mbracing Confidence and Creativity: Insights from an Unfiltered Interview with Angelina Jolie

In a candid and revealing interview, Angelina Jolie shares personal reflections and advice on confidence, handling difficult times, motherhood, and her journey in the fashion industry.

The actress, known for her roles in iconic films and her humanitarian efforts, opens up about the lessons she has learned over the years and how they have shaped her into the person she is today.

Finding Confidence Through Authenticity

When asked about what she puts on to feel confident, Jolie provides a surprising answer that encapsulates her unique approach to life. “This is so hard because I’m such an honest person and it’s so hard for me to do these kinds of things because the answer is I probably take things off,” she reveals. Her statement highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in her journey to self-assurance.

For Jolie, confidence isn’t about external adornments but rather about embracing and presenting her true self. This philosophy extends beyond fashion, reflecting her broader outlook on life and personal growth.

Navigating Hard Times: Facing Challenges Head-On

Jolie’s advice for those going through difficult times is straightforward yet profound. “Go right through it,” she advises. “Feel it, be in it, don’t avoid it. Go completely in it, feel everything, and then go right through it and get out the other end.” She emphasizes the importance of fully experiencing and processing emotions rather than trying to sidestep them.

This approach, Jolie suggests, is crucial for personal resilience and growth. “Many of these things, you don’t have a choice,” she acknowledges. “It’s how well you walk through the fire, but you walk through it.”

Strength and Support: The Role of Family

For Angelina Jolie, family is a source of immense strength. Spending time with her children provides her with the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. “I spend time with my kids and just to be around them because they’re the best of me,” she says. “I’ve learned something from all of them differently and I think they’re really interesting people, but I feel stronger when I’m with them.”

Jolie’s close relationship with her children not only grounds her but also serves as a source of inspiration and strength. She finds joy in their individuality and creativity, which in turn fuels her own.

Styling and Identity: Lessons from Her Children

Jolie shares how her children have influenced her fashion choices. Her daughter has remarked on her penchant for trench coats, and having teenagers has led Jolie to reassess her wardrobe. “I stopped wearing certain things when I had teenagers,” she admits.

The actress values her children’s opinions and appreciates their perspectives on style. She notes that her children enjoy seeing her put effort into her appearance and creativity. “When I put myself together nicely or when I’m creative and I’m doing something fun, they’re so happy,” she explains. “I think it’s a way of seeing that their mother’s being herself and feeling good.”

Encouraging Creativity: Old Red Carpet Dresses and Individual Expression

Jolie encourages her children to explore their own identities through fashion. She recounts an experiment where she gave them old red carpet dresses to cut up and repurpose. “Here’s some old clothes, here’s some vintage, here’s some things you can cut up, here’s something you can do in all these different ways,” she told them. “Who are you? What do you want?”

This exercise was about more than just clothes; it was about fostering creativity and self-expression. Jolie believes that fashion is deeply tied to identity and is wary of letting stylists dictate her or her children’s appearance. She wants them to explore and define their own styles, free from external influence.

Launching a Fashion Business: Punk Roots and Authenticity

Jolie’s venture into the fashion industry is rooted in her punk background and a desire to challenge the status quo. She expresses disdain for expensive corporate clothing that mimics punk aesthetics. “When I see very expensive corporate clothing that is made to look punk, it’s the opposite of what punk is,” she asserts.

Her fashion business aims to empower young people to express their individuality and creativity through their clothing choices. She seeks to create a collaborative environment that prioritizes the customer experience and fosters a sense of community.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Jolie offers sage advice for those looking to start their own business: “Make something you truly enjoy and hope that it brings the same level of interest and joy in someone else.” She emphasizes the importance of passion and authenticity in business, urging entrepreneurs to understand their motivations and stay true to their creative vision.

The Value of Boldness and Madness

In collaborators, Jolie looks for boldness and a touch of madness. She believes that while being thoughtful and ethical is important, a little wildness and willingness to step outside of the box are crucial for creativity. “It’s very important to have a little madness, a little wild, get out of the box, get out of your head, and be willing to make a fool of yourself,” she says.

Reflecting on Her Younger Self

Jolie also shares reflections on her younger self, acknowledging that it took her a long time to embrace her own madness. She advises her younger self to trust in her uniqueness and to embrace it fully. “I think it’s a part of me, so it’s important,” she says.

Creating for her younger self has become a motivating force in her life and work. She strives to reconnect with that part of herself and to honor it in her creative endeavors.

Conclusion

Angelina Jolie’s insights offer a window into the mind of a woman who values authenticity, resilience, and creativity. Her advice and reflections provide valuable lessons for anyone seeking to navigate life’s challenges, express their true selves, and pursue their passions with boldness and integrity. Through her candid revelations, Jolie continues to inspire and empower others to embrace their uniqueness and walk confidently through the fires of life.