BACKSTAGE PASS

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. 

Growing an in-person team in the world's fashion capital feels like a big step in my dream. I am compelled to make the Garment District my mission field too. Many people here are poor in spirit. 

We're in Brooklyn, New York, and producing a video with the largest anti-trafficking organization: International Justice Mission. Did I mention that this is for New York Fashion Week? Somebody pinch me!

Creating graphic tees in high quality fabric has been a desire, but we faced setbacks for it in Nepal. Then I learned more about how graphic tees are a specialty with our friends at Goex. It made me wonder about it more....

While wearing sleeveless dresses to beat the heat, my thoughts are on long sleeve tops and cardigans. That means most of our fall collection is already ready to be photographed! It feels great to have a handful of shoots scheduled in these upcoming weeks.

I've been processing this and wanted to see if the chain has truly been broken. When I think of the women on the waiting list, I now think of how much they are cherished. I did not think this way before. Yes, I'd be thrilled for them to sew Elegantees, but I trust that God provides for and protects them in the present.

My husband, Israel, has been involved in various way in Elegantees. All this time, he's wondered why we often leave men out of the mission. He may be the connection between my production expertise and igniting the fire of a man's soul to fight trafficking, protect the innocent, and restore lives.