In honor of my grandmothers
I’ve been blessed to grow up surrounded by strong, resilient women who have deeply influenced my life. I am endlessly grateful for my mama, grandmothers, and aunties—each of whom has humbled and inspired me to dream big and work hard. When I reflect on how it all began, I’m brought back to the memories of time spent with the women who raised my mama and aunties—my incredible grandmothers. They taught me, through their actions, the importance of showing love, creating safe spaces for all, and living life to the fullest. Whether it was self-care, traveling, shopping, or giving thoughtful gifts to those they cherished, they showed me how to balance joy with generosity. They were also my biggest cheerleaders, always eager to hear my dreams and spread the word to their friends.
When it came time to name my lifestyle brand—focused on products made for gifting—I knew it had to honor the legacy of these two remarkable women. Their struggles and triumphs as women of color, their experiences of both loss and joy, and their boundless love for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even neighborhood kids shaped who they were. They lived boldly, with a love for getting dressed up, dancing, and embracing the magic in everyday life. Their spirit continues to inspire everything I create.
L - R: My Lola & Granny at my graduation where I earned my Associate of Science in Fashion Merchandising in 2011
Evelyn Leano
My Lola (Grandmother in Filipino) was with us until shortly after her 90th birthday in 2022. She was a cancer survivor and ultimately passed after battling Alzheimer’s. A native of the Philippines and retired Chemist with U.S. Borax, she was a social butterfly well into her 80s. She was strong in her faith and had a love for traveling, jewelry, couture apparel, and handbags. A wife of over 60 years to my late Lolo, Esidoro Jun, and mother to 6 children, she had a love for her family, people, and Filipino culture. Lola was a giver, always wanting to make you smile and enjoy life's blessings. She loved to laugh and have fun.
Bonnie Jean
My Granny is still with us and continues to smile while living with ALS in Los Angeles. She has always had a passion for serving and caring for others, professionally and personally. She worked at St. John's Hospital and eventually became a private healthcare worker in Beverly Hills and cared for late actress, Lucille Ball. A wife to my late Grandad, LC, for over 50 years, she is a mother to 7 children. Granny's door was always open to anyone, showing love in many ways but always seemed to be exactly how someone needed to see or feel it (whether they realized it or not). I treasure some of her jewelry pieces which include a lot of brooches!