Dia Ates

DesignerSan Francisco, CAStory & Photography by Lauri Levenfeld

Dia Ates is in the business of making the world a better place. Through her uncanny design aesthetics and techniques and her unwavering commitment and connection to her clients, Ates creates fashion and architecture that surpass the wildest of expectations, fantasies and imagination. Her work channels the artisans of the old world and her mentality for how and what she creates, the same. But Dia’s adds a modern day twist, going deeper with her designs and  her desires to create a company that not only gives back, but will build infrastructure, encourage entrepreneurship and navigate the development of artisanal skills in communities across the developing world. With just over a week to go before her first runway show and the soft launch of her fashion line benefiting over 27 charities, Dia tells her story of sleepless nights and dyed peacock feathers.

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Becky Straw

For The Adventure ProjectNew York, New YorkPhotos & Story by Lauri LevenfeldMakeup & Hair by Irmina Martinez Loeffler

As a mom I am always thinking of the best way to support, love and provide for my child. Having the ability to do so is the single biggest gift of my lifetime. I am honored today to tell the story of Becky Straw, a woman who is not a mom (yet!), but has dedicated her life’s work to giving not only the gift of life to so many children around the world, but also the training and skill set needed to the moms and the women of the Uganda community giving them

opportunity to provide for their children while elevating their individual sense of worth and confidence. With Mother’s Day around the corner (see campaign below), I can’t think of anything I would rather gift myself, a friend, or my mother than the opportunity to support a woman and child by creating a sustainable system within a community for all to not only survive, but thrive.

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Nigella Lawson

for Simply NigellaLondon, UKPhotos & Story by Lauri Levenfeld

Journalist, broadcaster, food enthusiast,  television personality and celebrity chef, Nigella Lawson has made a career out of her enjoyment of food and making cooking an expression and engagement of life. The domestic goddess has fans in women and men alike, as Lawson approaches food in a relaxed, uncomplicated manner and draws pleasure from all sides of cooking- the prepping, the making and the eating. Where most people control their lives through the ways that they eat, Nigella celebrates the balance, the joy, and necessity of food. She sees food as not only a vital source of life, but as a playful and hopeful way to connect with family, friends and life as a whole. Her latest book, Simply Nigella, celebrates this movement creating food that makes everyone feel good and TPFW gets some great new recipes via this talented lady.

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Maia McDonald Smith

Art Director of Rue MagazineSan Francisco, CAPhotography by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Lauri Levenfeld

In my line of work I am constantly using Pinterest to create mood boards for shoot ideas and styling inspiration. So when we locked in the creator of the art and design blog Design Conundrum and Art Director of Rue Magazine, Maia MacDonald Smith, I knew I wanted to bring a Fall inspiration story from pins to life. You can see all the magic we created via my post on Style Me Pretty today. And here is the inspirational story of a new mom and one true creative extraordinaire.

 

I’m a new mom, the Art Director at Rue Magazine and freelance designer who occasionally finds the time to blog at Design Conundrum.

I worked for years as a graphic designer for Shopbop.com and Williams Sonoma. I got tired of the corporate environment, and so, two years ago I took the leap and started my own freelance design business. Now I get to work with great clients like Rue Magazine and I love it! Working for myself from home also allows me more time to spend with my daughter, which is exactly what I wanted.

 

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Jill Dailey

Founder of Dailey MethodSAN ANSELMO, CAPhotography by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Lauri Levenfeld

The Dailey Method is definitely known in San Francisco and worldwide as one of the most effective and quickest ways to change your body shape and tone. Two months after having Harley, I decided to commit to these no-nonsense workouts (just 2x a week) and was joyfully overwhelmed with how fast my post-pregnancy body took back ownership of my pre-baby shape. Jill Dailey started her practice and business on just this premise, to empower women by strengthening their bodies, minds and confidence. Jill shares her story of how she built her business from her first client into a worldwide operation and franchise company and a few tips/ exercises for getting started on alignment and strength at home.

 

I am the founder of The Dailey Method Barre Studios. I am a mother of three children, a wife, a teacher, a friend and a sister.

I started my journey as a dancer.  In college I was drawn towards anatomy and physiology classes and realized I loved learning about the human body. This led me a degree in kinesiology. 

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Lauren Podoll

Co-Founder & Designer for The PodollsSAN FRANCISCO,CAPhotography by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Lauri Levenfeld

I had heard so many good things about Lauren. And when we met, I realized all are true. Lauren is an exceptional visionary with a crystal clear definition of detail and understanding in every aspect of her life. This understanding and acknowledgement is from deep and conscious roots, as everything she designs and curates comes from a place of respect, care, and consideration for her community and the world around her. A sentiment expressed perfectly in  the hangtag of each garment she crafts. Lauren gives her list of favorite eco brands and great tips on becoming more green. And don’t forget to head over afterwards for my fun Q&A with our celebrity TMP moms at Style Me Pretty Living.

 

I am Lauren Berdell Podoll-designer; mother; entrepreneur; Bay Area native; only child; Leo; yogi; lover of travel, dance, cookbooks, astrology, massage and Rumi.

My husband Josh and I are the team behind The Podolls, a women’s clothing line and flagship store in Burlingame, CA. We have been designing clothing for about ten years and recently launched our children’s collection, podots, when we opened our retail store last Fall.

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Galina Sobolev

Fashion DesignerPhotography by Lauri LevenfeldStory by Lauri Levenfeld

Galina is that bit of sunshine everyone needs in their life. Her positivity and light radiate from every ounce of her and from everything she does. She immediately befriends you, listens to you, wants to help you, mentor you, and connect you. She is a woman who loves and supports all women. I felt this all via our first phone call. And then I saw her in person; the beauty, the energy, and the love for her family. I knew right then she was the full package.

My name is Galina Sobolev. I am a happy, hardworking career mom of three incredible kids. I own a contemporary clothing company called Single by Galina Sobolev. And my children and my husband are my greatest achievements in life.

I love what I do. I have been creating clothing since I was six years old. I started with my dolls and continued on to people. My company is based in Los Angeles and everything we create is one hundred percent made in USA. We support the local community and our downtown factories wholeheartedly. I am blessed to have met so many incredible people in this town and to be considered a fashion insider and expert is quite a treat.

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