Step into your true self

How TOMS inspires confidence, purpose and authenticity.

There’s a saying I love – “Your shoes can’t change your life, but the steps you take in them can.” And sometimes, it’s not just about the steps but the story, purpose, and intention behind every stride.

Recently, I had the chance to collaborate with TOMS Singapore, and while many may see it as just another brand collab, this one felt personal. Because to me, TOMS isn’t just about footwear – it’s about empowerment. It’s about reminding us to walk with confidence, purpose, and authenticity. It’s about taking ownership of who we are, one step at a time.

More than just a shoe

When you look at a pair of TOMS, you might first notice the clean design, the versatility, and the comfort. But if you pause for a moment, you’ll realise that each pair carries something deeper – a story, a mission, a movement.

TOMS has always stood for something bigger than fashion. They’ve built their brand around giving back, making an impact, and encouraging individuals to walk through life with intention. And in this collaboration, that’s exactly the message I wanted to capture – not just through a video but through a conversation about how the small choices we make every day shape the person we become.

Because here’s the truth: Confidence isn’t something you wake up with. It’s something you grow into. And sometimes, all it takes is that first step, quite literally, to start becoming who you were always meant to be.

Every step tells a story

I want to take you back to a time when I felt like I was losing my footing. It was a season of my life when everything felt unstable – burnout, heartbreak, anxiety. I was constantly running, constantly doing, constantly trying to be everything to everyone… and losing myself in the process.

It wasn’t until I slowed down, took a pause, and asked myself: Who am I walking for? Was I walking for expectations? For achievements? For validation?

That was my turning point. I started to walk for myself. For my own joy. For the woman I wanted to become – not the one everyone else expected me to be.

That’s why this collaboration with TOMS felt so aligned. When I slipped on that pair of shoes, I wasn’t just putting on footwear – I was stepping back into myself. Into my authenticity, my power, my truth.

Walking with purpose

What sets TOMS apart is that they aren’t just selling shoes; they’re advocating for change. The brand’s commitment to mental health awareness, community impact, and giving back is woven into every product they create. And when you wear TOMS, you’re literally wearing a reminder that what you choose to stand for matters.

In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, to fit in, to follow trends without thinking twice, there’s something powerful about choosing to wear something that stands for something.

For me, that’s what personal style is all about. It’s not about labels or trends – it’s about expression. About declaring who you are without having to say a word about aligning the outside with what’s real inside.

Self-expression through style

One of my favourite ways to express myself is through fashion transitions – showcasing how style evolves, how moods shift, and how identity isn’t fixed but fluid. That’s exactly what I wanted to bring into this collaboration.

In the video I created (or rather Ben did), you’ll see how I styled TOMS footwear in a way that reflects not just aesthetics but energy. From relaxed, off-duty looks to something more polished and bold – it’s a visual representation of how every step we take reflects the version of ourselves we choose to embody.

But beyond the transitions and the visual appeal, there’s a bigger message: You have the power to reinvent yourself every single day.

You get to decide how you show up. You get to decide what story you’re telling. And sometimes, it starts with the simple, intentional choice of what you put on your feet.

The connection between authenticity and mental wellness

TOMS Singapore also made it clear that this campaign has a mental health focus, and honestly, that couldn’t resonate with me more.

We don’t talk enough about how much confidence, authenticity, and self-expression impact our mental wellness. When we’re constantly hiding who we are, trying to fit into boxes, or living for other people’s expectations – it takes a toll.

But when we embrace who we are, when we walk in our truth, and when we choose to show up authentically, that’s where the magic happens.

For me, fashion has always been an extension of that self-expression. And shoes? They’re the foundation. They carry you through your day, your struggles, your celebrations. They literally support you in every step you take.

That’s why something as simple as a pair of TOMS isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about reminding yourself that you are worthy of showing up fully, freely, and fiercely.

Small steps, big impact

One thing I love about the TOMS brand story is the ripple effect they’ve created. Their business model started with the “One for One” giving movement and evolved into supporting mental health initiatives worldwide. It’s proof that small, intentional actions can create meaningful change.

And that’s something I want to leave you with:

The small choices you make every day – the shoes you wear, the stories you tell, the steps you take – matter more than you think. They shape your energy, your mindset, your direction.

When you choose to walk with purpose, confidence, and authenticity, you don’t just change how you feel – you inspire others to do the same.

Step into your true self

At the heart of this collaboration is a simple yet powerful reminder:

You are the author of your story. You are the one walking your path. And every step you take is an opportunity to become the person you were always meant to be.

Whether you’re navigating challenges, chasing dreams, or simply figuring yourself out – don’t underestimate the power of one small, intentional step. Because when you choose to walk in alignment with who you are, you don’t just move forward – you rise.

And sometimes, all it takes is a pair of shoes and a little reminder that you’re worthy of stepping fully into your true self.