Meet Lorna Finn | Blogger, Model, PCOS Advocate, & Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorna Finn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorna, how do you think about risk?
Honestly, I feel that risk taking is an ideal that if you want to be successful, you have to learn to accept. There is no safe way to be successful. Sure there may be more reliable ways to make a living, such as becoming a doctor, lawyer, or a teacher, but that doesn’t guarantee happiness or that one will feel they have reached success. I truly believe that one thing that you’re the most afraid of that is attached to the largest risk is what is the destiny you are meant to fulfill. For me personally, my greatest risk was moving 1,000 miles away from my family to start my life and career in the Washington D.C. area. I had to literally figure my life out at the age of 24, learn how to lease an apartment, adapt to the cost of living, and figure out my identity and career aspirations. There were a ton of tears, but ten years later I sit in my career and most recently began my entrepreneurial journey into Federal Contracts and Consulting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I am a Federal Contracting Officer by profession, and was one of the youngest in most of my divisions to managing federal contracts. I possess my FAC-C III Certification and have professionally worked as a Acquisitions and Procurement professional for the past 7 years. In 2020 at the height of the pandemic, I decided to start my own business called E.F.I. Consulting, dedicated to help Small Businesses reach their American Dream through winning Federal Contracts and grants funding. Additionally, I house my creative brand ‘Cystum of Curves’ under my small business Elle Finn International, L.L.C. (which also manages E.F.I. Consulting). Cystum of Curves is my outlet to share my experiences with PCOS, share my fashion finds, and provide inspiration to women world wide dealing with endocrine disorders and other chronic illness. It has been the most rewarding experience to provide a safe space for women to communicate their deepest insecurities regarding their health conditions and to help in their advocacy towards reaching their goals. I also love showing off my confidence to inspire other women in marginalized bodies to embrace imperfections, strive for positive modifications, and reach a place of resilient self-love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the most amazing things about living in the DMV area is the cultural diversity, easy access to other close major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, and the absolutely amazing landscape. The first place I would take my best friend is the Wharf on the Southeast Waterfront in D.C., which has some of the freshest seafood and unique mom and pop shops in the DMV area. Additionally, it is so scenic and serene surrounded by historical monuments, the potomac river, and lots of activities that are everchanging daily. After, I would venture to the U Street corridor to listen to some local artist and bar hop, as U Street is so eclectic and some of the most creative events in D.C. happen in this area. After that, I would bring her into the state of Maryland ( I personally live in Maryland right outside of D.C. and love it) and take her to some of my favorite boutiques, brunch spots, and trails to view the beautiful landscape that Maryland has to offer. Lastly, I would take her to Ocean City to the beach and eat at Secrets which is the famous floating bar in this area and enjoy a realizing time by the water. I love being out and about so this is a short list, but knowing me it would be packed with any and everything.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to name that have contributed to my success as woman, blogger, entrepreneur, and everything I’m still growing to become. My first and foremost centering comes from my faith in God. I would be completely lost without spiritual grounding and His faith in me to be all that I can be. Next would be my mom, as she completely raised me with the strength of all she was. She taught me how to survive, be resourceful, and most importantly, never think anything I dream was ever to silly to become reality. Next would be my friends who have become family and resources in developing my craft; Sean Allen, my photographer. who puts up with all of my ideas and content needs. Mickey Leon, creator of District of Curves, for pushing me to model and giving me my first opportunity in his fashion showcase in 2016. That literally provided the fuel for me to push to represent women in marginalized bodies PCOSAA, which stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Association, which continuously allows me to partner to pour into other women and spread awareness. Lastly, every MUA, Stylist, Blogger, and all the people who just reach out and encourage me daily are my inspiration. They let me know that what I do matters and is effective for someone in a positive way.

Website: cystumofcurves.com

Instagram: cystumofcurves

Linkedin: Lorna A. Finn

Twitter: SheGoesByLolo

Facebook: Plus Model Lorna Finn

Youtube: The Cysta’s Chatroom

Image Credits
Red Dress and Pink Dress Pics: Rick Jones from RJones Photography Blue Dress and Black and White Skirt Set: Kia Caldwell from Kia Caldwell Photography