Introducing a first-of-its-kind line of modern luxuries + high-end essentials—-discover what makes this celebratory collection so special!

In the spirit of our 7th anniversary, we’re proud to stand in support of women’s rights + equal opportunity. Inspired by Chloe + Isabel’s nationwide community of female entrepreneurs, we dedicate this collection to those who Empower from Within.

“Accessories are what, in my opinion, pull the whole look together and make it unique.”

I saw the jewelry and fell in love. I soon realized it was more than the jewelry. It’s a community that empowers, inspires and motivates woman to run a successful business. A model that’s incredible! #EmpowerME

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Our mission

Since we launched and open our doors in August of 2011, our mission has been to empower woman through our pioneering Merchandiser opportunity. The Anniversary Collection celebrates seven years of Chloe + Isabel , where each jewelry purchase supports a strong, female entrepreneur as she grows her business + styles her life, her way. Join the conversation with #EmpowerME. Real woman working, building, learning and growing, while inspiring and empowering everyone along the way. Keeping you stylish not just for special occasion for all your everyday needs.

There’s more to Chloe + Isabel than just beautiful jewelry. The opportunity offers strong, female entrepreneurs to style their lives, their way! I’m proud to be part of the C+I family. I’m also proud to encourage every woman to be her own boss, find confidence through community + most importantly Empower from Within.  Join the conversation with #EmpowerME.

Precious Plating

We pride ourselves on using the highest quality materials in fashion jewelry today. In celebration of seven years of the empowering Merchandiser opportunity, 100% of this collection features 14k precious metals (rose gold, gold) + fine silver plating, though the industry has largely moved instead toward using plating alloys of brass + copper.

TOP-OF-THE-LINE-COATING

In keeping with our commitment to offer high-end, hypoallergenic jewelry you won’t find anywhere else, this line features a specialized process known as e-coating. Designed to add an extra level of protection from perspiration and corrosion, e-coating, increases longevity + lustre. As the very best coating available, it can only be applied to high-end brass-based jewelry.

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This is one collection you DON’T want to miss out on. For more details please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. To see and shop the entire collection click the link: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/emilydesouza/shop/collection/22204/anniversary-collection-5e335042-46db-49bb-8ec2-0bbc72167adc

Shop my entire boutique here: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/emilydesouza

Follow me on Social Media: 

@SocialFashionistaBeauty

@BossBabeFashionistaEmpire_

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting my journey!

CALLING ALL MY NEW YORKERS and anyone who will be in the New York City area on Monday, July 17th.

Im always here to inspire and empower you all in all facets of life. This is one Seminar I highly recommend and one you’d want to attend. Credit is a subject that isn’t discussed often and one topic many don’t want to face. But a topic that deserves a conversation and a closer look. This event will inspire and enlighten everyone. It will challenge everyone in a very positive way to help you get back on the right financial path. 

Credit Legal Vision LLC is a Legal Credit Restoration Consulting company that strives on their clients success. A company I believe in and one that I trust. Their vision is to get you back on the right financial path and closer to your goals. They’re an honest and reliable company that works legally and ethically to get you where you need to be. If you’re struggling to get yourself back on your feet due to your credit— this is the company you can trust and the company to call on. The FREE SEMINAR they’re offering is one where they will let you know who they are, what they do and what they can do for you.

Join Credit Legal Vision, LLC and me on Monday, July 17th at 7pm at Mott Haven for a FREE SEMINAR on Credit.  All are welcomed, for a fun-filled, inspirational evening where you’ll gain useful knowledge and tools that will be beneficial to you, your financial goals and future. Be prepared to be challenged and empowered. Join the conversation!

How are you taking control of your life, your finances and goals? I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope your inspired to join us that evening. Please do share this event with your friends, family and network, this is one event you don’t want to miss!!

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting the journey!

Today I attended a fun, creative and unique event with fellow blogger and friend Ellese from Rock Paper Glam. It was a wonderful way to celebrate International Women’s Day, Keds and Refinery29 partnered up together for a great event celebrating women and creativity. The event was held at the Tictail Market located at: 90 Orchard Street NYC. The main initiative for the event showcased the power of art, creativity, and self-expression inspiring change and bringing light to gender equality. Guest had the opportunity to purchase limited edition Keds sneakers designed by Jen Mussari, in addition to an exclusive merchandise featuring Refinery29’s Women’s March imagery. All proceeds go to the She Should Run, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in politics. Tictail Market was the perfect location to host such an incredible event. Your one stop shop to  discover and supports emerging global designers. Tictail Market will continue the celebrations throughout the month in honor of Women’s History Month. The hope is to not only raise awareness but to empower female entrepreneurs who use their platforms for online fashion and design businesses. Join the cause and be part of the movement for gender equality and help us all in being bold for change!

To learn more go to: https://www.internationalwomensday.com

Head over to Keds.com and receive 15% OFF using the code: “IWD2017”

Be sure to head over to the Tictail Market, shop, and discover great fashion finds and more!

Don’t forget to Follow alongs for all the BTS and FUN: 

Instagram: @SocialFashionistaBeauty

Tweet Me: @SocFashBeauty17

Snapchat: SocFashBeaut17

How do you promote gender equality?
How did you celebrate International Women’s Day? Please do share by commenting below or share your stories by using the hashtags: #SFBWW #LadiesFirst #SFBEmpowers #SFBInspires

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting my journey!

Hi Loves!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. Can you believe it,  just yesterday  it was 60 degrees in NYC and now a blizzard? Oh, mother nature always full of surprises making a big entrance, LITERALLY (LOL). Today, marks the the official start to NYFW. I wanted to share this post with you all.  I hope this will enlighten, empower and inspire us all during NYFW and in life.

Stay warm and be safe out there loves!! 

Recently, I’ve been hearing all sorts of stories over Lady Gaga, her body and what she wore during her Super Bowl Halftime show. I don’t know about you, but I thought she looked ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Her immense talent, fierce fashion and killer body proved all of that during her performance last Sunday. That night overall was truly something, make that epic and a night to remember. My question is, What are all the haters talking about and why are they harping on Gaga? I don’t see why anyone would hate on her, what she wore but more importantly her body. Well, as the saying goes, “Haters are gonna hate!”  But strong, fierce, fashionable, chic women like Gaga rise above it! I truly admire women like Gaga, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham and many others celebrities who have spoken out about body shaming. We should all love ourselves no matter what shape or size.

Many of our youth struggle with this issue of body shaming and we all need to stop the hate.  I’ll be the first to admit I too, felt ashamed of my body growing up and even as an adult I deal with this issue from time to time. I work in an industry where everyone is both small framed and for the most part skinny. I may not fit the nor of being super skinny or small framed, but I’ve learned to embrace my curves and LOVE  the skin I’m in. Don’t get me wrong I have my moments where I feel out of place or uncomfortable but hey, I’m human. The female body is such a beautiful thing and we should admire it for all it’s beauty. Remember, we’re all beautiful inside and out! Never let anyone tell you otherwise!!

Here’s what Lady Gaga had to say to her body shammers:

 “I heard my body is a topic of conversation so I wanted to say, I’m proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too. No matter who you are or what you do. I could give you a million reasons why you don’t need to cater to anyone or anything to succeed. Be you, and be relentlessly you. That’s the stuff of champions.” “Thank you so much everyone for supporting me,”  “I love you guys.” 

All I gotta say in response to Gaga’s statement: PREACH GAGA, PREACH!! 

Another story that caught my eye is in regards to the controversy over Vogue’s March issues cover. Plus size Model, Ashley Graham is breaking the mold and posing on the cover of Vogue alongside beauties like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.

Ashley Graham recently tweeted: Thank You @voguemagazine I’m so incredibly honored to be one of your March cover models! #breakingboundaries 

The March issue {hits stands on February 21st} is devoted to differences in beauty and the celebration of Women being Fearless!  Yay, Women do rule! The future is female in my eyes, no offense to all my male readers and all the men out there in the world.

The controversy many are questioning is — the cover isn’t as diverse as many thought it would be. As you can see, a gorgeous plus size model posing with her fellow beautiful yet skinnier models. Some are going as far to say that Gigi Hadid’s hand was elongated and extended out (through the workings of photoshop) to conceal Graham’s torso. Many fans are speculating if the magazine was trying to conceal Graham’s body.??

Despite all the social media uproar, misconceptions and disbelief Ashley Graham defended the Vogue cover. In her most recent Instagram post she stated,  “I chose to pose like that. No one told me to do anything.” Even though many may have their misbeliefs and opinions, the March cover speaks many volumes and has an empowering message outside of what misconceptions may be lingering.

To me, I felt that these two stories needed to be address and shared. I know that both women have inspired me and gave me more reason to love me and my curves. I’m all about inspiring and empowering all my readers and followers. Lady Gaga and Ashley Graham both do that and continue to rise above it. Their words are not only encouraging but both inspiring and empowering. Both women promote body positivity and break the barriers in this sometimes harsh, opinionated industry of Entertainment and Fashion.  I hope we can be enlightened and moved by them and rise up together. No matter what shape or size you are, love yourself. You are beautiful!

What are your thoughts on these two stories?

How do you rise above the bodyshammers?  Please do share using the #SFBBeautiful #SFBInspires

As always, thanks for reading, following and supporting me in my journey.

Hey Loves!

It’s been a great winter so far. January was the perfect time to decompress, reflect and settle into the new year. It’s February and you know what that means….. Time for the fun and madness to begin all over again. This is my favorite time of year and as a New Yorker, I’m thrilled that we get to enjoy two seasons of it every year! NYFW!

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Hi Loves!

I mentioned in my New Year’s resolutions/goals post that one of my resolutions was to continue to try and explore new things while also sharing more of myself to you all. In turn, I hope to inspire and empower you along the way. Also, I’m bringing a new element to the blog. I’m going to dive deep, and share more of myself with you. My hope is for you to learn more about me and it give you more insight of my journey.  I originally called Mondays– “Motivational Mondays” but I’m changing it to “Getting Personal Mondays.” I’ll continue to inspire, motivate, empower and enlighten you while I also get personal. For this “Getting Personal” post, I’m sharing my personal experiences from a recent event I attended. What I learned, what it taught me and my accounts of the evening. To find out more, continue reading.

New Year’s celebrations continued on the evening of January 12th at FiaFNY. One of my fellow blogger friends Loren from Enlightened By Bravery invited me to attend the Gallette Des Rois celebration at the fi:af  Skyroom located on the Upper East Side in NYC. The evening was filled with wine, French Cider, savory bites, good company and conversation. Followed by the main attraction — the massive and impressive Gallette Des Rois for all to admire and of course feast on. Gallette Des Rois also known as Kings Cake has been celebrated and recognized by many for years. Various cultures and countries have their own versions of this tradition. It’s to celebrate the Epiphany marking the end of the Christmas season. This celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings to Bethlehem. The Epiphany also known has Three Kings Day is a Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ.

The massive and delicious French pastry Gallette Des Rois was provided by Financier Pasteries and the savory bites and spread were provided by Le District.

 What I learned:

• In true French tradition a small porcelain charm or fève (bean) is hidden in the cake and anyone who finds one in is crown king for the evening.
• The first Galette Des Rois was actually filled with almond paste and mashed potatoes
• Nowadays, this pastry cake is filled with almond paste, it’s simple, not too sweet, but still absolutely delicious
• This tradition dates back to the middle ages and only served during the month of January

Even though I don’t speak much French (none whatsoever outside the familiar phrases and sayings) it was still impressive and nice to hear a different language other than English. I’ve always found French to be such a romantic and elegant language. **One fact about me is that while I was in elementary school I took French Class then later on learned Spanish.** After hearing the beautiful language again, I was intrigued and thought about relearning the romantic language again. And maybe, I could speak it fluently one day, one day. Practice makes perfect, right?!  Even though I didn’t understand some of the French spoken that evening, I admire a beautiful language and I believe its never too late to learn and experience new things like languages and cultures. They also had a photo booth station set up for all to enjoy. If you post your photos on social media you could enter a special raffle for a chance to win tickets to a Comedy Show. Like all events and life’s adventures I made sure to Snapchat and Instastory the evening. Be sure to follow me on Snapchat : SocFashBeaut17 and on Instastories: @SocialFashionistaBeauty to see all the BTS action.

Thanks again to Loren for inviting me to this fun event and thanks to Fiaf for having me.

Overall, I enjoyed the evening. The event was fun-filled and a great experience. Nothing like stepping outside your comfort zone and learning new things. I promised myself to continue  learning, exploring and experiencing new things. The perfect evening to learn and enjoy some French culture. A great way to kick-off the New year and accomplish one of my goals/resolutions. This is something I’ll continue to do and I hope you’ll join me in doing so!

If you aren’t already be sure to follow Loren on social media @EnlightenedByBravery and be sure to check out her blog: www.enlightenedbybravery.com.

To learn more about FI:AF and what the organization is all about go to: www.fiaf.org.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it inspired you to try something new and step outside your comfort zone once in awhile. You never know what you’ll learn.

Have you celebrated Gallette Des Rois?

If so, please do share, I love hearing from you.

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting me in my journey!

Discover our latest collection: La Vie Boheme!

La Vie Boheme is our latest collection which launch on the evening of January 10th. It’s main inspiration comes from none other than the romantic city, Paris in the Springtime. When you see this collection you’ll simply fall in love. It’s comprised of 3 mini collections that are Parisian inspired.

Our first mini collection is Jolie

With this collection you’ll be on trend with these blush essentials, great for Spring and beyond!! Now available on my boutique: www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique.

Jolie gives us the perfect mix of feminine beauty and Spring time in Paris. It’s embodies our fresh + free spirited passion for wandering the world. A French bohemian vibe, equipped with mixed media elements such as: pearls — a huge trend for 2017, velvet detailing– another big trend for the New year, brilliant beading, romantic blush tones and snake-embossed Vegan leather. The perfect whimsical blend of modern+vintage materials that display a breathtaking, bohemian vibe.

I wish this collection launched when I was getting married! I absolutely love the details in every piece and the elements of mixed media combined with the perfect blend of modern and vintage– simply stunning!! Not to mention, the blush color scheme would’ve gone perfectly with my colors which were: Blush, Gold and Silver.

The Jolie collection also goes well with our other collections such as: La Vie en Rose and Gardenia. All of these collection features blush, rose-gold and gold colors in each piece which would be perfect for any bride or anyone who LOVES those color tones. (My favorite color palette if you ask me :)) Not to mention, you can style these pieces for your special day or any event really. The jewelry is simply gorgeous and when you see the collection for yourself you’ll absolutely fall in love.

The bracelets in this collection are simply stunning as well. Great for a springtime and beyond arm soiree. They’re relaxed, feminine, adjustable, has just enough sparkle to add an elegant touch. The tassels on these beauties are so on trend and a great update to our bracelets.

My favorite from the Jolie Collection are the Jolie Statement Necklace, Jolie Statement Earrings, Jolie Crystal Bracelet and the Jolie Statement Bracelet.

Our second mini collection from La Vie Boheme is: Petits Bijoux

Petits Bijoux is an extension of our bestselling Look of Fine collection. Each piece is made with optically flawless cubic zirconia bezel set crystals. A multitude of mix+match layering +styling options. We also continue the rose gold trend in this collection. Great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, Bridesmaids, teachers, and more.  15% off discount for 3 to 5 items and 20% off discount for 6 or more items. Inquire today and ask about our discount offerings.

My Favorites: Petits Bijoux Be Mine Studded Earrings, Petits Bijoux Be Mine Bracelet and Petits Bijoux Circle of Hearts Ring.

Our 3rd mini collection is yet another extension of our Jen Atkin’s collaboration.

Our Jen Atkin’s partnership launched back in June with the shared C+I love and vision for empowerment, entrepreneurship and education. In this continuation of the collaboration, we’ve revamped our #1 bestseller the bun cuff now available in a stylish art deco update. We also offer tons of convertible styling options with these stellar hair accessories. The ponytail clip has adjustable functionality and can be used with any hair volume. All hair accessories are made in rose gold, gold and now pearl trend that will be a huge hit in 2017. Even celebrities have raved about these hair accessories and so can you. Shop these styles now available on my boutique.

Celebrities Maisie Williams and Chrissy Teigen rocked our Jen Atkin’s hair accessories last Sunday at the Golden Globes. HOT PICKS!!!

My Favorites: Deco Bun Cuff, Small Deco Pave Pin Set, and the Pearl Bun Pin Trio.

All styles are now available on my boutique.

What will be your favorites from our La Vie Boheme Collection?

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting my journey.

Thank you for supporting my small business!

     Beautifully crafted. Inspired. Exceptional quality.

We take great joy in designing unique pieces with you in mind!

Every Chloe + Isabel product is: exclusively designed in our NYC studio, hypoallergenic, nickel-free + lead safe packaged in keepsake pouches + gift boxes.

Hi Loves!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I hope it was filled with much love, happiness and joy. The holidays for me were spent with family and friends on the West coast. It was great to see family that my husband and I hadn’t seen in quite some time. As well as, spend some quality time with our immediate family too. As I’ve mentioned before, the holidays and the time of the year, gives me all sorts of the feels, and every year I’m filled with many emotions. Mostly good ones but as I’ve said the holidays and the time of the year always gives me the feels. In just a few days, we turn the page and close the book to 2016 and welcome the new year. Although 2016 was a year filled with much success, love, new friendships, and amazing memories I’m ready to welcome 2017 and see what it has to offer. One of the new things I will add to my blog is a section where I get a little more personal with you al. Although, I feel like I get pretty personal already, I wanted all of you to get to know me a little more. So, for 2017 I will get a little more personal and share more of my life with you all. While also continuing to inspire, enlightened and empower you.

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With 2017 just days away, I don’t know about you but I always like to set goals for myself for the new year. Some may refer to them as resolutions, but I like to make goals for myself. Goals that are realistic, positive and ones that will be good for me in the long run. I hope you all can join me and set some goals for yourself as well. We’re all in this together, right?! Set goals that are realistic, ones that you do for you.

Here are my Resolutions/Goals for 2017: 

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff
2. Try more New Things
3. Make more time for family and friends
4. Explore more
5. Make time for “Me” time
6. Live more in the moment and never let a day pass you by
7. Stay fit, Be active and Stay Healthy
8. Don’t let work get the best of me and know when to step away
9. Continue to be inspired, enlightened and empowered
10. Continue to be Happy 🙂

Get to know me more, reasons behind the goals and resolutions: 

One of the things many don’t know, and I will admit is that I wear my heart on my shoulders. I’m human, and someone who cares and one who has a big heart. And at times, I can let me emotions get the best of me. I often let things get to me more so than they should. I tend to “sweat” (so to speak) the small stuff and let it get the best of me. But for 2017, I will try my best to not to be bothered by things so easily and to not sweat the small stuff.

Sometimes, I can get too involved in my work (because I love what I do, and feel very passionate about it) that I don’t know when to step away. For 2017, I will learn to make more time for myself, my husband, my family and friends. Work will always be there, and I will remain dedicated to my life’s passion, while also making more time for the people I love and care about. I’ll also know when to turn the phone off and step away. For 2017, I will be more conscientious to turn off and step away ( the phone and computer and from work). I’ll live more in the moment and never let anything pass me by.

As a blogger,  avid photo taker and IGer– I will admit that I have become overly obsessed in trying to get the “perfect shot.” Sometimes, I will admit I strive for perfection way too much. But I’ve also learned that it’s  ok to not be so perfect. I mean, imperfections is what makes us all unique in our own way. So, maybe I won’t have the perfect photo every time, that’s ok by me. For 2017, I will learn to love my imperfections while continuing to stay true to myself.

I’ve always lived by the rule: It’s ok to indulge one in awhile. But like many of us, I too can get carried away with that saying. But I’m turning the tables and getting back on track. I truly believe that 2017 is my year, and the year for all of us. For 2017, I will commit to staying fit, being active and healthy. We only have one life and body so we gotta treat it right, right?! So whose with me?

I like to call myself an adventurous soul, who loves learning and trying new things. I want to continue this for the new year and years to come. I don’t want to limit myself and I want to be more open to new things. So for 2017, I will continue to be open to trying and learning new things.

And lastly, although I characterize myself as a very happy and content person. I always set this goal for myself every year. There were times in my life where I wasn’t so happy and content, but I left those dark days behind me and have been so much happier ever since. I mean it’s not hard to stay happy when you have the love of your life by your side, great friends who are like family and family whose been by my side through and through. So for 2017, I’ll continue to be happy and I hope my happiness can add sunshine to your lives too!

I look forward to sharing more about myself with you all, more on beauty, fashion, lifestyle and travel, and continue to inspire, empower and enlighten you in 2017! Let’s make 2017 AMAZING!!

What are your goals/resolutions for 2017?

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting me in my journey!

I’m a huge supporter and fan of inspiring and empowering others however I can. This is one of the reasons why I joined the Chloe + Isabel and opened up my own C+I business and boutique.

Chloe + Isabel is a jewelry lifestyle brand empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through our innovative social retail opportunity. A real sisterhood that has definitely empowered me in so many ways. I’m proud and happy to be part of the C+I family. With it being “SFB Motivational Monday” I wanted to tell you about our Candi for a Cause collection and what it’s all about.

As always, thanks for reading, following and all your love and support. It’s greatly appreciated!

Anniesa Hasibuan’s show was simply captivating and moving. At the young age of 28, Hasibuan was the first Indonesian designer to showcase her collection at NYFW. This show has been heard all over the world, and with good reason. History was made in New York at NYFW, for she was the first Indonesian designer to present her collection, where the hijab made its debut on the catwalk. Featuring colorful headscarves in pink, silver and gold. The hijab was styled with eye catching jackets, gowns, colorful silk and patterned tunics, velvets and brocades adorned with pearls and sequins. All handcrafted and beaded with precise detail and care. Anniesa Hasibuan’s collection was inspired by her hometown Jakarta. The final outfit was the most gorgeous showstopper that left the audience stunned. It was truly inspiring to see a young designer like Anniesa Hasibuan present at NYFW. Not only inspiring but empowering, making you believe that dreams really do come true. The look of joy and happiness shined bright on her face has she walked the runway at the end of her show. The show concluded with a standing ovation, that gave me goosebumps.

I fell in love with the beaded jackets and gowns shown that evening. You can clearly see the time and effort that went into making each piece. How they were all handcrafted with the utmost love and care. Truly remarkable. I would totally rock one of those jackets any day!

[The hijab is a veil traditionally worn by Muslim women in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family, which usually covers the head and chest. The term can further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of modesty. Hijab can also be used to refer to the seclusion of women from men in the public sphere, or it may denote a metaphysical dimension, for example referring to “the veil which separates man or the world from God”. (Wikipedia)]

Most often the hijab is worn by muslim women to display modesty and privacy. Most women are often stereotyped as disempowered, and constricted when wearing the hijab. Although, many women today choose to wear it for personal reasons. The hijab is in fact seen as a feminist statement to many. The women of the muslim culture have been neglected in the fashion industry for quite some time. But thanks to designers like Anniesa Hasibuan–she made her mark which was well received by many in the fashion industry. At the end of the show, I along with fellow blogger and friend Ellese Launer of Rock Paper Glam had the pleasure of speaking with the designer. A lovely women, with such great talents and a heart of gold. We asked, ” How long did the beading take?” And she responded, ” Quite some time, all were hand beaded and crafted.” When you speak to her, you too, will see her grace, charm and passion for fashion.

I’ll concluded with a statement Anniesa Hasibuan made to CNN, “I am so proud and thankful for everyone on the team who helped me so this event could happen, and I am thankful to international and local media from Indonesia for exposing my show. I did not realize the result can be this amazing, and I am thrilled and humbled by the welcome reaction given.” (CNN) 

Thank you Anniesa Hasibuan for inspiring and empowering many of us with your collection and making a huge impact on the world. Your designs are truly amazing and well respected.

If you saw the show, and if you caught my Snapchat story that evening, what were your thoughts? Comment below, I love hearing from you!

As always, thanks for reading, following along and supporting me in my journey. I hope you enjoyed reading and I hope this post inspired you just as much as it did me.