Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Kruise.
Lydia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I was younger, I loved filming. I used what I could to film my family and friends whether it was on my point and shoot camera, my tiny iPod or Photo Booth on my laptop. My little sister and I used to make music videos all the time. We had crazy props and used lamps around the house for different lighting setups, it was a serious production. As I grew up, I did what society teaches everyone. I graduated from high school with good grades and got accepted to university. Within that first year of school, I knew it wasn’t for me. I kept pushing for something that wasn’t my dream because I thought it was the right thing to do. Fast forward a few years and I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in hand. The years leading up to that graduation were some of the best learning years of my life thus far. God held me and kept me strong, I met the man of my dreams and looking back on everything, I learned who I truly am. I dove into the new working life head first looking for jobs and working as much as I could. I was doing well, I adjusted to “adult life” flawlessly or at least that’s what it looked like haha. Then, the best day of my life happened, I married the man of my dreams. Now, I was born and raised in Canada and came to Texas for school. That meant I needed to go through this new world of Immigration.
We applied for my paperwork and waited and waited. If anyone has been through the immigration process you know that it takes a great deal of patience. I think it makes it especially hard when you can not travel outside the country or work. Of course, I understand the reasoning behind these rules but it makes the process that much harder to deal with. During the process, my father had heart surgery and then complications afterwards. It was such a hard time for my family. It was especially hard for me as I could not be there to support them, I felt I had to go through it alone. Everyone in my life knows me to be a happy, fun person, always laughing, encouraging people and having a good time. Although, I did not know how to express the emotional weight I felt dealing with my father’s health. It was so hard. Every time my family texted or wanted to FaceTime me with an update, I had to take a deep breath to prepare myself. At the time, I didn’t express with my family how I felt because I wanted to be the strong one that they could come to for comfort.
Not being able to distract myself with work left me with too much time to wallow in my feelings. I knew I could not stay in these emotions forever. Every day, I pushed myself. Now, when I look back, I think God wanted me to slow down. By slowing down, God began to show me areas of my life to work on and I learned what I wanted most out of life. I began to learn new skills, meet new people and after everything I came back to what I truly enjoy.
I started filming home videos of my husband and I. I forgot how much I genuinely enjoyed capturing moments that I could relive through my videos. My husband was the one who encouraged me to start my youtube channel. He bought my first “real” camera as a birthday gift and continued to push me to be the best I can be (he is amazing!). I mostly enjoy filming fashion videos but I throw in some of our adventures, travels (vlogs) and cooking videos. At the time, I also started thrifting clothing and vintage home decor pieces. I began to film myself in the process of finding unique items for my channel. People watching my videos began to reach out, asking how I find items, what do I look for? what stores are my favorite? etc. People even started to ask me to find specific items for them. So, I started a vintage shop where I could sell my pieces for anyone that was interested. Right now, I only sell vintage clothing because I am still in the growing stages but I love it! YouTube has been the best creative outlet for me. It has helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. My channel started out as an outlet to help me but now it is turning into a place to help others. I am building relationships with my viewers and learning about their amazing stories. I always tell people to do what they love, take the risk, because you never know what could happen. It will not be easy but it definitely will be worth it!
Today, I am so grateful that we still have my Father as he goes through recovery. My paperwork was also finalized and after two and half years I got to go to Canada and see my family!
Has it been a smooth road?
No! I think I answered in the first question. However, there is always going to be struggling, how you handle it could change your future. It’s good to struggle. Nowadays, we avoid it. We want everything to feel safe. We live in a generation where everything is fixed with a quick swipe or click. We have to learn to push through true hardships, learn the tough lessons, and grow through them. No one likes it, but it is necessary. I say, embrace your struggle, because it’s not about suffering, it’s about overcoming.
Remember there is strength in sharing your weaknesses. Be proud of the struggles you overcome and fail, because that is where you grow into the person you are today, and shapes who you become tomorrow. Always be kind, love yourself and others, we are all trying our best. Be confident in who you are. You are not just a normal person or a work in progress. You are full of potential and immense purpose. And always be true to who you are, not what you believe you’re supposed to be.
My advice is to go after what you want. Seeing my dad’s health change so quickly reminds me of how fragile life is. Life is too short, start a YouTube channel, a blog, join that group or take that class you’ve always wanted to take, start that business you’ve been thinking about starting for years. It’s better to take that chance then to live with regret. I know a lot of people are scared of what others will think of them and I get it, I’ve been there! If it’s only people’s opinions holding you back, you have to go for it (easier said then done). Don’t let the judgment of others lead you to unhappiness.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Right now, I am still doing my YouTube channel and enjoying every minute of it. I am most proud of the people that I connect with and help. I was having fun putting out videos but it has turned into so much more. I get to connect with many different people from all over the world and from different walks of life. People write to me and to say thank you for the video I made because it helped them through a difficult time. Messages like that mean the world to me and encourage me to keep going. I want my channel to be a light and a safe place. I want people to have a community that loves them and know they don’t have to go through anything alone. As far as filming, I have been freelancing for various companies and people around Dallas. One of my favorite videos I made was a highlight reel for a local hockey team. It turned out to be the last year all the players would be together. I was honored to document their favorite memories from the season. I continue to work on my vintage shop and find unique pieces for people that love them just as much as I do!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
All the women in my life have an impact on who I am becoming. My mother has had the biggest impact. I have always looked up to her, she is unlike anyone I have ever met. She walks through life with the utmost grace and class, but seriously, she is the classiest person I know! In all seriousness, she taught me so much just by being an example. She embodies the saying “live in the moment” which many say I get that quality from her. She is not easily discouraged and takes everything head-on. I call her my little book of wisdom because she has powerful wisdom inside of her when she speaks everyone listens. When she sees a gift in you, she will be the first to encourage you to strengthen it. Many that know my mother knows that she has a heart for people and wants to see them flourish and live their best life. She is the perfect balance between getting it done and prankster and I love her so much! It’s the little things that shape me and have the biggest impact.
Contact Info:
- Other: Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9WoH_15w5kDBh3vMkENtQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiajxo/
Image Credit:
@joannerenephotography
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