I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Someone has to be”– remarked by a lady from Connecticut seated at the table next to me, sharing cocktails at a 5 star hotel and restaurant in Paris.
Someone has to be.
I’m Haley. Welcome to Vrai.
I’ve always had an admiration for the finer things in life.
Not just in beauty and mode, but in academics, sport, gastronomy, too.
I recently received my Bachelors of Science in Economics from a top 20 globally ranked program and a minor in philosophy and am now learning a third language in France living a very French life.
I have stood at the top of the Alps, drank the purest waters from streams, shopped couture in the fashion capitals of the world, read from the greatest philosophers, mastered the complexities of mathematics and quantum physics, sipped some of the finest wines, savored the exquisite gastronomy in foreign lands. I have been across the world to view galleries of world renowned photographers emerging talents.
I smiled and laughed as the speed boat jumped over rough mediterranean waves and prayed to God when the two meter waves used us as a punching bag for a few hours.
I have bleached my dark brown hair white, fried it, and dyed it back brown twice. I’ve cut off over 13 inches of my hair, twice. I’ve sworn off bangs for life, and then got bangs... twice.
I’ve engaged across spin, crossfit, yoga, pilates, breathwork, and meditations. I’ve ridden motorcycles and fixed bicycles. I’ve been warned by lifeguards for swimming too far out into the oceans, but I’d do it again.
I’ve baked black sesame and matcha cakes from scratch, deflated pavlovas from scratch. After getting sick time and time again after eating oysters, I’ve concluded I'm allergic. I'll never touch bone marrow again. But after a horrid food poisoning, I am glad I tried snails again.
I have seen and felt the intense chaotic marvel that is life.
The good in the bad, and the bad in the good.
I still want more.
Fundamental economic theory will argue that, organically, humans believe that “more is better”. The accumulation of “more” increases utility, meaning the person is better off. This blog is a community for those who want "more" from themselves. But more of what?
I strive for excellence and what it means to me.
For me, it means a well rounded intent of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
All we do is produce and consume and there is no getting away from it. We are the output of our inputs. So, it is important to be mindful of what we consume in all domains of life. This blog is a place to nurture intellectual and creative pursuits.
This blog serves as a digital footprint of my mind. A dedicated space to share anything and everything that is on her mind; her thoughts, her feelings, her opinions.
I am constantly pushing the boundaries of what it means to be the self, never staying stagnant. The only constants are change, and my passion and dedication for excellence.
What exactly will you find here?
I love discussing luxury fashion and beauty trends, the elevated lifestyle, critiques on popular culture, market analysis, economics and politics, and intimate reflections.
This is a space dedicated to elevation. To elevate your everyday– knowledge, mindset, style, beauty regime, home, etc.
It is also a space to share my heart. I often reflect on the world around me and share my inner thoughts and feelings. It’s a bit intimate, and sometimes even taboo, but it is meant to be shared, perhaps to be related to and to serve as inspiration.
That's what makes this Vrai.
Vrai, in French, means True. It’s honest, real, and true to me.
I believe we all are fractions of a whole, and it is essential to share each part. Here is mine.
Inspired by the world around me and my passions fueling my beating heart…
From me to you, welcome.