LynnLee Stratton

​LynnLee Stratton – Florida
Nomination by Nicole Stratton
Photography by Maria Vallejo Photography
Issue 87 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​Nomination: LynnLee is a kind and compassionate person. She always treats others with respect and dignity. Although she is quiet and reserved, she has a passion for fashion and photography. LynnLee is a dedicated varsity cheerleader and works at a local boutique. Additionally, she babysits and is pursuing certification in CNA and cosmetology. Through her perseverance, she has overcome numerous challenges that could have defined her. She has taught me "when everything else is dark, look again because you may be the light".

Photography by Maria Vallejo Photography
​

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I am comfortable discussing my strengths, goals, weaknesses, and share skills with the readers that will read the magazine.
 
What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am passionate about fashion, and I love talking about makeup, jewlery and clothing. Making women feel special and attractive is something I truly enjoy. 
 
How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
It was such a neat experiance meeting Mrs. Maria. Due to me loving photography I post as much as I can snap shots of myself. Mrs. Maria saw some of my photos and reached out to me asking if I would be interesting in taking pictures in a dress she purchased back in 2020. I was thrilled for the opportunity and of course agreed. We travel to St Augustine Florida and we had a wonderful time creating memorable shots. She is so talented and I felt like I had known her forever. 

Are you a part of a model team with your photographer, and if so, tell us about it.
I am not part of a modeling team But it would be so neat to be.
 
Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I believe that being in the Inspiring Teen Magazine would truly be a dream come true. It would be a great opportunity to share with teens to continue to post and be yourselves because one day the right person may see it and your wounds can be turned in wisdom.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I win the scholarship money I plan on using it to help with my cosmetology schooling expenses.
 
What is a favorite memory you have with the person who nominated you?
My mom is who nominated me and she has truly been my biggest supporter. She has had a front row seat to every good and rough day I've had. She has taught me to be the person I am today, You can't control how people treat you but you can control how you treat yourself. My mom is my best friend and I am so thankful God gave her to me.

How would you describe your personal style?
I would say that a great way to describe my personal style is edgy and fun. I am a quiet and reserved person so I use my style to express my wishful personality. I enjoy putting together outfits that pop and stand out. Adding bling is a must as well.

What do you love most about fashion?
What I love about fashion is it is a way to express yourself without saying much. Whether you struggle with self esteem or your shy you can really make a statement showing confidence with your clothing style.

What do you do in your local boutique when working?
I strive to provide great customer service at the boutique I work at. I encourage them to find the best fit for them that fits not only their style but also their budget.
 
What have you learned as an employee there?
I have learned to communicate at my job. . It is important to hear the needs of your customers with respect and eye contact.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
The perfect job for me would be traveling the world with a award winning makeup artist, with the a high fashioned designer and model all the greatest style clothing and be photographed daily.

What interests you about photography?
I feel that photography captures who you truly are. It helps bring out the side no one sees. It captures detail and beauty in time.

Tell us about your cheer career. When did you get started and where are you at with it now? 
I began cheering when I was 3 years old. I cheered for a local competition cheer team called Suwannee Spirit. Where I first learned the importance of listening to directions, posture, and team work. I continued cheering in middle school and finished as a Varsity Cheerleader. I have always enjoyed encouraging people and whether you're on the competition mat or on the side lines you are there to cheer on your team.

What is a favorite memory with your cheer team?
My favorite memory as a cheerleader is traveling to large cities, getting in my freshly pressed competition uniform, putting on the makeup that I only could wear for competitions and cheering my heart out to hear the crowd scream and cheer us on like we were superstars. I'll forever love and cherish those moments.

What skill was the hardest for you to learn, and that you are the proudest of?
The hardest skill for me to learn was and still is at times is, pleasing people. I strive to make people happy even if that means I am sad in the end. I would smile through the pain and never show my vulnerable side. I have learned to please God and my family first and the rest will all work.

What do you want us to know about the numerous challenges that could have defined you?
A Challenge that could have definitely defined me is, I have always struggled to have friends. Not being invited to different events or not being talked to in a class full of people is hard and made me feel “not enough” but you must love yourself first. Be your own friend. Lift yourself up. People are so busy living through others eyes that they tend to not see themselves through their own eyes. That is one reason I love photography and fashion. Regardless of what I am facing photography allows me to show a confident and fun side while making a connection with everyone that sees the photo.

What are your strengths?
I feel like a strength that I have is patience. I learned from my daddy to wait without becoming frustrated. Everything works in Gods time.

What is your biggest goal right now?
A goal I have right now is after graduation, starting cosmetology and learning more about hair, skin and nails.

How do you share with your peers how to identify and overcome weaknesses? 
I share with my peers my experiences and let them know that I am always available to talk or listen without judgement.

What specific skills would you like to share?
I would like to share to always be patient with everyone. We never know what someone is facing or if they are less experienced. Showing compassion and patience can help anyone feel comfortable and excepted.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
If there is one person I would like to thank it would be God. He has been by me every step of the way. He has loved me when I felt unlovable. He blessed me with the ability to work with others, great features that I love complimenting and a heart to love and see people through his eyes.
​
If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Honestly if I had nothing to do all day I would sleep and lay in my bed. That is my favorite place to be.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am super excited about graduating from High School in May 2025

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell someone to keep believing in yourself. I still feel like I have a long way to go and definitely don't have it masters but every day is a step closer then the day before.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I see my self with a family, owning my own salon and helping make people appearance dreams become a reality.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to hang with my friends, go to the beach and be on the river with my family and friends.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
A talent I have that most don't know is I enjoy learning and doing sign language.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Going to New York
2. Flying out of the County
3. Swimming with dolphins

Who do you find inspiring?
Someone who inspires you Megan Moroney, I feel like all of her music literally speaks to my soul.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
    Although I don't feel like I inspire others, I have been told that my fashion and photos inspires them to want to shop wear I shop.

Look for LynnLee in issue 87 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 87

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Image by Nicole Stratton