Family Threads
Growing up in a household filled with strong personalities—my single mom, my aunt and uncle, and my four boy cousins—was both chaotic and beautiful. From an early age, I learned how to navigate a space where everyone had their own voice, and if you wanted to be heard, you had to assert yourself. This environment taught me adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of human dynamics—skills that have become invaluable in the fashion industry and any creative work environment.
Watching my single mom work tirelessly to support us instilled in me a respect for dedication and an appreciation for the hustle. Her strength, perseverance, and unwavering sense of responsibility became a blueprint for my own approach to work. I learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, creativity under pressure, and showing up even when the odds feel stacked against you.
At the same time, my aunt and uncle stepped in as second parents in so many ways, giving me structure, consistency, and emotional support during the moments when my mom had to carry the weight alone. They taught me the value of community care—how family can expand, share responsibility, and lift each other up without hesitation. Their presence balanced my world and showed me that leadership can be steady, patient, and quietly powerful. That lesson became a huge part of how I show up in creative spaces: grounded, reliable, and committed to supporting the people I work with.
Living with four energetic boy cousins added another layer of education. I learned to observe, negotiate, and stand out without overshadowing others. This dynamic helped me develop a unique perspective on collaboration and teamwork, which translates directly into my professional life. Whether I’m coordinating a creative project, managing a team, or presenting a vision, I carry these lessons with me, balancing assertiveness with empathy.
Being raised in a single-parent household also shaped my aesthetic sensibilities. I became attuned to resourcefulness, learning to create style and beauty even with limited resources. This fostered an instinct for originality and experimentation in fashion—an understanding that innovation often comes from constraints. It also taught me to value authenticity over trends, a principle that guides my work as a creative professional.
Ultimately, my upbringing has shaped more than just my career—it has shaped my identity. The combination of my mom’s resilience, the family’s dynamic energy, and the creative problem-solving I developed along the way informs every decision I make in fashion and design. It reminds me that style is not just about what you wear—it’s about who you are, where you come from, and the stories you carry. My family taught me that life, like fashion, is a blend of texture, contrast, and personality—and embracing that fully is what allows me to thrive in every creative space I enter.
