From aspiring actress to fashion designer.

How one ends up in their career is always such an interesting story. Gianni Versace was an architect before he found his love for fashion design. Coco Chanel was a cabaret singer. 

The recent events of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements put a spotlight on my own journey of becoming a designer.

Early on, I used the halls of my high school as a catwalk formy fashion experiments. I created elaborate outfits for each character and tested the potency of their effect. So, it was no surprise that after design school, I ended up in Los Angeles as an actress on a network Soap Opera. (Passions)

For several years, I juggled auditions, acting classes and periodic work with starting and building a fashion line. The following event solidified my choice in choosing fashion over acting.

A somewhat powerful producer invited me to a party to his house where I quickly realized I was the party. There was nobody else present. The proposition on the table, “Sleep with me and I will help you in Hollywood.” In a very matter of fact, nonchalant voice as if this proposal was a casual offering that I’m sure has been made to numerous other actresses. I remember driving away sobbing because morally, I could not justify the means to the end.

This experience confused me, coming from Romania where bribery and sexual favors were openly displayed. I was surprised to have this kind of experience in America. My family had traveled a long way to escape this kind of misuse of power. 

I made a resolution to work even harder to succeed in fashion. Most of the buyers I was dealing with were women that owned their own businesses. As I grew my business I felt I was in control of my career and no matter how difficult certain moment seemed, I considered myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to start a business in this country. In Romania, starting a business would have never even be an option. 

 
The #METOO conversation taking place at this moment - is truly the backbone of what I believe America is all about: freedom of  speech.