Kimi Ellwein grew up in the wide-open spaces of North Dakota, far from the fashion capitals of the world. Yet, even as a young girl, Kimi knew that fashion was more than just clothes—it was a way to express who you are. Today, she’s a sought-after personal stylist who helps others discover their authentic selves through what they wear. “Your personal brand starts with your appearance,” Kimi says, and she believes that style is a powerful tool in shaping how you see yourself and how others perceive you.

Kimi’s upbringing on a sixth-generation farm might seem like an unlikely start for someone who now navigates the fashion scenes of Chicago. But it was there, in the quiet of the countryside, that her creativity took root. “There’s nothing to interrupt you,” she explains. “Your imagination just runs wild.” Surrounded by nature, Kimi developed a deep appreciation for beauty and form, which she now brings to her work in the city.

Despite her rural beginnings, Kimi always knew she was destined for something different. Her parents instilled in her a love for art and culture, taking her on trips to museums and exposing her to different ways of life. This early exposure ignited a passion in her that couldn’t be contained by the small town she grew up in. “I always knew I was going to leave,” she reflects, not out of dissatisfaction, but because her ambitions and curiosities demanded it.

Moving to Chicago was a transformative experience for Kimi. It was here that she began to fully explore and embrace her identity, both in fashion and in life. She describes herself as having “lived many lives,” and her style is a reflection of that evolution. Whether she’s donning a bold, multi-colored dress or a sleek, tailored suit, Kimi’s outfits tell the story of her journey—one of growth, exploration, and self-discovery.

Kimi’s approach to styling others is as thoughtful as her own journey. She understands that not everyone is ready to jump into a bold new look. “It’s usually more of a slow build-up,” she says. She likens the process to sculpting a marble statue, slowly revealing the beauty within. “You start to reveal your beautiful marble statue of what you already knew,” she explains. It’s about taking small steps towards a bigger vision, one that reflects who you are on the inside.

One of Kimi’s recent experiences reminded her of why she loves what she does. A fellow stylist encouraged her to try on a top that was outside her usual style. Initially hesitant, Kimi took a leap of faith and ended up loving the piece. “You saw the vision before I did,” she later told her friend. This experience reinforced Kimi’s belief that sometimes, all it takes is a little push to see yourself in a new light.

In a city like Chicago, where Midwestern values meet urban sophistication, Kimi stands out. She brings a unique perspective to the city’s fashion scene, one that combines the openness of the countryside with the edginess of the city. Her style is both approachable and aspirational, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

Kimi’s philosophy is simple: style is about more than just following trends. It’s about finding what resonates with you and building a wardrobe that reflects your true self. “When you start to have those moments and you actually stop and recognize them, you can start to build your collection,” she advises. Whether it’s a bold print or a classic piece, the key is to choose items that make you feel confident and authentic.

In the end, Kimi believes that personal style is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about trying new things, taking risks, and not being afraid to stand out. “Life is too short to be miserable,” she says. Whether it’s changing careers or trying on a hot pink jacket, Kimi encourages everyone to take that leap of faith. After all, you never know where it might lead.

D'nia Defrance’s story is one that resonates on many levels, a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of embracing who you are. From her early days on the South Side of Chicago, D'nia always had a keen sense of style. Her mother, a creative force in the fashion scene, taught her how to craft something out of nothing, using hand-me-downs and her natural flair to create unique looks. But D'nia’s journey to becoming a model wasn’t straightforward. It was marked by a deep-seated lack of confidence and a struggle to see herself as beautiful.

Growing up, D'nia often felt like the black sheep, especially in comparison to her twin sister. As the darkest-skinned member of her family, she grappled with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. In high school, she was pushed into modeling opportunities, but her lack of confidence made her hesitant to step into the spotlight. “I didn't want people to look at me,” she reflects, recalling how she was scared to be seen.

Yet, through the gentle encouragement of family and friends, D'nia began to take those first tentative steps into the world of modeling. College became a turning point. What started as a reluctant endeavor slowly blossomed into a platform for her to confront her fears and grow into her own. “I pushed myself to do it, to see myself more,” D'nia shares. The process was uncomfortable, but it was also transformative. Modeling became a way for her to shed the skin of insecurity, one photo shoot at a time.

As D'nia’s confidence grew, so did her love for herself. She began to embrace her features, her unique beauty, and her style. No longer was she hiding behind oversized clothes or avoiding high heels to downplay her height. Now, she dresses to express who she truly is, unafraid to show off her shape and flaunt her figure. “I just enjoy my figure,” she says, with a sense of pride that wasn’t always there.

D'nia’s evolution from a shy, self-conscious young woman to a confident, self-assured model is a testament to the power of self-awareness. She firmly believes that knowing yourself is the key to overcoming low self-esteem. “Self-awareness heals low self-esteem,” she emphasizes, a mantra that has become central to her life and her work with others.

Today, D'nia uses her platform not just to model, but to inspire. She works with young children, encouraging them to embrace who they are, just as she has learned to do. “Just learn yourself and be yourself,” she advises, words that she wishes she could have heard as a young girl. For D'nia, the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, but she’s come to a place where she can finally say, “I love who I am right now.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that beauty starts from within. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s mold, but about breaking free from the expectations of others and defining yourself on your own terms. D'nia’s journey is not just about fashion or modeling; it’s about the courage to be seen as you truly are and the confidence to stand tall in your own skin.

D'nia Defrance is more than just a model—she’s a role model. Her journey of self-acceptance and empowerment is one that can inspire anyone to look in the mirror and see their own beauty, not as the world defines it, but as they define it for themselves. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of what we should be, D'nia’s story is a breath of fresh air, a reminder that the most important thing we can be is ourselves.

Raj Patel’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s heart, even when the road ahead is uncertain. From his early days in India, where soccer was his first love, to becoming a sought-after fashion designer for Bollywood and Hollywood stars, Raj’s journey is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Raj began his career in a way many wouldn’t expect—on the soccer field. A talented player, he dreamed of making it big in a country where soccer wasn’t a popular career choice. But life had other plans for him. When his soccer aspirations didn’t materialize, he turned to his other passion: art. This pivot led him to participate in India’s National Drawing Competition, where he excelled and discovered a new direction for his creativity.

However, the transition from soccer to fashion wasn’t straightforward. Raj’s parents, like many, wanted him to follow a more traditional career path. They encouraged him to become an engineer, but Raj’s heart wasn’t in it. After struggling through engineering school and realizing it wasn’t for him, he made the bold decision to pursue fashion design—a choice that initially put him at odds with his family.

"Just stick with your dream. Just follow your heart," Raj advises, reflecting on those challenging times. His words are a reminder that pursuing one’s passion often requires courage, especially when it goes against the expectations of loved ones. For Raj, this meant convincing his parents that fashion was a legitimate career path, which took time and patience.

Raj’s determination eventually paid off. His talent in drawing and design caught the eye of his uncle, who owned a textile mill. Although his uncle initially took advantage of his skills without compensation, this experience provided Raj with invaluable training in the textile industry. Over time, he became proficient in various aspects of fashion design, from pattern making to fabric selection.

His big break came when he attended Lakmé Fashion Week, India’s premier fashion event. There, he showcased his portfolio to two prominent designers, both of whom offered him jobs on the spot. Raj chose to work with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, two of India’s most renowned designers, where he designed clothes for celebrities like Beyoncé and JLo. "When you see your design worn by someone like Beyoncé, every bit of hard work is worth it," Raj recalls with pride.

Despite his success in India, Raj’s journey didn’t stop there. He moved to Chicago and enrolled at Columbia College to further hone his skills. Initially met with skepticism from his professor, who told him he was wasting his time in school, Raj didn’t let this deter him. Instead, he used the opportunity to master digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, which became integral to his design process.

Today, Raj is the founder of Karmic Couture, a fashion brand that has been featured in numerous publications and showcased at prestigious fashion weeks across the globe. His story is not just about following a dream but also about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to reinvent oneself. Raj’s advice to others who want to break into the fashion industry is simple yet profound: "Take feedback from everyone, but always follow your heart and instincts."

In a world where it’s easy to lose sight of one’s passions amid societal expectations, Raj’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is often found by those who dare to stay true to themselves. His story is not just for aspiring fashion designers but for anyone who faces the challenge of choosing between what’s expected of them and what they truly want to do.

As Raj looks ahead to Chicago Fashion Week and other upcoming projects, his story continues to inspire. For those who feel torn between following their dreams and fulfilling obligations, Raj’s life is proof that it’s possible to carve out a path that honors both personal passions and professional success.