Our Story
Our story began seven years ago. I was lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center’s annual prom for teen patients. This prom creates a special memory that may have been taken away by cancer or blood disorders. Teens fighting cancer have extremely weak immune systems, which prevents them from experiencing many life events. On the day of the prom, the teens get pampered, getting their hair and makeup done and putting on beautiful dresses. I was amazed at how much they lit up and glowed after their transformations. It changed their confidence immediately. After a few years of organizing fashion shows and leading photo shoots, I had a vision that would not leave my heart.
I could bring together my passions of giving back and fashion to create another opportunity for these teens to feel beautiful and confident.
Check out this video to learn about our beginnings!
The Dell Children’s CBCC Fashion Show was founded in 2015. To our surprise, it was such a hit with the teens, families, and clinic staff. We have since put on ten fashion shows, with hundreds of people in attendance. The teens model clothes from local boutiques and designers, receive the best treatment from local top makeup and hair teams, and are gifted swag bags full of amazing donated items. We are so honored to have the support of Austin businesses that contribute to making the event magical. In the past, we have even had donations from Tiffany & Co.
I saw how huge a difference helping these teens feel good could make for their hearts.
When we put ourselves “together” in hair, makeup, and a great outfit, we feel good and stand a little taller in that confidence. I truly believe that when we feel good, we look good, and that has amazing power. Beautifully Loved brings this belief to children fighting cancer. These kids often feel pressured to look like or be a certain way, and it can be so difficult. We want to help relieve that pressure and help these kids feel amazing. We also wanted to help the mothers fighting right alongside their babies, who have no energy or time to think about themselves. We give them the chance to feel amazing. We remind them that we care, and that they truly are beautiful and worthy of feeling good.
After the success of the fashion show, I decided that we could do more. As a community, we can make a difference because there are so many generous, kind, big-hearted people and businesses that want to give back. With the help of the Austin Community Foundation, we are able to bring love to families who are fighting pediatric cancer and childhood illnesses.
Our goal is to create experiences for patients and their families that build confidence and self-love through wellness, beauty, and fashion.
We host monthly events and raise funds to help support these hopes. Together we can make a difference, big or small. We can be a voice of love. We will stand next to those fighting the fight. We can change lives.
