I'll never be ashamed of my "materialistic" habits. I'm not afraid to confess my love for overpriced designer shoes, handbags I might obsess over for a few months and then forget about, or expensive dinner dates with friends that I probably should've skipped for a $5 chopped cheese hero from the nearest bodega. I've always loved the finer things, and I made it a goal years ago to create the life I always imagined for myself—a life of balance and consistency; a life where my bills are always payed on time, my savings account looks even better than my checking account, and my Jimmy Choo collection is organized by color. Living paycheck to paycheck is never ideal, and I think almost everyone hopes to have stability some day.

All my life, I was told to choose a career that made me happy. At the end of the day, money won't make you feel love, passion or happiness. Money won't clear your guilty conscience, calm your anxious nerves or bring joy to your saddest day. I stand by the notion that you truly have nothing if you're not in love with your profession; you can't avoid desperation if every day is bound to be a bad one. But what if your job is the root of your happiness as well as your steady income? What if you work your ass off every day to perfect your craft, and after your rent is paid you have some extra cash? I'm a firm believer that if you hustle day in and day out, you're allowed to be selfish every now and then. You'll definitely hear it in the back of your head after a long week of obligations— buy the Louis handbag. You deserve the f*cking Speedy 30.

Don't get me wrong, money never has been and never will be everything. It isn't power, nor is it strength. I'd much rather be completely broke with good relationships, a healthy body and a strong mind, and a place to call home—no matter how big or small it is. I'm kindhearted, ambitious and sincere, and no amount of money could deviate my intentions. I know exactly who I am and what I'm all about, and I know what my morals and beliefs are. But if you're dedicating your time to getting an education, helping those in need, bettering yourself as an individual, or working a full-time job, what's wrong with building your empire at the same time? Why can't we do as we please with our hard-earned money without automatically being labeled as superficial and profane?

The bottom line is, I want my dream apartment and a closet filled with my favorite designers. I want brunch dates and drinks after work, and I want to spoil my loved ones each and every Christmas. I want to give my mother the world because she deserves it, and I want to give back to the community as well. I want to remain grateful for everything I've earned and everything I'm so privileged to have, without ever forgetting that I began as a college student in NYC running between school, work and internships. I want to make myself proud, and I'm more than willing to endure a thousand sleepless nights to make that happen.