In our UNFILTERED series, we have the pleasure of interviewing individuals to uncover the authentic stories behind their lives and explore their personal definitions of beauty. We delve into how their perception of beauty has evolved over time, revealing deeper narratives along the way.

this is JOANA SANTOS, 27, from Lisbon, Portuga

She is a photographer who truly enjoys capturing little details of life through camera. She is also a pet mom to Dexter (4 year old old black Labrador).

" Growing up, I faced judgment for what some considered flaws - being tall and having a tooth gap, these traits made me feel super insecure over my entire teenage years "

- Joana

How do you define beauty, and has your definition evolved over time?

When I was younger, I thought beauty was all about physical appearance, something solely for others to admire. But now that I’m more mature, I've come to realize that beauty is something much deeper. It's about how we present ourselves and how we perceive the world. Beauty can manifest in various forms - confidence, modesty, elegance, dignity, the list goes on. For me, I consider beauty to be about authenticity and inner strength rather than the way someone looks.

Can you share a personal experience where your perception of beauty was challenged or changed?

In my first year of college, my art history teacher challenged my understanding of beauty and art. Until then, I had seen beauty as something superficial, but studying art taught me that beauty is deeply personal and subjective. What one person finds beautiful might be meaningless to someone else, and beauty can’t be measured as a “one size fits all”.

How do you think societal standards of beauty impact our self-esteem and confidence?

Nowadays, societal standards of beauty play a huge role on our self-esteem and confidence. Even with the rise of body positivity and unfiltered beauty culture, the pressure to meet certain standards is still so deafening. The unrealistic expectations can make us feel unworthy, diminished and highly insecure. I feel it’s important to challenge today’s beauty standards in order to help people feel beautiful and seen.

Have you ever felt pressure to conform to certain beauty ideals, and if so, how did you navigate that?

Yes! I've definitely felt pressure to fit in, especially about my weight. Sometimes I felt I had to lose weight to be accepted. It was tough, and it surely made me doubt myself and my chances of being successful, with all the pressure revolving around being “perfect”. But I've learned to prioritize my well-being over external expectations, which has been overall a freeing experience.

What practices or mindset shifts have helped you cultivate self-love and acceptance?

Building self-love and acceptance is still a work in progress for me. But I’ve found real support with my family, listening to positive podcasts and the uplifting side of social media, along with practicing gratitude and mindfulness to enjoy my little wins in life. Knowing that my worth isn’t measured by how I look made me love myself even more.

How do you think social media influences our perception of beauty, and what role does authenticity play in this?

Social media often presents an idealized version of people's lives, which can distort our perception of beauty. Authenticity is crucial in overcoming this issue. By sharing real, unedited moments, we can show that beauty isn't about perfection. It's our responsibility to be transparent and unfiltered, which is more exciting and inclusive and can reach a wider audience. We need to replace unrealistic standards with genuine self-expression.

Can you share a moment or realization that helped you embrace your unique beauty and individuality?

The moment I understood that nobody else is like me, and that being myself is my superpower, changed everything for me. My goals, thoughts, and even my flaws are what make me special. Embracing these things has helped me appreciate my value and feel safe in my own skin.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with insecurities about their appearance, especially the younger generation?

To anyone struggling with insecurities, especially younger people, I'd say this: Stop comparing yourself to others. Social media often shows only the highlights of people’s lives, not their struggles. Focus on your own path and what makes you feel alive. Surround yourself with supportive people and find joy in activities that boost you with positive energies, and remember to be kind to yourself, especially on your worst days.

In your opinion, what does it mean to truly love and accept oneself?

Truly loving and accepting oneself means healing from within. It's about being your own biggest supporter and finding joy in the small things that make you, YOU. Loving ourselves not always comes easy, it could be a work of a lifetime, but once we recognize our worth, everything changes for the better.

If there was 1 thing (advice or learning) you would want to share with the world about beauty and accepting yourself, what would it be?

I'd advise everyone to start a journey of self-discovery. Unfortunately, many people don't really know themselves, even when they grow older. So it is crucial to learn who we are and break free from autopilot mode. Once you understand what makes you happy and who you love being with, life will naturally make more sense.