8 JESUS MUSIC FASHION EVENT RECAP 18 ALLIE S HIRLEY COVER FEATURE 28 VERSE 14 B LOG 30 JESSICA B LAKE MODEL INTERVIEW 32 S HOP PEPPER FASHION S POTLIGHT 36 HALEY MONTGOMERY MUSIC S POTLIGHT 40 LISA ORMSBY PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE 46 THE THANKFUL LIST 49 VICTORIA NORDMAN INTERVIEW 50 LANA GERIMOVICH TESTIMONY 52 KATHRYN B UTLER TESTIMONY W. WWW.ANGELICMAG. COM F. WWW. FACEBOOK. COM/ANGELICMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM: @ANGELICMAGAZINE E. INFO@ANGELICMAG. COM
ISAIAH 41:10 "FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU; BE NOT DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD; I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, I WILL HELP YOU, I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND. "
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DEE JAMES S HIRLEY, JENNY TARAU, WENDAL ESPERANZA, LISA ORMSBY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: KATIE MAY AND ANNA MARIE DORIS
T
"WEST COAST. EAST COAST. SPRING 2015. "
o pass the time I used to write songs. They were lyrics, rhymes and poetry in my mind I'd release with the distant hope that maybe these words might manifest and come true one day. I'm a dreamer. I said the crowd roared back they know the lyrics of my lines, in this moment, in this time, I thank you God for letting me dance with my dreams. I pictured it. My fantasy land, a land where you could dare to dream a dream of dreams. Dare to have courage, be fearless and be free. This was my great escape, my own little world. Over time my wishing turned into praying. My distant hope transformed into belief. Fantasy evolved into faith. At some point, at some moment in this lifetime I knew I would indeed dance with the visions I had while I was awake. And when I did do it, when I did experience these things, I made up my mind that I’d two-step like no one was watching. I’m on the rhythm. I feel the beat. I’m about to see the world. My journey with Jesus is getting interesting. The plot has thickened and I’m ready. In March of 2015 Angelic Magazine is spreading to the eastern coast of the United States. San Diego to Atlanta, and beyond. Jesus Music Fashion is going everywhere and in the back of mind I hear the whisper of the riffs, the crawling of the drum and the rattle of the shake. It’s coming. The vision has awakened. JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION. West coast. East Coast. Spring 2015.
W
hen people think of Christian music they tend to think that it’s not very creative or very good; it’s music that only religious people like. When people think of fashion they tend to think it only exists for superficial vanity. But what if we could use really good Jesus music and really cool fashion to bring glory to God? On 10.10.14 in downtown Phoenix at the Third Street Theater, we stepped out of the magazine pages and into a venue for the purpose of utilizing live music and a fashion show to make our stance for Jesus. Musicians and fashion designers who’ve been featured in past issues of Angelic came together to be a part of something legendary. There was vulnerability in the room that evening. The lights were dimmed throughout the theater and only a mic-stand and a guitar stood before the musicians and the audience. People in the crowd arrived that night not certain for what they were about to witness, but we were all in for the ride together. Talent isn’t defined by the genre or label people put on you, talent is derived from God. The musicians took the stage first and performed beautifully and brilliantly. All 5 acts of musicians displayed their individual creative genius of music artistry. It was like seeing a sight from the past, reminiscent of visions from American Bandstand. Matthew and Missy Schwartz, musicians by way of Phoenix who were currently living in Austin, TX opened up the show. They sang in front of an audience for the first time as husband and wife. They lit up the crowd with their self-written music for Jesus. The audience didn’t know if they should clap to the rhythm of Matthew’s acoustic guitar or bask in the intimate moment of seeing a husband and wife sing to God. Giovanni Alain, a young singer/songwriter from
Phoenix displayed his heart to the audience. His musical creativity and desire to simply be himself on stage pulled the audience in. They were with him with every strum of his guitar and every note he belted out. Sarah Lords and her two musicians sang to Jesus, and everyone in the building just happened to be in the theater watching them that night. They weren’t there for us, they were there for Him and you could feel the pureness of their hearts in their performance. Taylor Anderson, his presence on stage magnetized every eye and ear. His vocals, his Godgifted talent to perform fueled the theater and as fans of music, from Matthew and Missy Schwartz down to Taylor Anderson, people forgot they were listening to “religious” people sing and they embraced the beauty of their talent for God. In between the music performances and creative talent in the room, a fashion show took place. Models walking to DJ’d electronic Jesus music hit the stage. Designers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, backstage creative directors and assistants put on a fashion show for Jesus. Fashion, creativity and beauty for the sake of reflecting God came to life. Fashion for Jesus was on display. People may have shown up that night expecting to see a musical performance or a fashion show, but our hope as a magazine was they’d leave the theater that night with the Spirit of God inside of them. The night ended with Char and Matt Gartrell singing “How Great is Our God.” Looking out into the audience you could see hands raised, voices singing along to the chorus. You could see and hear a theater full of people singing to Jesus. We did it. We blended music and fashion for Jesus that night. And we can’t wait to do it again. Jesus Music Fashion The Event is coming to Atlanta, GA in April 2015. Get ready east coast.
S
"JESUS, FASHION, MODESTY"
he emailed the magazine. She said we had similar purposes. We were strangers, she had no idea whose eyes would be on the other end for what she wrote, but she took a step of faith. She said she was flying out from Atlanta to Phoenix in October for a women’s conference and wanted to know if she could meet whoever was behind the magazine. I sat back feeling a little miffed that a stranger had the desire to want to meet me. I’m anonymous as the creator and editor of the magazine. My name, my face and my identity is unknown to the general public. It was the first time a person I didn’t know had ever asked to meet me in relation to the magazine. I clicked onto the website listed at the bottom of her email signature to find out who this person was. What did she mean that our purposes were similar? Marque Modest Apparel. An online boutique dedicated to fashionable and modest clothing for the purpose of bringing glory to Jesus. This was her company. The bios on each of our websites shared the same scripture: Acts 20:24. The look, the feel of her work was similar to Angelic Magazine. Along with Marque she had a non-profit called More Than A Cross. Beneath all of my outward dreams, I have this silent desire to follow-through on my own non-profit called Give A Cross Foundation. I read her blog. I investigated further and saw she did photography too. I created Angelic on the heels of being a fashion
A TLANTA , GA Age: 23 COVER FEATURE
photographer. I looked at her Instagram. Angelic’s branding on social media features solid colored images with black and white text. Her social media featured solid colored images with black and white text. I began to feel eery. Who was this person? This girl from Georgia, this stranger from across the country was unique to herself but we shared similarities, similar callings and similar purposes. Our paths in life were different but in that moment I could feel them starting to collide. My attention was caught. I responded to her email. We eventually spoke on the telephone. We agreed to meet when she came out to Arizona. She happened to mention, if Angelic Magazine ever spread to Atlanta, there’d be people there who support what we’re doing. The tiny seed was planted. Over the course of our initial conversation the seed began to manifest. She emailed the magazine as a stranger, but today we are no longer strangers. Allie Shirley is on a path of glorifying God through her creative giftings, her love, her testimony and her passion for uplifting women. We were once forces on opposite coasts but this spring Angelic Magazine and Marque Modest Apparel are teaming up to stand boldly for Jesus. Angelic is spreading to Atlanta and together as a unit, the ideas, the creativity, the shared passion for people and for Jesus, Angelic and Marque are trusting God as we set out to fearlessly proclaim Him.
"I WAS DONE SEEKING THE PURSUERS AND ONLY INTERESTED IN LETTING THE ONE PURSUER SEEK ME, JESUS. " Why Jesus? I choose Jesus because He rescued me from my pit of rebellion and saved me from a life that was focused on me. He’s been a Father figure to me, a healer. He’s poured inspiration and dreams into my life that I never thought I could have. Once I experienced complete surrender, I fell in love with Him. What caused you to surrender to Him? In 10th grade the Lord planted the seed of a modest clothing store. That was during the heart of my rebellion. At the time I thought yeah right, I’d never do something like that. At the end of my junior year of high school I had a lot of women praying for me. I was done being with guys because I really wanted to know Jesus. I had broken up with my boyfriend of 3 years and my heart started yearning for that relationship with Jesus I never had. What was your rebellion? I found my worth in guys. In that teenage stage of my life, any guy who would ask me out I would say yes. In between my break ups with my boyfriend in high school I would date different guys. It was a downward spiral I would never want anyone to experience. I remember sitting in a parking lot with my mom and telling her I was done. I was done seeking the pursuers and only interested in letting the one pursuer seek me, Jesus. And ever since I’ve never dated and I’m waiting for God to give me that clear yes when to date again. What were the beginning stages of Marque Modest Apparel? I had this desire in high school and after I began college through the course of things I started to pursue it more. So, we launched the company. We searched for vendors, there’s a huge apparel mart in Atlanta. I had to meet a lot of people. I found the website I wanted. My heartbeat behind it is I want it to be a ministry. I’m still processing how I can take modesty and fashion to girls, take it to college campuses and show them that they’re beautiful in modesty for Jesus. I want our company even to make an impression on guys. That a woman can be modest and not reveal her body but she can respect herself enough to clothe herself in a fashionable and modest way. What do you want people reading this interview to know about you? I always want to keep my mind in check that it’s not me opening doors or the boldness I've been given about what I believe is upon me, the glory belongs to the Jesus that is in me. I always want to be recklessly abandoned to what God wants for me. I want to live fearlessly for Him. I can’t take credit for anything, it’s all God. I want to inspire women to find their worth in Him and for them to experience the beauty of His love. So, what’s next for you? Jesus, Music and Fashion!
OUT OF “BAD” MOMENTS,
HE BRINGS A LIFETIME OF GOOD.
"I CANNOT RELY ON ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN YOU,
AND I CAN’T BEGIN TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING SO MUCH BEAUTY AND GRACE TO MY LIFE WHERE THERE SHOULD BE A DIRTY MESS. YOU ARE SO GOOD TO ME. "
G
VERSE 14 MINISTRY
By Katie May od has shown me so much love in so many ways, and one of them is by how He has redeemed me. Apart from the biggest thing, taking the old, rotten me and making me new in HIS image, He has redeemed situations in my life that He didn't even need to. He chooses to because He loves us so much, and I can't really wrap my brain around it. I have made some decisions I wished I hadn't, and God has chosen to turn those situations around to glorify Him. I still don’t understand grace to the full potential, because it's not something I deserve. I was talking with my friend Katelyn recently and was flabbergasted telling her how different things would be today without God’s grace in the past! She went on to tell me that it’s not only good I have God’s grace, but if things went differently or worse than they are now, He STILL would have used that situation for His glory. Out of “bad” moments, He brings a lifetime of good. Apart from my own decision making, God has brought so many great things to life from the loss of my dad. Losing my dad was the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and even then God gave me a hope and peace that I can't put into words. God also delighted in bringing me joy through it too.
One of the many examples is that I have extraordinary friendships that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't lost my dad- Brittney Wilson being one of them. He used Brittney to help me through my grieving, and out of that came an incredible friendship. I've also been able to come alongside other people and relate to them in their sufferings. I've made friendships that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't lost something in the first place. God continues to bring joyful surprises to my life because He chooses to, and through that HE is glorified. I trust Him. I trust His plans. And I am just plain thankful for the millions of blessings in my life that have been given to me from a bad choice or poor decision that I made. I don’t know anyone else who can redeem so deeply, emotionally, spiritually, and beautifully as my Lord. Thank you, Jesus for the joy I have that has come from some depressing times in my life. I cannot rely on anyone else other than you, and I can’t begin to thank you for bringing so much beauty and grace to my life where there should be a dirty mess. You are so good to me.
JESSICA BLAKE
MODEL S POTLIGHT - AGE: 23 - TEMPE, AZ What inspired you to pursue modeling? I have always loved fashion, design and the arts so modeling just came naturally to me. Also, being 6'0" tall doesn't hurt. Being from Canada, what would you say is the greatest difference between Canada & the U.S.? Being raised in Canada and moving to Phoenix was an experience. I found a few differences. Everyone is so aggressive here and being in design school I struggle with using inches. On a positive note everyone is so patriot about everything it's nice to have a support system like that. What are 3 random facts about you that most people would never know? Peanut butter is my weakness. I dance my way through life. I drive a manual car. One day when the final sentence of your legacy is written, what would you like that last sentence to say? She reflected the love of Christ. Why do you choose Jesus? Without Jesus I wouldn't be able to maintain my composure in life. There is a calmness that happens when you know that someone is going to always be there and always loves you.
FASHION SPOTLIGHT BOUTIQUE OWNER
:
WHERE DOES THE NAME SHOP PEPPER COME FROM?
Pepper is named after my dog Pepper; an 11 year old toy fox terrier who you'll often see lounging around the store. We're dog-friendly over here! WHAT INFLUENCES THE STYLE OF CLOTHING YOUR BOUTIQUE/STORE CARRIES?
We carry very bohemian contemporary women's clothing, heavily influenced by the beach culture of Venice, California. We aim to provide an interestingly curated selection of vendors; many of whom focus on domestic production, sustainable manufacturing, use of organic materials, and charitable giving. Some of our bigger brands include Free People, Alternative Apparel, Show Me Your Mumu, Whitney Eve, and FashionABLE. We also love to support local designers and stock some smaller lines from designers in Scottsdale, Austin, San Diego, and Los Angeles - Greenlee Swim, Little Pieces of Hope Jewelry, JaxKelly earrings, Flynn Skye clothing, etc. HOW DID YOU GET INTO A CAREER IN FASHION?
I started out in clothing by working in local Scottsdale boutiques during college. I hold a master's degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, and while in Los Angeles for graduate school, I began working as an assistant for designer Rachel Pally. That lead to a gig doing visual merchandising for Bloomingdale's, and then full-time positions with the wholesale divisions of Free People and Alternative Apparel, overseeing the merchandising for their department store accounts on the west coast. At the beginning of 2014, I moved home to Scottsdale and opened Pepper. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO OWN A BOUTIQUE OR PURSUE A CAREER IN FASHION?
Getting ahead in the apparel industry is just all about working your way up. One experience will lead to another, and eventually you'll get where you want to go. Use your prior contacts and soak up as much as you can about the industry. Working for Rachel Pally was indispensable for me - I got to see multiple different aspects of the process, from design to production to PR to wholesale and finally to sample sales! All of my job experiences helped me to understand the basics of opening my own business, but I'm still learning more everyday. OUR MAG BLENDS JESUS, MUSIC & FASHION. HOW DOES FAITH INFLUENCE YOU?
Two tenants I use in my business are core faith-based ideas - being open and accepting of everyone, and giving back to the community. Our store recently joined ONE Community and took the Unity Pledge, letting Phoenix know that we're open for business to everyone. Many faith-based businesses have a philosophy of giving back, which is something we strive for everyday at Pepper. We carry a lot of brands that donate proceeds to different charitable organizations, and I'm always on the lookout for new philanthropic vendors. We recently paired up with the Pearce Family Foundation, a local charity, for an event in which a portion of the proceeds helped families with children suffering from cancer.
C LOTHING: S HOP PEPPER MODEL: JESSICA B LAKE HAIR/MAKEUP: PEARL ESPINOZA WARDROBE STYLING: CATHY B EACH LOCATION: S COTTSDALE, AZ
By Haley Montgomery II have discovered that my effort to recount all have accomplished in my life has only
proven to show transient value on the surface. Over time, these various moments have lost their status and dwindled in my memory. I am left with remnants of valuable treasures of gospel truths engrained upon my weary heart by my Sovereign Lord. When I try to recall instances of my past, I forget. I hold up particular moments to the light of God’s truth and see revealed His gracious hand that saved me, sought me, washed me, redeemed me, and fashioned me into something of worth. Every memory only endows itself as a reminder of Jesus Christ and His preservation in my life. In times that I should’ve looked back with contempt and confusion towards God, I am only given sweet reminders of His merciful kindness to me. I am left erupting in humble worship for His saving grace that overwhelms and overcomes all heartache, all confusion, all lack. So though I intrinsically desire to find identity in labels like Christian, musician, worship leader, friend, or wife, I have come to the awareness that these labels draw themselves from the fundamental realization that I am who I am because first, I am His. I have been found by Christ. I am found in Christ. I am found with Christ. From this river of truth flows every glorious echo of blessing and beauty that I and others can partake. Worship has revealed itself to me through brilliant illustrative truths exposed within the Gospel. In all of this, I have discovered the paradoxical beauty that takes root in the satisfaction found in the ridding of myself for the gaining of Jesus and all His worth. The understanding of His sovereign delight
"DRY BONES EP RELEASE" humble security. The Lord is ever increasing my love for worship and creativity in my city. I have been so encouraged to meet and benefit from people who love the Lord in an authentic and genuine way. They express their affection through various forms. It doesn't matter what we may be doing, we can always rejoice and give glory to where it is rightfully due. By this truth, I am reminded ofApostle Paul being imprisoned in chains and bursting into uninhibited heartfelt worship. I think of the Christians being martyred right now in the Middle East, professing Christ with a machete to their throat. I consider the woman who washes her kitchen floors and sings with a whisper, " I love you Lord and I lift my voice..." I think of humble business owners like my friends Joe and Amy, serving waffles with a smile to the North Park community. I think of what Oswald Chambers said, "Whether the cup I drink today is bitter or sweet, I can rejoice because I drink it with Him!" This is laying hold of life! This is a life of worship pleasing to the Lord. So much precious and real ministry is found in the ordinary. As we walk out our discipleship hidden in Christ, Jesus shines! His Spirit leads us. He glorifies the will of the Father and the Son, for they are one. In His great love and mercy for His beloved, Christ shares His glory with us. Glimpses of His sovereign hand are at work! Glimpses of His kingdom are established here on earth. As Proverbs 16:33 magnificently stated “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” To God be the Glory!
HOW DOES SAN DIEGO INFLUENCE YOU AS AN ARTIST? San Diego has influenced me as an artist because it offers a very interesting backdrop. It has desert, ocean, and forests which is very much different than where I grew up (in the suburbs). I love that there is alway somewhere new to explore and shoot. Plus, I rarely have to worry about bad weather! WHY DO YOU DO PHOTOGRAPHY? I do photography because it is a way for me to express myself, just like fashion. I see it as a way to share a bit of how you see the world. I especially love shooting emotional moments and just raw beauty. I see beauty in almost anything, the good and the bad, so I never really run out of content. WHY JESUS? I choose Jesus because without Jesus life would be pretty bleak to me. He gives me hope where there is no hope. He gives me love when I feel unloved. He gives me answers when I feel lost. I am never alone with Jesus. WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I'm happily married to the man of my dreams for 6 years. Marriage sure isn't easy but it's so fulfilling. I love music and am always curious to discover the next big thing. I love to sing and play guitar. And on my more sportier days, I enjoy rock climbing and snowboarding. IF YOU COULD ASK JESUS 1 QUESTION AND HE HAD TO ANSWER IT, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK? I'd ask what's life like after earth? For example, what kind of activities do we do? haha
MODEL: MAKAELA MARAN HAIR/MAKEUP: B ADRI KERMANI DESIGNER: KENNETH B ARLIS PHOTOGRAPHER: LISA ORMSBY
N
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR?
By AnnaMarie Dorris ovember welcomes in warm drinks and fuzzy socks. To me, November feels like one of the busiest months in the entire year. Hangouts by a fire, with celebrations and preparation for the holidays; getting to be with loved ones, enjoying having a jacket on to keep you warm. In the midst of business and the glee of it all I think it is so easy to miss out. Miss out on creation changing, divine appointments set up by God on our busiest of days so that you can draw nearer to Him. We see all these things but do we remember to stop and take a moment to say thank you? We live in a fast pace world that does not always acknowledge all types of thankfulness. Since we do not always see it we can forget, I know I do. Last November I did something special that I am planning on doing again this year. I took my notebook and each day wrote down something I was thankful for! Before I started it I was not sure if I would be able to think of enough things that I was truly thankful for in my life. That fear quickly went away once I started writing on November 1st. Last year I only made it through half of the month before other stuff took up my time and attention. My goal this year is to get through the entire month! Here’s why it was so special for me; each day I would focus on ONE thing that I was thankful for and thank Jesus and pray about it. I wrote what I was thankful for and a snippet of reasons to go along with it, so in looking back it would not be generalizations but specifics.
I did about 15 days with my roommate last year and at the end we read our thankful lists and had a great discussion over everything. We came out feeling full and excited for the things we have in our lives and what the other had in theirs. I encourage you to do this with people; whether it is your family, friends or small group, whoever wants to do it with you! Then at the end of the month get together and read them all and share with one another, even on Thanksgiving! We are all guilty from time to time (myself included) of getting stuck “in the flow” of life that we can just forget to be silent and hear God’s still small voice. What is fun is being in the moment and seeing God’s favor and grace and also getting to look back and see how truly blessed we are. We all have our own personal struggles but we can either choose to spend all our time and energy focusing on them or on our blessings that the Father has given us. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” During the holiday season I think it is easy to get sucked into “oh if I only had this I would be happier” instead of looking at what is right in front of us and seeing how truly beautiful things are, especially in their imperfections. My challenge to you, (myself included) is to spend time each day reflecting on the things you are thankful for and see how many days you can go! What is the most unconventional thing you are thankful for right now?
"THERE'VE BEEN WOMEN GOD HAS
PLACED IN MY LIFE WHO HAVE PUSHED ME CLOSER TO GOD AND IT'S HELPED ME TO LIVE FOR HIM. "
V
ictoria Nordman, 21, or Tori as many know her, works at Pink House Boutique in Glendale, AZ. She styles, she merchandises, she runs their blog, she takes photos for their website and she's a jack of all trades. Pink House has been a great supporter of Angelic and we work frequently with them. Anytime we'd work with Pink House this past season, it was Tori who'd be willing to help or contribute her abilities in any way for the magazine. Our Jesus Music Fashion Event that took place in October, Tori was one of the great forces backstage making sure the fashion show ran perfectly. So, who is Victoria Nordman? Beneath the surface of fashion and styling, what is her story? Why Jesus? Just knowing that He's there for me. I was bullied for a while in high school and it was an awful time in my life. I just felt really disconnected for a long time. There was this one girl who came into my life and she pretty much saved me from a lot of things. She was a youth leader at a church and she made me believe in myself. She poured God into me and made me realize that everything those people at school said about me wasn't true. She'd make me repeat "I'm beautiful and God loves me". She'd make me say it over and over. She made me realize that my relationship with my dad wasn't a reflection of me. I could feel
better about myself through God because He loves me. I don't have to feel scared, be intimidated or worry and I feel better having Him than I do without Him. I still struggle but at the end of the day I know that He's always there. You mentioned your relationship with your dad, elaborate on that God is portrayed as a male figure and if my earthly father doesn't care, then why would He care? For a lot of years I always felt like I needed to do things to get his attention. I really was only close to my mom for a lot of years. My relationship with him was different than his relationship with my sister and I never knew what I was doing wrong. I always felt like I was the problem and I didn't know why. It almost made me shy away from guys for a long time because I felt like I didn't know how to have a proper relationship with men. Rather than throw myself into a terrible relationship, I just stayed away from it for a long time. So, what changed? I started to shift from this mindset that I wasn't worthy. I started to get out of it when I moved in with one of my really good friends when I was 17. She was really religious. I needed her religious strength to pull me out all the way. I needed her to just help get out of everything I was going through. Her strength in God and her bringing me to church. She would just stay up with me at night, talking with me, praying for me. There've been women God has placed in my life who have pushed me closer to God and it's helped me to live for Him. ?
LANA GF ERIMOVICH D ASHION
I
ESIGNER
SCOTTSDALE, AZ WWW. ALISFASHION. COM
n 1989 with my Engineering degree, a recently acquired Fashion Design diploma and a limitless enthusiasm for fashion I launched a garment factory called “Epas”, which was a joint venture between factories in the Ukraine and Poland. For the next eight years, I worked at Epas the garment factory as a head designer. After Epas, I started my own women’s and children’s clothes manufacturing company “Alisa”. Under my leadership the company quickly grew and by 1998 “Alisa” brand clothing was available at major retail stores throughout Central Ukraine. After experiencing mass-manufacturing as a CEO and head designer of Alisa, I realized that the mass-produced clothing styles are not always ideal products for most women’s curvy feminine lines. When I moved to Rochester, New York from Ukraine, my ambition again resulted in me starting my own custom clothing design studio “Alis Fashion Design”. After I visited Arizona and got inspired by the unique opportunities Arizona offers, I decide to move to Arizona and open my boutique in Old Town Scottsdale. At Alis Fashion Design, I create high quality one-of-a-kind couture wedding gowns, evening dresses for special occasions, casual wear, and costumes for performances that are made to order. Every piece is designed individually, based on individual
measurements – the opposite of mass production. My motto continually drives me to make every women’s body look beautiful regardless of what shapes and sizes they are. As each woman’s body is different with varieties of points of the body, I design and create the dresses that fit perfectly on individual reflecting one’s personal style and types of body. All of my gowns are one-of-a-kind, means that I never create the same dress again. To create high quality and couture dresses, I apply my engineering skills to the design and construction of my clothes. The application of engineering principles enabled precision, crispness and the impeccable tailoring of my bespoke pieces. My clothing line is defined as ‘Sophisticated, Elegant and Sensual Woman’ by applying full of exquisite detail and exhibiting the high couture skills of twenty years' worth of design experience. The inspiration of my line is “women’s body” because natural body is a sculpture for me, which gives motivation and creativity to my design. All women look beautiful as they are and every woman deserves to have her own style. This is my mission and what Alis Fashion Design’s clothing line stands for. I am proud to be a local designer, who delivers high quality couture one-of-a-kind dresses in Arizona.
DRESS DESIGNED BY ALIS FASHION
I
MODEL - TEMPE, AZ
am one of 8 children – 5 girls and 3 boys. Growing up in a household of 10 was one of God’s greatest blessings to me. We learned that there was no limit to love and laughter. There was no struggle too great or too painful to overcome, and through all the natural childhood fighting and bickering, we were constantly taught to ask forgiveness and to forgive. Forgiveness has turned out to be a gift you give not only to others, but to yourself. You see, I was a victim of sexual abuse. It first happened at the age of six and then again at the age of nine. My innocence and self-worth were broken and stolen from me. The feeling of purity had been wiped from my heart and replaced with shame. Like all victims, I believed it to be my fault. I believed a lie planted in my mind by Satan, the father of all lies. Believing myself to be “damaged goods,” I began to engage in behavior that was self-hating and unchristian. But my family never stopped loving me, and I never completely blocked out the quiet voice within me that was Jesus saying, “I love you, Kathryn.” Through years of therapy, inner-healing prayer with trained Christian servants, practicing forgiveness on a daily basis, and the unconditional patience and love of my family, I was able to overcome the trauma. None of this was possible without the grace from God that I so desperately needed. Recently, in the company of a friend, I had a chance encounter with the abuser. My friend and I prayed for a few moments. Holding Jesus in my heart, I approached the abuser and told him that I had been praying for him and that I forgave him for what he had done.
I wanted to share the gift of God's forgiveness with him, but he wasn't interested.
The response I got from him was not what I wanted to hear. He denied the truth of his sinful actions. But Jesus had shown me the truth years ago and it was clear to me that I had been healed. This encounter was a further confirmation. Victim no more, I have nothing but a desire for God's love to enfold this man. You see, he is wounded too. We all are. We are all in need of some kind of healing. I pray that he will come to the grace of repentance and healing, even though I may never get to know about it. (I do not necessarily recommend attempting such an encounter for other abuse victims without professional advice and prayerful discernment with another Christian.) My story was not meant to remain hidden in a secret place. It is meant to glorify God by sharing my healing with men and women who have been sexually abused. The grace and healing that Jesus wants to give us is unimaginable--far greater than our little souls can fathom on this earth. Without suffering there is little compassion, but with God's grace and our cooperation our suffering can lead to a greater compassion and a greater love for others who have been wounded (2 Cor. 1: 3-5). When I first started modeling I found myself in a worldly environment that valued the body over the person, and I was neither satisfied nor fully comfortable that I was where the Lord wanted me to be. Now I model for Jesus, and thank Him for the gift of my body and the modest fashions of great designers. I understand that beauty does not mean seminudity, and success does not mean fame. Success is accepting and reflecting the love of Jesus. I AM SILENT NO LONGER. My pain and suffering has been exposed to the healing light of God's truth about who I am (a daughter of the King) and how much I am loved. Freed to love myself, I am free to love--and forgive--others.