Valour Lifestyle Spring Edition

Shirt, Udel; Dress, £1,170, Rebecca Vallance @ Mytheresa

Remy Cropped Jacket Palm Jacquard, £490; Remy 50s Midi Skirt Palm Jacquard, £750, Both Suzannah London; Ribbed Shirt, Yakira Bella

Dress, $118, Yakira Bella

EDITOR’S PICKS

(L-R)

Embellished dress, £2,995, Huishan Zhang at Net-A-Porter; Blazer, $128, River Island; Cushion, $24.99, H&M; Draped dress, $149, &OtherStories; Bag, $98, Anthropologie; Necklace, $45.99, Mango; Shoes, $215, Sezane; Trainers, £150, Onitsuka Tiger; Skirt, $149, &OtherStories; Fascinator, $139, Karen Millen; Top, $159, &OtherStories; Dress, $1,490, Victoria Beckham @ Net-A-Porter; Bangle, $32, Oliver Bonas.

Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Dalya Eichler (right) is a student at Stern College for Women in New York, pursuing a degree in Media Studies with a minor in Studio Art. With a lifelong passion for writing, art, and fashion, she blends creativity with storytelling in every project she undertakes. As a staff writer and photographer for the school’s newspaper, she captures both the visual and narrative essence of campus life. Through her work, Dalya explores the intersection of culture, design, and the written word, and she looks forward to continuing to shape her craft in the worlds of journalism and visual arts.

Shiri Feldman (right) As a multifaceted creative, Shiri Feldman Studio draws inspiration from a diverse background in the arts, including her artist grandmother. With a lifelong passion for creativity and design, Shiri has explored a variety of mediums, including floral design, interior design, set design, and food design. This breadth of experience has allowed her to develop a unique style that blends different elements and perspectives to create stunning and memorable works of art. Whether she’s working on commercial projects or fine art pieces, Shiri’s focus is always on quality and authenticity. Through her work, she aims to tell stories that resonate with viewers and captures the beauty of the world around us. https://www. shirifeldman.com/ contact info @shiri.Feldman.studios And email shirifeldman@yhaoo.com

Naomi Coccio (below) is a Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer with a passion for creativity and strategy. She loves helping businesses build a strong presence through thoughtful branding and communication. As part of Valour Lifestyle Magazine, she contributes to expanding its reach and impact worldwide. For inquiries, you can reach her at naomicoccio@gmail. com

Rajaa Lemnari (left) is a photographer based in Marrakech, Morocco. She has been in the industry for almost five years, working across different types of photography, but she’s most drawn to fashion editorials. Her style is minimalistic, and she loves blending fashion with her local culture and mixing different cultures together. Whilst fashion is a huge inspiration, she also draws a lot from the architecture, colours, and people she encounters every day.

Instagram: @Rajaalemnari, Email:lemnarirajaa@gmail.com

Contact Number: +212635632135

Chava With 20+ years of experience in design and creative roles, working with ad agencies, national newspapers, and private clients in a highly demanding, fast turnaround social media and publishing environment, Chava can create the right design for you within your budget and timeframe. Experienced in working with senior management, managing a design team, and researching and communicating with different business sectors, Chava delivers a wide variety of projects, from raising brand awareness to getting customers through the door to make a purchase. skyflycreative@gmail.com 07446662348

Yissca Weisz (right)

Intrigued by the human condition and its expression through writing, Yissca studied English Literature at University College London. Always an avid reader, Yissca has sifted through manuscripts at literary agency The Blair Partnership, in search of the next bestseller. She has contributed to various publications, including the Observer in New York, and Jewish history magazine Segula in Israel. With a keen eye for detail and sensitive to the pulse around her, Yissca conveys on the page what is experienced within.

MEET & GREET

Some of the faces behind the scenes of this Season’s edition

Kayley Finegold (above) With a degree in 3D Design followed by a few years working in Communications, Kayley used the opportunity of a career break during lockdown to explore creative writing and started building experience and ambitions of work within the writing and publishing industry. She lives in Borehamwood and is learning how to balance the responsibilities of looking after a young family alongside a career. kayleyk92@gmail.com, @kayley -AF on Twitter and insta

Malky Rosner, (above) CEO & Head Stylist of Anmour Media, provides expert photoshoot production services for fashion brands and beyond. With 10+ years of experience, her team delivers seamless productions, crafting unique brand campaigns through styling, photography, and videography. @anmour.media 1-845-641-1540. malkyrosner@gmail.com

Rebecca (above) began her career in education, fuelling her passion of bringing learning to life for her students. When her family made the move to Israel, she decided to pivot and explore the world of graphic design. After taking the time to properly educate herself, she was eager to jump in. Rebecca loves creating designs with a clean and modern aesthetic, creating a connection between the reader and the page. www.rebeccakornbluth.com/

Karen Epstein (left) is a fashion and beauty photographer from Brooklyn, NYC. Profoundly inspired by her 80’s-90’s California upbringing, sci-fi movies & books, long nights of dancing to anything with bass and obsessed with fashion history & culture, Karen employs whimsical lighting, unique staging and creative vision to build worlds within worlds. https://www.eekphoto.com

Racquel Reinman has always been passionate about fashion and art, eventually finding her calling in the fashion and personal beauty arena. Prior to graduating Nina MUA Makeup School NYC as a certified makeup artist in 2015, she received certification in fashion design and colour theory from The New School/ Parsons. Her talents in art lie most prominently in the areas of shading and light, and she brings all these strengths and talents to her role as a professional makeup artist for studio, lifestyle, fashion and beauty shoots. Racquel’s mission is to offer her clients everything they need in order to make it the most pleasant experience possible. She uses only the best equipment, techniques, tools and technology to ensure that she treats her clients with the upmost care. Instagram: @racquelmakeup

Vanessa Aaron graduated with an MSc from the London School of Economics in 1997, before moving into high level public relations and events management. In Singapore, she worked for the National University of Singapore and the Economic Development Board. After relocating to London, she worked for The Informa Group and Barnet council in marketing and web content. Over Covid, she set up her successful Instagram account @simplenquick showcasing flavourful recipes. In addition to her work with Valour Lifestyle, she has now taken on Copy writing, editing and proofreading for clients . Contact her at 07947278901 or vanessasaaron@gmail.com

COVER STORY, A Passion for Jewellery by Jen K; Photography by Karen Epstein Creative Director: Shiri Feldman Floral Design: Shiri Feldman

Dress, Yakira bella

Morocco Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Styling Malky Rosner

Photography by Rajaa Lemnari

Makeup by Racquel Reinman

Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Makeup by Racquel Reinman

Shirt, Udel; Dress, $555, Self Portrait @ Mytheresa

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dear Readers,

Spring is the season of renewal – when nature awakes and transformation takes centre stage. This spring edition captures the remarkable transformation that has unfolded within the Jewish world over the past year and a half. Jewish businesses have forged deeper bonds, standing united in purpose and pride. Women like Elizabeth Sutton have committed to working exclusively with Jewish vendors: ‘For me, the lesson from October 7th was that we need to create a self-sustaining ecosystem because we have officially seen how the world can feel about us,’ she shared.

Across the globe, Jewish women are embracing their Jewish roots with newfound passion, strengthening their connection to mitzvot and tradition. Jen K has created a unique bracelet line in honour of the Bibas family, with the proceeds dedicated to building a playground in Israel. Meanwhile, Rahel Nakache began to design her line of modest accessories as a tribute to a fallen cousin. Countless businesses have stepped forward, offering their time, resources, and generosity to uplift those in need.

Around the world, Jewish pride has grown, and the power of Jewish women has grown with it. We stand together - stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever. Now is the time to build our own platforms, our own spaces, in a world where so many others no longer welcome us. It is up to us to cultivate an environment where we can share our common values, celebrate our identities, and elevate one another.

This season’s photoshoot took place in Morocco, a land of rich culture, mesmerising colours, and breathtaking landscapes. Its bold hues stirred our creativity, giving rise to striking images and radiant looks. Moroccan cuisine, much like its architecture, is a vibrant tapestry of flavoursdeeply spiced, full of warmth, and steeped in history, as you will discover in our recipe section. Morocco felt like the perfect setting to reflect the beauty and transformation of the Jewish nation. We may come from different places, walk different paths, but when we unite, we create something extraordinary that will endure forever.

Love Chaya and Zahava, Editors

Zahava Mimran was born in the UK and currently lives in Charleston, S.C.

With a passion for reading and writing, she loves getting inspiration from all of the gifted women who are a part of this magazine. She also very much enjoys getting to know some of the incredible and talented women who live in our communities, and having a chance to hear and share their voices and stories. You can get in touch with her through Valour Lifestyle at contact@valourlifestyle.co.uk

Chaya Baumgarten trained by the London College of Style, Chaya Baumgarten felt that there was a need in the Jewish community for a high-end women’s fashion and lifestyle brand, and thus Valour Lifestyle was born. The brand has since become the face of Jewish women who are interested in inspiration, growth, fashion and talent. With years of experience in fashion, marketing and branding, you can contact her or find out more at www.valourstyle. co.uk. Follow on Instagram @Valour lifestyle

Stones of Healing SARIT SHAER

By: Zahava Mimran

Sarit Shaer never planned on becoming a healer. But when she was around 34 years old, after the birth of her sixth child, she went to get a beracha from a big Chassidic Rebbe. She had known him for years, and she requested his insight on how she could tap into her tafkid – her purpose in life. He told her, ‘So, now I can tell you that you have a tafkid to heal people.’

‘I was working at a bank at the time,’ Sarit tells me. ‘Way left field.’ Yet Sarit had always been very intuitive. She knew that she had been born with a gift of being able to feel things, such as whether someone was pregnant, what they would name the child, or whether it would be a girl or a boy. If someone was sick, she was able to feel it. ‘And my mother actually has healing hands,’ she says. ‘Like, if my mom puts her hands on your pain, it just goes away. And I knew that I had that too, but I didn't know you could make a career out of it.’

Whilst Sarit understood a little about natural medicines, when she or her children were sick, she would be at the doctor's office getting antibiotics. She knew so little about the world of healers that she was taken aback when her Rebbe told her this.

recalls. ‘The Rav of the shul began sending everyone to me, other shuls heard about it – people in all the way in LA heard about it! It was like Hashem sent me miracles from client number one.’ And after that client, Sarit had another four or five with similar success stories. ‘I always laugh about my first year of work. I had such insane miracles that Hashem just threw at me as a gift, just to keep me in the business and to get my name out. Because it's not real life. As a healer, you have to have a lot of sessions, you have to work through things, and the clients have to do work. The kind of stories I had the first year never repeated themselves again. It was just Hashem’s way of breaking me into the business and spreading my name so that I wouldn’t leave, because had I had any resistance at all, I would never have done this.’

"Hashem sent me miracles from client number one"

But the Rebbe coached her and encouraged her, guiding her on which courses to take and what to study. Over the next two years, whilst still holding down her day job, she was taking healing classes at night. When she was through, she mentioned to the Rav of their Shul that she was willing to see people for free. Her first client was a girl who was in terrible pain from a huge cyst on her ovaries. The doctors were recommending surgery, yet they were hesitant to do it for fear of affecting her ability to have children.

She came in for a session, yet Sarit had no idea how to help her – how to use her knowledge in practice. She told the girl to lie on the bed, and then she closed her eyes and tried to heal her, using everything she had learnt about healing in her two years of studying. When she had finished, the girl told her, ‘It doesn’t hurt so much.’ Sarit told her to go back and do another ultrasound. The scan came back clean - the cyst was completely gone.

‘It turned out to be this Baba Sali story in the shul,’ Sarit

It was only after a year, with Sarit fully established as a healer, that things started to fall into a more normal therapeutic pattern. Now, whilst she also does analytical reflexology and 3D healing, Sarit is most known for her crystal healing. ‘I have like four or five hundred different crystals and stones, which represent different emotions, and people come, and they just choose them. They don't say anything about themselves, not medically, not emotionally - nothing.’ But based on what they’re drawn to, Sarit can tell what they are missing, and can then tap into their subconscious and see the different traumas that they went through.

‘And honestly, people are just blown away,’ Sarit admits. For Sarit can read details about clients’ childhoods, their relationship with their mother - their entire life story. But Sarit is also very quick to state, ‘For me, it's not coming from this spiritual Kabbalistic place. I'm not a mekubal.’ In fact, Sarit sees her healing skills as a science - as merely intuition, just very well developed. ‘I think anyone can learn it - you just have to study it and learn to trust your intuition. The more you work with people, the more experience you have, and the more your intuition opens.’

And by now, Sarit has this science down to a science. With people lining up to see her, she conducts appointments both in person and on zoom. She also travels regularly to America

and has been around the world seeing people. It's a busy life, and it’s difficult to leave her children, but Sarit somehow manages it all. As she tells me early on in the conversation, ‘People always say to me, “You’re so calm”, and I’m like, “I don’t have time to be stressed”’. But even more importantly, Sarit explains that her Rav always pushed her to do it. ‘He always told me, “This is your Avoda. You don't have a choiceyou have to see people.” He pushed me initially, and he pushes me all the time to do more.’

And different though it seemed at first, Sarit loves her job. The mystery of what stones her clients will choose, what she can read into their choices, the stories behind them; it’s a creative job which never gets boring. And obviously, the results are a big impetus for her - the people managing to finally get engaged, fall pregnant, heal and succeed. Sarit’s love for her clients is tangible as she explains, ‘I am seeing someone who has cancer right now, and Baruch Hashem, we just got a scan that was clean.’ Or in another amazing story, Sarit tells me: ‘I saw a girl recently who had been waiting five years already to have children. And from the stones she took, right away, I saw that there was a Hakpadah – a grudge against her. And I checked to see with my intuition, and I told her “I see your father-in-law didn't want you to come to Israel for your husband to learn. He wanted you to stay in the U.S.” And she said, “Yeah,” and I said, “He's holding it against you”. She went to say sorry to him and we did a tikun. It took a few sessions until we really cleared it with papers and maps, and took it out of her system and now, four sessions later, she's pregnant.’

It seems like magic, but Sarit is honest about her success rate. ‘I would say that I have an 85% success rate. Like, there's that 15% that's gezeira – a decree, or that's just not a match to me.’ However, she also explains how the measure of success is not always the outcome that her clients expect when they first come to her, but rather it’s about the journey they get to go on. ‘I don't feel like anybody walks away with nothing - I've never had that. Over the years, I have had a few couples with infertility that I could not help. And they are still very close to me today, because, trying to get pregnant, we unravelled so many other issues that they were having. Even though Hashem at the end said, “No, baby” - that's not up to me; they still felt like it was the best experience for them. And so many other good things came into their lives. I don't give someone children. I'm just a facilitator of Hashem, and my job is to try help them to see what He wants from them.’

"The Kohen Gadol wore 12 stones on the choshen"

essence of the different stones so many times that she has figured out how to create different combinations of healing stones. She partnered up and ‘The Healer’s Collection’ became a reality – beautifully designed bracelets which harness the power of natural gemstones and healing minerals. These healing bracelets are designed to absorb unhealthy emotions which are trapped in the body and organs, restoring balance and opening the person up to accessing the things they are missing, whether it’s health, happiness, or wealth. Whilst they all work, some bracelets take longer than others, depending on what they are healing.

The bracelets are so effective that they have garnered strong demand and are stocked in major retail chains such as Nordstrom and Anthropologie. And indeed, they have such great reviews that I mention to Sarit that I am tempted to buy one for my daughter, who is prone to anxiety. ‘What is her name?’ Sarit asks me. ‘And what number kid is she?’ I sit and wait, whilst Sarit closes her eyes for a moment. ‘I don’t see typical anxiety,’ she tells me. ‘I see that she has incredibly strong emotions; almost adult emotions in a child’s body, and that is what’s giving her the anxiety. I wouldn’t recommend an anxiety bracelet – probably a detox one would work better.’

Now, I’m sitting thousands of miles away on zoom, and my daughter isn’t even at home. But as anybody who knows my very empathetic daughter can attest, Sarit is right on the money. Sarit herself understands my initial incredulity. She’s no bohemian free spirit – in fact she strikes me as a black and white person. She’s very real, very rational, and she tells me honestly, ‘It sounds insane, but it does work.’ And the real proof of her success is her high return rate – her clients come again and again, and they bring their families and friends. As Sarit explains, ‘You can only fool someone once.’ And for someone who’s been doing this for over 13 years, Sarit’s work speaks for itself.

Over the years, Sarit has tapped into the

Magical though it may sound, the healing power of these stones come up in the Torah. As Sarit points out, ‘The Kohen Gadol wore 12 stones on the choshen, and the mefarshim actually tell us what the different stones signify and how they epitomise the 12 shevatim. The yashphe stone, for example, means ‘Yesh Pe’ – there is a mouth, and it's actually a stone I use for people who don't communicate well.’ And for Sarit, even though her job may be taking her on an entirely different path than she had envisaged, she is happy with the knowledge that she is doing Hashem’s will, healing His nation, one stone at a time.

www.saritshaer.com www.thehealerscollection.com

The Little TICHEL LADY

Looking for a head covering that speaks to your style and personality? At The Little Tichel Lady (TLTL) in LA, you’ll find an unparalleled selection, from everyday essentials to bold statement pieces. Founded by Jessica (Golriz) Hyam, TLTL offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere both in-store and online, with something to suit every taste, occasion, and mood.

Growing up in a traditional Persian household, it was only when Jessica was around 12 that she began to become more observant, inspired by the Orthodox Jewish day schools she attended. Part of the process, which continues until this very day, meant that even before she met her husband, she had already decided that she would try to cover her hair with headwraps after marriage.

And indeed, she did, but with limited head covering options in the US, she would stock up on them every time she found herself in Israel. When her best friend got married, Jessica sent fabrics and trimmings from the dress she was having made to a designer in Israel to create a beautiful head covering to match the dress. ‘Yet, Baruch Hashem, simcha after simcha took place,’ Jessica explains, ‘And it simply didn’t make sense that I couldn’t buy ready-made head coverings locally.’

“It simply didn’t make sense that I couldn’t buy readymade head coverings locally.”

So, whilst post-partum with her second baby, she started to look into creating her own head coverings for the local Los Angeles community. But Jessica didn’t just want to make standard head coverings – she wanted to capture the moods of the seasons. In the winter, Jessica had always wished for suede and velvet options, and she figured that she wasn’t the only one. She wanted to play around with different textures and colours, to make cute

and casual prints for everyday, luxe laces for fancier occasions, and everything in between. The standard headcovers were also much too short for Jessica’s likings, so she customised hers to be the perfect width and length that would minimise fuss whilst still allowing women to have more style options.

Initially, the only product that Jessica produced herself were the pre-tied coverings, choosing to sell headwraps purchased from other vendors. Yet once again, the limited options for design and dimensions available pushed her to produce a test run of her own headwraps. These were met with rave reviews, and Jessica has never looked back. The company now release their own exclusive TLTL wraps 4-5 times a year in addition to the weekly collections they release by different designers from all over the world. Carrying an extensive list of fabrics and styles, including jerseys, suedes, velvets, cotton, lace, lycra, metallics, pleats and gauze, the company pretty much caters for everyone, whether they are looking for pretieds, squares, classic snoods, or fancy head coverings.

Funnily enough, when it came to running a business, Jessica was not a complete novice. She explains how what started

out as a summer job in between high school and college turned into her working for five and a half years in corporate retail, without her having any aspirations of doing anything connected to retail. ‘I recall having these conversations with G-d, asking Him why I was still at the job,’ she reminisces. But it wasn’t until years later when she started her business that she understood why she had worked in retail for so long, learning how to put together a store without realising that she would one day need to know it for herself.

to a point where I needed a specific style of top,’ she recalls. ‘But nobody sold it. The fabric had to be stretchy, yet breathable. I wanted it to fit on the top and then to flow out like a tunic. I also needed it to be long in the front, and even longer in the back to cover everything when I wore my stretchy skirts.’ And that’s how their Jade tops were born.

“Trust the process, the outcome is worth it”

Eventually, with more room to play with after getting a storefront, the couple decided to bring in clothing from different brands to sell alongside their own. Since then, they have expanded their clothing collection to pieces from local brands, popular east coast Jewish brands, and also mainstream high end brands that you’d find at Nordstrom or Saks.

For Jessica and her husband, the one thing that trumps all is customer service. Whilst they pride themselves with ‘going out of our way’, they don’t see it as an inconvenience because their clients are the most important aspect of their business. ‘Without them, we wouldn’t be here.’ This commitment to her customers is why they also only sell the best quality fabrics, testing out each new piece before it goes on sale. ‘My face is associated with our brand, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I knew that an item wasn’t exceptional,’ she explains.

What fuels Jessica to keep going is knowing that she has the zechus to help women to cover their hair in the way that they choose to and that they are happy with. The couple also love seeing their children’s sense of pride as they understand the importance of what the business does, and the fact that they get to help so many women near and far. Their children will often pop into the store to help out, and Jessica believes that seeing what their parents do in order to support their family gives them a sense of appreciation.

In 2020, Jessica’s husband was let go from his job during the Covid lockdowns, and the couple decided to become a team. What started out as a small idea in 2015 quickly blossomed into a full-time business, with the pair selling headcovers, modest clothing and shabbat makeup from their store front, as well as shipping to clients worldwide from their website.

Yet even with a successful head covering business, Jessica was still not done. ‘One day I got

And for all the other businesswomen out there, Jessica’s main piece of advice is to take life one day at a time. ‘Just because you’re working somewhere specific doesn’t mean that’s what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life. There is always a plan, even if we don’t see it right away. G-d knew that one day I would be running a store and so He started training me years in advance for when the time would be right. Trust the process, the outcome is worth it.’ And indeed, with Jessica’s beautiful range of head coverings now enhancing the mitzvah for women worldwide, the outcome has truly been worth it.

Website: www.thelittletichellady.com

I Lost My Parents, But Found My FATHER IN HEAVEN

Bianca Benisti Kaffash is a Motivational Speaker and Spiritual Coach who has walked through her own challenges to discover a deeper connection with Hashem and the beauty of Torah. She believes in the power of reconnecting with the sacred language of prayer and Torah and is passionate about bringing others back to that language. Through spiritual coaching, personalised prayers, and leading meaningful events, Bianca empowers others to find healing, clarity, and a true connection with Hashem. Follow her on Instagram @ritainspired for raw, heartfelt inspiration and a journey back to the light of Torah.

Igrew up in a Sephardic home steeped in tradition and spirituality. It gave me a foundation, a structure, a sense of belonging. But a relationship with Hashem? That was something I had to build on my own. You can inherit rituals, but you can’t inherit faith. You have to claim it, wrestle with it, and make it yours. And that journey changed everything.

I never planned on going to Eshel Sephardic Seminary. It was a last-minute decision; one I made without thinking too much. But Hashem knew. That year became the foundation I didn’t even realise I was missing. It connected me to Torah, to mentors, to the wisdom of our Sages. More than anything, it gave me something I didn’t yet understand I would need - a muscle I would later lean on in ways I couldn't yet imagine. My mother’s love for Judaism, for spirituality, was always there, surrounding me. But in seminary, I was finally given the tools to taste it for myself.

While I was in seminary, my mother was taken sick. By the time I came home in June, she was already in a coma. The next four years were a blur of hospital night stays, whispered prayers, and medical terms I never wanted to learn. So many moments of being told, ‘This is it’. And then, her beautiful green eyes would open again, filled with love for Hashem, and her fight would continue. She fought with everything she had; physically, emotionally, spiritually. At the time, I felt numb. But now, I see it clearly: she was showing me something. The way she faced her suffering, the way her neshama pierced through it all - it left an imprint on me that will never fade.

At 21, I held my mother’s hand as she took her last breath. And even now, that moment takes mine away. I wasn’t angry at Hashem, but I felt disconnected. Everything I knew

about Judaism had been about obedience, about doing what was right. But obedience wasn’t enough anymore. I needed something deeper. I needed love. I needed connection. I needed to know that Hashem wasn’t just above me - He was within me.

And so, my relationship with Him changed. The mitzvot stopped being obligations and started becoming conversations. The halachot weren’t just rules - they were whispers from my Creator, guidance from the One who knew my heart better than I did.

People love to say things like, ‘It’s all for the best’ or ‘Hashem has a plan’. And while those words are true, they can feel so empty when you’re drowning. There’s this rush to package up pain, to move past it. But healing doesn’t happen in a rush. It happens in the rawness. In the moments where you let yourself feel everything and allow Hashem to sit in it with you.

For me, Hashem didn’t just want my gratitude. He wanted my grief.

Six years later, when I lost my father, I thought I understood grief. But it came back as a stranger. And I realised that Hashem was asking me to invite Him in again - not just as my Mother, but now as my Father too. My sole Parent.

When the year of mourning for my mother ended, it felt like I was losing her all over again. No more halachic structure, no more rituals that gave my pain a place to land. And it terrified me. But that’s when I realised something profound - those halachot weren’t just rules. They were Hashem holding me, guiding me, giving me a way to grieve. The Creator of my soul knew exactly what I needed to heal, even before I did.

And when I saw it that way, I understood: these laws

weren’t restrictions. They were divine therapy. They weren’t there to limit me. They were there to carry me. All His laws of mourning, the ones that felt so restrictive at first, weren’t there to keep me out. They were there to keep everything else out. So that it was just me and Him. No distractions. No noise.

"Hashem’s love isn’t something I need to earn. It’s something I need to preserve"

Just the rawest, realest version of myself standing before Him. And that’s when I realised - Hashem didn’t just guide me through grief. He gave us His wisdom for every moment of life. The way halacha held me in my mourning became the way I saw all of Torah. It was like discovering a whole new language, one I had known all my life but was only now beginning to understand.

Every mitzvah, every halacha, wasn’t just a rule. It was a pathway to closeness, a way to be held in His love. As Rabbi Wallerstein would say, ‘Hashem gave us 613 ways to spend time with Him’.

I’ve learned that Torah isn’t just something to study - it’s a lens through which I see the world. King David called mitzvot

- ‘my advisers’. Every mitzvah isn’t just an obligation - it’s Hashem speaking to me: What should I eat? How should I speak? How should I love? How should I rest on Shabbat? And I began to understand: Hashem’s love isn’t

something I need to earn. It’s something I need to preserve. It’s always there, always waiting. The only question is: ‘Am I creating space for it?’

Grief isn’t just about losing someone. It’s about losing an image, a future, an expectation. And loss comes in so many forms. But those moments that bring us to our knees? Those are the very moments we cannot afford to lose with Hashem. Because when He has seen you at your lowest, when He has held you in your most broken state, He is also the One who will lift you to your highest. And in that, the joy becomes deeper. The gratitude becomes real. Because He was there for it all.

I Met My Younger Self for Coffee Today

She was 10 minutes late. So was I.

She walked in cautiously, like a stranger in her own life. She didn’t know what to say. But she didn’t have to. I knew. She begged me to tell her the grief would end. That losing Mom wouldn’t leave her stranded. That losing Dad wouldn’t break her all over again.

I looked at her—the girl who lost everything before she even knew how to live without it. The girl who lost her #1 supporter before she had the words to say I need you. And I told her the truth.

The pain won’t leave, but neither will the love. You’ll carry both. And somehow, you’ll build. You’ll search for home— and find it, not in places, but in people. In a husband who will hold your heart with steady hands. In the family you will create, pouring out the love you ached to receive.

You’ll learn that grief doesn’t erase love—it transforms it. You’ll feel them, not with your eyes, but with your soul. And in that closeness, you’ll know—they were never truly gone.

When the arms that once held you are no longer here, Hashem will become your sole Parent. Your eternal shelter. And somehow, that will be enough.

She stared at me, eyes glassy. "Are you sure?" she whispered.

I smiled. ‘You’ll see.’

I hope I meet her for coffee again soon.

SHAKLEE

A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

Born in Beer Sheva, and growing up in Marseille, France, Tali Beneli has filled many roles, including that of wife, mother of eight, grandmother of ten, English language teacher in France, and a full-time public high school teacher in Jackson, NJ. Now, she's embracing a new chapter with Shaklee—a brand dedicated to building a healthier tomorrow.

Nearly 11 years ago, I entered the direct selling industry with a dermatology inspired skincare brand, working up to build a thriving community of over 350 women and thousands of customers. When that chapter unexpectedly ended, I embraced the challenge, pivoting to a new brand with a renewed mission— to empower women in business and wellness.

Finally, six months ago, I started my second entrepreneurial chapter at Shaklee – the science led health brand. Since its inception in 1956, the company has focused on developing nutritional products that are supported by rigorous scientific studies, ensuring efficacy and safety.

Shaklee offers a diverse range of health-focused products, including supplements, skincare, body care, makeup, and household items, all designed to support holistic wellness. Their qualified coaches provide personalised health plans for their clients, guiding users on their wellness journeys.

Shaklee’s community-driven model fosters personal connections, promoting health education and support. The brand also prioritises safety, conducting over 350 tests to ensure contaminant-free products, earning the EWG seal on many items. Led by visionaries and experts in health and nutrition, Shaklee is committed to integrity and knowledge.

The brand is also a pioneer in sustainability, using natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices in their product creation and packaging. They were the first company in the world to be certified Climate Neutral, highlighting their commitment to creating a healthy planet.

empowering network of women entrepreneurs.

You can participate by becoming an independent distributor, sharing Shaklee’s health and wellness products. Connect with an experienced ambassador for guidance, learn the business model, and build your brand. As an Independent Distributor, you’ll receive a personal website, advanced business tools, and full team support. While there’s a small initial fee, there’s no obligation to buy—though experiencing the products firsthand is encouraged.

I personally help new ambassadors set business goals, develop customer strategies, and leverage social media and networking for growth. Training resources, webinars, and ongoing support are available to enhance your skills.

From day one, you can encourage others to join you in business, leveraging the Shaklee opportunity to create a residual income stream. While some ambassadors earn a modest supplemental income, dedicated distributors can make thousands monthly. Additional perks include bonuses, gifts, trips, and car incentives. Your success depends on your goals, dedication, and business strategy.

What makes me so committed to Shaklee’s products is seeing my customers returning to purchase the products again and again, referring their friends and family to me. It is a testament to their trust in the brand. I personally have favourites in every category of our product portfolio, so it is hard to select just a few but here are four of them!

1 The Ready Set Wellness Bundle allows you to set your personalised path to true wellness and healthy habits in 5 minutes. The personalised supplementation options are a game changer in stepping into better food habits and maintaining them long term in a manageable and realistic way. ($285)

2 With 27 scientific patents attached to it, Vivix® is a hero product which has proved to improve all kinds of inflammatory conditions at the cellular level spanning digestive and gut issues, arthritis, joint and muscle pain and acute skincare issues, in addition to cellular anti-aging. ($107.55)

At Shaklee, our mission is to empower individuals with products, education, and tools for lifelong wellness—helping people “live longer, healthier lives.”

If clean health, wellness, and community resonate with you, Shaklee offers a flexible way to earn income while making an impact and joining an

3 The YOUTH® Advanced AntiAging Regimen is a clean and clinically proven skincare product that allows every woman to obtain dramatic results without daily absorption of harmful chemicals via their skin. (327.45)

4 Last but not least, our Simpli 5 Make-up Routine gives you everything you need for an everyday makeup look while caring for your skin. It includes an EWG approved tinted cream and revitalising lash and conditioning mascara. ($183.45)

Check out the rest of my favourites at https://us.shaklee. com/site/cleanical/storefront.

EASY TSNIOUT: THE FINE LINE

BETWEEN TRADITION & MODERNITY

Growing up in a religious family, the value of tzniut – modesty, was deeply ingrained in me. However, I also had a welldeveloped passion for fashion, which often felt at odds with the modest dress codes I was expected to follow. I was born in France, where cultural and fashion influences were everywhere. When I moved to Israel aged 14, this internal struggle intensified. Each time I left the house, I faced a small battle between my desire to express myself and my mother’s wishes for me to dress modestly. I believed that I would one day leave my way of dressing behind, eventually conforming to mainstream fashion without compromise. However, my mother’s patience taught me otherwise, and I slowly began to realise that I wanted to fully embrace the mitzvah; not abandon it. With time, I learned that modesty reflects inner beauty and timeless elegance.

“With time, I learned that modesty reflects inner beauty and timeless elegance”

The question of how to merge modesty with style lingered in my mind for years. After pursuing a degree in management, getting married, and becoming a mother, I still struggled to find a solution. Then, on October 7th, tragedy struck when my cousin fell in battle. This loss ignited a determination in me to create a solution for women like me who were seeking stylish modesty. The solution was ‘EasyTsniout’, which began with my innovative ‘Top Cover’ accessory that elegantly covers necklines whilst enhancing outfits. This product has been a tremendous success, proving that modest women need practical yet stylish solutions.

I also created the ‘Hair Cover’ - a comfortable headcovering that allows women to maintain their modesty while exercising or swimming. I believe that tzniut should enhance beauty, enabling women to feel confident and dignified.

Today, I fully embrace my modesty and share my journey through workshops and lectures on modest fashion. I am Rahel Nakache, and my mission is to empower women to express their beauty through tzniut effortlessly.

Join me on this innovative journey at EasyTsniout, where beauty and modesty coexist without compromise. Get your products delivered worldwide by visiting www.easytsniout. com, and visit my Instagram page @easytsniout to discover my creations and styling tips!

Hair Cover: Your Game-Changing Headwear

The innovative Hair Cover is the first of its kind to feature a non-slip band, allowing you to step out with just one layer on your head! The soft, comfortable fabric ensures maximum comfort, keeping you feeling free all day long. Perfect for sports activities, it is stable, breathable, and non-slip, even during intense workouts like running, yoga, or gym sessions. It is suitable as a standalone head cover, or with hats, and it serves as an excellent base for scarves, eliminating slippage and fuss. Water-resistant and available in a variety of colours to match any look, the Hair Cover is your go-to accessory for workouts, outings, the beach, and everyday wear!

Top Cover: The Perfect Solution for Every Woman Light, comfortable, and suitable for any style, the Top Cover requires no pins or camisoles underneath your outfit. It’s versatile for all weather conditions, covering the neckline both front and back, and fits all modesty levels and sizes. With the Top Cover, you can effortlessly elevate any outfit with a stylish neckline, adding elegance without the bulk of extra layers—even in the heat of summer! Available in various styles for everyday wear, jeans, or special events, it transforms into a chic accessory that enhances your entire look.

JaneJewels -Ellie Zeiler

From a young age, Ellie Zeiler dreamed of owning a jewellery company. ‘I have always loved jewellery,’ she explained. ‘Ever since middle school, you could look at my hand and see a ring on every single finger.’ For her eighth birthday, her father presented her with her very own Hamsa necklace, which she wore with pride, much like the Magen David necklace that her grandfather had worn when he was young. Since then, Ellie has always tried to express her Jewish pride through her jewellery, combining Judaica pieces with trending or classic pieces such as a ring stack or a chunky necklace. ‘For me, it was important to

By Chaya Baumgarten

always wear a Star of David necklace because, growing up, I often felt like one of the only Jewish kids around. It’s much easier for guys to show their Jewish identity outwardly by wearing a kippah, but for girls, it’s not as straightforward. I felt incomplete without my Star of David.’

Launching her own business ‘Jane Jewels’ was therefore a natural outlet for her self-expression. Ellie used Jane – her and her mother’s middle name, to create a meaningful family tie to her first entrepreneurial endeavour. ‘I’ve always loved handcrafted jewellery,’ Ellie says, ‘And I knew I wanted to create something special that represented our faith. My Star of David

Photography by Karen Epstein Makeup by Batya Hair by Libby Heinemann

“and when I misstep, I should also show myself grace and self-love”

piece is our bestseller, and I’m so proud of that. I also wanted to make jewellery accessible for everyone, not just for those who can afford high-end pieces. At my brand, we offer real 14-karat gold and diamond jewellery, but we also have more affordable versions for younger girls in middle school and high school.’

I was touched by her dedication to making jewellery that allows younger generations to express their Jewish pride. ‘It’s important for them to start showing their pride early on,’ she said. ‘When you graduate school and go on to ask for meaningful gifts, you want something that represents who you are, like a trendy Star of David necklace.’

Aside from her business, Ellie has also built up a social media following of over 13 million, by building an authentic voice in a very crowded space. ‘Because I was just 16 years old when I started growing my platform, I had to get comfortable with the idea that change is constant, and as a young woman, I

was always changing too.’ Ellie explains how she realised early on that in order to sustain her presence and build her own personal brand online, she would need to protect certain parts of her life whilst also sharing the fact that, like everyone, she is a work in progress. By choosing to share this willingness to grow, change and make mistakes, Ellie leads by example and became a role model to her followers who are mostly young women just like her; navigating, growing up and figuring out who they want to be. ‘Now, as I approach my 21st birthday, I have found so much confidence in sharing what I genuinely believe in and what I stand for. I feel like I’ve earned the credibility to do that, which means that when I believe in something, I can share it with confidence. And when I misstep, I should also show myself grace and self-love without feeling ashamed or worried about what people will think.’

Along the way, Ellie has also received valuable business

advice, with the most valuable advice coming from someone who told her to focus on her community and not try to grow too quickly. Ellie took this to heart and explains how this guidance not only provides important guard rails in sustaining a small business model, but it also allows her to over-service and deeply care for her customers. ‘When I picture a Jane Jewels buyer, I am looking at myself, or my best friend, or even my mom, and I want to treat her as well as I possibly can. In thinking that way, we are making sure that we can service each person who orders a piece of jewellery from Jane with respect and gratitude.’ And what’s amazing about this method is that she sees her customers come back to add more Jane Jewels pieces to their collection, which means far more to her than a constant flow of one-time customers.

Yet Ellie’s definition of success goes beyond the sales she

“as a Jew, we’re all part of the same team, and together, we will prevail”

makes or the number of customers her business boasts. For as a Jewish woman, Ellie defines success as having a constant flow of Emuna in her life no matter what she is going through. ‘Success to me is knowing that every day I’m showing up as a better person, daughter, sister, friend and Jewish woman.’

Ellie compares this with success in the influencer world, which is defined by how much you have and how you show it off. ‘When you work in social media, it is very easy to get caught up in needing and wanting more of everything. I’m so grateful that at my young age I was able to make the shift away from that way of life to sharing what is meaningful to me, essentially using my platform and success to help others.’

Instagram: @elliezeiler

‘I’m going to seminary because of you!’

I wondered where her deep sense of pride in her Jewish identity came from. ‘I believe G-d gave me my platform for a reason,’ she explained. ‘When I started on social media, I gained momentum quickly. Within a week, I had a million followers! Success in social media feels like a spark of love, ignited by hard work. My love for Judaism grew through my experiences at Chabad, where I always felt welcomed, regardless of religious levels. When I was 13, there was a shooting at my synagogue. It was a shocking experience, and when I returned to school the next day, I was stunned that no one was talking about it. Instead of shying away from being Jewish, I felt even prouder. It’s ironic, but many people ask me how I deal with hate. What they don’t realise is that their negativity only fuels my determination to stand tall in my identity.’

And Ellie’s spirit is undeniably contagious. ‘I grew up playing sports, which made me competitive. When people hate on me, instead of backing down, I think, “No, I’m going to win!” I feel that as a Jew, we’re all part of the same team, and together, we will prevail.’

One of Ellie’s favourite sayings is a Jewish quote she learnt in seminary that she thinks about daily: ‘The world was created for me, yet I am just a small speck of dust on this earth.’ This message has taught her that in her personal life and in business, her decisions are her own and the world does not revolve around her. ‘I feel like more people my age need to absorb what that really means and how it pertains to all of us. This way of thinking helps me stay grounded, keep perspective and remain calm through the ups and downs of life.’

She has also learnt how important it is to surround herself with like-minded people who are similarly focused on Jewish values and personal growth. As she says, ‘Even though people see me as the one doing the influencing, I find that it’s equally important that I surround myself with people who are also a good influence on me and my life.’ Her many friends from seminary continue to inspire her daily, as well as the people who follow her on social media. ‘I hear from incredible girls and young women every single day who feel more connected to Judaism because of what I’ve shared online, and that means everything to me and my mission.’ And of course, her mother is a tremendous inspiration for her business. Ellie credits her with being not only extremely smart and successful; but for always caring for her and

being kind to her family.

‘She really does it all’, Ellie says. ‘I’m so grateful to have her as a role model and supporter in everything I do.’

Looking back on her journey, Ellie is most proud of the community she’s built. As she says, ‘No matter where I go or who I interact with, in person or online, I have created a bond among Jewish girls who all share so many things in common. I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received and most of all, how much my own journey has impacted the lives of so many people my age. I’m reminded every single day of how important it is to stay connected to each other, to support each other, to teach and learn from each other and to value our community. It truly is up to us, as Jewish women to continue learning, growing, and nurturing our people.’

And indeed, whilst working on one of our photoshoots for this edition, I had the pleasure of spending time with Ellie in New York City. Everywhere we went, she was stopped by girls of all ages who shared excitedly, ‘I’m going to seminary because of you!’ One older woman even shared how she was hosting girls after they were inspired by Ellie to keep Shabbat. It was a truly shocking experience that opened my eyes to just how thirsty we are for positive, relatable influences and growth.

Despite her successful business, Ellie’s real aim is to build a legacy of strength and kindness, and of someone who built a business whilst never jeopardising her values. Whilst she admits to being lucky enough to have the opportunity to inspire so many, the thing she most wants to be known for when it’s all over is being kind –for as she puts it, ‘I truly care about every girl that follows me.’

If there was one message she would share with other Jewish women and entrepreneurs, it would be simply this: ‘As women, we are a work in progress and so are all of our endeavours. Each day we should wake up with an open mind and heart to learn, to help and to make an impact in this world. When you approach life and business with these values, there is nothing you can’t achieve.’

GARDEN of TREASURES

ON your GAME

Jen K Designs A Passion for Jewellery

As I arrive from London, stepping off a flight at JFK airport and heading directly to a photoshoot, I must admit that I don’t usually travel for photoshoots. And these days, most interviews can be conducted over Zoom. However, upon seeing a review about Jen K’s unique jewellery collection, I had to make the trip myself.

I’ve encountered many pieces of jewellery and diamonds before, but nothing prepared me for the jewels at Jen’s beautiful store – gorgeous unique pieces that literally take one’s breath away. I knew I had to interview Jen, eager to learn more about the woman behind such exquisite designs.

‘The uniqueness of my business lies in the experience I offer,’ Jen begins. ‘My store has a speakeasy vibe - a place that feels inviting and warm, with a hint of nostalgia. I’ve created a space that reflects my personality, complete with a bar cart and whimsical decor. My goal is to make shopping an enjoyable experience, one that feels like a gathering of friends.’

By Chaya Baumgarten

During the pandemic, the service side to her business became crucial. ‘My reputation is vital to me,’ she says. ‘I’ve worked hard to build it. I have a strong personality, and I believe that every conflict can be solved with respect and understanding. Sometimes, I have to remind people that this is just a ring. It’s not life and death.’

I ask her to rewind a bit. ‘You mentioned you started in a very small space?’ ‘Yes,’ she replies. ‘I operated for seven years out of the teeniest, tiniest room you could possibly imagine - my garage.’

Curious about her journey, I inquire how she built such a strong reputation. Jen explained how in addition to good old-fashioned word of mouth, she also started utilising social media – Facebook and Instagram, over 15 years ago, before anyone knew it was a thing. ‘I was among the first to embrace platforms like Instagram Stories to share my journey and connect with customers,’ she admits proudly.

Jen continues, ‘I deal with a lot of fun events - simchos, in-laws, shidduch gifts. I absolutely love that I get to be part of simchos. I cater to big families, and sometimes a woman will walk in saying, “I have five daughtersin-law, and everyone needs to get the same thing but different – and everything has to look like it was the same price!”’

I nod, intrigued. ‘And I imagine that’s no easy task?’

‘No, it’s not. Interestingly, my products aren’t under lock and key, which is why I don’t have a sign outside. It’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere. During Prohibition in the 1920s, speakeasies were hidden bars. They didn’t look like bars from the outside; once you stepped inside, it was an entirely different world—music, laughter, and dancing. That’s the vibe I aim for here. We often have the Wizard of Oz playing, or Madonna in the background. I wanted this place to feel like a zoo - busy, alive, buzzing with energy.’

Jen explains that people come to her from all over, because of the unique pieces she designs, which are made with the highest quality genuine diamonds. The pieces are extremely well priced, and she also offers a line of lab grown diamonds to suit all budgets. So, I’m not surprised when she tells me, ‘I ship around the world - some of my biggest customers live in Guatemala.’

With 31 years in the business, Jen also enjoys supporting other business owners and sharing her knowledge. ‘I feel like a Shark Tank without being the investor,’ she laughs.

‘People call me all the time with ideas, asking for help with social media or event planning. And indeed, Jen is full of good ideas. ‘I invented the bat mitzvah registry,’ Jen notes. ‘Girls can pick out everything they want, and people buy it for them - like a wedding registry, but for bat mitzvahs. I find it works much better to let them choose their own gifts!’

Jen emphasises the emotional weight of jewellery, explaining, ‘Jewellery is an object that gets passed down from generation to generation. It holds events and memories. My grandmother saved her life during the war with her jewellery - she traded her gold with the guards during the Holocaust to survive. Throughout history, jewellery has always meant royalty and resilience. As a testament to this, Jen used her own jewellery to raise money for those in need after October 7. ‘I sold Magen Davids and managed to raise over $100,000 for various causes, including PTSD centres in

Israel, a volunteer house for United Hatzalah, and support for widows of warriors,’ she says with pride.

While her journey may seem glamorous, Jen is candid about the challenges she has faced. ‘I’ve been pushed out of vendor spaces and had my designs and social media copied. To say I’ve been through the wringer would be an understatement.’

Despite these hurdles, Jen takes immense pride in her business and her products. ‘My approach to customer service is hands-on. I believe in creating a welcoming environment where every customer feels valued. And what’s great about this job is that everyone looks good in jewellery.’

Ultimately, Jen has built a community around her business, where people come not just for jewellery, but for connection and support. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to her craft and community.

Bibas Bracelets

After receiving the devastating news about the Bibas family, Jen wanted to create something that would keep them alive in our collective memories. She therefore had one of her existing bracelet designs custom-made in orange, and 100% of the proceeds from these sales will go to build a playground in Israel in memory of the Bibas family.

EXPERIENCE the ELEGANCE

Photography by Karen Epstein

Creative Director: Shiri Feldman

Floral Design: Shiri Feldman

ISRAEL:

Design cookies by @the.cookie.place.by.feigy

Blossom tablecloth, $120-$200, Adorne

Photography by Karen Epstein

Creative Director: Shiri Feldman

Floral Design: Shiri Feldman

All Jewels by Jen K.

SUKIRU BEAUTY with Batya Reyz

In a glittering world of makeup artists and glamorous beauty influencers, MUA Extraordinaire Batya Reyz (@makeupbybatya) brings a sparkling energy to her clients’ special occasions. Whether it’s working with a wedding party or for a catwalk, Batya is adept at transforming any face into model-material whilst keeping her clients at ease and ready to shine. Having made up the faces of over 10,000 clients, the popularity of her work is testament not only to her skill and talent but also to her passion for her work. With nearly 45K followers on social media and her own sell-out beauty line ‘Sukiru’, she’s a force to be reckoned with, with her artistry even lighting up Times Square!

As she sits in her cozy home in Brooklyn, her husband Benjamin by her side and their nearly two-year-old son, best known as ‘Grapey’ playing in the background, Batya reflects on her humble beginnings. ‘Growing up, the only makeup artists I knew were just people working at Macy’s,’ she recalls, a hint of disbelief in her voice. ‘I never imagined this could be a career for me.’ Like many little girls, she had a flair for makeup, sneaking into her mother’s beauty stash at an early age. Her love blossomed further when she took a part-time job at a makeup boutique, where she began to fantasize about launching her own line one day.

recalls. ‘Fifteen years later, I still wake up every day excited to do makeup!’

Batya sees makeup as more than just a superficial art form; it possesses the magical ability to transform lives. ‘It can ignite something within people,’ she explains. ‘I adore bringing that energy and confidence boost.’ With fans of her work choosing their wedding dates based on her availability, and an online following of close to 45k, Batya’s talent extends to sharing this magic with her clients, in-person and online with step-bystep video transformations. Her deep understanding of her craft and clients laid the foundation for her beauty line Sukiru. Named after the Japanese word for ‘skill’, it brings to the table professionalquality products which are accessible to everyone.

“Growing up, the only makeup artists I knew were just people working at Macy’s”

After completing a makeup course between high school and college, Batya began to juggle clients while studying, revelling in the excitement and variety her work offered. When she first shared her artistry on Instagram, bookings for weddings and events came pouring in. ‘It was a shock, but I loved every moment,’ she

Her hands-on experience allowed her to conduct live market research, engaging with women daily to uncover what they truly needed in their beauty bags. ‘I picked up on what was missing in the market and what I personally wished I had in my kit,’ she shares. Her fascination with the science behind makeup formulation drove her to create each Sukiru product with meticulous care, financing the venture through her existing makeup work and pouring hours into research and finding a trustworthy lab.

Among Sukiru’s standout products is the long-wear eyeliner, designed to withstand even the most demanding three-day holiday. Her cream blushes have also garnered rave reviews, but it is her double-ended brow pencil that has fans buying them in bulk - up to six at a time! ‘There’s nothing else like it,’ she insists, ‘and the colours are spot on.’ Alongside her

signature brushes which launched the brand, Batya also meticulously crafted a setting spray, counting every ingredient to ensure it delivers lasting power without drying out the skin.

“I picked up on what was missing in the market and what I personally wished I had in my kit”

Her passion extends beyond mere products; she cherishes the personal relationships she builds with her clients. ‘I used to explore customers’ makeup bags filled with ‘crusty dusty old things,’ she reminisces with a smile, recommending products that would uplift their beauty routines. The thrill of receiving her own fresh liners and the joy of knowing that others cherish her creations, fills her heart with pride. ‘It’s incredible to think these products could become treasured items for future generations.’

Even as she juggles two thriving businesses, Batya finds harmony in her dual roles. While her wedding work keeps her busy, she carves out time for Sukiru, often allowing her

husband Benjamin to handle administrative tasks. He was even self-anointed the prestigious title of ‘VP of logistics’, with many orders having been packed with care by Benjamin. While Sukiru has grown both in sales and notoriety every year since its inception, Batya treasures the small-batch production model that allows her to maintain the personal touch and connection with her clients.

Batya’s determination and success show no signs of slowing down. With a heart full of love for her craft and an unwavering commitment to her clients, she teases, ‘there’s so many more products that I want to create, there’s so much more coming.’

For more dazzling insights into Batya’s world, follow her on Instagram @makeupbybatya. To explore her captivating line of Sukiru beauty products, visit Sukiru Beauty at sukirubeauty.com.

Victoria Lip Gloss

Victoria is the ice queen in the collection. This hydrating plumping gloss is exactly as juicy as you’d expect. It’s sophisticated, understated and has a magic mystery about it with flecks of shimmer running through. It can be worn on its own, or on top of literally any other shade! It’s bound to give any shade that little ‘pop’, and it’s a perfect gloss to toss in your handbag and touch up with! This is that ideal ‘take me everywhere with you’ shade.

SUKIRU favorites

Make Up Bag

Sukiru Brow Game

BFF Mask and Scrub - Strawberry, Mint, Vanilla

One side is still the same delicious, buttery, deeply moisturising mask that you became obsessed with, and the other side is the most perfect, delicate but effective lip scrub. This two-part duo will gently exfoliate, condition, smooth and plump your dry chapped winter lips in no time. We needed it to smell delicious, feel gorgeous and nourishing, look divine and glossy and be that perfect shade for when you don’t want to wear lipstick but want a beautiful glowing hint of colour. It’s also made with the best of the best ingredients. With honey, citrus lemon, safflower seed oil, apple fruit extract, and so much more... Well, we think we’ve done the job.

The best makeup bag a girl can dream of now available in TWO sizes!

This double-sided angled brow pencil and spooly will change your brow game forever. The weight, grip, and precision were designed for easy use to achieve that perfectly sculpted natural brow that lasts and lasts.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The Winter Edition Launch Event in LA

It was an extraordinary collective of women up on the enchanting rooftop of 1818. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline, the atmosphere was alive with the clinking of glasses filled with Baglietti’s bubbly wine, a tantalising array of cheeses and delectable nibbles, and the subtle fragrance wafting from the stunning floral arrangements.

This was not just any gathering; it was a heartfelt tribute to Jewish women worldwide, an evening showcasing their strength, creativity, and resilience. It was the second night of Chanukah and the launch of our Winter Edition.

The highlight of the evening was the engaging panel discussion featuring remarkable women who are making waves in their respective fields. We were honoured to hear from the amazing

Chaya Raichik of Chaya of London, the inspiring Aidel from Life’s Looking Good, and the talented Elizabeth Leigh Mandelbaum, founder of @ leighleaf Organic Matcha and author of the PLATED Cookbook. Joining them was Aliza Shapiro, LCSW, a therapist based in NYC, who added her valuable insights to the conversation.

Chaya Baumgarten, founder of Valour Lifestyle, flew in from London to introduce this incredible panel, leading a discussion that inspired and empowered the audience. Each speaker shared their journey, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs they have faced as women in today’s world. The exchange was not only enlightening but also a testament to the strength of women supporting women.

As we mingled and connected with one another, it was clear that this gathering was about more than just a launch; it was about building a community of remarkable women who uplift and inspire one another. A community that’s here for you and me.

A huge thank you goes out to the shul, as well as Liat for their impeccable organisation.

Venue: Shuvah Israel Torah Center, Rooftop 1818

Event planning and coordination: Taryn Melissa Creative

Charcuterie: Roxana

Flowers: Susanna Hekmat

Shirt & Skirt, Udel; Shoes, Zara

Morocco Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Styling Malky Rosner

Photography by Rajaa Lemnari

Makeup by Racquel Reinman

Fashion

This spring, vibrant colours are making a strong comeback, bringing us back to the colourful spirit of Morocco. These hues evoke a sense of calm and happiness, transforming your wardrobe into a celebration of lively tones. From sun-kissed oranges and vibrant blues to soft pastels, there’s something for everyone to wear. Let’s explore how to incorporate these beautiful shades into your style this season—plus, over 300 links to help you discover the perfect pieces.

Sunshine hues

L-R: Draped dress, $179.99, Button front dress, $139.99, both Mango; Jacket, $475, Maje; Shirt, $45.90, Zara; Top, $69, &OtherStories; Sunglasses, $535, Bottega Veneta @ MyTheresa; Skirt, $340, Sandro; Heels, $775, Victoria Beckham; Quilted jacket, $189, &OtherStories; Gathered neck dress, £110, Cos; Vase, $24, Anthropologie; Ballet Flats, $129, Bag, $129, both &OtherStories

Astara

The swimwear that has it all

“We’re all about pushing the boundaries of modest swimwear while staying true to our core values”

FASHION

The idea for Astara was born from a personal struggle. I used to travel a lot with my husband to beautiful, classy locations, yet I always felt so out of place at the pool. Unable to find swimwear that aligned with up-to-date fashion, I fantasised about finding designer modest swimwear. I began experimenting - curating outfits from regular clothes.

Soon, people were stopping me to ask where I bought my poolside ensembles. As I connected with other modest women, I found I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Many shared the same frustration, expressing how difficult it was to find swimwear that truly reflected their style and needs. The more I listened, the more I realised how widespread this issue was.

Yet even with my new attire, I still encountered issues. I hated wearing two layers – a two-piece swimsuit plus a cover-up. Lines were showing everywhere, and the idea of swimming with clothes, no matter how fashionable, made me feel worse. I wanted to help women feel as confident in their swimwear as in their clothing. That’s when the idea for Astara was born.

completely eliminate the need for multiple layers and visible layering lines.

It took a lot of work, collaborating closely with fashion engineers and refining every aspect of the design until we created what ultimately made Astara famous. Not only did we tick all the boxes, but we created an industry-first seamless built-in undergarment within each and every one of our pieces - including our swim dresses; a concept never seen before in the industry. Through determination and faith, we turned our challenges into the foundation of Astara.

“Lines were showing everywhere, and the idea of swimming with clothes made me feel worse”

It is a huge priority for us that our pieces are beautiful as well as functional. Every season, we incorporate handcrafted details into our designs; last year it was crochet, this year it’s a customised stone buckle. We’re all about pushing the boundaries of modest swimwear while staying true to our core values. After every season, we think we’ve reached our peak, yet we always renew ourselves to find new inspiration and ways to reinvent breathtaking pieces.

As a hygienist, swimwear design was a far jump from my training in dental hygiene school. Yet whilst practising dental hygiene, I had never found the fulfilment I had been searching for. I had continued to search and pray deeply for Hashem to guide me toward a path that would inspire me and ignite my passion. When Astara started to take shape, I knew that this was where my soul was meant to be. It combined everything I had been looking for - creativity, purpose, and the ability to uplift and empower women through fashion.

Most importantly, every step of this journey has been about listening, learning, and designing with intention. My goal was not to create just another fashion brand. My goal with Astara has always been to offer women a sense of confidence and empowerment, ensuring they never have to choose between fashion and modesty.

It was definitely a challenge to bring all my aspirations to life in one single product; for swimwear to be modest the requirements are endless. I had to find solutions to multiple problems and create something truly innovative. The swimwear had to be fashionable without compromising on comfort, give full coverage without using thick materials, and

We also take our customers’ feedback very seriously, and we constantly ask why something does or doesn’t work for them. And when it doesn’t, we make it our mission to improve. We also often engage with our customers to understand their dream modest swimwear, and some of our styles have been directly inspired by their suggestions.

Staying motivated throughout the process is a personal struggle, as designing our pieces can take anywhere from six months to a year. Since every piece begins as a blank slate, it’s challenging to have a clear vision from the start, but it’s through the ups and downs that we create unimaginable designs. Samples go back and forth, and there are times when we cancel a model after months of development, but if a style sticks, it has truly been tested and perfected.

My greatest motivation, though, is reaching the seasonal photoshoot and seeing all of our hard work come to life. The moment I witness our models walking around in the collection, embodying the elegance and confidence we envisioned, is indescribable. That feeling is what keeps me going and it reminds me why I started Astara in the first place.

astaraswim.com / @astara swim

“Through determination and faith, we turned our challenges into the foundation of Astara”

In the Pink

L-R Cardigan, £99, NeverFullyDressed; Bag, £88, Anthropologie; Maxi dress, $460, Floral skirt, $300, both Essentiel Antwerp; Heels, $890, The Attico @ MyTheresa; Shirt dress, $425, Me+Em; Skirt, £45.99, Reserved; Wrap skirt, $260, AGUA BY AGUA BENDITA @ Net-A-Porter; T-shirt Dress, $99, Cos; Blazer, $299, Polo Sweater, $99, both &OtherStories

Skirt, £750; Top, £350; Jacket, £490, all Suzannah London

Pearly Whites

L-R

Bow neck cardigan, $320, Essentiel Antwerp; Mules, £85, Charles & Keith; Lace dress, $229, &OtherStories; Cardigan, $49.90, Zara; Necklace, $410, Alessandra Rich @ MyTheresa; Socks, $50, Essentiel Antwerp; Pumps, $59.90, Zara; Cowl neck top, $89.99, White shirt, $79.99, both Mango; Dress, £443, Polo Ralph Lauren @ FarFetch; Embellished collar cardigan, $385, Maje; Necklace, $49.90, Zara

Yakira Bella Playfully Sophisticated, Tastefully Bold

In the ever-evolving world of fashion where trends come and go - not only each season but even in the blink of an eye - finding a brand that consistently blends style and sophistication with high quality fabrics and production is a rare gem. Enter Yakira Bella, a women’s fashion label founded by Emily Gerszberg, whose fresh approach to modest fashion has quickly secured its spot as a firm favourite in the Jewish fashion world. Her commitment to making women feel both stylish and comfortable is evident in the gorgeous and vibrant outfits that make up Yakira Bella.

Bold and Beautiful Yakira Bella’s story began five and a half years ago when Emily, who had an extensive background in menswear, found herself drawn back into the world of fashion after a two-year hiatus. She noticed a gap in the womenswear market - a need for modest yet contemporary pieces that offered both affordability and style.

‘When I first launched the brand, there were limited trendy, modest casualwear options available,’ Emily explains. ‘I wanted to create something that would appeal to women who wanted to dress fashionably without compromising their values.’

By Yissca Weisz

allowed her to evolve the brand to encompass all aspects of a woman’s wardrobe. Distinctively feminine in design and silhouette, the Yakira Bella range boasts whimsical puffed sleeves and ruffled hemlines, delicate ties and flowing fabrics.

Yakira Bella’s pieces stand out for their striking colour palettes and unique patterns. ‘Bold florals, bright colours, and statement prints have become our signature. You can point to an outfit and definitively say, “That’s Yakira Bella,”’ says Emily proudly. As the brand has grown, Yakira Bella has expanded its offerings to include casual wear, workwear, Shabbat and occasion dresses, denim, and even athletic wear. Emily’s deep understanding of her customers’ needs has

This spring, Yakira Bella’s new collection debuts designs characterised by movement and charm, inspired by Emily’s travels in southern Italy and France. Pastel watercolours, slimming smocked details and gentle chiffon provide the perfect look to float into spring. Blouson sleeves complement a cinched waist and A-line silhouette on the Alice dress, making for a sophisticated yet gentle look. The Dakota Skirt, made from a lightweight, flowy fabric, provides both comfort and elegance, elevating the basic slip skirt with its fourteen different unique patterns. With puffy sleeves and a corset styled waist made in the softest cotton blend of denim, the Ruth Dress elevates the casual denim look, without compromising on comfort.

These strikingly feminine names manifest the careful intention behind each Yakira Bella piece of clothing, to make its clientele feel bold and beautiful. There’s something to suit everyone’s taste and palette, the range comprising the entire colour spectrum, with alternative sleeve and hem length options. Always a step ahead of its customers, a Yakira Bella dress is always lined, so that it can be worn directly off the rack. With unmatched versatility, Yakira Bella offers clothing that can be seamlessly dressed up or down for any occasion. Easy and ready to wear, there’s no doubt of making a stunning statement when you wear Yakira Bella.

Exclusive Style, Limited Supply

One of the standout features of Yakira Bella is its quick turnaround of new collections each season. Unlike many fashion brands, Yakira Bella operates with limited stock for each design, creating an exclusive feel for its customers.

‘We don’t want to overwhelm our clients by having too many of the same pieces in circulation,’ Emily explains. ‘Our pieces don’t blend into the background. You won’t walk into a room under the radar if you’re wearing Yakira Bella. No one wants to show up to an event in the same outfit as somebody else. That exclusivity is something we truly value, and our customers do, too.’

This approach has been a successful hit with customers, who appreciate the limited availability of each design, contributing to their sense of individuality. Emily admits however, that this deliberate holding back of creating something she and her customers love, goes against the grain of her creativity and business acumen.

‘When I create clothing I love, all I want to do is create lots more of it. But less is more, and at Yakira Bella we’ve worked hard to develop this trusting relationship with our customers, who enjoy the fresh designs in our fastpaced collection updates.’

A Holistic Approach to Modesty

Emily notes. ‘There’s something for everybody.’

An Immersive Shopping Experience

One of the defining features of Yakira Bella is its unique retail experience. ‘Our stores are designed to be more than just places to shop,’ Emily explains. ‘We want our customers to feel an emotional and tangible connection to the brand.’ From the carefully curated shop layouts to the exclusive scent that permeates the air, every detail is designed to welcome and appeal to customers. The Cedarhurst, New York location features high white ceilings, live trees and intricate woodwork, adding a touch of nature and warmth to the space. With a bespoke bohemian vibe in Toms River, New Jersey, this Yakira Bella shop boasts luxurious décor with a floorto-ceiling glass and ceramics display. ‘We carefully design our stores to give our customers the best possible shopping experience, one they won’t forget.’

While Yakira Bella offers an array of trendy and bold designs, it has always remained committed to serving the modest fashion community, first and foremost. Catering to a wide range of customer needs, the brand offers different sleeve lengths, dress lengths, and silhouettes to ensure that every woman can find something that suits her personal style. ‘I learned early on that modesty doesn’t mean sacrificing style,’

The online shop offers free shipping within the US, a rarity in the fashion world. It also features easyto-use navigation tools to help customers filter and find exactly what they’re looking for.

As Emily says, ‘We want to make the shopping experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.’ For women seeking a fashion brand that is aesthetically sophisticated and bold, with just the right dash of playful, Yakira Bella is the answer. With its unique approach to modest fashion, its dedication to highquality design, and its quick turnover of fresh vibrant styles, it’s clear that Yakira Bella is here to stay - and its best is yet to come.

For more information, please visit: yakirabella.com / @yakirabellaofficial

Go Global

L-R: Printed shirt dress, $320, Farm Rio; Suede Jacket, $399.99, Mango; Ruched front dress, $320, Farm Rio; Printed wrap skirt, $295, Ba&sh; Heels, $179, &OtherStories; Shirt, £495, Dries Van Noten @ Net-A-Porter; Green skirt, $79.99, Red skirt, $129.99, both Mango; Trainers, £104.99, Nike at Zalando; Necklace $49.99, Mango; Mixed fabric dress, $224, Zimmermann at the Outnet; Trainer, $790, Loewe @ MyTheresa; Floral dress, $358, Zimmermann @ The Outnet; Collared dress, $560, Rixo @ MyTheresa

Top, $58, Yakira Bella; Dress, $1,830, Dries Van Noten @ Mytheresa

Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Dress by Pashmina

L-R: Light blue dress, $139.99; Blue pleated skirt, $69.99, both Mango; White pumps, $150, Cos; Pinstripe dress, $119; Camel skirt, $119, both Arket; Gathered cream skirt, $69.90, Zara; Bag, £750, Victoria Beckham; Denim dress, $195, Jigsaw; Drop earrings, $19.99, Mango; Jacket, $49.90, Mango; Cream skirt, $69.90, Zara; Denim A-line skirt, $79.90, Mango; Denim shirt, $129; Belt, $49, both &OtherStories; Suede style jacket, $49.99, H&M

Curate a Capsule Wardrobe

Photoshoot by Anmour Media

Dress by Pashmina

As busy women, we are continually navigating a whirlwind of responsibilities. Personally, I have found my struggle with ADHD–something I am realising is actually quite common–regularly compounds the daily challenge of choosing what to wear. Despite having a strong sense of fashion, and knowing my own style, I frequently stand in front of a wardrobe full of clothes, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to put on.

One strategy that has significantly improved this experience is adopting a capsule wardrobe. In a world filled with fast fashion and ever-changing trends, a capsule wardrobe, a curated collection of essential items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, has emerged as a beacon of simplicity and sustainability.

A smaller, well-thought-out selection, where items coordinate, makes getting dressed a breeze. But how does one achieve such a thing?

Start by focusing on quality over quantity. Declutter your closet to create a more organised space, so you can actually see everything you have.

Opting for investment items that you love and will wear on repeat in multiple ways will ensure you spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your clothes. Over time, this can lead to significant savings and creates a more sustainable fashion industry, minimizing consumption, and allowing you to investigate more ethical clothing brands. Creating a capsule wardrobe also forces you to evaluate your personal style, it helps you to create a fashion identity, and really think about how you present yourself, so you can build a wardrobe that reflects your unique identity.

Simplify Your Style: Embracing the Capsule Wardrobe

Chaya Baumgarten, Founder, Valour Lifestyle Magazine

Steps to creating a capsule wardrobe

Evaluate Your Current Wardrobe

Start by assessing what you already own. Remove items that you haven’t worn in the past year or that no longer fit your style. This will help you identify gaps in your wardrobe.

Define Your Style

Consider your lifestyle and the types of occasions for which you typically need outfits. Reflect on the colours, patterns and textures that you gravitate toward.

Choose a Colour Palette

Select a cohesive colour palette that allows for versatility. Neutral tones paired with a few accent colours work well, ensuring that all your pieces can be easily mixed and matched.

Select Essential Pieces

Aim for around 30-40 items in your capsule wardrobe, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Here are some essentials to consider:

Tops: Basic t-shirts, blouses, and a couple of statement tops. Bottoms: Skirts that can be styled in various ways—some more statement pieces and some basics.

Dresses: A versatile dress that can be dressed up or down. Outerwear: A classic jacket, a sweater, or a coat in different lengths and thicknesses for varying weather conditions. Shoes: Comfortable yet stylish options such as sneakers, flats and a pair of heels or boots.

Accessories: Scarves, belts and a couple of bags to elevate your outfits.

Adopting a capsule wardrobe is a transformative approach to fashion that can simplify your life, enhance your personal style and promote sustainability. By carefully curating your clothing collection, you can enjoy the freedom that comes from having a wardrobe filled with pieces you love and wear regularly. Embrace the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe and discover how effortless and enjoyable getting dressed can be.

L-R: Scarf neck top, $69.99, Mango; Polo top, $260, Essentiel Antwerp; Jacket, £285, Rotate @ MyTheresa; Striped blazer, $430, Essentiel Antwerp; Scarf, $220; Burberry; White dress, $89.90; Knit dress, $99.99, Mango; Trainers, £100, New Balance @ Nike; Striped shirt, £59, Marks & Spencer; White floaty skirt, $99.99, Mango; White denim skirt, $220, Essentiel Antwerp, Ring, £135, Kate Spade

FromsewingtoCEO

By: Dalya Eichler

I won’t lie; I was nervous before my interview with Shira Altheim, the founder and owner of Shira Custom Wigs. I had just spent ten minutes in an intense wrestling match with my tangled wig, and now I was about to interview a woman who had built a booming brand upon making sure women never had that problem again. As it turns out though, I had nothing to worry about. Shira is the type of woman who makes you feel instantly at ease - approachable, warm, and unapologetically herself. A ‘girl’s girl.’ From the moment we started talking, Shira filled the conversation with her signature blend of excitement, honesty, and humour, just as eager to share her story as I was to hear it.

Shira was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel, but thirteen years ago, she woke up one morning and decided to change her life. No dramatic backstory, no grand plan, just a gut feeling. ‘People always think I moved to America because of some big story,’ she laughs. ‘But there wasn’t any. I just got up one day and decided I wanted to move. I wanted change.’ That willingness to take a leap would define the rest of her journey. After two years in New York, she took another one: Starting her own business - Shira Custom Wigs.

That leap wasn’t her first. Back in Israel, when she was searching for a job, she had heard that there was a sheitel macher looking for help. She’d always been artistic, and she had some sewing experience, so she had figured, why not? But what she expected to be a slow learning curve turned out to be

"I walked in and asked what I should do, and my boss said, 'Just do it.'"

a sink-or-swim situation. ‘I walked in and asked what I should do, and my boss said, “Just do it.”’ She laughs recalling that moment, but at the time, she was bewildered. Having never worked with wigs before, she had no clue what she was doing. She glanced at the girl next to her, moving hair back and forth on a machine, and mimicked the motions. Step and repeat. It worked. That moment encapsulates who Shira is - fearless, resourceful, and completely undaunted by the unknown. And that energy has fuelled Shira Custom Wigs ever since.

When Shira first started her business, she was living in a typical two bedroom New York apartment so she started off in her closet. ‘I wanted a place with great customer service, where everyone feels comfortable,’ she said. Slowly but surely, she built it up. The business moved from closet to basement, and eventually to its current home, a beautiful salon in The Marketplace Mall, the heart of Jewish fashion.

Her brand now offers two wig lines: Shira Custom Wigs and Signature by Shira. Signature by Shira was born when Shira realised after 12 years in the wig industry that not everyone can buy custom-made. So, her Signature line consists of non-virgin wigs that are crafted with her signature net and precise knotting, allowing customers to enjoy the experience of getting sized and styled in her salon at a lower price point. Stocked in the showroom in an assortment of colours and prices, these pieces can be coloured, cut and styled at the salon. The Custom wigs, on the other hand, are made of high quality, very fine hair and allow for custom colour matching, as well as custom cap and nape. Yet both these wig lines come with the impeccable customer service and team dedication to making each woman’s hair dreams come true, ensuring they feel happy and beautiful when they leave the salon. As well as the wigs themselves, Shira also focuses on the foundational aspect of her business: wig repairs, with clients calling her ‘the Wig Doctor.’ This large department is not limited to previous customers, but is offered to everyone, including sheitel machers who have sought out Shira’s expertise in the past.

Yet, if you ask Shira what truly sets her brand apart, she

won’t talk about the craftsmanship (which is impeccable) or the luxurious salon (which is stunning). She’ll talk about her customers. ‘I grew up in a home where my family fully accepted everyone as they were,’ she said. ‘It was an open house - giving, supportive, loving, welcoming. My family fully stands behind this business which is built on that same foundation, and my husband supports me endlessly as well.’ And this isn’t just talk. Shira goes out of her way to make sure that every woman who walks into her shop feels valued. ‘I am here for you from A to Z,’ she says. ‘I am extremely honest with my customers.’ Her sisters, who also worked for sheitel machers in Israel, always told her the number one rule in the industry: Customer service is everything, and that lesson has remained at the core of Shira Custom Wigs.

"Have Emunah, because without it, a business will not work"

For all of Shira’s confidence and drive, she’s the first to admit that running a business is not easy. ‘There are challenges in every business,’ she notes. ‘Sometimes the salon can be a madhouse with backto-back appointments and customers coming in late, pushing off the whole day's schedule.’ But instead of panicking, she takes a deep breath and puts her full trust in Hashem. ‘You have to learn that after every hard month, a better month will come,’ she explains. ‘Have Emunah, because without it, a business will not work.’ It is clear that faith is more than just a belief to Shira - it is a business strategy.

Creating a welcoming space isn’t just about service, it’s about atmosphere. Shira worked closely with designer Rikki Schlesinger from the Susan Strauss group to make sure her salon was a place where women could truly relax. ‘We wanted a calming place where a woman can walk in and feel like it’s her day off,’ she explained. The result? A space bathed in soothing shades of sage and light-toned wood, filled with plush, chic seating. The space is also large enough for customers to enjoy the wig buying and repair experience without hearing the noise of work and machines in the background. ‘The first thing people do when they walk in is sit down and say, “Wow, this place is so calming,”’ she says with a smile.

At the end of our conversation, it’s clear that yes, Shira makes beautiful wigs. Yes, she’s built a brand that has reshaped the industry. But that’s not what makes her inspiring. What makes her inspiring is her fearlessness - her ability to step into the unknown and make it work. It’s her integrity - her refusal to take shortcuts at the expense of her customers. It’s her kindness - the way she treats every woman who walks into her store like family. That’s what makes Shira Custom Wigs more than a brand. It is what makes it a movement.

Website: https://shiracustomwigsus.com

Facebook: Shira Custom Wigs

Instagram: shiracustomwigs

"We wanted a calming place where a woman can walk in and feel like it’s her day off"

CHASING RAINBOWS with Elizabeth Sutton

By: Kayley Finegold

The colourful bright patterned world of Elizabeth Sutton is as bold and vivacious as her personality. With a dynamic tenacity, Elizabeth built her career from a place of deeply traumatic life events and financial necessity, making success her only option. In an eye-catching explosion of graphic colours, butterflies, glitter and slogans, Elizabeth’s brand of hope and resilience spans art-prints, large scale installations, tiles, wallpaper, fashion, and most recently expanding into her newly-launched line of melamine dinnerware.

Photography Peter Koloff

Creative Director Shiri Feldman

Floral Design Shiri Feldmn

Whilst she doesn’t follow a traditionally observant lifestyle, Elizabeth feels spiritually religious admitting that, ‘my entire life is ruled and guided by G-d.’ Her great grandfather, Rabbi Rackman, was former president of the RCA and Bar Ilan University, Chancellor Emeritus of YU and pioneer for women’s rights as the co-founder of Agunah Inc., together with her grandmother Honey Rackman. This heritage instilled Elizabeth’s upbringing with strong values of community, philanthropy and female rights.

As well as the religious influence, Elizabeth identifies the source of her love for tablescaping from her grandmother’s elegance and sophistication. She would host Shabbat and holiday meals at her table set with Limoges dinnerware, sterling silver and crystal glasses, welcoming guests with both warmth and beauty. Elizabeth identifies this as the source of her love for tablescaping with her first creative outlet in cooking, tablescaping, and entertaining.

also from an artistic perspective.’ Without any art ready to give him, she took on the project, hiring an assistant, teaching herself a number of techniques, and completing the work on her dining room table.

During this time, Elizabeth also grappled with a miscarriage, a third pregnancy, and the end of her marriage. As a newly single mother, she decided to focus her energy on generating her own income to support herself. ‘I basically created a pressure cooker for myself. I had two years to figure out how to make half a million pre-tax dollars a year, just to survive in New York City with two little kids.’ The only business model she was familiar with was from an internship in college with a fashion wholesale brand, which worked though presenting at trade shows and selling to stores. Elizabeth intended to copy this model, creating something scalable by translating her paintings onto a dinnerware and home décor collection.

'my power on this planet is to help people heal trauma through inspiration'

After hitting financial hardship in the midst of an expensive renovation on her son’s nursery, Elizabeth decided to pick up a paintbrush to complete her specific vison. Uploading the final results to her Instagram page, the striking high-contrast décor, punctuated by pops of colour, and Elizabeth’s kaleidoscopic paintings caught the eye of Ryan Serhant from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, whom Elizabeth knew through social circles. He’d been working with an artist who’d just pulled out of a new development and offered the opportunity to Elizabeth – he needed 12 pieces in three weeks. She relates, ‘I had no clue what I was doing, both from a business perspective and

Yet six months following her divorce, while beginning to develop her homeware business, Elizabeth’s best friend and assistant was killed in a heart-breaking car accident, just after leaving her birthday party. ‘I've been through a lot, but it was by far the most catastrophic moment of my life… I felt that everything I had tried to build was once again pulled away from under me.’ With two small children dependent on her, Elizabeth checked into grief counselling seven days a week, in order to prioritise emotional healing before anything else. ‘I was a mess financially,’ she remembers, ‘I was also a mess emotionally and mentally, but, like a shark, I didn’t stop. I kept swimming, but it was without direction anymore, it was really scattered.’

Though she was forced to set aside her homeware ambitions, Elizabeth sought out more opportunities for her artwork in order to maintain her income stream. Her first collaboration started with an off-chance email to the CMO of Joe & The Juice, after which she collaborated with Bari Lynn Accessories on a capsule collection that was picked up by Saks, Neimans, Nordstorms, Bergdorfs, Harrods, and was even chosen to be featured in their advertising campaigns. This exposure continued to build Elizabeth’s reputation, leading her to receive the elite honour as the first female artist commissioned to hand paint the MP Pool deck on Roosevelt Island, which went on to be featured in Architectural Digest, Time Out NY and selected as one of the most beautiful painted pools in the world alongside work by Pablo Picasso, David Hockney and Felipe Pantone. This brought NY paint supplier retail chain, Janovic, to seek out a partnership with Elizabeth as a colour expert, where she curated five custom colour palettes of Benjamin Moore paint and installed four murals of her artwork in different NYC locations. From there, Elizabeth’s career continued to soar, with a request for her work to be exhibited in elite luxury hotels, including the Eden Rock, St. Barth’s and One&Only Palmilla, as well as prestigious hospitality venues and retailers, the famed NYC restaurant, Serendipity, and Bloomingdale’s flagship store. She followed with a line of fashion accessories, and secured a licensing deal with TileBar, where she developed 6 award-winning, best-selling tile collections, and subsequently, she developed a collection of wallpaper designs.

After eight years of building up a business based on licensing deals, Elizabeth faced a new challenge in a post-October 7th world. Having spent all her summers in Israel since she was six years old, with half her best friends and a whole second life there, Elizabeth organically began to advocate for Israel through her social pages, fundraising and creating a body of work called Sutton’s ‘Jewish Pride’ series. She tells me, ‘I know that my power

'I had officially experienced cancel culture and I said, 'I need to make some bold decisions"

on this planet is to help people heal trauma through inspiration and that's what I decided to do.’ After hosting eight fundraisers in her newly acquired gallery in West Chelsea, Elizabeth decided to organise the first art and music therapy-led mission to Israel. Selffunded and self-raised, Elizabeth went together with six others to Israel for 10 days, volunteering with over 1000 traumatised individuals, and doing art therapy with wounded soldiers in the hospitals, soldiers on the base in Gaza, hostage families, Nova survivors, evacuees and first responders from United Hatzalah. Through this process, Elizabeth was able to raise over $300,000 for Israel. However, her support for Israel also brought the unwanted attention of antisemitic cyber-bullies targeting her work and corporate partnerships.

While she understands that these corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to remain apolitical, Elizabeth had 10 corporate contracts cancelled, and was left to plug a gap of $300,000 worth of business deals. Despite her proven ability to rebound from trauma, the attacks on her business impacted Elizabeth’s selfesteem. ‘I spent eight years building a brand that stood for

Tablecloth by Adorn Your Table

Skirt & Shirt by Aleeza Paris

strong, G-dly values, with messaging of being a philanthropic single, hard-working mother, sharing a message of healing, positivity, self-love, and giving back, and then I cancelled myself. I had officially experienced cancel culture and I said, “I need to make some bold decisions.”’

Prior to this, Elizabeth had been about to embark on finding investors for her growing business, and the response to her advocacy for Israel gave her pause to consider if she wanted to be held to external shareholders’ values and financial pressures. ‘My career represents a lot more to me than just financial independence.’ she reflects, ‘It represents my ability to be aligned with my integrity and my value system, something I’ve fought hard to achieve.’ Having just terminated

from the 10 branches of her core designs, creating a collection as unique as you are.

With ambitions to further cement herself as the star of the home décor world, Elizabeth envisions an entire boutique hotel dedicated to her designs. Elizabeth’s journey into the art world gives her a unique lens into creativity and understanding of the industry as a business just like anything else. As an endlessly creative person, Elizabeth understands that, ‘Creatives like to create, but if you want to succeed, you need to have that business side. And if that’s not your skillset, find a partner who can bring that to the table.’ She also pragmatically advises: ‘Run to the revenue, the first thing you should do every single day is run to revenue. If you've opened

'you don't even have to be talented to succeed in life. You just have to be tenacious and have great resilience.'

a deal to finally launch her dream collection of dinnerware due to an untrustworthy partner, Elizabeth chose instead to self-fund the entire project, expressing, ‘If I don't believe in myself, who's going to believe in me?’

With an ongoing cash flow from her fine art, Elizabeth was able to gather the funds to bring this dream to reality, ‘I am fuelling this business myself, which I will tell you,’ she admits, ‘as a single mom makes my stomach turn. It’s probably the most assertive and bold business decision I've ever made. I’m super grateful to G-d for providing me with the parnassa to do it.’ Finding confidence in her previous successes where she was less sure of herself, Elizabeth feels, ‘If I was able to make success out of products in categories I wasn’t passionate about, when I had zero business experience and zero stability, there is no way I will fail at dinnerware and giftware, the category that has always been my dream, now as a much smarter, more experienced, more stabilized businesswoman.’

Having been disappointed in how quickly mainstream society had dropped their business with her, Elizabeth brought her new collection to market within nine months, choosing to work exclusively with Jewish vendors to bring it to life. She tells me, ‘It was very important to me that every single player within the launch of this new dinnerware collection was Jewish. Within the Jewish community, I don't think that we always do the best job of financially supporting one another.’ She cites her experience as a divorcee within the community as an example of this - ‘For me the lesson from October 7th was that we need to create a self-sustaining ecosystem because we have officially seen how the world can feel about us.’

After launching in December via her new e-commerce site elizabethsuttonhome.com, Elizabeth’s dinnerware can be found in 25 stockists. The choice of melamine gives it an elegant finish while still being durable and practical, informed by Elizabeth’s lived understanding of being a busy mother. ‘I am a fairly fancy woman, and when it comes to my table, I don't eat off of paper plates, but I'm also a single mom and time poor, and I need to be able to throw it in a dishwasher and not have to worry.’ All the designs have a delightful mix and match element where you can choose to stick to one set, or pick and choose your favourite colour or thematic scheme. Or, take note from Elizabeth and boldly mix up several pieces

a lead, close that one out before opening ten more leads.’ To me, though, it’s clear that Elizabeth’s strongest quality in this industry has been her tenacity. ‘You don't even have to be talented to succeed in life. You just have to be tenacious and have great resilience. If one door doesn’t open, keep knocking. Eventually doors are going to open.’

Start building your collection of Elizabeth Sutton dinnerware on https://elizabethsuttonhome.com.

For more information about Elizabeth, her work and full collection of prints and products available for purchase please visit https://www.elizabethsuttoncollection.com.

Set of 4 dinner plates: $98 Set of 4 napkins: $72 Tablecloth by Adorn Your Table

Behind the Elizabeth Sutton Collection

Why Butterflies?

The butterfly technique was one of the first skills I taught myself when I started my career. Over time, it took on a much deeper meaning in my life. Butterflies symbolise hope, transformation, beauty, rebirth, and individuality - elements that manifested in my life on a personal level. My own transformation began when I started my career and became a single mother. Through the challenges and traumas that followed, I found healing in therapy and in my relationship with G-d, experiencing my own rebirth in the process. Beyond its meaning of hope and transformation, every butterfly has its own unique, perfectly symmetrical pattern. Symmetry is how our brains perceive beauty, and by nature of being an artist and designer, beauty is what I strive to bring into the world both through my creativity and through the energy I emit into the universe. More than anything, I want to encourage others to embrace their true selves and celebrate their uniqueness. That’s one of the most important values I incorporate into my brand’s messaging.

Set of 4 placemats: $88

Set of 4 napkin rings: $100

Tablecloth by Adorn Your Table

The Dish Collection

I launched and funded this collection on my own, and I was therefore very intentional about every detail, knowing I was taking a great risk. My aim was to solve a problem that existed within the dinnerware market –a lack of dinnerware products that were beautiful but still functional. I did this by creating a durable product that had the elegance of upscale fine bone china but which was still practical for the everyday chaos of a busy mom. Within the 10 collections, I carefully chose styles that were both colourful and playful, as well as designs that were timeless and elegant. From my bold black-and-white geometric designs to the intricate botanical patterns inspired by my signature work, each piece reflects the aesthetic I’m known for. The result is a collection with endless mix-and-match possibilities, offering something for everyone.

Adorn your Table: Timeless Elegance

Devorah never dreamed that she would one day be running a tablecloth business. However, she always had a deep love for entertaining, which led to her collecting beautiful tablecloths for her home. Eventually, her friends began asking where she found them. ‘I realised there was an opportunity,’ she states, and that was it. What's remarkable is how organically the business has grown from that simple passion for creating beautiful gathering spaces into what it is today.

The timing of it all is also something that still amazes her. The very next day after Devorah put down her first deposit, which felt enormous at the time, she learned that she was having twins! ‘Had I known a day earlier, I might have hesitated and missed this opportunity entirely,’ she admits. However, she went through with it, starting very small with pop-up shops in people's homes and basements, transporting samples from place to place. Then, one rainy night, nobody showed up to her sale. As she loaded everything back into her car, she decided that there had to be a better way. She began collaborating with others in the space, offering to style their tables for photoshoots. Eventually, she built a website, but those early experiences of genuine connection with customers shaped how the brand operates until today. And throughout it all, Devorah has stayed true to her vision of curating tablecloths she loves, whilst still prioritising easy care and practical luxury.

By now, the brand sells a mixture of pieces curated from a number of select brands, as well as their own products, which are designed with their diverse clientele in mind. At Adorn, even the simplest tablecloths have a beautiful tactile quality that makes them stand out from the others. Textures are also something Devorah loves to play around with - beautiful

neutral fabrics with incredible laces, tweeds, weaves, and embroidery that adds dimension and personality. ‘Our goal is that everyone should be able to find that perfect tablecloth that resonates with their style,’ Devorah explains. ‘Whether it's classic, contemporary, traditional, or something more unique.’

And there truly is something for everyone. The brand maintains a beautiful balance of timeless and trend-forward designs—from elevated traditional whites to seasonal collections that embrace current trends like boucle. For Pesach this year, they’re introducing high-quality, wipeable, and machine-washable elegant vinyls, perfect for handling spillage and matzah crumbs during the Seder, while still looking sophisticated.

Besides for their beauty, the materials are also designed to be practical. Devorah points out the lace pieces which look delicate but which are in fact incredibly durable and easy to care for. The brand has also embraced innovations such as spill-proof fabrics where liquids bead up for easy cleaning, and lace tablecloths with liners already attached for convenience. While they offer various price points through strategic sourcing, the quality never changes. ‘Our guiding philosophy is that luxury should enhance your life, not complicate it,’ Devorah explains.

'Had I known a day earlier, I might have hesitated and missed this opportunity entirely,'

The brand carries this philosophy over into their customer service, and this personal touch has become their signature approach. Their user-friendly website incorporates features such as a table size calculator, and they also offer custom sizing for unusual table dimensions (they've done tables up to 400 inches long!) Their website offers direct WhatsApp communication, and customers will often send pictures of their china and dining rooms so that the team can help them find their perfect match.

Tablecloth by Adorn Your Table

'after all the work of cooking and preparing, sitting down at a beautifully dressed table feels like such a reward'

And their customers are undoubtedly satisfied. Devorah relates how hearing customers tell her, ‘It looked beautiful online, but it's even more stunning in real life,’ always makes her day. ‘Customers often tell me that after all the work of cooking and preparing, sitting down at a beautifully dressed table feels like such a reward - it completes the experience.’ And for the constantly evolving brand, this feedback reinforces their commitment to quality, whilst affirming that what they are creating genuinely enhances people's dining experiences, making everyday meals and special occasions more memorable.

The brand now sells at Aura Home in Lakewood, as well as on their website, and they hope to expand to more locations nationwide. Aside from tablecloths, they offer digital gift cards which have become tremendously popular as luxurious, personal gifts. Their corporate gifting program has also become particularly special. The brand offers an affordable line specifically for this purpose, including interactive demos where teams gather to learn table-setting tips and personally select their perfect tablecloth. Which each piece beautifully wrapped and delivered to the office, for under $150, they

make a uniquely personal yet practical corporate gift.

Looking back at her journey, Devorah shares her tip for other women in business. ‘Connect with as many people as you can for advice and don't be afraid to start small—I grew organically by taking one step at a time rather than trying to do everything at once. Think big about your vision, but be patient with the execution, allowing your business to develop authentically. This approach has allowed me to build something meaningful while staying true to my values and maintaining balance with what matters most.’

And what matters most to Devorah is undoubtedly interacting with her customers and being a part of the beautiful moments they create in their homes. Seeing the photos they share of their tables before the chagim, and being able to admire how everyone puts their unique twist on styling their tablecloths to enhance their meal, is the reason she initially began her undreamed of business.

www.adornyourtable.com @adornyourtable

THE HUSTLE WIG

The Hustle is Real

Shortly after her marriage, Gitty, a seamstress at the time, was searching for a way to make hair covering easier. Following a conversation with a relative who had purchased a low-end wig and was styling it with different hats, she became inspired. Seeing the potential in this idea, she reached out to her friend Rivky, a newly licensed cosmetologist working as a hairstylist. Their aim? To merge their skills and create a product that could benefit others - a small side project, or so they thought.

One thing led to another, and before they knew it, they had developed their own hat fall prototype, sourcing hair and materials from Asia. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a business, as they began selling their wigs to friends, their community, and beyond.

Today, Gitty and Rivky have carved out a unique niche in the expansive wig market with their Hustle Hat Falls - wigs designed for active and busy lifestyles. Unlike traditional wigs, The Hustle Wig features a custom cap made from soft, flexible t-shirt-like fabric for unparalleled comfort, along with a builtin velvet wig grip that eliminates the need for a separate grip. The flat-top design ensures hats fit seamlessly without bulk. Available in four lengths and a range of colours, the wigs cater to diverse complexions and personal styles. With prices ranging from $350–$700 for the standard collections and up to $1,250 for the Luxe line, there’s an option for every budget.

Unlike the traditional wig-buying experience, The Hustle Wig makes shopping seamless and accessible through its online store. With an intuitive website, free shipping, first exchange free, and a 10-day return policy, customers can see and experience the product before fully committing. For those who prefer an in-person shopping experience, appointments are available at the brand’s Brooklyn warehouse, where local customers can try on the wigs firsthand.

The brand has come a long way. From makeshift home showrooms to washing wigs in bathroom sinks and hanging them around the house to dry, Gitty and Rivky eventually took a leap of faith and rented their first space, built a dedicated

Wearing your Hustle Hat Fall:

Baseball caps, beanies, and bandana scarves are the items most often worn with our wigs, but sun hats and fedoras are also a fancier option.

Caring for your Hustle Hat Fall:

Our hat wigs are very much ‘wash and wear’ but can also be styled with hot tools. Many people wash their wigs themselves, and we ship out care instructions with every order.

team, and grew their vision into a thriving business. Like any entrepreneurial journey, theirs came with challenges, but the impact they’ve made makes every hurdle worth it. Seeing Jewish women confidently embrace hair covering while feeling beautiful and comfortable is the greatest reward.

True hustlers at heart, Gitty and Rivky are just getting started. They are continuously experimenting with new colour samples and expanding accessibility for in-person try-ons in different neighbourhoods. So, keep your eyes on them - there’s much more to come. And, as always, keep hustling!

You can shop The Hustle Wig online at thehustlewig. com and receive free shipping, first exchange free, and a 10 day try on return policy for US orders.

In-person appointments are available at their showroom in Brooklyn and can be booked on their website.

Email: orders@thehustlewig.com

What were the homeowners' needs?

The project was located in Woodmere, New York, and the family were looking for a modern, transitional look for their interiors, with light colours and clean lines. With three young children, they needed all materials to be durable, easily cleaned, and child friendly. They also didn’t want any wallpaper in any of the rooms, and they had a budget to adhere to.

What was the design process?

We first visited a tile showroom together, and the client showed me the colours and tiles she liked. She also shared Pinterest boards with me and lots of design inspiration. After that, I started with the foyer and created a rendering with the tile pattern, wall design, lighting and main features. I also shared sample trays with the colours and textures of all the finishes. We then met in Kurrent of Boro park where we picked out all the plumbing fixtures. I love working with Kurrent as they are experts in all things fixtures, their email response times are very quick, and they also provided plumbing spec books. In addition, they sent the deliveries in stages, holding the rest in their warehouse for delivery when the contractor was ready for it. This ensured that nothing got damaged or lost at the construction site.

After that, I created renderings for the kitchen, master bathroom and dining room and linked collage boards for all the other bathrooms and bedrooms. I then created a full construction drawing book in collaboration with the very skilled drafter Sruli Glauber. Once this was all ready and detailed in one pdf, I handed it over to the builder. The book contained all the details of how every tile should be laid out, where every outlet location should be, and all lighting locations based on the measurements of each room. It also had tags for every light sconce, plumbing fixture and tile coordinating to the drawings.

Were there any challenges along the way?

These clients were very decisive and knew what they wanted for the design look, so the design decisions went very quickly and the project went smoothly. One challenge was that due to a construction mistake, there weren’t enough tiles for one of the bathrooms. We then had to wait two months for the tiles to arrive from Spain which held up the construction and move in timeline.

What did you learn from this project?

Three easy ways to elevate your home for spring:

1. Buy dried floral arrangements from Etsy or Anthropologie and add them to ceramic vases on your consoles and tables.

2. Swap out rugs and pillows for lighter airier colours: there are many affordable finds on ruggable.com and H&M.

3. Buy a new set of dishes with light, spring inspired colours, such as cream ceramic plates with pink glassware. Marshall’s currently have some great pink glasses which can give an affordable refresh to your table.

I saw how easy it is to work with clients who really know the look they want to go for and who don’t want the design process to drag out. If only all my clients were like this, interior design would be a lot easier! I’m wishing for more clients like this in the coming years with Hashem’s help!

Sara Machlis was educated at the New York School of Interior Design, where she studied the art and science of interior design. She honed her skills over several years, initially gaining experience at various interior design firms before eventually founding Soulteriors to fully express her unique design style. Sara was drawn to a career in interior design because of her lifelong love for art. She believes that beautiful surroundings have a significant effect on our mood, and a well-designed interior can profoundly impact a person's home life or business. Instagram @soulteriors.

Wrinkle Decorative Bowl

Lulu and Georgia $194

Amphora Vase

Lulu and Gerogia $124

Glass Tea Light Holder

THE

Risk Worth Taking: The Journey Behind Amuze

CBy: Dalya Eichler

haya Chesner, COO of Amuze, joined our call from her home in Milan, Italy. As she shared her journey, I couldn't help but reflect on how some individuals find themselves living far beyond the typical Jewish community circles. For some, it’s the call of adventure; for others, the mission of establishing a Chabad House. For Chaya and her husband Jonathan, however, their path was entirely different - it was the unexpected journey of creating a business that would change their lives. Their story didn’t start in Milan, nor in the world of fashion. In fact, if you had told Chaya years ago that she

would one day run a luxury e-commerce business from Italy, she would have laughed. Back then, she was a graphic design student in New York, and Jonathan was the friendly guy in college. Neither had any background in fashion, and neither had any particular interest in it. ‘We didn’t grow up wealthy,’ Chaya admits. ‘I didn’t even know what these high-end brands were when I was younger. American Eagle and Zara were my go-to stores.’ She chuckles, recalling how, for Jonathan’s 19th birthday, she bought him a t-shirt from Abercrombie, and he was in awe, thinking $40 was insane for a t-shirt.

Amuze wasn’t born from a detailed business plan or even a dream. It started in the most unexpected way, during trips to visit family, where Chaya and Jonathan would stop by a Saks Return Centre. What began as a quick shopping stop on the way in soon took an intriguing turn. Jonathan noticed a recurring group of faces, and one day, he asked what they were all doing there. He learned the secret: people were purchasing discounted designer goods and reselling them on eBay. Curious, Jonathan decided to give it a try. After buying a few items and reselling them for three times the purchase price, it all clicked for him.

Jonathan became a regular at the return centre, quickly learning the ins and outs of the game. The return centre had a strict system, with customers called up by number, and the same group of people returned daily, looking at each other to see who would get called first. Jonathan was quick to memorise what had been on the shelves the day before and

could spot the new arrivals the next morning. But it wasn’t just about flipping items - Jonathan also had an instinct for scaling the business.

‘He’d call me from a sample sale in New York and ask me to check how much was in the bank account,’ Chaya laughs. ‘He’d keep spending until there was literally only five cents left.’

From return centres, the couple branched out to sample sales, buying everything they could. Then, in 2013, came a game-changing email. Judith Leiber, the iconic handbag designer, reached out with an offer to buy out an entire inventory from one of their sample sales - an investment of $250,000. Jonathan didn’t hesitate. He called up a neighbour, and they split the purchase. The neighbour’s share of the profits went to charity. That was the moment they realised this was no longer just a side hustle - it had become a legitimate business.

Jonathan worked tirelessly, six days a week, making the long drive to New York, hunting for deals, and making connections. The profits grew, and soon Jonathan knew it was time to take the next step - building a brand of their own. Meanwhile, Chaya juggled motherhood and managing the behind-the-scenes operations of Amuze. She reflects on starting the business when they were so young - there was little to lose, and their persistence carried them through every setback. Yet one setback nearly cost them everything.

In 2015, a deal that seemed too good to be true turned out to be exactly that. A seller for high-end handbags who had met

"'He’d call me from a sample sale and ask me to check how much was in the bank account,'"

Jonathan at a few of the sample sales in NYC offered him his stock; the hottest bags on the market then. The bags flew off the website, and money started pouring in. But soon, complaints began pouring in as well, with some customers claiming that the bags were counterfeit. Jonathan was confident in the authenticity of his sources, who provided paperwork proving the bags were legitimate. The sellers assured him that negative reviews were just a normal part of business. But the complaints grew, and eventually the couple received a letter from LVMH, the parent company of the luxury brand. Things took a disastrous turn. Jonathan realised the goods were questionable and halted all sales. With a few hundred thousand dollars of inventory still in the warehouse, Jonathan suddenly found himself facing threats from LVMH, massive refunds, and a failing business, all at just 25 years old.

‘My husband sold millions of dollars worth of those bags,’ Chaya says, shaking her head. ‘He had to refund the customers, and the money just ran out.’

They were in freefall—their reputation was destroyed, and their investor pulled out. It felt like they were back to square one. But Jonathan never lost faith in the business. He knew it could work, and he pushed forward.

Just when things seemed hopeless, an opportunity appeared - a chance to visit boutiques in Italy. Jonathan began rebuilding relationships, restoring credibility, and getting in front of Amuze. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about rebuilding trust. Customers needed to see the person behind Amuze, and Jonathan worked hard to show them. He started flying back and forth to Italy, meeting with boutique owners and starting new partnerships. But then, COVID hit. Schools closed. The world came to a standstill, and international travel became impossible.

One day, Jonathan said to Chaya, ‘What if we moved to Italy?’ At first, she laughed it off. ‘You want to move to Israel? Fine. But Italy? I know nothing about living there! We have five kids, they’re in great schools—there’s no way we’re moving.’

But as the school closures dragged on, Chaya finally thought ‘What do we have to lose?’ A six-month stay in Milan turned into five years. They no longer needed to fly in and out of the country every few weeks. Their kids found a new home, and Chaya embraced the culture. Jonathan was able to get the business back on track by working endless hours, building up a following on Instagram through novel marketing ideas such as his famous giveaways. Now, 5 years later, he sells millions of dollars each year through Instagram links.

‘We’re about to make a Bar Mitzvah for my son,’ Chaya smiles. ‘His friends are from all over the world, even Lebanon. They’ve never been to a Bar Mitzvah before.’ The move

wasn’t easy, but when they visit the States, it’s clear they made the right decision.

Chaya and Jonathan’s story is more than just about building a business. It’s about resilience, trust, and taking risks others wouldn’t dare. They started with nothing - no fashion background, no wealthy investors, no guarantees. They worked relentlessly, made mistakes, and lost it all. And then, they rebuilt.

‘We try to be those people who prove that everyone looks like a fool until they succeed,’ Chaya reflects. ‘Success isn’t easy, but Jonathan’s vision and perseverance, no matter the obstacles, have brought us to where we are today.’

MANOLO BLAHNIK Sale $825, Retail $1,195

Small Puzzle Bag in Classic Calfskin - Tan LOEWE Sale $2,695, Retail $3,500 Fishnet Ballet Flats - Black ALAÏA Sale Price $695

Peekaboo Soft Medium Bag - Black FENDI Sale $3,795

Blondie Small Top

Handle Bag - Brown GUCCI

$3,900

Rivkah Levy Abitbol is a Moroccan Sefardic mother of 4 who grew up in Montreal. She felt an urge to share her love for fashion with the world, and now boasts nearly 100K followers on Instagram under her handle @myfashionologybyr.

What do you love about being a Fashion Influencer?

I love the connection it creates. I get to share my passion, inspire others, and build a community of people who appreciate style and self-expression as much as I do. I also love the satisfaction I get when someone tells me they started dressing modestly because of my inspiring looks. Knowing that my style choices can empower others and help them feel confident while embracing modest fashion is incredibly rewarding.

JACQUEMUS

Linen-blend blazer

The Outnet $354

How would you describe your passions?

I’m passionate about creating content, putting together looks for myself and others, and inspiring people through fashion.

Favourite holiday destination?

Two of my favourite holiday destinations are Marrakesh and the South of France! I love the beauty, culture, and inspiration these places offer.

STELLA MCCARTNEY

Asymmetric stretch-jersey dress

The Outnet $233

ZIMMERMANN Pussy-bow printed chiffon midi dress

The Outnet $560

Your favourite home accessories?

I love cozy throws, statement mirrors, elegant vases, and coffee table books - timeless pieces that add warmth and personality to a space.

The basic items every wardrobe needs?

A basic white T-shirt, a denim skirt, and a structured blazer are all versatile staples that can be styled in endless ways!

What are your three top makeup products? I always stick to eyeliner, mascara, and bronzer - they’re my must-haves for a quick and polished look!

What fashion trend are you loving right now?

Right now, I’m loving shoulder pads - always and forever! They add such a strong, structured look to any ensemble. As we approach spring and summer, I can’t wait to wear more colour. Neutrals have been beautiful, but I’m ready to bring colour back into my life!

Nangy Double Breasted Cinched Blazer Source Unknown $245

EIGSHOW PRO Precision

Eye Liner Makeup Brush Amazon $13.99

Maybelline Lasting

Drama Gel Eyeliner Amazon $12.96

Lancôme Hypnôse Buildable & Volumizing Mascara Amazon $45

MARRAKESH

Morocco, with its vibrant tapestry of culture and history, was an easy choice for our destination fashion photoshoot, particularly the enchanting city of Marrakech. Known for its rich Jewish heritage, Marrakech has a unique blend of traditions that reflect centuries of coexistence and cultural exchange. As we strolled through the bustling souks, the colorful mosaics and intricate architecture captivated our senses,

while the warm, welcoming atmosphere filled us with joy. The historic Jewish quarter, or Mellah, stands as a testament to the city’s diverse past, showcasing synagogues and vibrant markets that tell stories of resilience and community. From the stunning palaces adorned with ornate tile work to the fragrant gardens bursting with life, Marrakech is a place where beauty and history intertwine, making every moment feel like a celebration of life.

with Youssef Sabine

Photoshoot by Anmour Media Makeup by Racquel Reinman

Morocco is home to the burial sites of many tzadikim, attracting Jewish pilgrims from around the world. These sacred sites serve as places of prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection. Among the most visited are:

Rabbi Shlomo Belhench (Ourika Valley) - A revered sage whose tomb is nestled in the serene Atlas Mountains. Many come here to pray for blessings and healing.

Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan (Asjen, near Ouazzane) – A legendary figure known for his miracles. His annual hiloula (pilgrimage) gathers Jewish visitors from Morocco, Spain, Israel, and beyond.

Rabbi David U Moshe (Agouim, near Ouarzazate) – A site

where visitors seek divine assistance and protection. Rabbi Pinto (Essaouira) – A well-known sage whose teachings and legacy continue to inspire many.

One of the most touching experiences I have witnessed is when families, separated by generations and distance, return to visit these sites. I once guided an elderly man from France who had never been to Morocco but whose grandfather always spoke about Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan. Upon arriving, he broke into tears, feeling an unexplainable connection, as if he had returned home. These sacred visits are more than just trips; they are deeply emotional journeys of reconnection and spiritual renewal.

Kivrei Tzadikim in Morocco

The Secret Garden of Marrakech Nestled in the heart of the medina, the Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret) is a hidden oasis that tells a story of Moroccan heritage and architectural beauty. This restored 19th-century garden was once part of a grand riad belonging to a powerful noble family. Today, it is a place of tranquillity, where visitors can admire the harmonious blend of Islamic architecture and lush greenery.

Water, a key element in Moroccan gardens, flows through an intricate irrigation system inspired by traditional hydraulic engineering. This garden represents the deep connection between Moroccan culture and nature, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling souks of Marrakesh.

Jewish and Arab Coexistence in Morocco

For centuries, Jews and Arabs have lived side by side in Morocco, creating a unique culture of mutual respect and coexistence. The Mellahs (Jewish quarters) of cities like Marrakesh, Fez, and Essaouira were vibrant centres of Jewish life, with synagogues, schools, and businesses thriving alongside their Muslim neighbours.

Jewish and Muslim artisans often worked together, contributing to Morocco’s rich traditions in craftsmanship, music, and cuisine. Even today, in places like Essaouira, Muslim shopkeepers proudly display signs in Hebrew, a testament to the lasting friendship between the two communities. Festivals such as Mimouna, celebrated at the end of Passover, highlight the shared joy and cultural exchange between Jewish and Muslim families.

Despite historical challenges, Morocco remains a rare example of a country where Jewish heritage is respected and preserved, with ongoing efforts to restore synagogues, cemeteries, and cultural sites.

The

Culture of the Moroccan Souk

The souks (markets) of Morocco are a sensory explosion of colours, scents, and sounds, where trade and tradition blend seamlessly. From the spice stalls of Marrakech to the textile markets of Fez, the souk is the heartbeat of Moroccan daily life. Historically, Jewish merchants played a significant role in the Moroccan souk, particularly in trades such as jewellerymaking, textiles, and craftsmanship. The ‘Marché des Juifs’ (Jewish Market) was known for its high-quality goods and fair dealings. Even today, descendants of Jewish silversmiths

and traders continue their family traditions, crafting exquisite pieces that reflect centuries of skill and heritage.

Walking through the souk is like stepping into a living museum of Moroccan culture. Every alleyway holds a story, every shopkeeper a tale, and every spice a history of trade that connects Morocco to the world. The souk is more than just a market—it is a celebration of Morocco’s multicultural identity and enduring traditions.

Youssef Safine is a dedicated tour guide based in Marrakech, Morocco. Growing up on Talmud Torah Street in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Marrakesh, he developed a deep connection to Jewish history and heritage from an early age. His passion for preserving and sharing this rich history has led him to specialise in Jewish heritage tours throughout Morocco, assisting Jewish travellers in tracing their family roots, visiting historical sites, and experiencing the vibrant history of Moroccan Jewry. He works closely with rabbis, scholars, and researchers to document and preserve the legacy of Morocco’s Jewish communities. Youssef offers personalised, tailormade tours that take visitors beyond the usual tourist sites, offering a meaningful and immersive experience. His services include arranging Kosher meals, accommodation, and transportation to ensure a comfortable journey. Whether it’s visiting ancient synagogues, historic Jewish cemeteries, or cultural landmarks, Youssef’s goal is to bridge the past with the present and share the enduring spirit of Moroccan Jewish life.

This is just a glimpse into the depth of Morocco’s Jewish heritage and cultural vibrancy. If you are interested in exploring these sites and stories firsthand, I would be honoured to guide you on a journey through time, memory, and discovery.

Contact: +212 700 757 001

Facebook: Jewish Morocco Tour Instagram @youssefsafine .

Moroccan Cuisine with EINAT HAKOUN

Photographer: Lior Ashkenazi

My connection to cooking goes as far back as I can remember. I grew up in Kiryat Shmona, a small development town in northern Israel, surrounded by warm and kind-hearted people. I was raised in a Moroccan-Spanish home where everything revolved around delicious, comforting food filled with unforgettable aromas.

Always curious about the kitchen, I often found myself by my grandmother’s side, asking questions and showing interest in her cooking. From her, I learned and became familiar with Moroccan cuisine and its rich spices - cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, and the magical Ras el Hanout. These incredible spices create the bold and distinctive flavours that define Moroccan dishes.

Today, I blend this tradition with my personal touch and the upgrades I’ve developed over the years through experience. In the kitchen, I feel safe, relaxed, and at ease. It’s where I create, dream, and dare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we all turned to social media, I launched my Instagram page. I began sharing my culinary journey and the rest is history. My aspiration is to bring you back to the authentic, heartwarming flavours and aromas I grew up with. Today, I’m blessed with hundreds of thousands of followers who recreate my recipes, and for me, there is no greater satisfaction.

Instagram: @einavhakounfood

Website: https://einavhakoun.co.il/

Email: contact@einavhakoun.co.il

STUFFED ZUCCHINI (Kousa Mahshi):

INGREDIENTS

For the Stuffing:

250 g (9 oz) ground chicken

thighs or ground chicken breast

1 cup short-grain rice

A handful of chopped mint, cilantro, and parsley

1 white onion

3 garlic cloves

2 tomatoes

¼ cup toasted pine nuts

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ras el hanout

1 tsp granulated garlic

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp salt

PREPARATION

For the Chicken:

600 g (21 oz) chicken thighs, cubed

8-10 small zucchinis

2 onions, sliced

6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3-4 celery stalks with leaves, coarsely chopped

A little chopped parsley, mint, and cilantro

4 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp salt (flat)

1 tsp black pepper

½ tsp ras el hanout

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tbsp date syrup (silan)

2 cups boiling water

1. In a food processor, finely chop the onion, garlic, and herbs.

2. Mix them in a bowl with the ground chicken, rice, tomatoes, pine nuts, and spices until well combined, and set aside.

3. Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and hollow them out.

4. Stuff each zucchini with the prepared filling and place them on a tray. Set aside.

5. Heat a wide pot (sauté pan) with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

6. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the chopped garlic and herbs.

7. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together, except for the chopped celery leaves, to create a sauce.

8. Arrange the stuffed zucchinis on top of the chicken mixture, sprinkle with chopped celery leaves and pour the prepared sauce over everything.

9. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

10. Remove the lid, transfer the pot to the oven, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the tops of the zucchinis are golden brown.

11. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Photographer: Lior Ashkenazi

Einav Hakoun is a digital creator who lives, breathes, and dreams about the kitchen. Today, she is fulfilling her dream with her own food blog, ‘Taste Like a Memory’, as well as hosting rich, delicious, and immersive workshops on traditional Moroccan cooking.

Moroccan Cooking: A Legacy

By: Guila Muyal

Food has a special power to create deep rooted memories. We have all felt those nostalgic moments where a smell or taste brings up a feeling or memory from our childhood. In my journey of growing my family, I learned that gathering around a table, sharing a traditional meal, laughing and talking are all moments that my children will carry with them throughout their lives. There is something special about these small, everyday moments that happen as we break bread that stay with us long after the meal is finished.

My Moroccan upbringing was typical; mom makes food, kids eat the food (and stay out of the kitchen!). So, I got married with little to no cooking knowledge. What I did have, however, was a line of legendary Moroccan cooks on both sides of my family. Seeing them cook, smelling their dishes, and getting familiar with the ingredients they used in my favourite meals, all led me to developing a passion for cooking.

Mémé, my paternal grandmother z”l, used to gather all of her eight children and many grandchildren around her small apartment dining table after every major fast of the year, as well as for Mimouna. Her table was filled with every Moroccan pastry one could think of. I didn’t truly appreciate how decadent these delicacies were as a child, but today, not only am I impressed by what she served but I’m in awe of the family traditions she started for generations to come - a true matriarch.

The more I cook, the more I feel connected to my family and my culture’s traditions. Traditions that once felt routine or unimportant, became meaningful and significant in my children’s upbringing. I make Sfinj (Moroccan donuts) on Channukah, Mofleta (Moroccan crepes) on Mimouna (a post Pesach celebration), Moroccan fish on Friday night, and

Dafina on Shabbat lunch. It isn’t always easy, but I do it so that my children grow up with the same traditions that were passed down to me; the ones they don’t even realise are traditions until later in life.

Being a busy mom of four, I wholeheartedly understand the need for quick and easy dishes. But convenience doesn’t have to come at the expense of delicious flavour. The key to achieving flavourful meals in matter of minutes is fresh ingredients like herbs, spices and seasonal produce. Moroccan cuisine may seem complex because of its rich flavours, but it is actually built on simple ingredients. With just a touch of garlic, lemon, and paprika oil, you can take a chicken dish from bland to delicious. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and it is spectacular.

Spices are the beating heart of Moroccan cuisine. I use them to add depth and warmth to my dishes, balance the flavours, elevate the food, and nourish the body. Most spices used in Moroccan kitchens have warm flavours and vibrant colours, like the rich reds and oranges of saffron, paprika, turmeric, and cumin. Due to its potency, Saffron is usually added to a teacup, infused in hot water, and then incorporated into the dish to ensure even distribution. Anyone who’s grown up in a Moroccan home has likely seen this cup in their fridge! (You can find a recipe for “Saffron Chicken” on my website.)

Bringing my family together is ultimately what I love the most about cooking. It’s not always about the food; it’s about the old traditions blending with the new memories created around the table. As I cook, I feel my grandmother’s presence. Being a part of her legacy fills me with a profound sense of connection and commitment to her, extending far beyond the ingredients.

Email: guilamuyals@gmail.com

Contact: 1(514) 814-3397

Website: www.tastyandhasty.com

Instagram: @tastyandhasty

MOROCCAN FISHBALLS

Photographed by Erin Halpern @erin.eats.mtl

INGREDIENTS

For the sauce:

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 jar grilled peppers, washed and sliced (around 350ml)

2 carrots, peeled and julienned

1 head of garlic, peeled

1/4 cup oil

1/2 bunch of cilantro, divided

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp paprika

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp lemon juice

1.5 cups water

PREPARATION

For the Fishballs:

1 lb salmon

1 lb whiting (or turbot)

1 onion

3 sticks celery

4 cloves garlic

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 egg

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1. Start creating your sauce: In a pan combine tomatoes, carrots, peppers, garlic, tomato sauce and oil. Sauté at medium high heat until vegetables start to soften. Add spices, lemon juice and water and simmer.

2. In a food processor, combine onion, garlic, cilantro, and celery. Process until fully pureed. Add salmon and white fish and process until smooth.

3. Transfer to a bowl and add egg, paprika, salt and breadcrumbs. Mix until combined.

4. Form balls. I like to slightly flatten them, but they can be shaped round. Place them carefully in the sauce and baste them. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes. Uncover, baste and let them simmer a little more, about 15 minutes.

5. Sprinkle cilantro and dive in!

MEAT TAGINE

INGREDIENTS

1 onion, finely minced

3 tbsp oil

1/4 cup wine

2 cans chickpeas, drained and washed

4-5 cloves of garlic

1 can diced tomatoes, not drained

1 tbsp paprika

PREPARATION

2 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1 kg beef cubes

1/2 cup water or stock

1. Heat your instant pot on the sauté mode and add oil. Fry the onion until brown. Add wine and let it get absorbed by the onion.

2. Add chickpeas, garlic, diced tomates, and sauté for a few minutes.

3. Add spices and cilantro and mix them in. Add meat to the sauce with water or stock.

4. Close instant pot and set on high pressure for 1 hour. Naturally release pressure.

Note: For non-instant pot use, follow all the steps on a medium high heat, then simmer the meat covered for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat separates with no effort.

Photographed by Erin Halpern @erin.eats.mtl

HEALTHY DELIGHTS SWEET TREATS WITH DATES

Satisfying your sweet tooth doesn’t have to mean indulging in sugary sweets that leave you feeling sluggish. Enter dates: nature's candy! These small, chewy fruits are not only delightfully sweet, but they also pack a nutritional punch, making them an excellent base for healthy treats.

A powerhouse of nutrients, dates are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which help to support heart health, boost energy levels, and improve brain function. Additionally, their natural sweetness comes from fructose, which provides a quick energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars.

DATE ENERGY BALLS

Recipe by Portoberry, London

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unsalted cashews

10 large dates

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (divided)

2 tablespoons ground flax seed

2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (preferably plant-based)

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

2 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, pulse the cashews until finely ground.

2. Add the dates, half of the coconut, flax seed, protein powder, coconut oil, and water. Blend for about 30 seconds until well combined, adjusting thickness with extra coconut or water as desired.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier handling.

4. Place the remaining coconut in a bowl. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls, and roll in the coconut, and place on a plate (it will be sticky, so don’t worry about perfection).

5. Refrigerate for 1 hour before enjoying, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

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