From Hot Mess to Clean Girl: Your Transformation Journey
Hey girlfriend! So you’ve been seeing those impossibly put-together “clean girls” all over the gram, and meanwhile your current aesthetic is more “found my keys in the fridge again.” Same, honestly. But if you’re ready to manifest your way from chaos to clean girl status, let’s create a vision board that actually works for real humans.
I want you to know you’re not alone. Life can be messy, overwhelming, and downright cruel sometimes. Trust me, I know. At 19, I became a single mom. My dreams felt like they were slipping away as I juggled University and multiple jobs along with sleepless nights. I was left with a choice: let the hot mess define me or fight to create a life I loved. What changed everything for me was adopting the “clean girl” mentality—not just in how I presented myself, but in how I thought, organized, and lived my life. This mindset became my lifeline, and now, I’m here to share how you can do it too. Let’s glow up together.
What Even Is the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic?
Let’s start with the basics: the “clean girl” aesthetic isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a life that feels polished, intentional, and put together in a way that works for YOU. Think sleek hairstyles, glowing skin, organized spaces, and routines that scream main character energy. But it goes deeper than appearances—this is about transforming chaos into clarity and feeling confident in every aspect of your life.
Step 1: Embrace Your Starting Point
Before we jump into the glow-up, let’s get real. No one wakes up one day as a clean girl without acknowledging where they’re starting. I know what it’s like to feel stuck in survival mode. Bills, laundry piles, a baby crying in the next room, and the overwhelming feeling that your dreams are just too far away. That’s where I began.
Here’s the secret: your starting point doesn’t define you. It’s just a reference for how far you’ll go. Write down what feels messy or out of control in your life right now—your space, your habits, your mindset. Acknowledging it is the first step to transforming it.
Step 2: Curate Your Vision
This is where the magic happens. Start dreaming big. What does your ideal life look like? Don’t hold back. My turning point came when I finally allowed myself to believe I deserved more.
Create Your Vision Board
- Go Digital or Physical: Pinterest is perfect for digital boards, but there’s something therapeutic about cutting and gluing images IRL.
- Focus on Key Areas: Divide your board into sections like beauty, health, career, relationships, and environment.
- Include Affirmations: I plastered mine with quotes like, “I am worthy of the life I desire” and “My glow-up is happening now.”
Your vision board isn’t just pretty—it’s your daily reminder that transformation is possible.
Step 3: Build Your Glow-Up Routine
Okay, here’s where we start turning that dream into reality. A “glow-up” isn’t a one-day thing. It’s a series of small, intentional habits that add up to big results.
Morning Routine: Start Your Day With Purpose
The way you start your morning sets the tone for everything. Here’s what my clean girl mornings look like:
- Hydrate Immediately: Keep water on your nightstand and drink it as soon as you wake up.
- Affirmations: Stand in front of the mirror and say things like, “Today, I am calm, confident, and capable.”
- Skin Care Ritual: Use this time to take care of yourself. A clean, glowing face sets the tone for a confident day.
Evening Reset: Clean Girl Vibes Before Bed
Your night routine is just as important as your morning. Here’s mine:
- Tidy Your Space: Put away the dishes, fluff your pillows, and make sure your environment feels peaceful.
- Gratitude Journal: Write three things you’re grateful for, even if it’s just making it through the day.
- Skin Care Love: Don’t skimp on your nighttime skin care—think of it as self-love in action.
Step 4: Organize Your Environment
A chaotic space equals a chaotic mind. When I was at my lowest, cleaning my space felt like an impossible task. But I learned that tackling it one corner at a time can work wonders for your mental health.
Clean Girl Organization Tips
- Declutter Ruthlessly: If it doesn’t bring joy or serve a purpose, let it go. (Thanks, Marie Kondo!)
- Create Zones: Assign a purpose to each area—like a cozy reading nook or a work desk that’s only for productivity.
- Aesthetic Touches: Add candles, plants, or soft throws to make your space feel like a sanctuary.
Step 5: Glow Up Your Habits
Your habits are the building blocks of your glow-up. Here’s how to upgrade them:
Health & Wellness
- Hydration Is Key: Carry a cute water bottle everywhere. (Yes, aesthetics matter—it makes you want to drink more.)
- Move Your Body: Whether it’s a 10-minute stretch or a full workout, find movement you enjoy.
- Eat to Nourish: Add more greens, proteins, and whole foods to your plate, but don’t be afraid to enjoy your favorites.
Financial Glow-Up
This was a game-changer for me. Learning to manage my money gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
- Budget Binder: Track your income, expenses, and goals. It’s like a vision board for your finances.
- Save First: Even small amounts add up. Start building an emergency fund or a travel fund for your dream destinations.
Step 6: Cultivate Clean Girl Energy
Being a clean girl isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you feel. Confidence, kindness, and grace are your superpowers.
Build Your Mindset
- Affirmations for Confidence: Repeat them daily. Mine include: “I am strong, resilient, and unstoppable.”
- Celebrate Small Wins: Glow-ups don’t happen overnight. Celebrate every step forward.
Step 7: Build a Support System
No glow-up happens in isolation. Surrounding myself with strong, inspiring women was a game-changer. Seek out friendships and communities that uplift you. Share your goals and celebrate each other’s wins.
Step 8: Embrace the Journey
Here’s the truth: my life isn’t perfect, and it never will be. But it’s mine, and I’ve learned to love every part of the journey. I’ve gone from a scared 19-year-old mom to a woman who knows her worth and fights for her dreams every day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, remember that small changes lead to big transformations. You are capable of creating a life that feels like a dream—and it starts with believing you deserve it. So, are you ready to step into your clean girl era? Let’s glow up, together. 💖
