TABLE OF CONTENTS September /October 2013 Issue
“The Designer Issue & Going Pink”
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EDITOR’S NOTE Dreams
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GIRL ON THE STREET The Designers: Dreams Brought to Life WELL WOMAN Your Physical Wellness: It’s Not All About You
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THE CREATED WOMAN Get A Move On Michelle Patterson & Holly Wagner
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20-SOMETHING DESIGNER Girls Will Be Girls
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CREATED TO BE Allison Schickel, The Brobe & Ashley Segal, Cure Couture
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INSIDE/OUT Change
Cover Girl: Myles Wren wearing 81 Poppies Gwyneth and Maroon Dress Steve Madden Patten Leather Pumps Green Suede Gloves (Stylist-owned) Kendra Scott Emerald Green Earrings By Jeannie Necklace Maroon/Gold Studded Cluth Purse
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dreams Dreams. They are our hopes. They wake us up in the middle of the night, fuel our passion, and keep us pursuing. They take up our thoughts and evoke emotion. They are what movies are made of. Dreams. The vision of what’s to come. In this Designer and Going Pink issue, the CW pages are filled with dreams fulfilled and dreams in progress. No matter what the dream, our lives reflect where our passions lie. And it is with great honor, we introduce women who, in the pursuit of being who they were created to be, successfully chased their dream without taking ‘no’ for an answer and in the midst, produced movements that you and I can stand beside (The Created Woman Pg 38). Though each of us has different passions and visions for our lives, the truth is when we come together as women, change does come. Not one of us can say, “I did this all by myself.” The vision may have started with you, but it took a company of friends and family to help you with the details, give you ideas, perspective, connect you with the right person or just be your cheerleader. Dreams are fulfilled. Every year around the world, fashion lovers celebrate as stores fill themselves with warm fall collections. Girlfriends gather at Starbucks to grab the much needed caffeine that aides them in their pursuit of the fall must haves. In the midst of the great chase, it’s very rare we stop to think about how or where the perfect fall coat was designed or who actually knew how to create the perfect or who actually knew how to create the perfect LBD that somehow made it’s way to your exhausted fall list. It’s the Who we take great pleasure in introducing you to in this issue. The amazing designers, who so graciously allowed us to photograph their masterpieces, embody the creativity we all so wish we had. The detail in each garment or piece of jewelry was carefully considered as each thread & stone took their place. Only a person with great vision could have accomplished such a fete. Their designs are much more than fashion; they are a story. (Girl on the Street Pg 8).
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Dreams brought to life. Of course as the month of September comes to a close, October brings the acute awareness of the uninvited guest that tends to linger way too long - Breast Cancer. Over the years, we’ve recognized the ill-mannered guest is all too persistent and that it’s up to us to escort her out the door….sometimes again and again. With the realization that it’s up to us, once again, we’ve banded together to see dreams fulfilled - The Dream of a Cure and The Dream of Life. The dreams of those affected come to pass. Again, we take great honor in introducing you to women whose designs tell a story but also, heal a heart, offer comfort, and make the journey a little bit easier (Created
To Be, Pg 52). Their dreams fulfilled help keep the dreams alive of those who have to endure the unwelcomed guest called Breast Cancer.
We hope that by reading the stories of these amazing women, you are inspired to continue your journey, recognizing that by standing together, nothing is impossible. Forgetting the he-said, she-said and laying the jealousy and gossip aside, we can accomplish movements beyond our wildest dreams (20-Something Diaries Pg 48). Dreams that leave a legacy. Enjoy becoming and being the woman you were created to be.
Heather Frierson
From the Girl on the Street: Personality Style Photo Shoot Behind the Scenes of Girl on the Street Photo Shoot
createdwoman.net twitter.com/createdwoman facebook.com/createdwoman pinterest.com/createdwoman
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CONTRIBUTORS HEATHER FRIERSON Founder/Editor in Chief MARTHA BUSH marthafbuch.com NICHOLE GORHAM twitter.com/@NicholeGorham NATALYA WHITE NatalyaWhite.blogspot.com Editors MARYNA MARSTON SquareEarthStudio.com Photographers VANIA EVANGELISTA vaniaevangelista.com PIERRE CARDENAS bentonfalls1@yahoo.com Graphic Designers VISUAL MOXIE visualmoxie.com Branding/Web Design CRYSTAL BREAUX HEATHER FRIERSON NICOLE GORHAM NADIA SANCHEZ YVONNE SANCHEZ NATALYA WHITE Writing Contributors JESSICA COLLINS twitter.com/@austinhotcakes Well Woman Model
GIRL ON THE STREET CONTRIBUTORS: Hair: LORI NEWMAN WILD ORCHID SALON wildorchidsalonaustin.com JESSICA MERCADO GARZA RED STELLA SALON RedStellaSalonAustin.com
Makeup: ADRIENNE PITKIN adrienne@makeupbyadrienne.com LAUREN GARCIA beauty_byl@yahoo.com
Stylist/Stylist on set: WINDY JOHNSON-CUMBERBATCH MARGITA DELGADO facebook.com/SofiaMilanHouseOfStyle
Models: LINDSEY GRAVE Xolindseymarie.com twitter.com/xolindsey_marie JAKE SURCA twitter.com/jakeSurca BRIDGET FARR brigetfarr.weebly.com MYLES WREN twitter.com/myleskwren ESKARLETH GONZALES twitter.com/eskarlethg LINDSEY GRAVE Xolindseymarie.com twitter.com/xolindsey_marie Interns
Crowned Bird
GIRL on the STREET THE DESIGNERS:
Dreams brought to Life
GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, PRISCILLA BARROSO OF CROWNED BIRD
Photography by Dagny Piasecki and Carlos Seckler from Studio Gold
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GIRL ON THE STREET
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? Dream Pop was inspired by my journey of living out of a suitcase for one year. I asked myself, “if I were to take all of my favorite novelties in one suitcase, what would they be?” Spiritually, I like to think of it as: Dream - a state of floundering consciousness; Pop - to stand out from the crowd.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? I began my career as a custom tailor for Al’s Attire in San Francisco. There I was trained bespoke design and helped produce a variety of private labels through this cult atelier.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? My biggest dream is probably to build an empire big enough to give back. I built this to be an umbrella company that can be constantly adding to the industry, reestablish a strong pride of Made in America products and provide a vision leading by example to other young and aspiring entrepreneurs.
WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? Because I am so much of the face of my brand, I think is what sets me apart from many labels. It’s important to know who you’re supporting and the story behind it. It makes supporting the arts that much more important. And fashion is an art. I feel the Crowned Bird girl is definitely someone who naturally stands out. She is usually the best dressed among her friends and loves vintage shopping on a lazy afternoon. Basically, she is the kind of girl that I want to know. She is someone who wears things that maybe not everybody can have, but anybody can enjoy.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? Stay in the game. If you don’t quit and keep going, you’ll make it.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” I was created to love.
SOCIAL MEDIA crownedbird.com Facebook.com/crownedbird Twitter: @CrownedBird Pinterest: /crownedbird Shoes by Hinge Annabell Lea Wedge
Jewelry by Sugar Factory
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GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, CHRISTI DU MESNIL CRAVEN OF LILLY LORRAINE
Jewelry by Sugar Factory
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? Our Fall 2013 Collection, “Rendezvous in the Moonlight”, is inspired by the neutral tones and textures revealed by the moonlight upon the beauty of the earth’s natural architecture. Surprises revealed by the cast of a moonbeam or gust of wind reveals color, texture and flowing movement that awakening the sense of romance beyond the night’s shadows.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? For as long as I can remember I have been creatively curious, especially with texture and color. Design has been a life long experience, enjoyment and practice for me. Greatly supported and encouraged by my grandmother, I pursued a design degree and then further applied my interest and love for design through interior design, floral and event design, and lastly, the greatest fulfillment through fashion design.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? My biggest dream is to reach consumers and buyers that seek Lilly Lorraine as a brand they love and to be a “must have” in their wardrobe. I also want to be an inspiration to other designers and women to reach for their dreams, share them and work hard to fulfill them.
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WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? Lilly Lorraine designs are created with innovation and awareness of design details that express our passion for unique textiles and patterns. We aspire to design timeless garments that express the style of the modern women. In addition, Lilly Lorraine is produced in the U.S. and is the sole producer and retailer of BambliTM. BambliTM is 100 percent high-end wool and a 100 percent bamboo knit textile that offers a unique cooling property and allows the wool to breathe, stretch and feel soft on the skin. Our Customer is classic and modern. She is confident in her style and enjoys taking risks with new designs and brands.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? Believe in who you are as a person and a designer, understand what defines you as a designer, reach out to others in the industry and learn from them, know who your client is, and make sure to create a support system and/or team that you trust.
LAST WORDS? Lorraine garments can be purchased on our website or at Tribeza Style Week’s Shop Hop and Le Garage.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” Love the person God intended me to be, my children and the world as he intended me to experience it.
Jewelry by Sugar Factory
SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @LillyLorraine Instagram:@LillyLorraine
GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, MICHELLE WEISMAN OF 81 POPPIES
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? I don’t usually name my collections; its more about what inspires me to create the collections. For Fall/Winter 2013 I was inspired by the 1960’s glamour and sex appeal of actress Catherine Deneuve, which set the tone for A-line dresses, edgy separates with faux leather detailing and soft abstract prints.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? I started my design career when I enrolled in the fashion design program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. From there I took an internship with Mint by Jodi Arnold and was quickly hired as her assistant designer upon graduation. From there I was hired as swimwear designer at Shoshanna and my potential was quickly recognized and I soon became the head designer, where I worked for 5 years.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? My biggest dream as a designer would be to see my brand become a household name and be as a successful as designers that came before me like Chanel, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenburg.
WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? 81 Poppies is unique because I design all of the prints in house and they are printed only for 81 Poppies in the finest silk mills. Each garment I design has a purpose, and is meant to stand the test of time, which means that these are investment pieces that aren’t going to go out of style in a year. These styles are something you are going to want to keep wearing year after year. Our customer is the woman that loves color and prints, she loves to look feminine and classic, she is a world traveler, or at least she aspires to be. She loves food and culture, and she dresses with confidence.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? This business is not easy; fashion is fickle. One day you could be in and the next day you could be out. Keeping true to your vision, but don’t be afraid to evolve your vision. Always remember: as your customer grows, so should you. I think the business takes a lot of backbone and courage and if you are not whole heartedly passionate about it, then it’s not for you.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” I was created to design and inspire.
Jewelry by Kendra Scott Black Gladiator Pumps by Via Spaga
SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/81Poppies Twitter: @81Poppies Instagram:@81poppies Pinterest:/81poppies
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GIRL ON THE STREET
By Jeannie Necklace & Kendra Scott Earrings Patten Leather Pumps by Steve Madden
Created Woman September/October 2013 23
GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, JEANNIE VIANNEY OF BY JEANNIE JEWELRY
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GIRL ON THE STREET
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? The first piece of jewelry I created was in my middle school art class. I made a floral necklace out of copper wire. I have always been creative and loved designing since I was young and would host craft parties. But after graduating from college and working full time, I decided to get back into designing and creating. I started with beaded jewelry and later enrolled in classes in wax modeling, metalsmith classes, and CAD classes.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? My biggest dream is to inspire others to feel good about themselves, whether this is accomplished by wearing a jewelry piece that makes someone feel confident and happy, or by inspiring someone to pursue their passions.
WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? When designing, I try to keep a balance between classic femininity and edginess. For my signature lace cast pieces, I strive to make a very classic material like lace feel very fashion forward and wearable for the modern woman.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? Figure out your unique style and what you have to offer. Make sure there is a market for what you are offering. Start small and learn from your mistakes. Don’t give up, but try something slightly different if something is not working out as planned.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” Live, learn, laugh, and love!;
SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/byjeannie Twitter: @jeannievianney
GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, KENDRA SCOTT OF KENDRA SCOTT JEWELRY
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GIRL ON THE STREET
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? Our Fall 2013 - Modern Treasures Collection combines 1970s vintage flair with timeless heirlooms to create ornate, stately pieces for the modern globetrotter. Every collection this year is inspired by travel, and this one pays homage to the rich history, landscape and culture of Egypt. Our Modern Treasures Collection is edgy-meets-elegant, with incorporating angular pyramid gems incased in filigree patterns in majestic jewel tones. Two of my favorite hues in this line are Cobalt Cats Eye, which is a bright, luminescent shade of blue and Dark Red Onyx, a color we’ve never done before. My advice would be to make some room in your jewelry box, because there are so many incredible pieces in this collection that are impossible to resist!
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? My start in the jewelry business was a mixture of fate and sheer determination. My family was going through a hard economic time and rather than dwell on it, I decided to go on a whim and pursue my passion for jewelry making. I looked for a white space in the market and saw that there weren’t very many brands creating gorgeous, handcrafted jewelry with a focus on color for an attainable price point, so I went for it and never looked back!
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? My dream is something that I feel comes true everyday – and that’s making a positive difference in my community and world. I love designing jewelry because it truly brings a smile to our customer’s faces and brightens their day. But beyond that, philanthropy is the core of our brand and that is a dream come true for me. With every new store we open, we host countless in-store Kendra Gives Back Parties benefitting national and local charities. We also give numerous donations around the US to help raise money for causes that are near to our hearts. My team and I know that there is no greater joy than giving back to others in a meaningful way and we love spreading that value across the country as our brand continues to grow.
WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? Not only does our product fill a white space in the market, but we also have a significant concept that truly differentiates us, and that’s our Color Bar™. An in-store and online experience, the Color Bar™ allows our customers to play designer and choose from a kaleidoscope of 26 stones and 23 silhouettes in gold and silver to create the exact piece they want for themselves or a loved one.
Our customer doesn’t belong to a demographic, but rather a psychographic. She is fashion-forward, has an incredible, vivacious personality and is not afraid of turning heads when she walks in a room. These are the kind of women I see wearing my jewelry. They are the ones who truly bring my collections to life!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? I have two very important, yet simple points of advice for all budding designers out there. Number one: Be yourself. Figure out what it is that YOU do best, and then strive to create something that utilizes your individual strengths and talents. Number two: Once you figure out your direction, NEVER take no for an answer! Delete the word “no” from your vocabulary. Once you adopt this attitude, you will soar. This will get you places you never even dreamed of being.
LAST WORDS? While my business is extremely important to me and is an absolute dream come true, my number one job is being a mother. I am more proud of my children than anything else in the world and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to create a job that allows me to be a mother first, and I encourage everyone else on my team to do the same. Our philosophy is “Family Fashion, Philanthropy” and there’s a reason family is listed first. Every moment I spend with my children is so precious to me and no matter how busy I may be, they are always my priority. I encourage all working women to seek a career that allows them to put their family first. Finding that balance is, in my opinion, the key to happiness and success in your career.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” INSPIRE women to be bold through gorgeous, colorful accessories and by taking the leap to make their dreams a reality.
SOCIAL MEDIA www.blog.kendrascott.com Facebook.com/kendrascottjewelry Twitter: @kendrascott Instagram: @kendra_scott Pinterest: /kendra_scott
Dress by 81 Poppies
Created Woman September/October 2013 29
GIRL ON THE STREET
DESIGNER, GAY ISBER, AKA, SUGAR FACTORY OF GAY ISBER JEWLERY
www.gayisber.com
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? The Love Affair Fall 2013. My world is international with sons living in foreign countries. Exoticness bounds. I will be a grandmother for the first time with its heritage being Thai, Chinese, and Japanese by its mother and German, Scottish, Texan on my son’s side. The baby will be born overseas somewhere to be determined. Another son is relocating to Cape Town to be with his partner. Love is global. My jewelry wants to be global, too.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING? When I relocated to Canada, I could not work for the first year, so I started painting. The paintings got me into some big shows, but I wanted something small that people could easily buy and it did not have to match their couch. My first jewelry was like a sewing project. I am totally self taught and have learned many skills over the years by just doing.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AS A DESIGNER? To see it on the Red Carpet on Meryl Streep
WHAT SETS YOU APART AND WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER? I let the beads tell me what to do. I see my designs in my head before I start. I love making unusual pieces that are entrance makers. A little dot of a necklace, I could make in my sleep. My clients love wearing fossils with their board room suits. I also LOVE brides. My clients know that interesting jewelry is a great conversation starter.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS? Blaze your own path and make jewelry that you don’t see on everyone just because it is easy to sell.
LAST WORDS? Support your local artists and local stores. It is easy to go buy junk from Sam Moon, but you will not love it when the stones fall out and they don’t care. BUY LOCAL and BUY Handmade.
ANSWER THIS STATEMENT, “I WAS CREATED TO…..” Make people happy.
Clothes by Lilly Lorraine
Created Woman September/October 2013 33
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WELL WOMAN
THE CREATED WOMAN GET A MOVE ON!
THE CREATED WOMAN
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omen form movements. Women across the globe are mobilizing themselves and others to create social change or support ideas they believe in. I admire women who are taking ownership by starting their own charities, foundations and hosting a myriad of events, in search of followers to join forces with them to alter the world around them.
Enough is Enough! I remember when the word follow just meant to stay within my Mom’s line of vision when we were at the mall. In the world of Generation X, Generation Y and Millennials, follow means to track someone’s activity (via social media, blogs, etc.), their discourse and opinions on important and not-so-important happenings. I think it’s really impressive to be held in such high regard that people would actually want to follow you. However, I’ve wrestled with how to decide whom I should follow.
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THE CREATED WOMAN
My inbox is constantly flooded with e-vites and invites from these courageous women to attend fundraisers in the form of a dinner, extravaganza or mixer. Let me say again that I respect the movers and shakers who work outside the home, run a household, go to night school and sacrifice what little personal time they have left to support a cause. Their actions massage my soul. That being said, I previously attempted to attend as many events as possible in an effort to actualize myself as a member of this great global
community. That strategy didn’t really work for me. I emptied out my gas tank, energy reserves and pocketbook. I started feeling stressed every time I opened an electronic invite, so I switched to the opposite approach. I stopped all participation with events for any cause by ignoring all invitations. If it even looked like an event invitation, I deleted it. Somehow I feared if I opened it, the guilt tracker could chase me around my kitchen. That didn’t prove to be a great strategy either. I started missing family gatherings because I went ‘delete crazy.’
#2- I want to support a movement rather than just attend an event.
How Do I Pull it Together?
Consistent principles or standards attract a particular type of person. When I commit to an organization whose principles I respect, I stand a good chance of rubbing shoulders with like-minded people.
One day I woke up and decided if there were women selfless enough to organize themselves and others, I could at least be brave enough to reenter the world of invitations. However, I knew I needed to come up with some criterion on which causes I would support. #1-What does the organization value? Do the organization and I have common values? Who are they? What is important to them? Are the same things important to me?
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. When you have fun, you can do amazing things.” Joe Namath
There is nothing wrong with a stand-alone event, but I have decided that I will support organizations and causes that tell a larger story. I want to be involved with groups where the work will live on when the current board or founder is no longer around. #3-What non-negotiable principles are at the core of how the organization does business?
Lesson Learned Whew! I have overcome my dilemma. I’m no longer worn out trying to be a super citizen. In fact, this process forced me to review my core values. I know where I’ve come from and I know where I’m going. I plan to do my part in changing the world by following people who have created movements built on principles I embrace and who value the things I value.
THE CREATED WOMAN
W
hen Michelle Patterson conceived the idea of a race in heels, she might not have been described as ridiculous but unique was undoubtedly accurate. The Stiletto Stampede creates awareness for breast cancer and is celebrating its fifth year in existence. It’s more than an event, it’s a movement. The organization has a persona that arouses interest. The curriculum and events demonstrate commitment. It has expanded into a multi-layered organization and its success shows that Michelle must be easy to follow. CW: How was the vision for Stiletto Stampede birthed? What was your inspiration? Michelle: A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was the first time someone close to me was affected by this disease. Through her breast cancer journey, I got to know her family quite well, particularly her daughters who were not much younger than me. There was a sense of fear I felt for my friend’s future, her daughters’ future and my own; mostly, the fear was of the unknown and the cancer. Curiosity and concern took over and I tried to learn as much as I could about breast cancer. During my research realized the wonderful organizations that advocate for survivors or fund research for a cure – I also learned that early detection saves lives and that breast cancer can be very treatable if caught early, which fortunately, my friend did! Ultimately, I realized that there was an opportunity to raise breast cancer awareness among young people and to educate them about the disease and the importance of early detection. I also knew what I wanted to mitigate fear with education and awareness, but I didn’t know how.
Being an athlete and a shoe lover, I thought, why not do a run in heels – something crazy enough to grab the very divided attention of young people – and thus, the Stiletto Stampede was born.
have been promoting prevention through lifestyle choices, and diet and exercise. Finally, our Boob Camp program seeks to support survivors after treatment through social and physical events.
CW: Where would you like to see/accomplish Stiletto Stampede in 5-10 years?
CW: What is the difference between creating a movement and hosting an event?
Michelle: When Stiletto Stampede first started out, we were just a group of volunteers putting on a single 100-yard dash high heel dash in Austin, which benefited a local non-profit who did breast cancer related work. Since, we’ve grown to four stampedes in four cities, giving to organizations in those cities. We’ve also become our own non-profit with fantastic programs like Boob Camp!
Michelle: Planning and implementing the event is really the “easy” part. Getting people to attend the event is always the trick and therefore being able to pass on the message of the organization at the event. The difficulty lies in the consistency in what we are doing and making sure that our message is in line with our organizations missions and goals.
In 5 years, I would like to see the organization’s outreach programs (like: Boob Camp, Fashionably Austin and our High Heel Happy Hours) grow in the numbers we serve and in the areas we reach. Additionally, I would like to see our Stampede participation grow, which means we are reaching more and more people with the “early detection saves lives” message each year. CW: Is Stiletto Stampede a movement rather than an event? Michelle: Stiletto Stampede started as an event and has grown into an organization that we wouldn’t necessarily call a movement, but the focus of our organization is definitely unique from that of other organizations. Through education we want young men and women to understand the risks of breast cancer and how to prevent the disease through early detection and screening methods. More recently via social media, we
CW: Your website indicates that your target market is men and women under forty? Can you share more about ‘who’ you are looking to reach? Michelle: We are looking for people who like to socialize and have fun, but are also health conscious and continually looking for ways to do a little of both. CW: What were you created to be? Michelle: Wow…this is a hard one. Something that was repeated to me by several people when I was young – whether it was a teacher, coach or parent – was that I was a born leader. That sentiment has always been with me, and something I feel that I have to live up to daily – both personally and professionally. It also inspires me to surround myself with smart, hardworking, positive, philanthropic people whom I can learn from and ultimately want to emulate.
Created Woman September/October 2013 43
How can I get involved? The Stiletto Stampede The Stiletto Stampede is a 100-yard high heel dash that seeks to encourage and empower women and men under the age of 40 to become knowledgeable about breast cancer and breast health. This unique event is designed to help audiences understand the risks of breast cancer while also informing and educating them. Austin Stiletto Stampede is Saturday, October 26 at The Triangle. Sign up today! Boot Camp Stiletto Stampede’s Boob Camp is a two-part program, fitness and social, designed to concentrate on the physical portion of breast cancer recovery as well as the social and emotional aspects of healing. The fitness portion is a post-surgery rehabilitation program designed to focus on flexibility, range of motion, general fitness and
emotional support through group exercise. The social portion is a unique opportunity for individuals to socialize and meet others within the breast cancer community. In addition the interaction provides a fun and interactive educational opportunity for individuals to learn more about women’s health, wellness and beauty. High Heel Happy Hour High Heel Happy Hours are one of the best opportunities for Stiletto Stampede to educate and raise awareness about breast cancer to young professionals. Our happy hours allow for women and men to learn about breast cancer in a fun and unique environment without the pressures that the doctor’s office brings. Check the Stiletto Stampede website for the next happy hour!
About Authors: Yvonne V. Sanchez Favorite Trend: “I love the ogee pattern (onion shaped pattern) I see in textiles right now. My favorites are in bright yellow, blue and tangerine.” Yvonne loves words and inspirational stories. That love has led her to write and direct four original plays as well as her premiere book, Fingerprint, Uniquely Marked for a Purpose. She is a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She loves her ability to learn something in one of those roles and teach it in another. Like her grandmother and mother before her, she is content to build relationships in her kitchen with the aroma of flavorful food as a backdrop. Fingerprint, Uniquely Marked for a Purpose can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Natalya While Favorite Trend: “Flowy skirts and stripped blazers finished with suede booties is my go-to fall outfit right now. It’s the best and easiest universal outfit for day to night.” Natalya is a quirky ice cream loving, trail running, art painting, cowboy boot wearing, coffee sipping, loves to feed people good homemade food gal. Born in Russia, but raised in Denver, Colorado, Natalya enjoys spending her free time trying new recipes, catching up on reading, or playing Wii with her new husband. Recently married, Natalya and her husband, Doug, live in Pflugerville, Texas where they just purchased their first home.
GodChicks GodChicks? Did you say GodChicks? When author & conference speaker, Holly Wagner calls out to GodChicks, women from across the globe cheer, laugh (she’s a powerhouse with wit) and take her advice to take the world by storm. Holly and her husband Philip, pastor Oasis Church in Los Angeles, California where the GodChick movement began. Her message to GodChicks includes: • Know your worth • Grow in your relationship with God • Participate as a member of a global community • Have fun on the way Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and the words she has said to others, she spoke over herself. “Passive people get overtaken by the world, life and circumstances. If you and I are going to conquer any battle we’re in, we’re going to have to have a warrior-like fight in our attitude.” The treatments were a success and she continued to move through life at paramount speed. Most recently, she joined forces with her friend and mentee, Nicole Reyes to pen Survival Guide for Young Women. Both women shared their thoughts on friendship and the new book.
Holly CW: After achieving success as an author, what inspired you to co-author? Holly: I realized I have a responsibility to speak into the lives of the next generation. Where will new young authors come from if established authors don’t help pave the way and bring others along? And so that’s why I included Nicole Reyes on this journey.
CW: What is different about the Survival Guide from the other GodChick books? Holly: Survival Guide For Young Women is written in survival guide format so it is full of bite sized pieces of wisdom to help women in their 20s and 30s navigate life – from beauty to finances to health… and of course, relationships. CW: Speaking of friendship, how did your friends help you through your cancer journey? Holly: My friends were amazing – they prayed with me, brought meals, took me to doctor appointments and reminded me of my purpose in the midst of the battle.
Nicole CW: Do you have a best friend? What is your relationship like? Nicole: I have some close friends in my life that I am so grateful for! We inspire each other, encourage one another, and challenge one another in our faith and pursuit of Jesus… oh, and we laugh a lot together! CW: How long have you and Holly been friends? How did the friendship develop? Nicole: Holly has been my pastor along with her husband Philip for close to 11 years. Over the years, while serving in the local church, she has become an amazing “older” woman in my world who has brought the wisdom and encouragement I’ve needed to navigate my twenties and different seasons of life. CW: You and Holly co-authored Survival Guide for Young Women. How did the collaboration affect your friendship? Nicole: It was a lot of fun! It was an exciting and new experience for me, and I learned so much from Holly throughout the entire process! www.godchicks.com twitter.com/hollywagnerla facebook.com/officialhollywagner twitter.com/nicolereyesLA
Survival Guide for Young Women is a ten chapter life-manual that can be read from cover to cover or used as a resource to solve life’s daily glitches by referring to the Table of Contents and going directly to the chapter that speaks to the topic of the day. The language is casual and makes the reader feel like she’s having coffee with authors. However, there is more to this book than anecdotes. The authors add practical advice with lists of “do’s and don’ts “in areas of finances, friendship and love. A reader could copy a list that speaks to her life and place it on the fridge as a daily reminder of where she is headed. Interdependence is the theme addressed throughout the book and the authors have included advice a mother or etiquette class might have missed. The target audience is the college or young adult woman. This is Holly’s first book as a co-author and Nicole’s premier work. Created Woman September/October 2013 47
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CREATED TO BE
Created Woman September/October 2013 53
INSIDE/OUT
Change
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Fall is a season of changes. The air, the leaves, the wonderful warmer wardrobes, the new school years, perhaps the new dorm rooms and graduate jobs, or maybe the new cohabitations of those sun-kissed summer newlyweds; fall seems to be the season of new and different adventures. It can all be so wonderful! Until…until you’re the one who has nothing new going on and find yourself wondering if that’s a bad thing. Perhaps you’ve been at the same job for a while now and don’t feel challenged anymore. Maybe you feel like you’ve been working hard and getting nowhere closer to your goals. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re actually accomplishing your goals and realizing that they weren’t what you thought they’d be. When you’re in a rut like that, everyone else’s new changes and exciting adventures can just start to make you feel…less. Not as exciting, not as interesting, not as blah blah blah. It’s in those moments that we have to remind ourselves that there is a Master Designer and He’s weaving it all together on our behalf! It may not feel like it today, but we have to keep believing that it’s true. The thing about change is that it’s never as predictable as the seasons. Recently, I was given the opportunity to take an exciting job opportunity that I didn’t see coming at all and wasn’t even looking for. It came out of nowhere and within two weeks I was on my way to a new adventure. It truly made me realize that all it takes is that 56 INSIDE/OUT
one day or that one connection to bring about the change we’re hoping for. In a small way, I could also look back and see where all the steps had led. It’s our job to aim at remaining faithful in those less eventful times. We can’t compare our seasons to others and we can’t begrudge how long we may be in the same place. Try to find happiness in the knowledge that somehow, some way, your steps are leading you right where you’re meant to be, even if it’s not on your timeline. All it’s going to take is that one day or one opportunity that God will bring along. With those new boots and new jackets, remember this. God is fashioning some new chapters and adventures for us all. We just have to keep our eyes up to catch them.
CW celebrated the July/Aug issue by breaking down the digital wall & pampering the CW fans! Â The evening included popup shops by, Desiring Eden, Langford Market, Tess & Co, Rodan + Fields, hair & makeup touch-ups by CW Beauty team. Food was provided by Corner Bakery CafĂŠ & Bellissimo Bakery at the Aloft Hotel Domain, Austin. Join us in September for our Sept/Oct launch party benefiting Stiletto Stampede. Details on CW facebook & Twitter
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