BACKSTAGE PASS

Beginning with gratitude. Despite things not being perfect, there are so many blessings I see. Lives are being transformed, including my own.This week I joined friends to fast from food for spiritual purposes. To be honest, I’m sticking to veggies...

Have you heard the quote "You're not a failure until you give up"? I want to take that a step farther. We shouldn't just ride out the recession or whatever problems we face. We have to attack our opposition with a solid...

This week had me thinking a lot about business practices. When I used to work in the fashion industry, there were things I wanted to change. One was chargebacks. They happen when a factory makes a mistake that costs the...

In this year, I've had more failure than success. After I started various marketing projects this year, I soon realized they weren't going to be profitable after all. To maintain integrity, I stuck them out to completion.  2022 feels like...

It's been over two weeks since I've been back in the States. The fresh outlook is what I've been waiting for. Remember how I put Fall 2023 designs on hold a few months ago? I'm glad I waited to see...

Our intern captured this photo at the loft we used as a photo studio. I love the accuracy of it because the lunch was my highlight of the day.  That handsome guy in the background? That's Israel Martinez, and I...

Being in Nepal was so beautifully hard. I had the honor of spending several days with the women who make your clothes. They are joyful, kind, and lovely in every way. It was hard because our operation here has been running...

My intern called me the morning of the fashion show, “There’s a problem, but we’ve got a solution. A cup of tea got spilled onto the dresses.” I could sense some worry in the room, so I made some jokes to reassure...

Here's the latest - it's been a humbling season.    As I see other businesses with similar models close their doors, it increases the possibility that ours could be next. I have not yet committed to Fall 2023. The biggest obstacle...

​You'll never believe what our business manager told me! We need to pay $360 for our labels to come into Nepal. If we don't pay this import tax, the customs agent will send our package back to Thailand. Here's the shocker - that's a...

Someone asked why many business owners seek growth. It's a never ending pursuit. Can you ever be content? “It’s ok to be small,” he said. ​I’m conflicted with that. I try to be present to my family, so I often say 'no'...

A supporter recently mentioned, “We all love the signatures on tags and notes we get with orders. It'd be lovely to return the gesture.” If you've ordered Elegantees, you're familiar with the handwritten notes that we send. They are written...

Seeing our clothing walk down an official runway during New York Fashion Week was emotional. I wasn't prepared for the round of applause at the end of the show. Deeply encouraging!   We heard some incredible feedback!   Body positivity. This...

Remember my longing to pierce light into the darkness? Well, we’ve been in for a fight lately! Sex trafficking has ties to the fashion industry, but we're here to breakthrough with freedom. It feels heavy as we approach New York...

This show will be about wearable fashion and the emotion of freedom. We've been putting our heart into the musical storytelling, the colors of the clothing, and the testimonials you'll hear. 

On my flight home from Austin, I pulled out a pen and paper. I started writing the names of women who consistently purchased Elegantees. Their support was all I had now. Could our existing community have a greater impact than...

It's been a decade, and I've never been to Nepal! This surprises everyone because I'm a social impact entrepreneur. How is it that I've never once stepped foot in the factory I've worked so hard to help expand? Well, the time is coming because I have flights booked!

Ever since I started Elegantees, reading books became hard for me to do. It then felt impossible when I became a mom. Today though, I am “reading” a lot, thanks to the technology of podcasts and audio books. I can make my ears open to listen even if my hands and eyes are unavailable.

We've got new tees that were made in India! This is our first project through a new partnership. We named the tees asha because the word translates to hope in Nepal and India.    The Asha tees are impactful because they rescue and transform lives in...

Our fashion show is coming up. I still can't believe that Elegantees will be seen during New York Fashion Week! Partnering with IJM in this has been inspiring for sure. This organization rescues many that are trapped in human trafficking...

I could keep doing what I'm doing to maintain a medium-size business. Or, I can delegate out and see the sewing center in Nepal packed to max capacity. The week has been full of vision.