Meet the Women of #WeAreWeCan: Krychele Valenzuela

In our new blog series, meet the women behind our #WeAreWeCan campaign. We asked these brave and inspiring women to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they've faced, and share their stories with us. Our hope is that by talking about our experiences as women, we'll recognize that we are not alone and we can help others who might be struggling with similar issues. WE ARE strong, and together WE CAN overcome anything.

For our #WeAreWeCan campaign, we sat down with Krychele Valenzuela, age 25, to hear her story. Krychele became pregnant as a teenager and chose adoption for her baby. Now, as a wife and mother, she has struggled with self-love and acceptance, and started a blog to offer support and encouragement to other women. Below, read our conversation with Krychele and watch her video to learn more about her inspiring journey.  

You told us about your teen pregnancy and choosing adoption for your baby. Could you briefly share your story with us?

Getting pregnant at 15 was definitely not something that I thought would ever happen to me, but it did. Turns out, I wasn't as invincible as I thought I was. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was absolutely terrified. I was an athlete and very involved in my school. After the initial shock and having to quit my sports teams because I was too sick to even get out of bed, I started looking at my options. I ruled out abortion very quickly and didn't want a family member to take the baby. I was left with either parenting her or placing her for adoption.

After meeting with an amazing family, I ultimately decided they were what and who I wanted for my baby. I thought she should have two loving parents and siblings that would adore her. We have an open adoption and I see her every couple months since they live just a few cities over. Our family grew the day I met them and I'm so happy to say I've never regretted my decision for a minute. I absolutely believe that everything happens for a reason and this experience was no exception. It made me a better person, and most importantly a better mother.

You also told us about struggling with being comfortable in your own skin growing up. Tell us about your experience and how you've worked to overcome this in your life? 

After being born in Seattle, my family moved to St George, Utah, which is a pretty small and predominately white town. I remember my friends noticing that my skin was different then theirs as early as kindergarten. All I wanted as a child was to fit in. So naturally, it was really hard realizing that I looked so different than my peers. Although my parents always reassured me that I was beautiful, I never truly believed it. It wasn't until I was married and gave birth to our son that I finally realized how amazing my body was. Every scar, stretch mark, and inch of extra skin proves that I have overcome hard things and I want to celebrate that! Being different makes the world so beautiful and I only wish I would have realized it sooner. 

You started a blog to help other women and moms love themselves and to support them and encourage diversity. Tell us why it's important for you to support other women? 

I try to be an example on social media because growing up, I didn't have anyone that I felt accurately represented my body type who could I look up to. Growing up in a small town, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Since I didn't have hardly anyone around that looked like me, being a minority felt like a bad thing. I SO wish I would have had someone to look up to and help me realize that different is beautiful a whole lot sooner. I'm just trying to be the change I want to see in the world.

What advice would you offer other women and moms who are struggling to feel good about themselves? 

I would tell them not to compare themselves to other women they see on social media. I know it's cliche, but comparison truly is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself and count your blessings rather than your short comings. Life can be tough, but so can you!

What advice or resources would you offer other moms who are considering adoption for their baby? 

I'd tell every mama thinking about adoption that she is so strong. Even considering adoption is really hard, and shows that you are so selfless and truly only want the best life for your baby. I'd also tell her to make sure it is 100% what you want. It has to be your choice. Although the amazing service I went through is no longer doing adoptions, there are still so many places out there. I would definitely recommend Utah Adoption Specialist for those of you in the state. If you aren't in Utah, check out this website for some other agencies: https://adopttogether.org/top-10-domestic-agencies/ I would also recommend some sort of counseling before and after placing your baby—it never hurts to talk to someone with an outside perspective. 

Who is a woman that inspires you and why? 

My mom will always be my biggest inspiration. She taught me to be strong in everything I do and she has so much love in her heart for everyone she meets. She was also my biggest supporter through the adoption process and in every other aspect of my life. I really hope I can be just like her someday.

If you could go back, what advice would you give your teenage self? 

Not to have a serious boyfriend in high school. I know that is specific, but honestly I wish I wouldn't have. There is plenty of time for dating and relationships in life, so have fun with your friends instead. Go to dances with lots of different dates, hang out in groups, and don't sweat the small stuff. If it won't matter in a week, it probably doesn't really matter at all.

What do you love about your Fawn Design bag? 

I love that it doesn't have the traditional diaper bag look. I can keep everything I need in it for my son and I, but I still feel so chic carrying it around. I also love how, just like me, it takes on so many roles—I am a mother and a girl boss running my own company and it transitions to both aspects of my life flawlessly. 

Photos: Lizzyography