My Journey to "Be You Out Loud": Reclaiming Myself Through Style and Empowerment

There was a time in my life when I felt like I had lost myself. It all started when I moved from the vibrant city of Chicago to Missouri, a place that felt like a different world altogether. The culture shock hit me hard, and suddenly, the version of myself I had always known began to fade. I’m a proud Puerto Rican from Chicago, but in Missouri, that identity was often reduced to stereotypes. It was as if people needed me to fit into a specific category, one that didn’t align with who I truly was.

At first, I thought I was overthinking it, and in a few instances, that may have been the case, but the pressure to conform was undeniable. Instead of pushing back, I leaned into their expectations, saying and doing things that felt foreign to me. It was easier to play along than to deal with the discomfort of not fitting into their mold. But with every step away from my true self, I felt like I was losing more of who I really was.

The racism I encountered in Missouri, blatant and subtle, made things even harder. While I had faced challenges in Chicago, they were nothing compared to what I experienced here. This constant undercurrent of misunderstanding and judgment led me to put on a façade, and it became a mask I wore to protect myself from judgment and misunderstanding.

Losing Myself to Fit In
I started dressing differently, talking differently, and reacting in ways that didn’t align with who I was inside. People who know me might be surprised to learn this because, on the surface, I appeared confident. But that confidence was just a muscle memory, a leftover remnant of what I left behind in Chicago. It was a well-crafted façade, a survival mechanism to navigate the culture shock and the pressure to fit into the stereotypes. I had muted my real self not by silence but by playing a role that didn’t reflect the real me.

The only place I felt truly free to be myself was with my husband. With him, there were no masks, no performances, just the real me. I'm deeply grateful for his ability to break down my barriers and see me for who I am. But as much as I valued that safe space, I realized it wasn’t enough. I couldn’t just be myself in one part of my life; I needed to show up as my true self in every aspect, not just within the privacy of our relationship.

Reclaiming My Identity
One day, I realized I couldn’t keep pretending. The version of me I had allowed others to shape was exhausting to maintain. I began doing the inner work of peeling back these layers, asking myself hard questions. Why did I feel the need to conform? How had this chipped away at my confidence? Why had I allow these people to remain in my life? I took myself as far as I could go, but it was when I began therapy that I started to truly untangle the knots of fear and doubt, rediscovering the bold, unapologetic version of myself I had buried for too long.

The Birth of "Be You Out Loud"
I'll never forget the day I wore a sweatshirt that boldly stated, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights.” It was more than just an outfit it was a declaration. Someone asked, “Why are you wearing that? I think it’s gross to wear your opinions.”

For a moment, I felt that familiar pull to shrink back. But instead, I responded, “I think it’s bold to be you.”

That was the moment Be You Out Loud was born, not the website or the brand, but the idea. I realized that my experience was not unique. So many people feel pressure to conform, to hide parts of themselves. Whether it’s cultural expectations, family pressures, or the feeling of not fitting into society’s mold, many of us have experienced moments where we weren’t able to be our true selves.

I want to add, that even though the journey in Missouri was difficult, I’ve made incredible friends here along the way. Some people have seen me, supported me, and cheered me on. These friendships have been a bright light through the challenges and have reinforced my belief that real connections are built on authenticity.

Building a Movement
Looking ahead, my vision for Be You Out Loud isn’t just about fashion—it’s about creating a movement. One of my goals is to help children and adults access therapy and counseling throughout their lives. While that may seem like a long way off, I know each step I take brings me closer. I believe that true growth, both personally and as a society, comes from understanding our emotions and learning to navigate tough times with self-compassion.

When I think of this journey, I remember the kids who were told they couldn’t—and eventually believed it. I almost became one of them. I want to create a community where people feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment. A space where authenticity is celebrated, and everyone feels truly seen and heard.

The Power of Self-Expression
Every piece in the Be You Out Loud collection, from graphic tees to accessories, carries this message: be bold, be yourself, and don’t hold back. But boldness isn’t about volume; it’s about authenticity. Whether your style is loud or quiet, the power is in staying true to yourself, and the boldness is in the decision to own it.

The Ongoing Journey

Starting Be You Out Loud felt like stepping into uncharted territory. As someone who had always followed a specific path, this new venture often felt uncertain—yet it was incredibly liberating. For the first time, I wasn’t trying to fit into anyone’s expectations. I was carving my own path.

This journey toward fully embracing myself is ongoing, and that’s exactly the point. Every day, I learn more about who I am and discover new ways to express it. We don’t need to have everything figured out from the start, but we do need to keep moving forward, trusting ourselves and the process.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I know it’s the right one. If I can help even a few people shake off the stereotypes, expectations, or self-doubt that have held them back, and encourage them to step fully into who they are, I will have accomplished my mission. Be You Out Loud is about more than fashion or labels—it’s about liberation in every sense.

Whether you’ve been boxed in by others or feel like you’ve had to hide parts of yourself to fit in, this is about finding the freedom to live authentically. It’s for anyone who’s ever dimmed their light to blend in. It’s about reclaiming your voice, embracing your individuality, and having the courage to be unapologetically you. Be You Out Loud is a reminder that you don’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of who you should be. Your true power lies in showing up as your full, authentic self, that’s where your greatest strength is and where your journey to freedom begins.

Yours Truly,

Maribell