5 Words to Describe Yourself | Charlotte Lifestyle Blog

A few weeks ago, someone asked me,
“Can you describe yourself in five words?”

And I froze.

Five words? Just five?

Every word that came to mind felt flat. “Creative”? Sure. “Stylish”? Obviously. But none of them felt like enough. I’ve lived so many versions of myself—from a Trinidadian-born, American-raised girl navigating cultural shifts and hairstyles (yes, including a jheri curl), to a globe-hopping, business-owning, gray-crowned woman in her 50s confidently embracing her truth.

So instead of limiting myself, I decided to break it down by life stage.
Because every version of me deserves to be seen.
Every version of me had her own story.
Her own power.
Her own five words.

How I’d Describe My Teen Self in High School

Born in Trinidad and raised in New York from, I was a full-fledged nerd long before I realized that being a badass nerd was actually my superpower. I was just a girl trying to make sense of herself and the world—quietly observant but filled with bold dreams. I found my voice, experimented with my style (yes, even rocked a Jheri curl), and set my sights on becoming a doctor—breaking my high school boyfriend’s heart in the process. I was living like a queen on a budget as a debutante with dreams.

Adaptive, Nerdy, Imagniative, Empathetic, Resillent.

How I’d Describe Myself During College

College came with too many major changes and way too many credit card mistakes. I worked minimum wage jobs at $4.50/hour, earned medical certifications, and kept up my skincare game with coupons and Oil of Olay. Fashion was my therapy, sandwiches were my sacrifice, and my senior year?

Ambitious, Inventive, Conflicted, Determined, Industrious.

How I’d Describe Myself During My 20s and 30s

Motherhood found me early and beautifully. I raised four amazing Little People and poured everything into instilling my love of God, family, education, and community. From Florida to Georgia to Maryland, I rocked a pixie cut, switched careers from medicine to therapy to mortgage broker, and experienced both heartbreak and miracles—losing a preemie, then delivering my firstborn at 42 weeks. I returned to school, pursued interior design, and co-ran a construction firm with my then-husband. By 35, I was divorced, rebuilding, and rising.

Audacious, Nuturing, Empowered, Committed, Tenacious.

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How I’d Describe Myself During My 40s

This was the decade I watched my Little People become Great People. My oldest went to Georgetown on a near full ride. My son served in the Air Force. My YOungest two graduated and entered college. I rediscovered my passion for travel, became obsessed with kitchen gadgets, and re-entered the dating scene (finally). I took my children home to Trinidad, visited Paris, Venice, and Rome, and added tattoos two and three. As a full-time business owner and member of the Commission for Women, I used my voice—and stood my ground in difficult battles with my ex over financial support.

Adventurous, Grounded, Humbled, Adventouous, Rebuilding

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How I’d Describe Myself Now at Age 50

Now in Charlotte, I’m enjoying the freedom of an empty nest—though my Little People are still adulting (allegedly😂). I’m growing my business, traveling more, and embracing all things luxury and joy. From Chanel skincare to $35 lip gloss, from natural gray curls to Golden Goose sneakers or Jimmy Choos (depending on the mood), I choose me. I define my style, and I encourage my clients and colleagues to do the same. I’m watching my veteran child graduate from the fire academy and prepare for homeownership. Oh yeah, I've been boxing 3 times a week and I begin and end my week with Yoga. Go figure. Life, in this season, feels like alignment.

Liberated, Healthy, Authentic, Grateful, Badass

Closing Thoughts

From jheri curls to Chanel glow, from student loans to solo trips, from motherhood to CEO—every chapter of my life has been full. Some heavy, some wild, some sacred. And all of them have been beautifully mine.

This blog—TriniGal Chronicles—is more than stories. It’s a space where interior design, lifestyle, and beauty inspiration meet real life.

So no matter what stage of life you’re in, I invite you to reflect:

What five words describe you—right now?
✨ Leave them in the comments or share them with me @StacynicoleInc, @StacyNicoleInteriors, and @MsNicoleIngram.

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📍 Related Reads from TriniGal Chronicles:

• Moving to Charlotte at 50: Why Now Was the Time
• My Favorite Kitchen Appliances for Every Mood
• The Real Cost of Good Skin: Chanel vs. College Tuition

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