Woman Crush Wednesday - Rachel C.

Several years ago I was at our local Christian bookstore perusing the shelves for a gift for my mentor’s upcoming birthday. I found her something fun and then came upon a book I hadn’t seen before:  Fashioned by Faith by Rachel Lee Carter. A book about fashion and faith? I purchased it on the spot and read it that week. I loved the anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories of a Christian model working in the crazy world of fashion.

A few nights later I met my mentor for her birthday dinner. After giving her my gift, I told her about the book I had found for myself, and her eyes lit up. “I know that book,” she said. “I interviewed the author on my radio show last month!” What a funny coincidence (if I believed in coincidences).

I then connected with Rachel via facebook and have enjoyed following her career from across the country. She is first and foremost a family woman, but she takes her work seriously as a ministry tool. She continues to model, speak, and write, all the while remaining bold and fearless in sharing her faith.

She is a shining light for Jesus in an often dim industry.

Please meet my friend, Rachel.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I’ve been a professional model for over 20 years. At 19, while living in NYC, I gave my heart to Jesus and became a Christian. My eyes were opened to the self-destructive nature of the industry, so I left it to attend Bible College. Upon graduating, I re-entered the fashion industry where it became my ministry. In 2011, I authored the book Fashioned by Faith, (an international model uncovers the truth about modesty and style). I enjoy sharing God’s heart with those in the industry and those influenced by it. But my real heartbeat is in being mom to Jack and Jude, and wife to Daryl. I still model at least once a week, but am very selective about the type of jobs I take and the time spent away from my family. My family comes first.

My clientele includes Cover Girl, Tommy Hilfiger, Clairol, Cabela’s, Jones New York, Teen Magazine, Wrangler, Fitness Magazine, Nicole Miller, Chico’s, DKNY, Reebok, SAKS Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and many others.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

After graduating from Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY (where I studied Bible Survey and Systematic Theology with an emphasis on missions and youth ministry), I returned to the modeling industry as a professional Christian model. Here is where I began using this platform to share the love of Jesus Christ within the fashion industry and at women’s and youth conferences nationwide. My passion is sharing the hows and whys that women and girls can be both modest and fashionable at the same time.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

Too many negative attributes are rightly attached to immodesty: low self-esteem, depression, poor reputation/testimony, and eating disorders. God opened my eyes to the truth about modesty, and I’m happy to share it with others – in a fun and Bible-centered way.

4) Why is it important to help others?

Luke 12:48 –“To whom much is given, much is required.”

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

Arrange to have a mother/daughter tea or conference at your church and teach the message of modesty. Learn about it, live it, preach it. If it matters to God, it should matter to us. 2 Timothy 2:9 –“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.”

Please visit my web site to learn more (www.ModelingChrist.com) and pick up a copy of my book here.

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

1 Peter 3:4 – “Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Inner beauty outshines everything.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

We are outdoorsy people. And we love sports. I’m usually seen, sans make-up (and hair in a pony) at one of my kids’ baseball games or golf matches. We play pick-up games like kickball or baseball in the neighborhood. We do everything together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m also very crafty. Pinterest is my weakness.

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

A flat-heeled real leather, calf-high riding boot. Nutmeg.

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Taniya N.

There was a time in my mid-20s when I, my sister, and our gaggle of girlfriends were all single. We went out every weekend and enjoyed our beautiful downtown Boston. It was at this time that we met Taniya through a mutual friend.

Taniya was a bartender at our favorite restaurant/lounge/club. We hung out at her station, danced with her, and even filled in for her when she had to run to the restroom. Her smile lit up the place and her energy was contagious. She made our Friday nights extra fun.

Then, in what seemed like an instant, we all had boyfriends and stopped going out as much. But Taniya was always there to celebrate my special moments – my engagement party, my wedding day, and my first visit home when Silas was a baby.

Yes, she’s a tv star now. But Taniya is still the same genuine, down-to-earth, caring and beautiful woman I met 15 years ago. I am so proud of her success!

Please meet my friend, Taniya.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I’m an Interior Designer, TV host, restaurant owner, a lover of fashion and travel, and a devoted friend and wife. I love giving back to the community any chance I can.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

I’ve hosted shows on HGTV for the last 13 years such as Designed to Sell and House Hunters on Vacation. I most recently hosted HGTV’s Urban Oasis Home Giveaway. My latest greatest stint is on Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible with tough love celebrity chef Robert Irvine. We are on our 9th season and going strong!! I love this show because it really makes a difference in these people’s lives. That’s what it’s all about. We have two days to take over a failing restaurant and give them new management skills, a new menu, and a brand new design.

You can also see me regularly on The Rachael Ray show, GMA, and the Today Show. Some of our Boston restaurants are Back Bay Harry’s, Abby Lane, Petit Robert Central, McGreevy’s, and a few others.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

Everything I do has a “feel good” element to it. When I design homes or restaurants, my goal is to help make a more productive and happy environment for someone. It’s amazing what a little attention to your space can do for your own productivity and general inner happiness.

4) Why is it important to help others?

Helping others is something everyone should do. It’s simply just the right thing to do. Offering a helping hand to those in need or to those who are unable to help themselves feels good and makes a bigger difference in that person’s life than you could ever imagine.

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

Just do whatever it is you can to offer your assistance to someone in need. Believe me, even a smile goes a long way.

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

Inner happiness.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

I don’t have a lot of free time so I like to spend it relaxing with my family. Taking a walk or going on a vacation. I love to cook, too!

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

I loooooove my YSLs! I have two pairs and I wear them a lot. They’re my splurge in my closet – but soooo worth it!

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Kelli T.

I used to be the Fashion & Beauty Editor of a local magazine. One of my duties was to plan photo shoots, which involves a lot of moving parts and very hard work. I needed a makeup artist, and a friend referred me to Kelli.

We worked together on a couple of shoots, and Kelli really had the expertise to bring my visions to life on our models’ faces. Whether it was a modern shoot or a 1950s-inspired look, Kelli had the artistry and skill to make it happen. She’s professional beyond measure, and a calming presence to be around.

Kelli is a licensed aesthetician, specializes in eyelash extensions, works on commercials, and also teaches makeup classes. Most exciting, Kelli recently announced her new cosmetics line, Forever Adored. She’s an innovator and doesn’t stop until she achieves her goals – a worthy quality to inspire her two young daughters.

Please meet my friend, Kelli.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I am Fresno born. Married with two girls. I have one younger sister and our parents have been married for 31 years!

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

I work as a professional makeup artist and licensed aesthetician. Makeup has been a love of mine since I was VERY young. I currently do makeup for tv commercials, corporate videos, weddings, special events, and have recently started offering makeup workshops!

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

Why am I passionate about makeup? I guess because it’s ever-changing and always interesting. Makeup has been around through the ages and will stick around until the BIG guy calls us all home! Plus it’s a small way that I can help other women feel good about themselves.

4) Why is it important to help others?

Because life is so much more than one person. If all you have to show for your life is what you’ve done for yourself, what does that really say about the precious gift God has blessed you with?

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

Visit www.foreveradored.com to learn more!

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

Her heart. How she treats those around her. Her faith. The love and respect she has for herself.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? What’s that? Haha!!

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

My favorite kind of shoe would have to be a wedge!

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Tamy L.

Tamy’s smile says it all. She’s a hardworking, behind-the-scenes warrior of all things stylish. As a personal stylist out of Florida and one of the co-founders of Christian Fashion Week, she shines for Jesus in all that she does.

It took me two days just to find her at the last Christian Fashion Week in February. She was backstage working nonstop instead of schmoozing out front seeking the spotlight. She’s humble and kind and always willing to share her knowledge. And she always looks good doing it.

Please meet my friend, Tamy.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I’m a wife and mother of two (teen boy and junior girl). A follower of Christ and lover of fashion. I can be strong-willed yet silly and friendly.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

I’m a wardrobe fashion stylist and Christian Fashion Week co-founder. Ministry correlates to what I do.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

I’m passionate about what I do because it has given me a platform to bring awareness to others about whom they belong to, helping them realize how amazing they are meant to be. To make a difference in someone’s life by using something we do every day, which is getting dressed. This also gives confidence and empowerment.

4) Why is it important to help others?

It’s important to help others because it’s what we are called to do. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. To be the face of Jesus in dark times.

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

Readers can participate by contributing to and supporting Christian Fashion Week (christianfashionweek.com) if they believe in fashion with modesty, integrity, dignity and style that begins from the inside to the outer exterior. They may also subscribe to the STYLEBIT newsletter on vstylist.com or follow on Facebook (Facebook.com/vstylisttamy) to stay connected.

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

A woman is truly beautiful when she knows how to carry and manage herself to excellence in everything she does.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to spend time with my family and read.

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

My fave kind of shoe is the Jimmy Choo-like pointed toe pump with a low vamp.

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.