09/16/2026
This weekend, I had one of the most amazing experiences: watching one of my children’s dreams come true. She walked New York Fashion Week NYFW - shout out to Tina Tatum -Model Agent Art Hearts Fashion Erik Rosete Dr. Mark Gunter-Mark G. for making it happen.
The lights came up & my darling daughter, Asha stepped out in stunning gown after gown . In moments - the entire audience forgot to breathe. I forgot to breathe. Silence. My heart stopped as tears filled my eyes. Then all at once you could hear the shutters of 100s of cameras clicking rapidly.
Since before she was in double digits, my daughter has dreamt of the fashion world. She’s loved everything about it. She designed a collection of gowns before she knew what couture meant, or even how to say it.
Let me tell you a little bit about my daughter… In second grade, her teacher told me she was the defender of all underdogs. In fourth grade, she was the protector to those being bullied.
She’s always the first one at the door when new students arrive, welcoming them and making them feel comfortable and included. She looks for the ones who need a friend, and she steps in.
Every year, every single teacher comments on her kindness, her compassion, and her dedication to her schoolwork.
Last year, one of her teachers named her Student of the Year. As a junior! The teacher cited all of these things: kind, compassionate, generous to a fault, and simply brilliant.
You can see from the flood of pictures I’ve shared that my daughter is absolutely beautiful.
What I really want you to know is that she’s just as beautiful on the inside. She has a true & pure heart of gold and bright beyond her years.
In a hard industry, she’s still the girl who looks for the person standing alone.
Asha - I am, as ever proud of you. I love you.
Now - back to food :) Dress Rian Fernandez Atelier photo hart.of.photography hair Kalisha Rivera makeup by jay // IE mua & hairstylist