A Becoming Her reflection It had only been about two years since I moved to the United States when a friend invited me to a women's luncheon. She was a realtor from England, and she told me, "You should come. It will be good for your business. You'll meet people and they can get to know you." At that point, I was still very shy about speaking English with people outside of the Persian community. My English wasn't fluent. I had an accent. I worried about making grammar mistakes. And somewhere in my mind, I had already decided that all of those things made me less confident, less capable, and somehow less than the people who had grown up here. But I went. There were probably twenty or thirty women at the luncheon. It was a networking event, and throughout the afternoon different women would take the microphone and share their stories. I sat there listening. And cheering. I was perfectly happy doing exactly that. Then suddenly my friend handed me the microphone. "Amy, why don't you tell everyone how you started your business?" I wanted to disappear. I had never spoken publicly before - not even in my first language, let alone in English. I hadn't prepared anything. I didn't know what I was going to say. I remember sweating. But there I was, standing in front of a room full of women with a microphone in my hand, so I started talking. With my broken English. With my accent. With my grammar mistakes. I told them my story. When I finished, everyone clapped and cheered. I was relieved. Thank God that's over. I talked with a few women afterward, and just before we were leaving, an American woman came over to me. She told me how much my story had inspired her. She told me she had been thinking about starting her own business, and after listening to me, she was going to do it. I was shocked. I remember thinking, She was inspired by me? I had spent that entire speech worrying about my English. She hadn't. I was thinking about my accent. She was hearing my story. I was noticing every grammar mistake. She was feeling inspired enough to change something in her own life. That conversation changed something in me. There was also another immigrant woman who spoke that day. Her accent was much stronger than mine, and yet there she was - standing in front of everyone and telling her story. Nobody cared about her accent either. People don't need you to be perfect. They need you to be real. If you are genuine, if you're authentic, and if you speak from your heart, people feel it. For years afterward, people would even tell me something I never expected to hear: my accent made me more memorable. The thing I had considered a flaw was actually part of what made me different. Today, I don't think of my accent as something I need to overcome. I think of it as a privilege. I speak two languages. My accent carries part of my story. It tells you that I came from somewhere else, started over, learned another language, built a life in a different country, and kept going even when I didn't feel completely comfortable. But my accent wasn't the only ceiling I had created for myself. For years, I thought there was a limit to how far I could go. I didn't grow up in America. I didn't go to school here. English wasn't my first language. And somewhere along the way, I turned those facts about my life into limitations. I remember thinking many times, I wish I had come to America earlier. Maybe then I could have gone to school here. Maybe my English would have been better. Maybe I could reach a different level of success. What I didn't understand was that I was creating the ceiling myself. Looking back now, I realize that so much of becoming who we want to be comes down to what we choose to tune into. For a long time, I was tuned into everything I thought I was missing: my education, my English, my accent, what I didn't know, and what other people seemed to know that I didn't. I was constantly collecting evidence for why someone else might be more capable than me. But what happens when you change what you're tuning into? What happens when, instead of focusing on all the reasons you can't become the person you imagine, you start tuning into the possibility that you can? That's what slowly started happening to me. Little by little, I changed the station. I started a business. I learned things I didn't know how to do. I made mistakes. I figured things out. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone. And every time I did something I once thought I couldn't do, I gained a little more evidence that perhaps the limits I believed in weren't actually there. I wish I could say one luncheon magically eliminated all of my self-doubt. It didn't. I would break one ceiling and eventually discover another one above it. But each time, I became a little more willing to challenge it. Belief made me willing to try. Trying gave me evidence. Evidence gave me confidence. Confidence made me willing to try something bigger. And somewhere along that journey, the question in my head changed. Instead of asking, Am I capable of becoming that woman? I started thinking: Why not me? Today, when I hear people talk about manifestation, mindset, consistency, believing in yourself, or the power of your thoughts, I understand why sometimes it can sound cliché. It's easy to scroll past those words on Instagram. It's different when you've lived them. For me, manifestation isn't sitting somewhere wishing for a different life. It's allowing yourself to see a version of you that doesn't exist yet - and believing in her enough to start behaving like her. You tune into her. You start making decisions from that place. You take the meeting. You walk into the room. You start the business. You speak even when your English isn't perfect. You try something before you feel completely ready. Sometimes you fail. You learn. You try again. And slowly, the woman you once imagined becoming isn't somewhere in the future anymore. You're becoming her. I don't wish anymore that I had come to America earlier. Because today I understand that the woman who arrived here when she did - with an accent, without an American education, and with so much she still had to learn - is an important part of the woman Ibecame. I needed her. I just didn't need to let her fears determine how far I could go. We can honor who we've been without allowing that identity to limit who we're becoming. There is a version of you beyond the limitations you've accepted about yourself. Maybe she's more confident. Maybe she starts the business. Maybe she walks away from something. Maybe she walks into a room she once thought she didn't belong in. Maybe she speaks. Maybe she finally stops waiting for someone else to give her permission. Tune into her. Give yourself permission to believe she's possible. Then do the work. Be persistent. Keep showing up. And the next time life hands you the microphone before you feel ready - take it. You might discover that the thing you've been trying so hard to hide is part of the story someone elsenneeds to hear. And maybe that's what Becoming Her really is. Not becoming someone else. Becoming the version of yourself you finally stopped believing was out of reach.

A reflection on business, perspective, and choosing what comes next There is one question I have always found strangely awkward to answer: “How is business?” In the jewelry industry, we ask each other this all the time. I hear it from vendors, other jewelers, people I meet at shows, and friends in the industry. My answer is usually very simple. “Good.” And sometimes I get this look. Almost like I gave the wrong answer. Because there is always something we are supposed to be worried about. The economy is bad. Natural diamond prices are dropping. Lab-grown diamonds are changing the market. Gold prices are too high. Customers aren't spending. Business is slow. And the funny thing is, after all these years in business, I have realized something: There will always be something. There will always be a reason to complain. But there will also always be an opportunity. Throughout my career, I think I have naturally chosen to look for the possibility instead of staying focused on the problem. That doesn't mean my business is amazing every single month. Of course it isn't. Some months the improvement shows up in our numbers. Other times, the improvement is happening internally. We are building a better team. Fixing a system. Learning something. Changing our marketing. Improving the customer experience. Planting something that we may not see the result of for another six months or even another year. I don't judge my business from one snapshot. I look at the whole picture. And most importantly, I compete against ourselves. Are we becoming better than we were before? That question matters much more to me than whether everyone else thinks the market is good or bad. Then COVID Happened When everything shut down in 2020, I was scared too. Nobody knew what was going to happen. I didn't know whether my business would survive. I remember thinking that if this was somehow the end and I had to close my business for good, then at least I had enjoyed the years I had spent building it. There wasn't much I could control. So I started looking at what I could do. I suddenly had more time with my children. I exercised more. I continued learning piano. I learned new things. And I stayed connected to my customers. I kept posting on social media. I kept talking about jewelry. I kept sharing things that made me excited. Then something unexpected started happening. People began messaging me about jewelry. At first, it almost didn't make sense to me. Who is thinking about jewelry right now? The world was shut down. But then I understood. Life hadn't stopped. Birthdays were still happening. Anniversaries were still happening. People were still falling in love and getting engaged. People still had milestones they wanted to celebrate. In fact, because they couldn't travel or go to restaurants or celebrate in the ways they normally would, some of them wanted something lasting and meaningful instead. Jewelry. A few manufacturers were still able to work, so I started taking orders. Little by little, while everything around us seemed closed, we were doing business. And somehow, 2020 and 2021 ended up becoming even better years for my business than the year before. I never could have predicted that when the shutdown began. But it taught me something I have never forgotten: You don't always need to know where the opportunity is. You just have to remain open enough to see it when it appears. Even the Bad Things A few years ago, two men came into my store and distracted us while they stole approximately $100,000 worth of jewelry. It was devastating. There was nothing positive about being robbed. Going through the insurance claim, realizing someone had walked into something I had built and stolen from me - it was horrible. But eventually the insurance claim was paid. And one day I looked at the situation differently. Those three rings had represented a significant amount of money sitting in inventory. Now that money was liquid again. I could reinvest it. I could buy inventory that made more sense for where my business was going. I could put the money somewhere that might serve the business better. I couldn't change what those men had done. But I could decide what I did with what happened next. And I think there is a very big difference between those two things. What Are You Looking For? Recently I was thinking about how easily our problems can become part of our identity. If you spend enough time talking about everything that is wrong - the economy, your industry, your competition, your circumstances - you eventually train yourself to look for more evidence that you are right. And you will find it. There is plenty. But I believe the opposite is also true. If you train yourself to look for possibilities, you begin seeing those too. I don't believe positive thinking means pretending everything is wonderful. Sometimes things are terrible. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes you're scared. Sometimes something happens to you that you absolutely did not deserve or choose. The question is what you do next. Do I want to spend my energy proving how bad the situation is? Or do I want to ask: What can I do with this? Maybe that is why I still answer the same way when someone asks me: “How is business?” Good. Not because every month is perfect. Not because there aren't problems. But because as long as I am learning, improving, adjusting and looking for the next possibility, I don't think a difficult month gets to decide whether my business is good. There will always be something to complain about. I choose possibility.

Where Adventure Meets Home Some people spend their lives searching for home. Others discover that home isn't always a place. Sometimes, it's a person. For Carsen Moore, life has been shaped by movement. From growing up in the waterfront town of Gig Harbor, Washington, to living in Hawaii, Iowa, Alaska, and now California, every place has left its mark. "I've been fortunate enough to live in Hawaii, Iowa, Alaska, and now California. Each place has shaped me in different ways and given me a greater appreciation to be on this earth." Today, she continues that journey as a flight attendant, a career perfectly suited to someone who finds joy in discovering the world. "Being able to explore the world, meet people from all walks of life, and experience different cultures is one of the greatest gifts of my career." Travel has taught her adaptability, compassion, and gratitude, not only for extraordinary places but also for ordinary moments. And perhaps that's what makes Carsen so refreshing. Despite living a life filled with airports, adventures, and new destinations, she speaks most passionately about the quiet things—cooking for the people she loves, spending time with animals, watching sunsets, and finding beauty in everyday life. For Carsen, it's these simple moments that make life the most meaningful. "More than anything, this chapter has reminded me to slow down, be present, and appreciate how far life has brought me. I'm embracing this season with an open heart, feeling incredibly grateful for the journey that's led me here and excited for everything that's still to come." A Love Worth Flying Back To Of all the places Carsen has traveled, one destination will forever hold a special place in her heart—Costa Rica. It wasn't simply another trip. It became the place where forever began. The day before the proposal, she and her fiancé had gone horseback riding along the beach. Unknown to her, he quietly noticed a secluded stretch of shoreline and decided that was where he wanted to ask her to marry him. The next day, he brought her back. "With nothing but the ocean, the sound of the waves, and the two of us, he got down on one knee. It was so intimate, thoughtful, and completely us." She describes feeling overwhelmed, not with surprise alone, but with gratitude. "It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever." Even now, every compliment she receives on her engagement ring brings her back to that exact moment. "Every day I have someone comment on my beautiful ring, and I get to relive that excitement again and again." Choosing What Matters Most While many brides imagine grand celebrations, Carsen has always envisioned something much quieter and more intentional. Rather than a large wedding, she and her fiancé dream of returning to Alaska, the place where they first met, to exchange vows surrounded by mountains. For them, the beauty of the day isn't found in the size of the celebration but in the meaning behind it. "Most girls dream of having a big wedding, but I never really imagined that for myself." As they plan their elopement, they're embracing a celebration that feels timeless, romantic, and deeply personal. They want to begin their marriage in a way that reflects who they truly are, free from expectations and fully present in the moment. In many ways, that simple vision captures the heart of their relationship. "We love the idea of stripping away the pressure of a big wedding and focusing on what truly matters. We want the day to feel peaceful, authentic, and completely true to us.” The Beauty of Everyday Love Engagement has transformed the way Carsen sees love, not because of the proposal or the ring, but because of everything that came after. The excitement of saying "yes" eventually gave way to something even more meaningful: the quiet, everyday choice to love, support, and grow alongside one another. "This season of engagement has taught me that love isn't just about the big, exciting moments—it's about choosing each other every single day." Through this season, she's learned that the strongest relationships are built through vulnerability, honest communication, patience, and grace. For Carsen, love isn't about finding someone who makes life perfect; it's about finding someone who walks beside you through every imperfect moment. "I've realized that growth often happens through vulnerability." One of the greatest gifts she's discovered is the comfort of unconditional love, the kind that makes you feel seen, heard, and supported no matter what. It's the reassurance that the right person doesn't expect perfection, but instead encourages you to become the best version of yourself. "To love unconditionally and to be loved unconditionally is quite literally the best gift anyone could have." That realization has also strengthened one piece of advice she hopes every woman carries with her: never settle. Looking back on her own journey, Carsen believes that waiting for a relationship built on trust, respect, and unwavering support is always worth it. "There really is someone out there for everyone." Building What's Next Carsen looks toward the future with excitement, not because of the milestones ahead, but because of the life she and her fiancé will build together. She envisions a marriage rooted in love, faith, and partnership, one where they continue to support each other's dreams, travel the world, create new traditions, and eventually grow a family of their own. For her, the greatest joy lies in experiencing every season of life side by side. More than anything, she hopes their relationship becomes a reflection of the values they share and the love they strive to live out every day. While she knows there will be challenges along the way, she believes facing them together will only strengthen the foundation they're building and inspire those around them. "At the end of the day, our greatest hope is to build a marriage that not only brings us joy but also reflects the kind of love that inspires and encourages the people around us." Her Birthday Wish As Carsen celebrates another birthday, she's not focused on wishing for greater success or bigger adventures. Instead, she's taking time to appreciate how much she's grown over the past year. Through every challenge, she's learned resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting God's timing, even when the path ahead wasn't always clear. Looking toward the year ahead, Carsen hopes to continue living with purpose, embracing meaningful relationships, and saying yes to opportunities that align with the woman she's becoming. More than anything, she's learning that true happiness isn't found in constantly chasing what's next, but in fully embracing the season she's in. "I think that's where true happiness is found—in being fully present, staying grounded in who you are, and never losing sight of what matters most." Her Message to Other Women Carsen encourages women to trust that they don't need to have everything figured out. Growth comes from embracing change, giving yourself grace, and remembering that your worth is never defined by your achievements or where you are in life. She hopes every woman continues moving forward with confidence, trusting that every challenge is shaping them into the person they're meant to become. "Believe that the woman you're becoming is worth the growing pains. The best chapters of your story may still be waiting to be written."

Building a Life That Feels Like Home There comes a moment after the wedding is over, after the dress is packed away and the photos have been shared, when marriage quietly begins. Not in grand gestures. But in ordinary mornings, shared routines, future plans, and the comforting realization that you're no longer preparing for life together, you're already living it. For Jordan Cook, this season has been exactly that. A season of building. "Today I feel like someone who's built a lot of her identity through movement, discipline, and change, and is now learning what it looks like to slow down and actually enjoy what I've built." It's a sentence that captures where Jordan is today. Newly married. Recently moved. Still ambitious. Still driven. Yet equally committed to learning something many high-achieving women struggle with presence. "I'm learning how to balance ambition with presence. It's a mix of structure and softness right now." At the same time, she laughs that slowing down doesn't necessarily mean staying still. "We love to travel, stay active, and plan our next adventure." For Jordan, this chapter feels like learning to build a solid foundation while leaving room for spontaneity, new experiences, and a life that still feels exciting. From Planning a Future to Building One Brax readers may remember Jordan and her husband, Justin Cook, from their Brax Couple feature, where they shared the story of meeting at the gym and building a relationship rooted in friendship. Now, after saying "I do," she describes marriage in one simple word: Steady. "The most meaningful part has been the steadiness." Marriage, she says, hasn't dramatically changed who they are. Instead, it strengthened what had always been there. "It has made the relationship feel even more like a team, less about planning a future together and more about actively building one in real time." That feeling of partnership has become the quiet center of their relationship. "No matter how chaotic life or work gets, there's a shared baseline of 'we're in this together' that doesn't change." "Marriage has made the relationship feel even more like a team." A Wedding That Felt Like Them When Jordan imagines her wedding day, she doesn't first remember the flowers. Or the décor. Or the timeline. She remembers the dance floor. "It has to be the dance floor. I honestly never got off the dance floor." The music never stopped. The playlist was, as she describes it, "full millennial vibes and absolutely killer." Song after song became moments shared with family and lifelong friends until the entire night simply became joy. "It felt like the whole night just turned into one big celebration with all our favorite people in one place." That same feeling guided every decision they made while planning. "We wanted it to feel intentional but not overly formal, romantic, warm, and really focused on connection. Less about perfection, more about energy." They envisioned something colorful, welcoming, emotional, and genuinely reflective of who they are. "Very 'us' without trying too hard." Learning to Let Go Unlike many brides, Jordan didn't spend years curating Pinterest boards or mood boards. She knew one thing: Costa Rica vibes. Everything else? She trusted. She worked closely with an experienced wedding planner, meeting once a month, following the to-do lists, and allowing someone else's expertise to bring the vision together. Looking back, she says the biggest lesson wasn't about weddings at all. "It taught me that I don't need to control every detail for something to turn out beautifully." Trusting the process became part of the experience itself. And perhaps, part of marriage too. "Letting go and trusting the process, and the people you choose, was honestly one of the hardest and best parts." A Weekend Full of Connection Choosing a destination wedding made everything feel even more meaningful. Friends and family didn't simply attend a ceremony. They shared an entire weekend together: pool days, zip lining, late-night dinners, morning coffees, drinks, and adventures. From beginning to end, everyone remained together, creating memories long before the ceremony even began. "It created this nonstop flow of connection and fun." For Jordan, that sense of togetherness reflected exactly who they are. "Social, high-energy, and all about bringing people together." Still Teammates Although life has changed, one thing hasn't. Jordan says the foundation of their relationship remains exactly the same as when they first met at the gym. "We've always felt like teammates. It wasn't forced or overly complicated. It was supportive, light, and rooted in shared lifestyle and goals." As marriage deepened their relationship, friendship never disappeared. If anything, it became stronger. "That friendship and teamwork piece has stayed exactly the same." Her Ring Jordan's engagement ring from Brax Jewelers is a timeless reflection of her elegant, modern style. Featuring a stunning elongated radiant-cut diamond set on a yellow gold band with marquise and round diamond accents, the design feels both refined and distinctive, delicate in detail while allowing the center stone to shine. Just like her story, it's a ring that balances classic beauty with individuality, celebrating a love built with intention, partnership, and the excitement of everything still to come. Building What's Next Looking ahead, Jordan isn't chasing perfection. She's building intention. "A really grounded life together. One that still has ambition but also has stability underneath it." She dreams of creating routines, a home, continued adventures, future family, and eventually a lasting legacy. But she hopes none of it feels rushed. Instead, she wants each chapter to unfold naturally: traveling often, trying new things, and remaining active together. Growing alongside their fur baby Hazel, who already feels like part of the family. "Just continuing to grow side by side in a way that still feels fun, spontaneous, and us." Her Advice Jordan leaves readers with a reminder that feels especially meaningful for women stepping into marriage, or any new season of life. "You don't have to arrive at the perfect version of yourself to step into something new." Growth doesn't happen before the journey. It happens because of it."Let the relationship and the season shape you as much as you bring into it." Because, as Jordan beautifully puts it: "The goal isn't perfection. It's alignment, growth, and choosing the same person over and over again in real, everyday moments." That may be the most beautiful picture of marriage there is. Wedding photos by Olivo Film.

Love, Grace & Building a Life That Feels True Some women carry strength quietly. Not in grand declarations or perfectly curated moments, but in the way they continue showing up, for their families, for themselves, and for the life they’ve worked hard to build. Samantha Gliniak is one of those women. An oncology RN, mother of three, newlywed, animal lover, and woman who rebuilt her life through resilience and intention, Samantha speaks about love and family with refreshing honesty. There is warmth in her words, humor in her perspective, and wisdom that only comes from truly living through different seasons of life. “I went back to school as a single mom with two toddlers,” she shares. “Oncology is truly my passion.” Today, she spends her days caring for patients during some of the hardest moments of their lives, work she describes as deeply meaningful and rewarding. And when she comes home, life remains beautifully full. “We have corgis and Persian cats who very clearly run the house while we just pay the bills.” That balance between tenderness and humor exists throughout Samantha’s story. She speaks openly about motherhood, marriage, and the reality that life rarely unfolds perfectly and perhaps that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. A Season Full of Love After recently celebrating her wedding, Samantha describes this chapter of life as “full in the best way.” Full of gratitude. Full of growth. Full of new beginnings. Their vision for the wedding was simple but deeply intentional. “We wanted our wedding day to feel warm, intimate, and full of love.” More than creating a performance for others, Samantha and her husband wanted a day that genuinely reflected who they are as a couple, grounded, authentic, and surrounded by the people who truly matter. “It was our wedding, our commitment, and our moment. Not a performance or a day built around making everyone else happy.” And perhaps that confidence only comes with time, experience, and learning what truly deserves your energy. The Beauty in Imperfection Samantha’s bridal story, much like life itself, came with a little chaos. The dress she ultimately wore was actually her second choice, ordered online with what she jokingly describes as questionable confidence. When it arrived, it needed major alterations and, at one point, felt nearly unsalvageable. “It was very much giving ‘this may or may not be salvageable,’” she laughs. But in the end, everything came together exactly as it was meant to. “Once everything was finally fitted and in place, I felt very much like myself.” It’s a sentiment that mirrors Samantha’s entire outlook on life: things do not need to be flawless to become meaningful. Redefining Family Family, for Samantha, extends far beyond appearances or expectations. She and her husband come from different family dynamics, experiences that taught them how deeply important connection can be, but also how differently love can look from one household to another. “Family isn’t only about blood relatives,” she explains. “It also includes the special people who show up with love, support, and understanding along the way.” Over time, they’ve learned the importance of creating traditions and routines that feel authentic to them, rather than trying to fit into an image of what family “should” look like. “Our home is built around connection, intention, and being present with each other.” And with three children ranging from 11 to 24 years old, Samantha understands how quickly seasons change. “The rare occasions I actually get them all together make me ridiculously happy.” There’s humor in the way she describes negotiating with their youngest daughter to spend time with them, but underneath it is something deeply relatable: the bittersweet realization that children eventually grow into lives of their own. Marriage Later in Life Marriage, to Samantha, feels different now than it might have years ago. More grounded. More intentional. More honest. At this stage, love is less about perfection and more about partnership. “It’s about two people who already know life isn’t perfect, and still deciding to build something together anyway.” There’s comfort in the kind of love that no longer needs performance. The kind built on support, patience, humor, and choosing each other through every changing season. “Marriage feels like teamwork in its truest form: showing up, adjusting, laughing through the chaos, and appreciating the calm moments in between.” The Wisdom She Wants Women to Hear What makes Samantha’s story so compelling is not that she claims to have everything figured out. It’s that she speaks honestly about learning as she goes. She openly acknowledges the mistakes, uncertainties, and growing pains that shaped her. “There is no perfect timeline, no perfect version of motherhood, marriage, or life.” Instead of chasing perfection, Samantha believes women should focus on building lives that genuinely support them. Their health. Their education. Their independence. Their sense of self. “Those things are not selfish,” she says. “They are foundational.” Samantha's custom engagement ring and wedding band by Brax Jewelers. “At the end of the day, your life is yours. Build it in a way that supports you, empowers you, and reflects who you are becoming, not who you think you’re supposed to be.” And perhaps that is the heart of Samantha’s story. Not perfection. Not performance. But a woman who learned how to build a life that feels true.

Grace in the Chaos, Beauty in the Becoming There are women who seem to hold entire worlds in their hands, women who nurture, build, pray, create, and love deeply, often all at once. Michelle is one of them. A believer, wife, mother to twin girls, and expecting a baby boy this July, Michelle is living a season many would call overwhelming. She calls it growth. “I’m building my business, raising my girls, and just doing my best to balance it all while keeping it real,” she says. And that may be the most beautiful thing about Michelle, her honesty. There is no polished illusion here, no pretending to have it all perfectly together. Instead, there is intention. There is gratitude. There is grace in the middle of the mess. “I don’t have it all perfectly together, but I truly believe you can build something beautiful anyway.” A Life Built in the Middle of It All Michelle describes this chapter of life as a season of building. She is building a home full of love. Building a business with purpose. Building children who feel safe, seen, and cherished. Building a future while learning to slow down enough to enjoy the present. As a stay-at-home mother with twins and another baby on the way, life is rarely quiet, but it is full. “It’s equal parts beautiful and chaotic most days,” she laughs. And yet, instead of resisting the chaos, Michelle has learned to find peace inside it. She celebrates the small wins. She has made peace with the messy middle. She stays grounded in gratitude while still believing in what’s next. Motherhood Multiplied Becoming a mother changes a woman. Becoming a mother to twins changes her in stereo. Michelle says motherhood has shown her just how strong and capable she truly is. “It has stretched me in every way,” she shares, “but it has also made me more patient, more present, and more confident in myself as a woman.” Raising twins means everything is doubled, double the schedules, double the needs, double the noise. But it also means double the laughter, double the hugs, and the joy of watching two sisters grow up with a built-in best friend. “The love and the moments that come with it make it all so worth it. It’s not always perfect, but it has shaped me into a version of myself I am really proud of.” Alignment, Self-Care & Faith For many women, balance can feel impossible. Michelle sees it differently. “For me, balance looks like building my life around my family, not the other way around.” She works in the quiet pockets motherhood allows and understands that not every day has to look productive to still be meaningful. For her, it’s not about perfection, it’s about alignment. “When I take care of myself, I show up better for my family, more patient, more present, more grounded. My faith in God is what refreshes me and gives me confidence in motherhood.” Faith gives her peace in the chaos, clarity in the overwhelm, and grace for every season. A Love Story That Began on the Dance Floor Some love stories begin with grand plans. Michelle’s began with line dancing. She arrived alone after learning her friend couldn’t make it. What could have been an ordinary night became something unforgettable. “We just clicked and ended up laughing a lot together.” They talked until the bar closed. Danced. Stayed longer than they intended. On their first date, they discovered how deeply aligned they were, faith, values, joy, even Disney. “What made me know he was the one was his heart and his faith. There was just a peace and love about him, and about us, that I hadn’t felt before.” A Ring That Holds Forever Michelle’s engagement ring from Brax Jewelers is as meaningful as the love it represents. A halo cushion-cut center stone, paired with an infinity band and framed by two wedding bands designed to emphasize forever. But what makes it priceless is this: Her husband designed it specifically for her. “He put so much thought into every detail.” Today, the ring symbolizes commitment, faith, family, and the promise they continue choosing every day. Empowered, Without Comparison Michelle’s view of empowerment is deeply refreshing. “It’s confidence in who I am and staying grounded in my faith.” Not doing everything. Not proving something. Not comparing timelines. Instead, empowerment is doing what matters well. Moving with purpose. Trusting your own path. “I don’t have to compare my path to anyone else’s.” Soon, Michelle and her husband will welcome their baby boy and become a family of five. She speaks of the future not with pressure, but with gratitude. Vacations. Slow mornings. New memories. Watching her children grow. Holding onto simple joys. “More than anything, I’m just grateful for what’s to come.” Michelle leaves other women with words many need to hear: "You are doing better than you think." You do not have to choose between being a present mother, a loving wife, and a woman with dreams. You can be all of it. With grace. With faith. With patience. With love. And perhaps most importantly, while keeping it real.

What my business taught me about success, purpose, and what truly matters A few weeks ago, I was driving my daughter to school early in the morning. She was preparing for her theology test, holding a paper in her hands and trying to memorize everything before class. As she was reading out loud, something caught my attention. The paper was talking about the different levels of happiness. The first level was the kind of happiness you get from physical things. Food, pleasure, something you buy. It’s real, but it’s short. It comes quickly, and it disappears just as fast. The second level was happiness from relationships. Love from your family, your partner, your friends. That deeper connection that makes life feel warm and meaningful. The third level was happiness from helping others. Serving, giving, making someone else’s life better. And the fourth level, the highest level, was having a purpose. Understanding why you are here, and living a life connected to God and something greater than yourself. As she was reading this, I found myself thinking about my own journey. When I first started my business, like most people, my focus was financial. I wanted to grow. I wanted to succeed. I thought that was the goal, and honestly, I think that’s how most people begin. But over the years, as I grew, as I learned, and as I stepped into leadership, something began to shift inside me. I started to realize that business is not just about money. It’s about who you become. I’ve been very lucky in my life. I’ve always been surrounded by love, from my parents, my grandmother, my family, and now from my community. Sometimes, I receive so much love and respect that it honestly makes me feel shy. And over time, I started to understand that success has many layers. Some are visible, and some are felt deeply within. The ones you feel, those are the ones that stay with you. When I think about those four levels of happiness, I can clearly see my journey through them. In the beginning, selling a beautiful piece of jewelry made me incredibly happy. I still remember the first big diamond I sold. I was so proud and excited. But over time, that feeling became normal. It wasn’t enough anymore. Then came the second level, the relationships. The love and respect I received from my customers. That connection meant more than the sale itself. Then the third level, being able to give. Supporting my employees, helping them grow, being there for them in their lives. That brought a deeper kind of happiness. And today, I feel like I’ve reached something even more meaningful. My purpose. For me, that purpose became something I now call the Brax Girl. The Brax Girl is not just a customer. She is not just someone who wears jewelry. She is a woman who chooses herself. A woman who grows through her challenges. A woman who carries strength with grace. A woman who is not afraid to become who she is meant to be. Through my business, I realized that I’m not just selling jewelry. I’m building confidence. I’m creating a space where women can feel seen, valued, and empowered. Helping the young women who join my team grow into that version of themselves… supporting them, believing in them, and watching them discover their own strength… that has become the heart of my life’s purpose. And today, my vision has grown even bigger. My ultimate goal is no longer a number. It’s no longer about how much I sell or how much I grow financially. My goal is to be able to help more girls with dreams, to give them the support, the confidence, and sometimes even the opportunity they need to believe in themselves and build something of their own. And that purpose lives through the Brax Girl Foundation. That is what I’m building now. I’m still working hard every day. I’m still growing. I’m still pushing forward. But I’m no longer chasing numbers. Because I understand something now: Even if you reach every financial goal, without purpose, that happiness doesn’t last. You’ll always find yourself searching for something more. I never thought that starting a business would change me this much. I thought I was building something outside of me. But in reality, it was building me. And for that, I’m grateful.

A Love Story Written in Fate, Culture, and Courage Some love stories begin slowly. Others arrive in a single moment, unexpected, unforgettable, and impossible to ignore. For Sahel, it began on a night meant to celebrate her birthday. While out to dinner with her family, she noticed someone seated at the table beside them. His name was Arang. What began as a simple glance quickly turned into something more powerful. “Our eyes met and just stayed there,” Sahel remembers. When Arang learned it was her birthday, he walked over to wish her well. As the evening came to an end, he gathered the courage to ask for her number. That same night, they spoke on the phone for hours, discovering a connection that felt effortless and real. Just a few days later, they went on their first date and everything began to make sense. “We realized we shared the same values and wanted the same things in life,” Sahel says. “As time went on, our connection only grew stronger.” What followed was not only a relationship, but a promise. A commitment to honesty, support, and standing beside one another through whatever life might bring. “We promised each other to always be honest, to support one another, and to stand by each other no matter what.” A Wedding Rooted in Love and Heritage When it came time to plan their wedding, Sahel knew exactly what feeling she wanted the day to hold. “We wanted our wedding day to feel deeply romantic and truly reflect the love we share.” But beyond romance, there was something equally important: honoring her Iranian heritage. Being an Iranian bride meant that every detail carried meaning. From the flowers and candles to the sacred traditions woven throughout the ceremony, the celebration became a reflection of identity, culture, and family. One tradition in particular was essential. “Having a Sofreh Aghd was a must for me,” she explains. “Every element represents love, unity, and family.” For Sahel, these traditions didn’t just add beauty, they added depth. They connected generations, culture, and history into the beginning of a new marriage. A Moment She Will Never Forget Even the most carefully planned wedding days hold moments that no one could ever script. For Sahel, the most emotional moment happened just before she walked down the aisle. Unbeknownst to Arang, Sahel had recorded a message for him weeks earlier. As guests waited and the ceremony was about to begin, the recording played, a deeply personal expression of her love and emotions. Watching his reaction changed everything. “Seeing him surprised, emotional, and full of love brought me to tears,” she recalls. “It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.” Designing Her Dream Bridal Look Sahel’s bridal look was as personal as the ceremony itself. Instead of choosing an existing gown, she designed her wedding dress herself, ensuring every detail reflected her vision. The gown was paired with a long, beaded veil and two custom headpieces, completing a look that felt both timeless and magical. “I designed my dress myself,” she shares. “Every detail held a special meaning.” And when she finally stepped into it, the feeling was unforgettable. “I truly felt magical.” Life After “I Do” Marriage, Sahel says, has brought a new brightness into her life. “Since saying ‘I do,’ life has felt fuller, brighter, and more joyful,” she says. “Every day with my partner feels like a new adventure.” Like all newlyweds, the journey has also brought lessons. One of the most important has been discovering how powerful the smallest moments can be. Cooking together. Sharing quiet evenings. Supporting one another through both challenges and celebrations. “I’ve learned that communication and patience are more important than I ever imagined,” she says. “Marriage is a journey of growing together day by day.” Strength in Identity For Sahel, the month of March holds a special kind of magic. It marks not only her birthday, but also the anniversary of when she first met Arang and the celebration of Nowruz , the Iranian New Year. “With so much love and meaningful memories,” she says, “March always feels like a beautiful new beginning.” As an Iranian woman navigating a complex world, Sahel carries her identity with pride and courage. Her culture, voice, and authenticity are not things she hides, they are things she celebrates. Being an Iranian woman has taught me that true strength comes from embracing who you are, honoring your voice and culture, and finding courage in every challenge. It’s a quiet kind of strength, but a powerful one. Looking Ahead As she steps into this new chapter of marriage and life, Sahel carries simple but meaningful hopes for the year ahead. I hope for love that grows deeper, moments that fill our hearts with joy, and cherished memories with family and my partner. More than anything, she hopes to live each day with gratitude, laughter, and connection. Her Message to Women At the heart of Sahel’s story is a message she hopes every woman remembers. Embrace your heart, honor your truth, and celebrate your strength. Love deeply, stand proudly in who you are, and let your authenticity shine. It is your most powerful gift to the world. Because sometimes the most beautiful stories are not just about love. They are about becoming fully, courageously yourself.

Rooted in Grace: A Life of Love, Faith, and Quiet Strength In a world that celebrates constant motion, Jessica Mosallam embodies something far deeper—intentional stillness, enduring strength, and a fierce devotion to her role as a wife, mother, and woman of faith. Her days are structured with purpose, filled with the rhythm of family life: from weekday routines to weekend hikes, pool days in the summer, and shared moments that tether the hearts of her husband and children together. Motherhood, for Jessica, has been both a teacher and a mirror. It has shown her the depths of her resilience and helped shape her into a woman who leads with love, patience, and presence.  “The early stages of motherhood were so challenging,” she reflects, “but those moments created a more present, loving, and patient mother. I’m forever grateful for my husband and children.” Jessica always knew she was meant to be a wife and mother, it was a calling that settled deeply in her spirit from the beginning. She speaks of it not as a role, but as a divine gift: “It gives me purpose. Having more children doesn’t mean you love any less; it means your heart grows bigger.” Yet even in the fullness of that blessing, Jessica understands the weight that comes with it. On the hard days, the overwhelming, overstretched days, she leans on grace, on God, and on the strong shoulders around her. “Not everything needs to be done at once,” she reminds herself. “Asking for help is okay.” With the support of her husband and her own mother (“Mimi”), she finds strength not in perfection, but in surrender. A Home Anchored in Faith Faith isn’t just a cornerstone in Jessica’s home, it’s the framework. Her children have grown up with songs of worship filling their hearts, learning by the example their mother sets. “They follow by example,” she shares. “That made me step up, to produce the fruit they can eat.” In her home, love and grace aren’t abstract ideas, they’re daily practices, inspired by scripture and rooted in truth. Her spiritual life isn’t separate from her daily decisions, it is her compass. “When I’m in the Word and in prayer, my entire day flows differently,” she says. “The moment I think I can just do it on my own is when it all seems to fall apart.” That same faith is what has carried her through every season, what allows her to see challenges not as setbacks, but as sacred shaping. “We are not formed by our hilltops,” she says, “but by the valleys we’ve walked through with God.” To Jessica, strength isn’t loud. It’s not about appearing unshaken. It’s about finding stillness in the storm. It’s about knowing when to breathe, when to surrender, when to lean into the quiet and choose to continue. “Strength is taking every moment and making it better than the way it was received,” she says. “It’s knowing that at times, it’s okay to step back and be still.” And as she steps into a new season, 2026, Jessica feels that strength rising anew. “Better is coming,” she says with conviction. There’s even something quietly in the works, a personal mission she and her husband are preparing to share with the world. “We believe it’s our calling to talk about our life and spread the gospel across the globe.” Love, in Every Season As a woman who has walked through years of marriage, motherhood, and transformation, Jessica has watched her definition of love evolve. “Love is choosing each other, again and again,” she says. “We’ve grown together, and that’s the most beautiful thing.” She and her husband stay grounded through faith, beginning every day with prayer and intention. “The way you start your day determines the way your day will go,” she says. And when disagreements arise? “We have this funny rule, whoever says sorry first wins.” This February, as the world turns its attention to grand gestures, Jessica reminds us that love is found in the everyday, the whispered prayers, the quiet help with the kids, the knowing glances that say, “I see you.” For her, Valentine’s Day is a reminder, not an exception: “Love should be expressed every day. I love being what my husband needs me to be, and he shows up for me just the same.” A Ring that Reflects a Lifetime of Love Jessica’s wedding ring from Brax Jewelers is more than a symbol. It’s a piece that holds years of love, growth, and shared faith. Over time, she’s collected many meaningful pieces from us, but this radiant diamond ring will always hold her heart. CHECK OUT THIS ENGAGEMENT RING AND WEDDING BAND SET To every woman, every mother, every wife reading, Jessica has this to say: You are not alone. What feels like the end is only the beginning. You were made for more. In your weakest moments, you’ll find a new strength you didn’t know was there. If you want to live in full freedom and truth, seek God. Because for Jessica, every part of her story, faith, family, and love, flows from one place: grace.

She Played the Violin. They Answered With a Bullet. Sanam Pourbabaei was 26. A violin teacher. A daughter. A friend. She was shot in the head during a peaceful protest on January 8, 2026, in Lahijan, Iran. She was unarmed. She was running away. She was simply present. Her family was denied access to her body for days. Only after repeated visits, and a reported payment, was she buried, under heavy surveillance. No funeral. No music. Only silence. Source: Iran International English Why We Remember Sanam was not a threat. She was an artist. Across Iran, stories like hers are unfolding quietly. Voices stifled. Families silenced. Young lives ended before they had the chance to unfold. But courage does not die with the body. It echoes. To remember is to resist. To speak their names is to ensure they are not erased. We speak Sanam’s name. And through that, we honor all the voices that were never meant to go quiet.

Intimate, Intentional, Unforgettable When it came to planning her wedding, Sam Cheyenne did things differently, and beautifully. Just months after getting engaged in August, she and her partner decided to skip the long engagement and create a celebration that felt completely true to them. “Originally it was supposed to be an engagement party. But then we figured, why wait?” she says. From that moment on, their focus became clarity and connection: “The day was about our relationship and our marriage.” On the morning of the wedding, 30 of their closest family and friends gathered at the Venus Gardens in Caesars Palace for an intimate ceremony. Later that day, they hosted an outdoor brunch in her parents’ backyard—personal, heartfelt, and joyfully unscripted. “It was meaningful, joyful, and perfectly us. We truly wouldn’t have had it any other way.” The celebration continued with a private dinner the next evening at Guest House in Town Square. Planning With Heart (and Speed!) How does one pull off a wedding in just a few months? “We reminded ourselves that the day was about our relationship,” Sam shares. She credits their families and planner, Liva Faselt, for bringing everything together seamlessly. “Rather than managing outside expectations, we focused on doing everything in a way that felt true to us.” Their vision? “Intimacy, intention, and authenticity.” From serving Connor’s favorite carrot cake to hosting a brunch inspired by her favorite spot, Sadelle’s, every moment was a reflection of their story. “It was all about creating moments that reflected little tidbits about who we are.” The Dress That Told Her Story Sam didn’t follow convention when it came to her wedding wardrobe, either. “I initially went the traditional route and visited a classic bridal salon… but I quickly realized I already knew exactly what I wanted.” She found her ceremony gown online at Anthropologie and knew it was the one. “I gravitated toward a simple, understated dress that would let the veil, and myself shine.” She paired the minimalist gown with a dramatic cathedral-length veil and wore three different dresses over the weekend, embracing the freedom to express every side of her style.  “I truly wouldn’t have done it any other way.” Every Detail, Deeply Personal Sam and Connor chose to honor their guests in the most thoughtful way, through personalized notes and meaningful gifts. “We included handwritten notes for each guest, along with personalized gifts for both the women and men.” Each woman received a custom claw clip from @hiclau , engraved with her name and the wedding date, a signature Sam accessory. “I wear a claw clip almost every day,” she laughs. For the men, it was custom Pro V1 golf balls, a playful nod to Connor’s passion. “Those details felt incredibly special to us and perfectly reflected who we are.” Their Rings, Their Story Sam’s platinum solitaire, set with a radiant 3.54ct diamond, reflects her effortless, refined style, paired with a delicate diamond band for added brilliance. Connor’s two-tone gold band features an emerald-cut tanzanite, a nod to Sam’s birthstone, accented with round diamonds. Thoughtfully chosen, their rings are a perfect reflection of their story, bold, personal, and deeply meaningful. Advice From a Bride Who Trusted Her Gut Planning on a short timeline may sound overwhelming. but Sam found clarity in the urgency. “Trust your instincts and avoid decision fatigue,” she advises. “Because we were on a short timeline, I didn’t have the luxury of overanalyzing every detail, and that actually made the decision-making process easier.” Her planner even noted how the compressed timeline made her more confident and focused. Building Something That Lasts “Marriage represents a shared foundation that we will continue to build,” Sam says. “It’s rooted in communication, respect, and the intention to evolve together through every season of life.” As the whirlwind of wedding planning settles, Sam and Connor look ahead to their honeymoon in May, choosing to pause during the busy holiday season. Their destination? Hawaii, split between the serene islands of Lānaʻi and Maui. “We plan to enjoy golfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, spa hopping, and other adventures!” It’s a love story written quickly, but with deep care, one that proves when the intention is strong, there’s no timeline for forever.

A reminder that when you follow your calling, you’re never truly alone. Every year, somewhere between Christmas and New Year’s, I find myself in a quiet space. It’s a time when the noise of the year fades and reflection naturally begins. I look back at what happened, what changed, what hurt, and what moved me forward. Almost every time, something stirs inside me, something wakes up, something asks to be seen. When I was in my early twenties, someone introduced me to a book called The Alchemist . I was young when I read it, but I remember how deeply I enjoyed it. That was more than twenty years ago. 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho A few weeks ago, completely out of nowhere, that book came back to me. I felt an urge to read it again. I remembered the feeling it gave me, but not the details of the story. This time, as I listened to it, something unexpected happened.\ I realized how closely my life mirrored the journey of the boy searching for his treasure. One line stayed with me more than anything else: When you are in search of your Personal Legend, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it. That sentence didn’t feel like a quote. It felt like a memory. It brought me back to Christmas Eve, 2009. I had opened my Newport Beach store just three months earlier, in September of 2009. I was filled with excitement and big dreams. But by December, reality had settled in. It was the middle of a recession, and I had almost zero sales the entire month. That Christmas Eve, I could barely bring myself to open the store. I was about half an hour late. I wasn’t rushing. I remember thinking, Who’s going to come shopping on Christmas Eve anyway? As I parked in front of the store and slowly got out of the car, I lifted my head and saw a tall man standing outside the door. I recognized him immediately. It was Bob. Bob was tall, well into his seventies, with gray hair and a serious expression that rarely softened. If you didn’t know him, you might think he was angry or unapproachable. But beneath that tough exterior was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. He was one of my old customers from the jewelry mart. He used to buy small, thoughtful gifts for his wife, simple pieces, never flashy. Back then, I had told him about my dream of opening my own store in Newport Beach. I hadn’t seen him for almost a year. I rushed to the door, apologized for being late, and let him in. He smiled slightly and said he wanted to buy a Christmas gift for his wife. I asked him to give me a little time to set everything up. He sat patiently while I opened the safe, cleaned the cases, and prepared the store. When I showed him around, he chose several meaningful pieces. The total came to around $9,000. When he was ready to leave, he looked at me and said, I drove all the way from Fullerton to support you. I knew you needed it. And then he left. I never saw Bob again. I stood there in tears, not from fear, but from gratitude. In that moment, I understood what it truly means when you follow your calling. Sometimes the universe answers quietly, through people who arrive exactly when you need them. Since 2009, whenever I’ve faced financial uncertainty or moments of fear, I’ve never panicked. Deep down, I’ve always known that the universe would take care of it, that it would send a messenger, just like Bob, at exactly the right moment. Since that Christmas Eve, I’ve witnessed many “Bobs” walk into my life — unexpected, kind, and perfectly timed. Each one reminding me that when you stay true to your calling, you are supported in ways you can’t always see. I still remember Bob’s last name. I still know how to spell it. And wherever he is today, I hope he has been blessed. He was one of those people who gently crossed my path and reminded me to keep going, not with loud encouragement, but with quiet belief. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when you choose your path with honesty and heart, you don’t walk it alone. Help shows up. Support appears. And the universe finds its own way to say, keep going. To every woman building something from nothing, trust yourself. Trust the timing. And know that when you follow your calling, the universe will meet you there.