cabi LOVE LOCAL CLOTHING EVENT

Clothing can be a form of self-expression. In many cases, it can be used to help one find oneself. Colors, patterns, and trying out different styles can make a huge difference in self-esteem and overall confidence. Clothes have a story to tell, and so do the people wearing them like Family Scholar House participants Kwanita and Dia. They both had the honor of being professionally styled at the cabi Love Local Clothing event and below are their stories. 

Kwanita found FSH through her stepsister after living with several families as a child. She is so thankful to FSH for the stability it brings. Kwanita is going to school for Human Resources at Jefferson Community and Technical College and is expected to graduate in a year. After that, she plans to go to Sullivan to continue her education. Her overall aspiration is to be employed as a recruiter.  Kwanita loves helping people find their full potential and helping them grow into exactly who they are meant to be. 

cabi allowed Kwanita to dive into a passion of hers – designer clothes – in a fun, kind atmosphere. The stylists were incredibly welcoming, and the environment was one of warmth and comfort. Kwanita tried on several items, yet the whole experience was seamless. The outfits she can be worn to all occasions. Kwanita is preparing to go to a BEYA (Black Engineer of the Year) conference for STEM in Baltimore, and while there, she plans to wear one of her new outfits to an award ceremony. These outfits are more than something to wear to a ceremony, though. These outfits helped  Kwanita’s confidence radiate, and most importantly, reminded her of her full potential—which she one day hopes to do for others. 

Similarly, Dia was also positively impacted by cabi, but first, let’s get to know her. Dia found Family Scholar House through our staff member, Thomas. Dia was living on UofL’s campus while struggling to pay her bills. FSH has been a saving grace for her, and the kindness she has experienced here is refreshing. Dia will study Business Administration at Jefferson Community and Technical College this fall. She hopes to tie her art side and business together in her future career. 

Dia went to cabi’s local clothing event to be styled; she knew the women there wouldn’t let her walk out in a plain t-shirt. Immediately upon entrance, the stylists there were pumping her up. She felt so supported in that environment. Dia’s favorite piece was a houndstooth pattern; she immediately picked it out because she had previously seen it in Elle Magazine. Similarly, her favorite aspect of the event was the interactiveness and the overwhelming support she got from the staff. That made the event so welcoming and special for her. Dia’s experience and the clothes she got at the cabi event have helped immensely with her confidence. Dia usually wears baggy clothes that hide her features because they’re most comfortable. Thanks to the stylist she’s comfortable experimenting with more form-fitting outfits and patterns. The stylist helped her see herself in a different light. She walks and talks differently, and with new tips and tricks taught by the cabi stylist, Dia feels like she can take on the world! She plans to wear her new clothes everywhere, even at the grocery store. To her, these clothes aren’t just clothes. They are garments of self-representation and hope, pieces of herself to show to the world. A life lesson Dia learned from the cabi event is to not be afraid of new styles and colors, and most importantly, to not be afraid to try something new.