In a world where cultural identities often intersect and blend, the journey of self-discovery and self-love can be both enlightening and challenging. For Miss L, a proud mix of Chamorro and Filipina heritage, this journey has been a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the beauty of embracing one’s roots.

Miss L’s upbringing was a tapestry woven with diverse threads. Born to a Filipino father and a Chamorro mother, she found herself navigating the complexities of her heritage from an early age. Miss L said she most identifies with her Chamorro background, but would love to reconnect with her Filipino heritage through the exploration of her last name. Raised in Hawaii, amidst a backdrop of diverse cultures, Miss L’s childhood was shaped by the unique blend of Chamorro and Hawaiian traditions.

For Miss L, connecting with her Chamorro roots has been a deeply personal journey. In a world where colonialism has often overshadowed indigenous cultures, she finds solace in preserving her heritage through language and cuisine. Learning the Chamorro language and mastering traditional dishes like Chalakiles have become a way of reclaiming a heritage that is as resilient as it is vibrant.

The journey of self-acceptance wasn’t without its challenges. Moving to the west side of the island as a preteen brought Miss L face-to-face with the complexities of identity. Despite her being raised on the island, she struggled to fit in with her local peers, facing ridicule for not conforming to their expectations. At home, she was expected to speak proper, while with her friends, the local slang was better received. “(There was) a different need to appease who I was raised by and to appease those I am being raised beside.” 

However, through resilience and self-assurance, Miss L learned to embrace her unique identity, refusing to let the opinions of others define her sense of self-worth.

One of Miss L’s coping mechanisms was music, a universal language that transcended cultural boundaries. Immersing herself in musical pursuits provided her with a sanctuary where she could truly be herself, free from the constraints of societal expectations. Through music, Miss L discovered a sense of belonging that transcended cultural divides, ultimately finding her passion in rock—a genre that celebrated individuality and authenticity above all else.

Despite the challenges she faced, Miss L’s journey towards self-love and acceptance took a significant turn when she moved to Washington in 2021. It was there, removed from the ethnic diversity of Hawaii, that she truly began to appreciate her Asian American identity. Distance provided clarity, allowing her to recognize the richness of her heritage and the importance of cultural pride.

“It took me 29 years to feel a genuine sense of pride in who I was regarding my heritage”

Yet, the journey towards self-love wasn’t without its hurdles. As an Asian American woman, Miss L grappled with societal beauty standards and cultural expectations that often clashed with her sense of self-worth. It wasn’t until she embarked on a boudoir session—an experience she initially hesitated to pursue due to cultural taboos—that she truly began to embrace her body and recognize her own beauty.

Through the lens of the boudoir session, Miss L gained a newfound appreciation for herself—an appreciation that transcended physical appearance and celebrated her inner strength and resilience. It was a transformative experience—one that reaffirmed her belief in the importance of self-love and acceptance, regardless of cultural or societal expectations.

“I am a badass! I do badass work, I listen to badass music. No one can tell me different.”

As Miss L reflects on her journey, she offers words of wisdom to others who may be struggling to embrace their own identities. “Find your own space to fit in,” she urges. “Because I promise it’s worth it.” In a world that often seeks to box us into predefined categories, Miss L’s journey serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing the complexity of who we are—and finding pride in every facet of our identity.

Miss L’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of self-love. It is a testament to the beauty of embracing one’s roots, celebrating cultural diversity, and finding strength in the journey towards authenticity.