In a heartwarming display of self-discovery and resilience, soon-to-be 16-year-old Unique recently found herself immersed in the aromatic world of Malibu Apothecary in Dallas. Here, amid trays of tiny glass bottles, she began a journey of creating a fragrance that not only embodied her essence but also marked a significant moment in her life.
“I want it to be something that someone will walk up to me and say, ‘I love your scent,'” Unique expressed with a shy yet triumphant smile.
As a young girl in foster care, Unique’s life has been unpredictable, characterized by multiple placements over the span of seven years. With experiences ranging from nurturing to unsafe environments, she has learned valuable lessons about her own needs.
“I’ve been moving from placement to placement,” she shared candidly. “Some foster homes didn’t treat me right. Some didn’t understand me enough to take the time out to take care of me mentally.”
However, she has found solace and support in her current foster home, where she feels genuinely appreciated and recognized.
“It’s peaceful. That’s all I want. I don’t want drama. I don’t want anybody to be abused like I was. Or be mentally and verbally abused like I was,” she reflected.
During her private fragrance-making session, Unique felt a sense of acknowledgment like never before. Owner Claire Ellis welcomed her warmly, stating, “We’re actually going to design your own scent today.”
As she navigated through various oils, Unique expressed her personal taste, even humorously dismissing some scents as giving off “grandmother vibes” before discovering the combination that resonated with her.
Ultimately, Unique expressed her satisfaction with her fragrant creation: “It smells great. I love it. It’s one of a kind.”
She poured her mixture into a custom-labeled glass bottle, affirming that her chosen scent reflects her individuality and comfort in her own skin.
Gazing toward her 16th birthday, which she refers to as her “golden birthday,” Unique shared her simple wish: “I just want to be treated normally. I don’t want to be treated like I’m unusual or like I’m not human.”
Her raw honesty shines through as she articulates what she longs to hear from a parental figure: “I’m proud of you. I love you. It’s okay to be hurt or broken.” Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke.
Despite the hurdles she has faced, Unique remains determined and optimistic about her future, setting her sights on attending college and potentially becoming an FBI agent.
She has come to appreciate the network of support surrounding her, a group she lovingly calls “Team Unique.”
“Even though I didn’t have my bio family’s help, I am okay. I am supported by a great team,” she affirmed proudly.
In a poignant moment symbolizing her newfound confidence, Unique spritzed her custom fragrance, a blend embodying strawberry, cherry, strength, and smiles—an aromatic representation of her journey toward self-acceptance.
image source from：https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/wednesdays-child-15-year-old-unique-foster-care-story/287-2f0bc7fd-ac00-4809-9118-ad6acc316647
