Christiana Crawley
Fashion Designer
My journey from war-torn Sierra Leone West Africa to America was filled with many unexpected twists and turns. At the age of 12 I was taken from my family, and thrust into a foreign land, seeking refuge and a promise of a better life. However, the transition was far from smooth. I soon found myself in an abusive situation that led me to the foster care system. This period of my life was filled with challenges that tested my spirit, but increased my faith.
Being an African girl in a new place with people that did not look like me, caused me to have a deep insecurity about my appearance. The contrast between my features and those around me was a constant reminder that I did not fit in. It did not help that bullying was involved. It started eroding my self-confidence. This struggle with self-image followed me into adulthood, particularly after becoming a mother. The physical transformations caused by having a baby further complicated my relationship with my body, making the journey toward self-love seem insurmountable. However, it was through these trials that I began to draw closer to God, finding solace and strength in my faith.
My relationship with God became the cornerstone of my healing, guiding me towards a path of self-acceptance and love. It was in this spiritual journey that I discovered the power of recognizing my worth as a child of God. This realization was the key to embracing myself fully, and recognizing my true value beyond physical appearances. My passion for self-love and acceptance was ignited by this personal transformation. I became committed to empowering other women to embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing.
As I pursue my passion, and build this company, I envision a community where women uplift each other, celebrating the unique beauty and strength that each one of us possesses. It is my desire for every woman to look in their closet and choose something to wear that not only adorns their body but also serves as armor, empowering them to face the world with confidence, feeling beautiful, sophisticated, and, above all, valued. This vision is rooted in the belief that we are all daughters of God, created in His image and deserving of love and respect.
By fostering a community of supportive women, we can create a sanctuary of healing and empowerment. Together, we can share our stories, bear each other’s burdens, and celebrate our victories. Through prayer, fellowship, and mutual support, we draw closer to God and to each other, strengthening our faith and our resolve to overcome any obstacle.
I invite you to join this sisterhood, a community of women dedicated to lifting each other up, and finding strength in our shared faith and experiences. Let’s walk this journey together, hand in hand, heart to heart, as we discover our true worth and beauty in the eyes of God. It is a path with challenges, but with faith and the support of our sisters, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Together we can emerge from this journey, more confident, more faithful, and living our life to the fullest.
Always remember, you are worth it! You are special! And I am here for you.
With Love, Christiana