if you need to(if that's an option) and then go back out into the real world and get a regular job.. it may not be the fulfilling job that you want immediately but something to pay the bills until you decided what it is you do want to do and what is it that will make you HAPPY (because that's what's most important and again no rush as Essena is only 19).  

There is something in me that really does not agree with Essena asking her followers for money(for the reason she has given at least)because she alone has chosen not to have social media as her career any longer and that was solely her choice. Not just that but money is made off of ad-sense and clicks on both websites and YouTube (all be it a teeny tiny amount) but having a video that goes viral and creating a new website which has a lot of interest as a result will gain some revenue in itself (which totally goes against the idea of "quitting social media" btw anyway). 

Look... each to their own - it's an individual's choice whether they want to donate money to Essena or not and I am certainly not judge and jury over what's right or what's wrong in that case... or what people should or shouldn't do with their own money but it is my personal opinion that while the original message was a strong one, and I, personally, can relate to the message in many ways as I've said (some days more than others, ha.) and I'm also sure Essena means well in her message and feelings behind the whole thing (she may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the attention it has since received..?) I do however feel in my gut that the end part makes the video somewhat hypercritical.. 

Anyway, that's my opinion on Essena O'Neill's video... now my opinion on social media in general... 

There was a time when I thought I was a queen of networking and social media... for Ireland I was doing pretty well with regards to my online growth - facebook/twitter/my blog etc... however then two things happened 1) Instagram came a long and 2) I moved to Los Angeles... 

Both of these things combined made me feel a tad more negative toward social media as a whole and here's why... 

Because it became an uneven playing ground for work and work = money and money = surviving financially! 

I'm not talking about money made off of views, clicks or endorsements.. to me that would never amount to being a job (not on the small scale that I'm currently on anyway) but jobs with regards to modelling and acting which I am pursuing here in tinsel town! 

For example many vine stars are now landing movie roles... not for their love of acting or that they even had any interest in it before (don't get me wrong some have so there are exceptions) but simply because they have a large following they are handed it... tell that to an actor who moved here 5 years ago has worked their butt off to get into acting classes and workshops and lived off of very little in order to do so but when it comes down to the audition the vine star gets the job... that seems unfair?... because, basically, it is unfair! but that's life and that's the social media world that we live in. (I have met many of these actors)

I once read an article by the New York Post saying how in the world of modelling you need more than 10,000 Instagram followers to stand any chance of booking "the" job. And lets be real... 10,000 on Instagram is nothing these days when there are 'Instagram models' who were unknown but have carved a following of a million+ on their account. (To read that article click here) 

Fair enough.. when it comes to modelling the larger the following the easier it is for the company to promote the product (for eg) and the more attention it will receive and I totally understand that from a business point of view and if you have put genuine time and effort into building your Instagram and real people are genuinely interested in following you then that's amazing and you probably should get the job!! however where it becomes unfair is where fake followers come into account:  On Instagram, in particular, I would argue that there are so many fake followers everywhere you look...to me this is purely obvious based on the follows to likes/comments ratio.. I'm sorry, I realize that more people 'like' than comment on Instagram', but if you're picture has 2,000 likes and 4 comments I would call suspect on that one..
(the thing about fake followers is it attracts real ones because people think this person has a lot of followers so they must be worth following. Therefore i'd suggest we don't judge on numbers alone but on content and interest:)

What pisses me off is that numbers seem to matter so much so that someone with 100,000 fake followers would get a job over someone with 20,000 real ones? That just doesn't seem right...

BUT unfortunately It is a like game, it is a follow game and it is unfair and uneven. What hasn't been said  it that it is also a rich persons game... even if you're not paying for followers a picture of your Louboutin shoes placed perfectly on the seat of your expensive car or on your sparkling white rug will gain attention because Instagram is also a dream world where ordinary people aspire to have those Louboutin shoes, drive that car or go on that exclusive Bora Bora holiday! put up a picture of your hatch back and crocks and you won't be getting as much interest that's for sure!! (haha)

There is definitely a downside to social media: the above with regards to jobs (particularly in the entertainment industry) would be a huge one for me but also I can see Essena's point of view with regards to it not being "real life" and it playing havoc on people's self esteem... Perhaps a young girl who looks at the likes of Jen Selter and comes away from her phone feeling shit about her own body..social media can definitely do that...however, it could be said that they are the downsides to an otherwise positive platform because it can also do the complete opposite and inspire - be it fitness,lifestyle or something else: it may set another girl/boys dreams higher, it may inspire them to eat healthier, workout or to travel etc... and It may give people who never had a voice the chance to have one... 

I believe what is important is that when looking at social media nobody take it too seriously...A person is not defined by 'likes' and 'followers'..when judgement day comes and its all put in perspective what does that matter anyway? And definitely don't think your life is bad because your comparing it to that of someone you see on social media because you definitely don't see the half of it! Everyone wants to post their best pics, I don't think there is anything wrong with that, nobody is going to post pictures from the day they feel awful, haven't washed their hair in days and have been lazing around in sweats. I can give you a direct example: yesterday I was sick all day! I literally did not leave my house - I missed my audition due to a migraine, I also had bad cramps, was feeling homesick, lonely and extremely anxious..I didn't put on a spot of makeup or brush my hair, I ordered take out and ate fairly unhealthy: I felt horrendous on the inside and out and I cried a number of times (my hormones were all over the place to make things worse)... yet I also posted a "selfie" on Instagram that was taken about three days earlier - that selfie was not taken yesterday!! the last thing I wanted was any type of picture to be taken with how I was feeling yesterday but to the world or people who follow me on Instagram they probably thought that that picture was from yesterday and I had a much different type of day than I had in fact had! so there ya go! 

My advice to people trying to build their social media organically: 

• Post content you actually like and believe in e.g. don't post about any brand just because they ask you to: if you don't like the brand.. don't post about it: simple. 
• Don't compete with others on social media - no good can come of it and it's impossible in a world where a lot (not all) is contrived.
• Don't become consumed - it's true that it's not real life - make sure you are enjoying your real life first and foremost! 
• Use it as a form of self-expression! 
• Celebrate life - be proud of who you are and express the real you!!x!!
• Think of followers like friends... it's better to have one real one than a hundred fake ones :)

So to conclude: 

Social Media is Like Television, Stage, Radio or Magazines - There's really not a huge difference. It is basically "entertainment" so take it with a pinch of salt and ENJOY! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Wonder Woman Outfit - Maxim Halloween Party 2015

Hey everyone! 

So I don't know how many pics are too many to post from one night on social media so I'm going to post them here! lol!
Last night I dressed as Wonder Woman for the 2015 Maxim Halloween Party! It wasn't the most original costume idea but I loved being her for the night!
The party was held at Chateau D'Or (in Bel Air) It is truly one of my all time favorite homes! I was a part of an Akon video that we shot there years back and I'm so in love with the property! I was so excited when we pulled up! It was beyond amazing! there was a graveyard, a haunted house, fortune tellers, photo booths/red carpets, the best food and drink and a performance/club area - if my feet weren't killing me from the get go I would have definitely done more walking around but I spent most of the night in the club area... not to worry: there was a rocky horror performance as well as a performance by Nick Jonas - who was amazing! I never knew much about the Jonas Brothers but I'm loving his new material! Plus ladies we can't deny he's pretty cute!
Anyway, here are the pictures!

 

 

I had such a blast!!! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

VIDEO - Revlon Colorstay Foundation: Review, Demo and Test

HEY Everyone! 

Sorry I missed a week last week as I had promised to post a video every week! 

What can I say... my intentions are good but then life keeps getting in the way! 

ANYWAY 

Here is my latest video! 

It is a Review, Demo and Test on the Revlon 24hr wear Colorstay Foundation!

I use the Oily/Combination version (dry skin version also available) and my colour is 240 medium beige!

Before applying my foundation I set a cream contour on my cheek bones, temples forehead and down the sides of my nose and I colour corrected with NYX colour correcting concealer in Orange.. I used this to combat both dark patches and redness under my eyes, on the nostril area, chin and wherever I had a blemish, I then applied the foundation on top (without rubbing in these products) and used my real technique expert face brush to buff in not only the foundation but also the colour correcting concealer and cream contour. Hence I started with the concealed/lighter areas of my face first and then moved on to the areas that had the cream contour. 

Off Camera I then applied my ELF blush/bronzer duo in Antigua and set everything in place with a loose powder (mineral rice setting powder by youngblood cosmetics). 

Please remember to subscribe to my channel and a thumbs up is always nice too :) 

You can follow me/get in touch on Instagram/Twittter/facebook @ShahiraBarry  

Hope you enjoyed the video! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Have you seen my most recent YouTube videos?

Hey everyone!

SO I've become better at YouTubing more regularly and below are my two most recent - both are hair tutorials but that's just coincidence (not all my videos will be hair related;). One is How I cut my own hair at home and the other is an Ariana Grande Inspired hair style! Anyway I thought I would post them on here incase you missed them! ENJOY!x!

Let me know what you think or if you have any requests for future videos :)

AND Incase you missed the makeup tutorial I posted a couple of weeks ago...

Lots of Love!

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

6 months out on my own - living in LA!

Hey Blog Readers!

So March 4th marks 6 months that I have lived on my own (I do have a house mate and I did go to college for three years in Limerick) but what I mean is away from Ireland, Galway, my friends at home, my family and my pets! all the way on the other side of the world! I moved on August 4th so it is actually 7 months since I was last in Ireland but my beautiful mum came with me for the month of August to help me settle in (she left on September 4th) SO really it's 6 months that I've been out in the big bad world on my own! & I thought I'd reflect on that here...

Where to start.. 
I think a lot of people didn't believe me when I said I was going to move to LA on my own and I understand that there were plenty of reasons to doubt! for one it took me awhile to get everything organised so it seemed as if I was talking about it forever! and secondly I am not really an "on my own" type of girl! In Galway I would barely walk down a street on my own (I always had someone with me!) It began with a slight fear and anxiety: When I was a child one of the strongest memories is my sister (who was 9 years older than me) being attacked as she walked in what would have been a relatively nice area! It really effected me and I bought it with me into my teenage years! I would always ask a friend to walk me home or have someone come to collect me! Anyway, my point is moving across the world all alone, without a friend or someone else in tow, is actually fairly out of character for me and I can definitely see that! However, I am also extremely stubborn and if I set my mind on something I am going to do it! I always had a dream of living in Hollywood and after my first visit in 2012 I fell in love with it just like I always knew I would! I found somewhere where I felt I belonged.. a place where I fitted in! Sure..I could have tried to convince someone to move with me so that it wouldn't be as scary but I am a strong believer that everyone has their own path in life therefore convincing someone to give living in LA a go may have been the easier option but in the long run I would have perhaps thought I wasn't capable of doing it on my own and become reliant on that other person - whereas now I have learnt that I am an incredibly strong person and I feel I have grown a million times more than I would have if I convinced a friend to move with me for the wrong reasons!

How has the move been so far...

It's had it's ups and it's downs! I've taken off my rose-tinted glasses! I've learnt a few harsh lessons: such as people are people & there are some good and some bad wherever you go! That seems so simple and obvious but before officially moving here my experience had always been that people in LA are happy, positive, amazing people who want the best for everyone and live a life of chasing their dreams.. (and there are plenty of people like that here who I've had the absolute pleasure to meet!) but the flip side also exists: people who are extremely competitive and bithchy! I guess you could say it's a part of the entertainment industry but it's actually just a part of life in general! and it's difficult when I truly do not see myself as a competitive or cut-throat person at all! sometimes you are given the image that you need to be in order to succeed! I hope that this is not the case as that is simply not me! I hope that being hard working and genuine will stand for me in the end!
I have had a couple of down days since my move (such as feeling home sick etc..) but in general I would say that moving to LA has been the best thing I have ever done and the best thing that has ever happened to me! I feel like I have grown so much and done so much in quite a short amount of time and I am proud of myself for the things I've learnt and experiences I've had so far!!

Believe it or not it's helped with my anxiety... 
You would think that moving to a MASSIVE new city and a MASSIVE new country at that would make me more anxious but in fact I feel it has had the opposite effect! I feel perhaps I was suffering from "small town syndrome" when I lived at home because what you may or may not know about me (I've mentioned it on my blog before) is over the past 5 years or so I became a nervous, anxious wreck about many things! I went from being a relatively laid back person to an A1-Stresser! so much so that I truly believe it effected my personality! I suffered from full on Panic attacks among other issues! It got to a stage where I could barely walk down shop street in Galway without feeling anxious and like I just wanted to run and not see anybody! whereas before I may have been able to hide I feel that moving to LA has made me face many fears head-on and either over come them or deal with them! and although it hasn't been without it's stresses I feel that I am less anxious and a lot more capable since the move! Obviously it's individual but I genuinely feel throwing yourself into a new environment and leaving behind old baggage is a great way to find yourself again if you're feeling a little lost! It has been tough but so far it's been SO worth it and I wouldn't change a thing!x!

Some questions answered... 

Why did I move from Ireland? 
I love Ireland, it will always be my home! I love Irish people and I appreciate them a lot more since my move - Meeting Irish people over here is the best thing ever! I feel like they instantly become my friend. Irish people, abroad especially, are so united.. I feel we just instantly understand eachother and the humor is the same! I left because I believe there are far more opportunities over here in the areas I am interested in: the Entertainment industry and Modelling! I could have chosen London but my gut told me London wasn't for me right now..something was pulling me toward LA (maybe it was the idea of the weather and lifestyle, lol).

What's LA like... 
LA is amazing! The sun is shining every day which I feel makes a huge difference to your mood! It's probably only rained maybe 3/4 times since I've lived here and because it's so uncommon it almost makes you appreciate when it does rain..it's Cosy! the weather is definitely a huge plus but I also love the positivity and I feel the healthy lifestyle in terms of everyone hiking etc.. really suites me! (I used to hike all the time in Ireland to!Try Diamond Hill if you're in the West Coast of Ireland-it's great!). My apartment building has a roof top pool, Jacuzzi, bbq, sauna, gym and it's right by runyon canyon for hiking and free yoga which is held x3 a day! Life is unpredictable here - you never know what the day will bring, who you'll meet or what opportunity will present itself and I love that about it! one phone call can change the ball game so it's full of excitement! there's also some great parties here and I love hiphop which is blasting everywhere! Life is good! I am very happy here!x!

What have I been up to since the move... 
I feel like the question really is what haven't I been doing! because it's been an absolutely whirlwind! I've been on sets of Movies/TV Shows/Music Videos and Commercials! The only thing I haven't been doing as much as I would like is modelling with regards to photoshoots etc.. as I have been pulled a lot more towards acting, Tv, videos and film! I am constantly working! sometimes 6-7 days of the week! The cost of living is a lot higher here so I have to keep working anyway but I feel I'm incredibly blessed to have the opportunities I've had and to be as busy as I am as it's doing what I love! I believe busy is a great thing!! and I genuinely feel I am doing a good job at chasing my dreams and being on the right path, going in the right direction!

The Hardest Part...
The Hardest part is missing my family and pets! After-all I've lived with them (or at least seen them every weekend when I was in college) my whole life! I would happily live in LA for the rest of my life if I could bring my family and my animals! With animals it's particularly hard because I can't explain why I've left them or where I've gone! My cat, Kushka, died since my move and this absolutely broke my heart!! I've had her since I was 4 years old (my first day of school) and I love her like family!

11 Random Facts About LA:

• Everyone tells you to try 'In N Out'... It is nice but it's not as good as they say! although it would be hard to be AS good as they say because "they" really hype it up! with that said it is good so try it and make your own mind up ;)
• LA is SO big each different area is referred to as a "city" of it's own.. e.g. "The City of Santa Monica"
• Its sprawling and there are millions of people yet you still run into the same ones all the time if you're living the #SetLife :p
• I've never seen a city with so many trees! parts of the city are totally immaculate (cough Beverly Hills and the likes) while other parts are pretty dirty (I thank the not having lids on bins so rubbish can fly out..I don't get it!) but regardless of where you are every street is lined with trees, bushes and flowers giving a lovely spring time smell all year round!
• LA is in a drought... The LA river is a sight for sore eyes! it's literally an empty dry basin... so everyone is delighted when it rains! As I mentioned it's only rained less than a handful of times in the 7 months I've been here but when it has I've secretly liked it! lol! Feels like home! :)
• DownTown is a bit scary... some people rave about downtown and how it's the new happening place for good night life and restaurants! the sky scrappers do give an energetic city vibe but personally I find it a bit dodgy.. I'm never too thrilled when I have to street park and walk to wherever I'm going downtown! I carry a pepper spray that was given to me by a friend on set who insisted I need to take it with me wherever I go alone!
• The public transport is really not great! some people swear by it but if you compare it to London it's pretty non-existent or at least a lot unsafer! So get used to being in your car and getting stuck in traffic because everyone drives! Luckily playing loud music and driving around Cali makes me happy :)
• What you definitely should try is frozen yogurt! it's the best thing since sliced bread! and a healthier option than ice cream... although not so healthy when you included all the delicious toppings you can add to it!
• LA has some of the best hikes I've ever been on! on a clear day you can see the whole city plus snow peaked mountains to the east and the Pacific ocean to the west!
• If you wanted to you could go skiing and to the beach in the same day! There are an endless amount of things to do and stuff to see!
• Although a big city that is certainly hustling and bustling with millions of people LA has a beachy, relaxed, and true "cali" vibe that I believe is unique and unlike other cities of the same size- even though city life is fast paced wherever you go in LA it's almost like fast pace in slow motion if that makes any sense! I find it surprising how quiet and calm it can be.. plus there's always birds singing :)

A special mention
The 4th is also my dear friend's birthday. She would have been 24 today. 5 years have passed and it doesn't matter where in the world I am or what I'm doing my heart was shattered and my world as I knew it was destroyed when she left us and every day since I have felt the pain! Grief is a strange thing - everyone deals with it differently: it brings people together and it separates people, it causes arguments and it causes unions, it makes you appreciate life and it ruins your life; it's a never ending journey and one thing's for certain it changes your life forever! She is with me in my heart every day but today I wish my beautiful special friend a happy birthday

 

 

Apologies for the sudden turn in tone during this blog I simply didn't feel that I could write a blog on this date and not give my beautiful kind and special friend's birthday a mention!x!

Do yourself a favour =seize the day! life is short! tell your loved ones you love them! let go of anger or anything weighing you down, don't sweat the small stuff! take advantage of the life you're given! Live it to the full!, chase your dreams and do what makes you happy!x!

I'll end this blog with this happier toned video of some of my personal highlights during my time in LA so far!x!

Post by Shahira (Barry).

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo