The start of something big

Hey friend,

Remember this time last week, when I was jetting off to the Dominican Republic with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of hope? Well, I’m eager to share an "awww"-inspiring update. Thanks to your incredible support (seriously, you guys are the best!), we were able to bring big smiles and much-needed resources to the girls at Colegio Hogar Infantil Corazón de Jesús. Get ready to feel all the feels. ❤️

This trip was a true team effort, and let me tell you, I've got the best crew around. My amazing sister, Jannelle Nevels (who also happens to be our operations manager—we love a multi-talented queen), meticulously managed all the logistics. I'm talking everything from cross-referencing gift names to organizing the delivery details. Meanwhile, our awesome cousin, Andres, who lives in the DR, hooked us up with invaluable local insights, advising us on where to purchase high-quality, durable toys that'll stand the test of time. He also helped reserve the truck for transporting the gifts, generously paid for by my godfather Ney Santana. It was a real dream team.

So, the day before the big surprise, my sister and I met with Sister Edelma to plan the day. During our conversation, she told us about her ambitious plans to open a bakery at the home. This incredible initiative will not only teach the girls essential life skills but also provide a self-sustaining income. She listed the supplies they needed and mentioned their recent loan application. We knew that our donation would cover those expenses, so keeping the secret was tough! Once we spilled the beans, a wave of relief and gratitude filled the room.

Sister Edelma was so overcome with emotion that she said if she started crying, she’d “never stop.” She shared that the timing was divine and she felt we were destined to cross paths—she’d been baking small treats with the girls here and there for the community in the last few months. It was a really special moment, and it just solidified that we were exactly where we needed to be, doing exactly what we were meant to do.

The next day, the children's home was buzzing with excitement. We surprised the girls with not one, not two, but three incredible gifts: beloved toys, curly hair products graciously donated by Miss Rizos Salon (because every girl deserves to feel confident in her curls!), and a transformative $10,000 check to help make their dreams a reality. The elation was palpable, especially when the children saw the bikes—they were literally jumping with joy! One girl, who hadn't ridden a bike in years, couldn't wait to start again. Another showed me her new diary and excitedly pointed out how cool it was to have a lock (we all need a little privacy!). And another girl warmly invited me as a special guest to her graduation this June. Talk about heartwarming moments.

Looking ahead, the girls will be visiting Miss Rizos Salon on International Women's Day for a full day of pampering and an in-depth workshop on hair care…but our plans don't stop there. We're coordinating with businesses both in the DR and the States to help furnish the bakery! And rest assured, whether it's covering the cost of a smoothie machine or contributing towards other bakery supplies, we'll make sure you know exactly how your donations are being used.

But friend, there's more. The children's home has big dreams for the future. They're keen to introduce English classes, as they know that learning a new language is a super valuable skill these days. They also hope to enrich the girls' lives with exciting extracurricular activities, including photography, volleyball, and painting. These programs, along with fun field trips, will give the girls so many diverse experiences and chances to learn new things!

This whole experience has been a whirlwind of emotions, and it's added so much depth and meaning to my career pivot. It's given me a way to use my platform to shine a light on something bigger than myself. And it's proof that being an "influencer" isn't just about influencing people to buy the latest lipstick or the cutest shoes (although I do love a good shopping spree!). It's also about inspiring others to give back in big and small ways. This initiative has shown me that people genuinely want to give; often, they just need a cause to connect with. And let me tell you, connecting them with this cause has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. 🥰

Oh, and speaking of connections... when I was in the DR, I booked an Airbnb for about ten of my family members—mostly my aunts and uncles—for the weekend. It's something I often do during my visits, but what I didn't plan was for my late father's brothers to join us for the gift delivery. At first, I felt a little bad for asking them to help with the work involved, but they saw it as an honor. It was a really moving moment for me because it felt like my father was there with us in a way. One of my uncles even looks a lot like him. My father was always so generous with his time and money for family and friends, and this sweet coincidence felt like a beautiful way to honor his legacy. 

If you can contribute in any way—whether it's with donations, time, or ideas—we welcome your involvement with open arms. Your ongoing support is making a profound impact, and I can't wait to see what else we can accomplish together.

Know anyone in the bakery or restaurant industry, or someone who can lend their skills or supplies? Honestly, even just sharing this newsletter with your network can make a difference! Any support helps us grow and do more. Share your ideas and contacts and let's make an even bigger impact together.

Thank you once again for making this trip—and all that followed—a reality. I am forever grateful for your generosity and enthusiasm. Y’all are the real MVPs!

More news you can use

• The true story behind my mom narrowly becoming a nun in the DR (straight from the source).

• Is there something weird about ordering an iced coffee when it’s literally 95 degrees outside? My family thinks I’m crazy. Help me understand!

• My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. It's heartbreaking to see families lose their homes and communities face such immense challenges. I especially want to acknowledge the Black and brown communities in the affected areas, including Altadena, a place with a rich history and deep roots in the culture.
  
  Today, as the wildfires threaten lives, homes, and businesses, we need to rally around Altadena and support its residents in rebuilding their lives. If you're looking for ways to help, consider this GoFundMe directory and Las Fotos Project’s community database, which are specifically dedicated to assisting displaced families of color in Altadena.
  
  Even a small contribution can help these families get back on their feet and show them they're not alone in this difficult time. And to the brave firefighters working tirelessly to battle the flames, thank you for your courage and dedication. You are true heroes.

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Until Next Time, 

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