Fashioned Magazine | Issue No. 19 | Brave 2020

FASHIONED BRAVE 2020

GLAUDI

DESIGNER, JOHANA HERNANDEZ OPENS UP ABOUT HER FAITH, LOVE, AND NEW LIFE IN 90210

Content

Volume 04 | Issue 01 | Brave 2020

Features

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An Editor's Hello!

Finding True Love What's Blooming in Fashion?

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Cover Girl, Johana Hernandez, a Bright Light in 90210

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Ways to Beat those COVID Blues!

Welcome Home Goodbye, Broken Heart!

If you're married, you've GOTTA READ THIS! Introducing... Teen Fashioned!

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Essentials of the Oil Kind

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Being Brave... even when it seems things just aren't working out.

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Chela Williams

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ON THE COVER: Meet Johana Hernandez, Designer and Founder of Glaudi Haute & Couture, in her exclusive interview with Fashioned.

FASHIONED Issue 19

Editor-in-Chief: Cyndi Galley Director of Operations: Alisha Phalen Fashion & Creative Director: Cyndi Galley Director of Photography: Chela Williams Merchandising Editor: Kyree McField Fashion News Editor: Taylor Pike Executive Assistant: Pam Miro Photographer and Photo Shoot Creative Director: Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez Photo Shoot Stylists: Cyndi Galley Editors: Noemi Lopez, Kelsey Lee Hollenbeck, and Marbie Waite Social Media & Photo Shoot Coordinator: Jake Burrola Creative Content Director: Raxy Ikari Teen Fashioned Division, Chief Editor & Director: July Prada Layout Editor: Marbie Waite

Contributors: Anna Kietzman, Amara Murillo, Raelene Cota, Kelsey Lee Hollenbeck, Raxy Ikari, Kalan Jackson, Sara Kil, Noemi Lopez, Sonia Luque, Kyree McField, Pam Miro, Victoria Orozco, Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez, Taylor Pike, Nicole Stark, Elena Zarate

Contributing editors: Kristy Eudy and Lela McGee Additional Staff: Olivia Couture and Zowie Murillo Cover Girl: Johana Hernandez Cover Photographer: Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez / M&C Photography Printed by: Foursquare Missions Press Web: fashionedmagazine.com Contact: info@fashionedmagazine.com IG, Periscope & Twitter: @fashionedmag FB: http://facebook.com/fashionedmagazine iTunes Podcast & YouTube: "Fashioned Magazine" NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. All opinions

expressed in this issue are the writer's own. Any queries can be made via info@fashionedmagazine.com

facebook.com/fashionedmagazine

Finn Hackshaw

Fashioned Magazine | © 2020

IG & Twitter: @fashionedmag www.fashionedmagazine.com

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HELLO from Cyndi !

Wow. So much has changed since my last "hello!" Today I write out of a place of peace smack dab in the middle of a global storm, COVID-19. It has been heartbreaking and even disturbing to see how our world has been so greatly impacted by this pandemic. Millions have lost their jobs. Countless lives have been lost. Businesses have closed and so many already in fear, have drifted to a place of despair. I have cried many tears. Many. However, there is another side. A side where determination, spirit and grit have grabbed ahold of many around the world, to do the unthinkable, the impossible and the heroic––all in the name of life and humanity.

This issue is dedicated to you. Brave men and women who have courageously stepped up to the plate on behalf of mankind, serving faithfully, tirelessly and in many cases, in fear. First-responders. Medical teams. Those providing essentials––yea, even ministry. Those on the frontlines. The ones staring at both, death and COVID, right in the eyes. Some have lost their lives, others of you have defeated and defied that which had gripped most of our world with fear. You are heroes. You are brave. You are saluted and applauded. Words will never be able to accurately thank you for laying it down. Your dedication will not be in vain. Many who've been watching on the sidelines have been praying––and we will continue to do so. It is with a heart of appreciation and gratitude we say, "thank you." Your selflessness has deposited hope and we know that through this devastation, we will make it through.

As we continued to publish this issue, it was with joy that we did so as you will meet brave beauties in the pages of this issue, who––in the world of fashion–– have made moves of the bravest kind. I must start off by saying that we are beyond honored to have Glaudi Designer, Johana Hernandez––a brave woman of many accolades (who is no stranger to magazine covers)–– gracing the cover of our Brave 2020 issue. Only in her 30's, this beautiful humanitarian is making her mark in the fashion industry, recently opening up her second store, Glaudi, Beverly Hills (her flagship store is located in Downey, CA). As beautiful as she is brave, her step in the 90210 direction, is reason enough for us to hail this inspiring entrepreneur.

Nothing says courageous quite like someone escaping human trafficking. In an effort to raise both funds and awareness to fight this horrific monster, some of our team were able to let their colors shine as Fashioned was honored to partner with Justice 180, in the production of She Blooms, a fashion show raising funds to employ former trafficking victims.

Because our teen edition just launched their presence this Spring, we have included these bold teens (ages 12 - 17) full of life and purpose who are ready to make a difference in this world. Their first issue drops Father's Day weekend so stay tuned to see what these brave ones have created.

It is with these stories and more, we hope you find the inspiration, bravery and courage that is already there within you. You are stronger and braver than you know. This might be the time to take that leap of faith, stepping out into the unknown, because deep down inside you know you have needed to do it. For quite some time now. Know that during this season of unprecedented times, you are more than just in our thoughts, you are in our prayers.

May you find your strength, peace and bravery, in looking to God––the One who Fashioned every one of us and knows us inside-and-out.

With Lots of Love,

Cyndi Galley

@Cyndi616

Chela Williams

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www.fashionedmagazine.com

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FINDING TRUE LOVE

Freestocks @Unsplash

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by Nicole Stark Growing up, I always desired a fairytale-like love. Everything on Netflix showed me what it should be like. Throughout high school I searched for the right guy who could give me what I really wanted: affirmation, satisfaction, and affection. Up until this past year I had this ideal version of a relationship that looked and felt like out of Disney.

I recently went on a trip to the City of Love–– Paris, France. Ironically enough, I did not find it. Coming in, I had a serious-but-not-soserious idea that I was going to find the one.

In Paris I caught a fever and things did not go as planned. As I was sitting in my hotel room, I opened up the Bible and asked God to speak to me.

It was then when He straightened me out.

He opened my eyes to the depth of what His love looked like. Even though I was partially joking about finding love in this city, I was still longing for it to be true and that is when God got ahold of my heart.

He told me: “You’re looking for love, but Love already found you.” He revealed to me that He is Love and that instead of searching for it, I need to run to Him. The reality is that love is not found anywhere else, but in Jesus. It is in Him where we will find true love, and it’s through Him that we–– in turn––love ourselves.

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz

www.fashionedmagazine.com

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She Blooms Photography by Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez

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What a night of beauty for Fashioned as we partnered with @justice_180's "She Blooms" fashion show and auction at The Industry Loft in Los Angeles. An evening dedicated to helping brave survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives, Fashioned & Teen Fashioned models shined bright for an important cause at this powerhouse event, Produced by Lizbeth Espinoza.

www.fashionedmagazine.com

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by Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez

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www.fashionedmagazine.com

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Photography by Chela Williams

DESIGNED TO SHINE

Johana Hernandez

An Interview with Designer and Founder of Glaudi Haute & Couture, as told to Cyndi Galley

The moment you walk into her gorgeous boutique in Beverly Hills, one might feel slightly intimidated with all that sparkles and shines as her boutique is gorgeous from head to toe.

But the moment Johana Hernandez greets you, any insecurity vanishes as the sparkle in her smile and twinkle in her eyes warmly welcomes you to her new Glaudi abode. This wasn't my first time at Glaudi, Beverly Hills. Nor was it my first interview with Johana, but as for the team, they were smitten by the Salvadoran beauty who is as down-to-earth as she is stunning. The moment you see her details of beauty, sequence, glamour and design, it is no wonder Glaudi's new store (her first is located in Downey, California), fits right into the elegance and feel of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

FM: Tell us... how does it feel to be in Beverly Hills?

JH: I feel very accomplished. It’s definitely a new challenge now because I’m here—Global—everyone comes from all over the world to Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive... It’s a new project for sure and I’m very excited. It’s a new project for sure that I’m very excited to take on and just to grow! I feel like if God put me here, it’s for a reason and I'm really excited about what’s next.

FM: God has some amazing things for you for sure. Looking at your store AND your dresses—there’s so much detail! Everything is so gorgeous… There are sparkles and you see the detail of all of your designs & the intricacies of it all. When did you know you wanted to be a designer?

JH: I’ve always had it in me… My parents used to work in factories, sewing. My mom made me dresses… My grandmother did also… It was always something I had in my lifestyle.

Getting dresses made with my mom measuring me, I’d be drawing dresses, but I never knew this was a career... my parents just had regular jobs—lower than minimum wage, because they were just sewers (one that sews).

I went to Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) at 19 right after high school and I had a passion for making Women feel beautiful and it just kind of happened. God

gave me an opportunity where I was supposed to be in an internship but I got hired as a designer. And then from there I tried to start as an assistant again and I couldn’t... God would put me as a designer, a designer...a designer ... until now—having my business for nine years.

It was a God thing.

FM: You launched Glaudi nine years ago... and now you have opened your second shop in Beverly Hills... congratulations! It was so exciting to be a part of your ribbon-cutting ceremony... just to see the hand of God on you and your store and just how you have truly impacted the lives of so many of the women who were here celebrating your special day. It was wonderful! We all said the same thing— not one person had anything negative to say about you because of who you are and I really believe that emanates from the inside out...

Because of the love you have for the Lord.

Talk to us about your relationship with God and how it has helped you be where... and who you are today.

JH: I’m super close to Jesus… like super Duper—it’s crazy! But at the same time, it's a relationship, so sometimes it’s high, sometimes it’s low. I’m always talking to him, but I feel like I’m not a religious person so the way I speak to Him is just everyday.

I don’t go in prayer for two hours... but I just talk to Him everyday and all the time. For me, my relationship with God is that He is my

best friend. He’s my Dad... He’s given me everything. Everything I put my mind and heart into, it comes true. I think it’s because I follow the Commandments. I try to follow them as much as I can... I sin, too... But I always try to be honest and loving and kind to people and I have a lot of integrity.

FM: And you have a strong work ethic, too.

JH: Yeah... I got it from my parents because they had three jobs when I was a kid, but we never had anything missing for us so I want to do that too… It’s good, but it’s bad sometimes… I feel like we are so into this fashion world.

FM: Speaking of fashion, you were at Paris Fashion Week—congratulations! What number year was that for you?

JH: It was amazing! I’ve been doing it for four seasons now at The Ritz, Paris. That was a dream come true. I am the first Salvadoran to ever show in the history of that country and I am one of the few Latinas that shows there, too! I feel like I’m opening doors like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., from opening my store here to that. I want my brand to be for everyone. I named Glaudi after my mom to show that it came from hard work. It’s not just me saying, “I want to be a designer and make pretty dresses.” I want to provide jobs. I want open doors for more people...

I think people of color are the best in sewing here in the United States and they don’t get highlighted. I’m just like, “Hello people.

Let’s get it together!” I need to show off how talented we are... They are always in the factories sewing, and no one knows and other people get the credit… I want to show that I came from a sewer... these people are so talented and I want to show that.

FM: Love that. That’s so good! Being a woman of color, I’m not a good example of a good sewer (smiling), but what would you say to somebody who might have a desire to design or even to sew, but they don’t know where to start? What would be the first thing you would have them do?

JH: I think they just need to start. Just start where they are and stop being in their head.

Just do it. Show it on Instagram, dress your family members and the people around you… focus on now because it will come. It

took me 15 years to get to Paris.

FM: What would you say to somebody who has dreams in their heart? Dreams to be a photographer, singer, a speaker, teacher or an author... What would you say to that person afraid to fail, as sometimes we do have those fears and want to play it “safe”?

JH: It’s so good that you’re saying that... my dog (just) passed away... and I told my brother, “I don’t want any pets anymore.” He told me... “If you never had pets, you would never have experienced love…” It’s so true. You either decide to become frozen—not like the movie—but just frozen and not do anything, not experience anything, or do it. I get rejected all the time but I have this confidence that God gives me that I can do it and I brush it off, you know? I’m fabulous! And it’s not about being conceited, it’s about being confident so you know that your designs are not going to be for everyone... not everyone’s gonna like you, but you’re going to find the niche.

My niche is the woman who’s fabulous, who’s not afraid to shine, who’s extra and she wants to feel good… She feels confident. A woman who is not confident is going to feel like my dress is going to overpower her but a woman who feels great about herself or wants to feel that way; she’s going to want to wear a Glaudi dress to make her feel fabulous!

FM: I want to wear a Glaudi dress!

JH: Yes! It takes a special person. Just like evening gowns and bridal party dresses. Now that I’m here in Beverly Hills, I want to start doing cocktail dresses and every day dresses, this way more women are able to wear them... I know that not everyone has a gala... or wedding to go to. I am really excited about what the future holds. But to go back to your question—just do it.

FM: You got a really huge break on the show, “Fashion Star.” Talk to us a little about that.

JH: In 2013, I was on the show, “Fashion Star,” which aired in 145 countries. I was mentored

by Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos. My friend, Ernesto, told me I would be great for the show; I didn’t want to be on a reality show because it was too much drama... my life is very peaceful. He told me that it wasn’t drama, but that I could get to sell my collection to Saks, Macy’s and Express... win

prizes and I was like, “Okay...sounds good!” I was in China at the time and then went straight to San Francisco... I literally had no time to do my application, so I did it. I didn’t sleep all night and so when I got there I was dying. At the time I was dressed like Lady Gaga because I was really into her, so I would dress crazy. I couldn’t find a taxi so I ended up getting a town car to drop me off; people thought I was a diva! Reporters came up to me, asking me questions. I was like a total celebrity without wanting to be one... I was trying to hide from the camera. It was funny! When I saw all the other designers, I was like, “I don’t think I’ll be on the show because these people are very beautiful… model-looking. This girl’s like designing bikinis with a six pack, and I’m like, “That’s not me, I’m a size 16!“ I sat in line, I had my little portfolio and my dresses, and I was like, “...I’ll just give it a try.“ They give you three minutes to talk; all the designers were there...

God just gave me favor. As soon as I started speaking, all the producers came to me, huddled around me and started asking me more questions. I was being myself.

FM: I love that!

JH: And I made it to the show! They only chose 11 designers from around the nation and they casted all over the country! It’s one of my proudest moments and I won. I sold to all of the department stores and I also won the Fiat Design Challenge, so I got a special edition Gucci fiat. It’s parked outside... so it’s real! It’s a collectible; so hopefully I’ll have it for the rest of my life.

FM: ... I had no idea! This is years later (laughing), but congratulations!

JH: Everything I put my mind into, just happens, you know? I just want to tell people that if you believe, you will get it, God says, “Seek and ye shall find, knock, and the door will be opened...” These doors are open because I worked a lot. I can’t give up now.

What seems to happen in my life… I get tired… I’m about to make it to the most successful moment of my life, and I quit. Like in that competition, I was at a point where I wasn’t as confident as I am now. I was winning every episode but there was a time where I was like, “This is not for me” and I quit... mentally. Now I’m learning, “Johana, you’re almost there. Don’t quit.”

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FM: That’s so good! I really appreciate that you’re all-inclusive. You want this for everybody, and you realize that this may not be for everyone, but your heart is to include everybody and I love that. That’s something very special and it’s very unique.

Let’s talk about love a little bit (switching gears and laughing).

JH: Yes... let’s do it... let’s talk about love! It’s always good to talk about love, because I don’t get to talk about love in my other interviews. Because yours is faith-based, which I love… that’s why I love Fashioned Magazine!

Other ones are just about my career, so I am like, “I want to talk about my personal life, too! You know?”

FM: Yes... because you have one! SO... have you ever had your heart broken?

JH: Oh girlfriend, just recently. So again, to that story of my brother and the dog... it really resonated to my whole life because recently I got dumped not only once, but twice. By the same person. I obviously feel very peaceful... like that was meant to happen... I’m glad he did it, because I couldn’t do it myself. I gave him to God, and I’m like, “God bless him.”

He’s a very handsome, talented man. I’m glad I experienced it because I was able to experience love and I was able to know that I could love again.

I was in a very long relationship about seven years ago. I’ve dated, but nothing has lasted very long. Getting to know this person for a couple years was really nice to experience.

After that experience, I’m kind of excited to just fall in love with myself again... love God and do what I love and be passionate! Sometimes when you date the wrong people, you forget who you are and you start dumbing yourself down to meet their standards and I don’t wanna do that anymore. I’m 33 years old. I am Johana Hernandez... I need to find someone who appreciates that and who loves me. I’m a size 16… This is my dress size.

I want a man who wants a girl who‘s plus-size, too... you know? I need to fall deeper in love with Jesus... I’m very passionate about being here in Beverly Hills and I think love will come.

I trust that God will bring the right person…

I feel like before, I didn’t. Before, I was trying to do it on my own, so all of my relationships weren’t working because I was forcing it. I was

like, “What are we?” I shouldn’t have been asking that question in the first place.

FM: Or like THIS dress you’re wearing... gorgeous!

FM: (Laughing) If you have to ask. Not settling.

I think a lot of times... a lot of women are willing to settle. You have a pretty high bar.

JH: Yes! It’s just really important to support small businesses... without all of you we can’t survive! Thanks to everyone I’ve been able to open up my second store in Beverly Hills... I can’t continue doing this without the support of everyone to come shop with us. Remember we make them to all sizes, so we’re here for everyone.

JH: That’s the part where it gets difficult…

I think there’s a point in your life where you think, “OK, this is the person.” And I thought I found that person. Obviously I didn’t, because I’m still single, but I think for me... there is no such thing as a perfect person, because everyone has flaws; everyone has issues. I have so much love right now to give... I think there is an imperfect person for everyone.

For me it’s so important to have a man of God, and I don’t know why. I attract guys that are not on fire for Jesus. Now, I’m going to trust Him... everywhere I read the Bible, everyone He has worked on has been flawed... people that are a hot mess… I am a hot mess, too.

How am I expecting someone that’s... godly, when I need to work on myself... to become that person that I’d want to date.

I’m learning a lot and I feel like I have definitely humbled myself. I think it’s important to get dumped because it humbles you and it teaches you about what you want and what you don’t want. It’s so good for your heart to be broken because then you will appreciate love… I think.

Before when my heart wasn’t broken, I was such a diva... like, “Oh, my world is so beautiful and perfect.” And then when I got dumped, I was like, “ Oh my gosh... this hurts.” I didn’t know... you feel sick, but it’s in your heart…

You can't go to the doctor for heartbreak.

Only Jesus can fix it. I know it sounds funny, but it’s actually a good thing to get your heart broken.

FM: How has it been reworking your business with COVID? Your masks are absolutely gorgeous, by the way! I cannot tell you how many complements I receive when I wear your ”Diva Shimmer.” It’s been remarkable to see how you’ve switched gears—right in the midst of the Pandemic. You are beautiful, brave and brilliant and I so appreciate your heart to serve and minister as you also made masks not just to sell, but also for health workers amid the virus pandemic.

JH: For us it has been a blessing to change our business with a plan to help the community with masks. I have a ministry... God is Fab... I share how to empower yourself in Jesus! Follow me there and I’ll follow you back.

FM: We follow you, because you follow Jesus!

JH: I put God first in everything, so you’ll see that… It’s very refreshing. I don’t see designers do that... I’m like, “Jesus, I’m here for you...

I’m your number one cheerleader!” Fall in love with Jesus. Put Him first and He’ll put you first in everything.

FM: It’s learning, for sure—whether it’s a relationship, anything in business... and anything else!

JH: Talking about business, the only way for us to grow is to support small business owners. I am a small business owner, so it’s great to share photos, like us on social media, come shop with us. Come get your wedding dress with GLAUDI... Quinceañera dress, prom dress, evening gown or cocktail dress... any kind of special event dress.

To follow Glaudi on social media…

Website: glaudicollection.com IG: @glaudibridal Johana's IG: @glaudibyjohanahernandez www.fashionedmagazine.com

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Photography by Carol Pedroza-Gonzalez

Where Do Lonely Hearts Go? Stuck somewhere between social distancing, friendships and #quarantining in safety, is a girl who just wants to have good old fashioned fun! When you have that special someone you might not be so bored, but even so, where do you o and what can you do? Even more-so, some are still waiting on funding just to pay the essential bills or come up with rent.

We thought high and low... and came up with a few fun & simple ways to enjoy this unique season during... and most likely after, COVID––with a mask, of course! Here is our list:

1. Order "Take Out" from your favorite international restaurant & cuisine. Whether on your own, or with roomies, it's not so bad being stuck in your shoebox-of-a-house, when you can dine in—right at home from your favorite restaurant! Turn up the Italian heat by ordering "take out" from Buca di Beppo, Zio's Italian Kitchen (if you're in the Midwest), Olive Garden or your local authentic Italian market. After washing your hands, Spotify's "Italian Mandolin Torna A Surriento" will not only help brighten your mood, but it will be a moment to not be forgotten! Selfie? Why yes!

And don't forget the Tiramisu!

2. Have a little fun at your local Target! There is nothing that brings us joy than the "regulars" of life, and that includes Target—the perfect place to meet up with a bestie all masked up! How very glad we are that Target has been an "essential," with all their fun food choices, Magnolia merchandise, Wild Fable trends, and great reads! Those red carts are enough to make anyone's day—just PLEASE make sure the handles and cart have been wiped down!

3. Picking up breakfast from your favorite morning spot. Quite similar to ordering take out from your favorite restaurant, breakfast is altogether in its own category with it's yummy smells of eggs benedict, avocado toast, pancakes, huevos rancheros and that perfect cup of hot coffee. For some this may mean

McDonalds, for others, it might be a trip to your local breakfast house. Either way, doing this at least once on a Saturday or Sunday morning and picking up breakfast for a friend is not only a nice gesture, but that breakfast may bring more healing than you know! An extra? Taking an after breakfast stroll where you might even find a lovely flower to pick along the way!

Whatever your hand and heart finds to do, do it with all your might... and make a beautiful memory to last a lifetime.

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Welcome Home

» I’ve been walking about life somewhat despondent and without any specific or clear direction. A lot of times I feel lonely—even when I'm surrounded by people. Though I do experience moments of happiness, I still feel discouraged and sometimes hopeless. I’ve tried just about everything to fill the emptiness I wake up to every morning.

Though I do laugh or appear to be making it, a lot of times I feel empty, sad and often, alone. I'm tired of putting on a front.

» If You are real, I accept You, Your love and the fact that You gave Your son, Jesus, to take the place of my sin, pain, sickness, and more. I accept that He took my place on The Cross so many years ago, so that I would come to this place and meet You here.

If You are real, then You already know all I want to say. I need You and receive Your forgiveness & love.

My heart and life are Yours. Make me new, right here, right now, in Jesus' name.

If you felt this was speaking to you & want to share or chat with someone from Fashioned, email us at info@ fashionedmagazine.com or fill out the “Contact Us” on our website at www.fashionedmagazine.com.

Words to live by: “Don’t judge yourself so hard… accept the fact we all have stuff we have to work on, and be nice to yourself.” – Clancy Orantes

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Photograph by Ansley Ventura

» I may have casually referenced You from time-totime, and sometimes get annoyed when people ask me about You. Now that I think about it, I've never been open to knowing You––I have never really believed in God. If You are real, I’m open now because I am ready for a life I've yet to experience.

I’ve heard about a God who is real, kind, loving, forgiving and Who can pull me out of even the darkest of places. If You are real, then I take a step towards You & ask for Your help.

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HOW TO HEAL

FROM A BROKEN HEART

by Kalan Jackson

We’ve all had at least one, or if you’re a hopeful romantic like me, you’ve had a few. Either way, heartbreaks can be quite debilitating ordeals no matter what age you are or how many times you’ve experienced one. What tends to make matters worse, is a lot of us don’t allow the proper process of healing to occur. We either walk around with old wounds that fester from time to time, or we injure ourselves more by going into another relationship our damaged heart can’t possibly handle.

I unknowingly walked around with a broken heart for five years! Much like someone can walk around with a stress fracture, I did life “as usual” with a fractured heart. I would go for long periods of time when I would feel okay, but sometimes, something would trigger that old wound—a familiar place, a phrase, a song, and even certain smells! By no means does God want anyone to walk around carrying that kind of pain. Let me share with you how God showed me the proper way to mend a broken heart.

First things first: You have to rest and recuperate. We would never expect someone that has just been hit by a car to go into work after only a day of being in the ICU. Yet, when we experience heartaches, we quickly dive right back into our jobs, schoolwork and social lives. Matters of the heart could arguably be just as grave as a physical injury. Why, then, do we forget to stop and let our hearts heal? The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” There is a major misconception that if you keep yourself distracted, you can get over the breakup faster.

WRONG! Continuing life “as usual” will only 28

prolong your recovery time and could most definitely lead to further pain.

When I was in recovery, I felt it was necessary to shut down some of the noise our society always has buzzing in the background. I unplugged from social media for a time, I stopped constantly texting friends and group chats, and I even turned off mediums of entertainment. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t just stare at the ceiling while laying in bed.

I replaced those things with activities that promote mental and emotional rejuvenation.

For example, I took walks in nature and organized my room. I even went to the spa to help my mind and body be still. Once I got in a quiet place, I was able to take the next step in my recovery…

Second thing: You must process and reflect. While you are resting, take the time to reflect and deal with all the emotions you are feeling. You can process them with trusted friends, family and most importantly, God. How you process it, is up to you. Feel free to cry, write and even sing out all of your emotions. The point is to purge your heart. If the relationship was a healthy one, reflect on the good times and the things you learned from that person. If it wasn’t as good or maybe even toxic, reflect on what led you to even be in that relationship or what personal character development is required, so that in the future, you do not find yourself in the same exact predicament.

A break-up is very similar to a death. If you think about it, the person who was once your significant other has passed away and will

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.

PSALM 38:18

never be that person to you again. When there’s been a death in your life, you take time off of work and even school, all in order to process your grief. We shouldn’t treat a heartbreak any differently.

Last thing: Rehabilitate your heart. In the medical field, once a patient is out of ICU, they transition to rehabilitation, which can be defined as, “the action of restoring something that has been damaged, to its former condition or better.” Rehabilitation involves meaningful exercise in previous injured areas that will build tolerance and strength. I believe that this method can be applied to an injured heart as well. In my case, rehabilitation looked like exercising my heart by helping other people. Instead of pouring energy into another relationship, I felt like God directed me to pour my emotional energy into the missions field, specifically a missionary trip to Nicaragua. It was in that environment that my heart started getting stronger and gaining back feelings where there was numbness. Your rehabilitation may look different. Maybe you need to volunteer

at a pet clinic, or go back to a passion you had when you were a kid like painting, or perhaps singing and songwriting. A word to the wise: Just like in physical rehabilitation, you should start slowly, not taking on too much. The point is to get your heart in a healthy place by gradually exercising its capacity to feel love and to reciprocate it.

Unresolved broken hearts can be detrimental to a person’s spiritual, emotional and mental health. They should be taken seriously, just like any other physical injury. With a break or fracture, you can easily trigger it to reopen when not properly healed and you’ll have to begin the recovery process over again. The same is true for broken hearts. Maybe if I had taken the time to let my first heartbreak heal the right way, it may not have taken so long to recover. God intended our hearts to be whole, without any cracks or damages. I am so thankful that I eventually found the Mender of broken hearts. He graciously walked me through this process not just once, but a few times. He was so patient to guide me into this beautiful place called “Wholeness.” q www.fashionedmagazine.com

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Cliff Notes Version of Young Love and a Healthy Marriage

by Kelsey Lee Hollenbeck

Photo by Sarah Cervantes

@kelseyleedotcom | kelseylee.com

T

he phrase ‘young love’ is typically accompanied with the idea of relationships between two kids who obsess over each other’s attention, only to later endure dramatic breakups and adolescent baggage, that sneaks its way into adulthood. Although I had one of those that plagued most of my high school and early college experiences, I met my husband when we were both just 20 years old, which gave me an opportunity to redefine my perception of what it meant to be both young, and in love. We are now in our twelfth year of marriage. There have been moments of butterflies, seasons of heartbreak (but with it: growth), and experiences that have taught us how to be better people in the world, and for each other – all things that require ongoing and intentional effort. All things that, to some degree, happen in marriage, no matter your age, or how long you have been together. As you continue reading, I will share snapshots of how our relationship came to be and the cliff-notes version of how we work to protect and enjoy our marriage.

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Not everyone is so, should I say – fortunate, or unfortunate, to experience both beingin and becoming free of a completely toxic relationship. There is tremendous room for growth when leaving a toxic relationship, but I don’t wish one upon a single soul. The relationship that consumed my life, on and off, for years through and after high school gave me all the reasons I believed I needed to live in utter distrust of others, and a lengthylist of unaddressed emotional issues. My next relationship, with my husband, would not heal me of any of those things, but would give me opportunities to deal with them in different ways and move on. However, it was only at the expense of me willing to be vulnerably transparent and talking about those things, which I’d previously swept under the rug.

There was a time between those two relationships when I was convinced the only other relationship I would have would be with Jesus, and I might as well plan my life to live alone in the hills, singing songs to birds

from horseback. Thankfully, my co-ed circle of friends made social outings bearable and it distracted me from my angsty, repetitive heartache. The young men in my life became brothers to me and to this day, I am thankful for each of those relationships – they taught me what genuine respect and healthy coed friendships look like. However, to my disappointment I would find that not all men would be interested in what I thought should be built-in, platonic boundaries like those in my already-established circle of friends. It took a few awkward conversations to realize that outside of those circles, my purely platonic ideal was lofty, and that simple conversations or time spent with someone were easily misconstrued into signals of romantic interest – especially from those on the outside. “You’re talking to them? So what’s up with you guys? No, like what’s really up with you guys?” Apparently naïve, and disappointed, I started approaching co-ed relationships extra cautiously, especially after Tyler and I met, making it very clear that I wasn’t interested in dating, romance, or anything between the lines. Even then, situations would be strangely misconstrued, and I’d learn that no matter what, there may always be people who create unwarranted rumors or even spend their time trying to stage problems. The best thing I did during this season was setting and sticking to my boundaries, especially when it required ending acquaintanceships or friendships that didn’t agree with and/or respect those boundaries.

Meeting Tyler through mutual friends came during that time of complete disinterest in romance, and it took some time to admit I was quickly falling in love. The next few months presented their own challenges as I committed to a relationship with a young, active duty Marine, not understanding the complexities we would face as his unit prepared for deployment. We would be faced with many negative opinions about being in a relationship, especially considering he was deploying, and by those who formulated opinions with no actual understanding of who either of us were. Yet, I’d also find myself encouraged by genuinely supportive

“

Challenging decisions, and issues of every sort will come and go, considering we’re all imperfect people in an imperfect world.

friendships who wanted to see us win – those who had no hidden agendas, no bitterness they were projecting on a potentially-healthyrelationship, and who took the time to get to know us both. It was that combination that helped us determine what we wanted, and gave us more reason to become better at communicating with each other.

A year later, after Tyler returned from his first deployment, we were married, moved into our first apartment together and our story began to unfold with many more learning curves than we could not have imagined.

After all, we were essentially growing up, together. What would carry us through the next very challenging five years of active military life, followed by the transition into his career as a police officer while I navigated self-employment and a freelance career was constant communication, armed with a whole lot of faith and patience. That combination has helped carry us into our now twelfthyear of marriage.

There’s enormous relief in knowing not everything has to be perfectly put together for a healthy, happy marriage to exist. Seamless academic and career choices, perfect health, perfect circles of friends – all things that many of us, at one point or another, might convince ourselves are necessary to begin or enjoy a solid, healthy marriage. Taking action upon establishing a career path, taking care of yourself, and sustaining healthy relationships will all contribute favorably to married life, but www.fashionedmagazine.com

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understanding that those things may develop slowly, and possibly change over time, allows more room to enjoy the present moments where growth happens individually, and with your significant other. In fact, navigating the unknown as a couple works most favorably when you give each other (and yourself) grace through the process of doing-life, and prioritize clear, consistent communication. It is a great recipe for growth – both together and as individuals.

Beyond the outside challenges we initially experienced from other people and their projections, we would quickly learn that there are many facets to a solid marriage that require regular refining and sometimes, revisiting. This is more universal for relationships, as not every couple will encounter naysayers in the way we did, if at all. Challenging decisions, and issues of every sort will come and go, considering we’re all imperfect people in an imperfect world.

And, even if you create the ideal environment within your home and marriage, if you leave your house, you will encounter life situations, and other people, that don’t align with your ideals. Tough stuff happens, and it is best to address and work through whatever it is, when it comes.

LOVE & MARRIAGE

When committed to a healthy marriage, three helpful non-negotiables are: having a foundation of shared faith, a willingness to consistently listen-to and communicate with each other, and finally choosing to love and respect one another with an attitude of grace.

These are all things that require ongoing effort, but the reward is enjoying a healthy, covenant relationship with the one you choose to do life with.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:3 Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

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Let the husband

render to his wife the

affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

Love Steve Halama

ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

JOHN 15:12

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Beautiful

Photograph by Chela Williams

HELLO

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Photograph by Chela Williams

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

Easy DIY Essential Oil Perfumes

by Pamela Miro

Easy DIY Essential Oil Perfume, either for yourself or for gifting your girlfriends to show love and appreciation. Below is a list of the things needed for these marvelous essential oil perfumes!

You will need carrier oil, essential oils, and roller bottles.

For carrier oils, you can use Sweet Almond and/or Fractionated Coconut Oil. Neither has an overbearing scent, and they will not interfere with the scent you are creating.

For essential oils, read the labels; some say not to use topically. It will be worth your while to investigate a little and don't be afraid to pay more for quality oils. Not all oils are created equal.

For roller bottles, you should make sure you always use glass ones—not only will they look nicer, essential oils can and will leach plastic into the blend. I also recommend using blue or amber colored roller bottles. They will keep the therapeutic properties of the oils longer. A good size for roller bottles would be 10ml; it is the perfect size to carry around! You can also pick up a 12-pack of 10ml amber glass roller bottles from Amazon for just under $10.00 and with Prime, shipping is free!

TOP NOTES

MIDDLE NOTES

BASE NOTES

Top Notes fade quickly, but makes up about 30% of your blend. They will be the first scent smell. The Top Note will immediately hit you, giving you the illusion of a strong scent like the Base Note, but it will not last long. However, it is key to a great DIY Essential Oil Perfume. Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Tangerine, Neroli, Orange and Spearmint are some good Top Note scents depending on what scent you are trying to create.

Middle Notes make up approximately 50% of your blend. They will last for a good amount of time.

Some good Middle Note scents are Lavender (my favorite), Cypress, Geranium (very flora scent), Jasmine, Rosemary, and Chamomile (very calming scent); again you are the creator so feel free to explore!

Finally, Base Notes last the longest and make up the 20% of your perfume. Some good Base Notes are Vetiver and Cedarwood; both are very grounding scents. Patchouli, also known as the Hippie Scent, which I do not mind at all, and Ylang Ylang have a sweet, romantic scent with Frankincense. Not only is Frankincense a good Base Note, its properties promote the appearance of smooth and healthy skin. Just throw a couple drops into your moisturize—you’ll thank me later!

The Formula is easy—twenty drops of essential oils (EOs) plus your carrier. Put six drops of your Top Note, ten drops of the Middle Note oil and four drops of the Base Note oil into your roller bottle. Add the carrier oil and turn it end to end so all the contents are fully integrated. Let it sit for a bit; the longer the better, but it can be used immediately if you like. Once your customized perfume is ready, apply it wherever you usually apply perfume. Not only will you smell good, but you will benefit from the therapeutic benefits of your DIY Perforum. Enjoy! www.fashionedmagazine.com

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A BRAVE NEW WORLD: CALIFORNIA, HERE I COME!

by Rax Ikari In 2009 my Mom and sister moved from Guatemala to South Carolina. My brother lived there with his wife and daughter and wanted all of us to move to the States with them. At the time I was living in Argentina with my then boyfriend. I went back to Guatemala and I then contacted my family to let them know I was coming. They were not happy with me, because I had gone to Argentina to live with my boyfriend. I contacted an uncle who lived in North Carolina. I thought that if I was already in the States my family would come pick me up. To my surprise, my brother refused to come “rescue" me. See, I wasn’t the most responsible at time, so they wanted me to take responsibility for my actions and figure out my life. I probably thought it was a little cruel at the time. But now I understand it was the best thing they could have done for me.

I remember the day after he told me they were not coming to get me; I was extremely worried. I was in a completely new country not knowing what to do. I grabbed a Bible my dad had given me before I left Guatemala and went out to the backyard of my uncle’s house and I got on my knees, asking God to make a way for me, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I recall crying my heart out to God and after I was done, I had an overwhelming peace and confidence that God was working on my behalf.

The next day, I received a message on Myspace from a friend I had met in Guatemala.

She had moved to California with her mom a few years prior and she shared with me what she had been up to in California. I replied and told her what was happening in my life.

I was surprised when she offered to let me stay in her home! She said she was living with her brother and cousin but that I could stay with them. After my conversation with her, I grabbed my Bible again and went out to the backyard. I asked God if this was His will to make it obvious to me because I was still hoping my family would come get me.

I called the travel agency in Guatemala to check if I could change my flight, instead of flying back to Guatemala to go to LAX. The agency lady told me that there could be a penalty fee for changing destinations. I stayed on the line and I prayed that if this was really God taking me to California to not let there be a fee because I didn’t have the money for it.

She then came back on the phone and didn’t say anything about a fee. She just said that she was going to email me the details. When I received the email, she had made the change and guess what? There was no penalty fee to change my flight. I knew then that it was God making a way for me.

A few days later as I was travelling to California, I remember having only $13 dollars in my pocket. See, I did not plan for my family not to come pick me up, so I spent my money on other things.

When I look back now, I wonder what I was PSALM 34:4

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I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all of my fears.

thinking travelling with only $13 dollars. But I know it’s because in my heart I was fully trusting God that He was going to take care of me. My friend and her cousin were nothing short of amazing. They gave me a place to live and basically took care of me.

I had family in Los Angeles, from my mom’s side. A few days after I landed in California, they found out I was in Anaheim and reached out to me and to ask me if I wanted to go to the cemetery to visit my grandpa. They picked me up and one of my uncles came up to me and asked me how I was doing and gave me $30.00. Man, I felt like I had a lot of money!

A week after that I found out that one of my favorite bands at the time was playing at a venue near the house, so I asked my friend if she could take me. Remember, I didn’t have a lot of money and yet there I was spending it on a concert ticket.

After the first band played, a guy came up to me and asked me if I was from Costa Rica. I was wearing a band t-shirt from one of my friend’s band from Costa Rica. I explained to him that I was not from Costa Rica, but that the band members were my friends.

He was surprised and as it turns out this guy knew all my friends from Guatemala and Costa Rica because he had gone to Central America a few months back to play with his band. We got to chatting and he asked me if I was looking for a job. He mentioned that his boss was looking for a receptionist. We exchanged numbers and he told me he was going to talk to his boss. To my surprise, I got a call from him on Monday letting me know his boss wanted to interview me.

I went to the interview and a few days later I had a job. At the time, my English wasn’t good and when you come to the States from another country it’s not easy to get a job so quickly or out of nowhere. I knew it was all God. When I look back it amazes me that I spent the last of my money in a concert

ticket and God made it all work for me in a crazy way.

Never in a million years would I have thought I was going to end up in California. My plan was to go where my family was—South Carolina! But man, God had a whole other plan for my life. It completely took me by surprise, and I can say with confidence that He knew exactly what He was doing.

The same day I landed in LAX my friend had choir practice and she took me with her. It was my first time at The Rock. I remember walking into the door and feeling the presence of God so tangible that I started crying because I knew I was home. Even though I grew up in a Christian household, my dad was a preacher and I was at church every week, what I learned at this amazing anointed church through their discipleships changed my life. I know I am exactly where God wanted me to be and He had already planned this for my life, even when I didn’t know it.

If you are in a situation where you don’t know what to do, and nothing seems to make sense, remember that God is ALWAYS working on our behalf, even when it might not seem like it. He will always make things work for our good and His plans are always better than ours. Trust in Him fully and He will do wonderous things in your life. Never stop seeking Him. Have faith that He always has our best interest at heart because He loves you and you are His.

And those who know your name will put their trust in You; For you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

PSALM 9:10

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Photograph by Anna Kietzman

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YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

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YOU ARE FASHIONED

"There'ssomethingaboutSpring that feels like a fresh new start. There's new life, it's all green and blooming is everywhere. So why not with us, too? Let today be a brand new day and don't look back."

Photograph by Reigna Mejia

– Amara Murillo

Happy Spring!

Psalm 119:73