Discovering the Strength Within
True Beauty Discovery Legends Launches at Applewood
Many of us have taken a personality or archetype assessment, but few have had the opportunity to explore the deeper meaning behind the results. This summer, Fostering Hope launched True Beauty Discovery Legends at Applewood Centers, giving teen girls an opportunity to discover their “Legend” while learning more about themselves and one another.
True Beauty Discovery was founded by actress Holly Fulger, whose years in the entertainment industry exposed her to relentless expectations about appearance and identity.
“I was too much of one thing and not enough of another,” Holly explained. “As an actor, you can be too thin, too fat, too tall, or too short, and it can take its toll.”
When Holly’s daughter reached her teen years, Holly knew she wanted something different for her.
“I didn’t want her to go through the same things I experienced. I wanted her to feel that whatever she was, it was enough. So I started True Beauty.”
Working with the young women at Applewood, Holly brings that message to life. She introduces herself through her own Legends: “I am a Luminary and a Dreamer. I like to see the world through rose-colored glasses, and I believe the world can be a better place.”
As the girls began exploring their own Legends, they also began to recognize the strengths, possibilities, and layers within themselves.
Each week, participants were introduced to inspiring women who embody different Legends. Simone Biles represents the Warrior, while Jane Goodall offers an example of the Trailblazer. Through these role models, the girls could begin to recognize their own qualities as strengths filled with possibility.
Each session added another layer of connection, well-being, and purpose. Creative projects gave participants meaningful ways to explore their identities. They created masks representing the parts of themselves they sometimes hide and collages illustrating causes they believe in. Along the way, they shared, laughed, reflected, and discovered the beauty and strength within themselves and one another.
As the weeks unfolded, the conversations became increasingly personal and vulnerable. Holly met each moment with warmth and encouragement.
“You are a true Trailblazer,” she told one young person as she shared her story.
Every Legend offered a different path toward reflection and growth:
The Activist explored questions such as, “What is something I care deeply about?” and “What would compel me to take a stand?”
The Sleuth examined curiosity and assumptions: “When have I assumed something about someone that wasn’t true?” and “What is one assumption I will stop making about others?”
The Luminary reflected on the prompt, “The real me is…”
The Warrior considered, “What is a fear I want to power through?”
Each participant was invited to turn reflection into action by completing statements such as, “This week, I will be more curious by…”
These activities encouraged the girls to see that they are not limited to one quality, label, or story. They can hold many strengths at once, and each of those strengths can support their growth.
As Fostering Hope closes summer programming, we are excited to look ahead to True Beauty Discovery Legends Part II. The next chapter will offer participants another opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves and explore how their Legends can support their confidence, purpose, relationships, and continued growth.
Submitted by Heidi Wuescher, Youth Wellness Program Director
