Last year after a difficult life season (in 2020) that included the Covid-19 crisis, losing my beloved husband, a major multi-car accident and moving cross country, I finally revived enough to find myself in a new city (Chattanooga) ready to build a new life.

The good thing about being a grown woman is that I have learned my passion and my strengths and they led me back to what I have always loved - producing and supporting talented artists.

After meeting many talented creatives in the region, I saw a need and decided to start the Chattanooga Fashion Expo. My experience launching creatives, coordinating large events, along with my connections in film, music and fashion (including my work with New Orleans Fashion Week through the years) helped me to start what’s now a multi-day annual event.

But, that’s not the topic of my blog today. My topic today is resiliency.

SHANNA’S LOOKS - Styled by Chery Jordan of Runway Rebels, IG @chiccheryj * PHOTOS BY - Dennis Driscoll, IG @driscolldennis at The Cravens House in Chattanooga, Tennessee

When I found this quote from Harriet Rubin …

“The first tulips of Spring bare leaves sharp as knives to fight their way
out of the half frozen earth. There is no shame in fighting.” - Harriet Rubin

… something inside of me leaped when I read it, and I took it to our creative team who helped me to coordinate the photo shoot we’re featuring here.

The founding truths of CFE are based on fashion being best when it’s inclusive, diverse, earth friendly and forward thinking. The platform we’re building here is basically an outgrowth of what I’ve learned in the past 50 years.

2020 was difficult for many of us. Your journey may not have been the same as mine, but you may have found yourself facing new formidable struggles and having trouble finding your way. But today, I’d like to encourage you to celebrate your own resiliency.

Like me, you’ve survived the tough time and you’re still here. That alone is enough to celebrate. When I think of Spring fashion, soft pastels and florals come to mind, but that’s pre-programming. This quote reminded me that Spring comes after Winter, and it’s not weak even though it’s a season of new hope and sometimes uncomfortable growth and blossoming.

When you look back, I hope you take the time to congratulate yourself and your “closest people” for what you’ve accomplished and for your tenacity to continue on.

*No, I don’t smoke. I’m an actress. It’s a prop. :)*
SHANNA’S LOOKS - Styled by Chery Jordan of Runway Rebels, IG @chiccheryj * PHOTOS BY - Dennis Driscoll, IG @driscolldennis at The Cravens House in Chattanooga, Tennessee

I’m lucky to have a talented team of creatives in this city to work and play with, so we decided to focus on some Springtime fashion that’s not necessarily traditional (including lots of black, power outfits and mature themes), but that are still, at least in my mind, reflective of the season.

When you plan your Spring wardrobe, I hope you can include some beautiful color, some softness and some vibrancy. But, I also hope you remember to celebrate the badass that you are. And if the statement you need to make is strong or focused, don’t apologize. No one can fully understand your journey, or appreciate your battle scars like you can. So, stand tall. Be proud that you are strong. Be your best authentic self… and hey, let’s celebrate this new season and this crazy journey we call life.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during our events this year and especially during CFE 2022. I encourage you to join us. We’re building a family of fashionistas that will launch the next generation of regional designers, models, stylists, hair and makeup professionals and more.

This year’s CFE is going to be extraordinary. We’ve expanded the program even more to be four solid days from Nov 17-20, 2022 that will be packed with education, networking, entertainment, runway/showcase opportunities, mentorship, friendly competition, shopping, eating, partying and lots more. Mark your calendar now and be sure to get your tickets as soon as they’re available, because there will be limited numbers available.

FIND ME on IG @shannafromla

SHANNA’S LOOKS - Styled by Chery Jordan of Runway Rebels, IG @chiccheryj

PHOTOS BY - Dennis Driscoll, IG @driscolldennis at The Craven House in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Strength of Spring

CFE 2021 Recap by Edwina Lashan