When Parallel Lives Meet Paul asked Candice out on the very day his divorce was finalized. She had been his divorce attorney. At the time, Candice was also going through her own divorce, and dating was the last thing on her mind. “Definitely not as salacious as it sounds,” she says. Encouraged by her sister to “go have fun,” Candice said yes, never expecting that she’d be saying “I do” down the line. Their connection grew slowly and steadily. “We realized we had been living parallel lives before we met,” she shares. That synchronicity became the foundation of a well-matched partnership. “Paul is strong, yet soft spoken and gentle,” she says.  “He saw me as fierce while I was his attorney, but soon saw the softer, more feminine side of me during our relationship.” A Brax Spark Leads to Forever It started as a joke. At a Brax show, Candice sent Paul a photo of a dramatic, oversized ring. Five months later, he bought that exact ring and proposed in front of 40 family members and friends during a 4th of July barbecue. “His proposal speech was partly in Farsi,” she remembers. “His effort was so endearing to me.” Courtroom Precision Meets Bridal Planning “As a mature bride, I had a vision of modern elegance and glamour,” Candice says. Her aesthetic included lush florals, gold accents, and a sleek venue. Paul’s love for golf and the ocean made the VEA Hotel in Newport Beach a perfect choice. “It had everything we both desired—sleek, modern elegance, a golf course, and beautiful ocean views.” Balancing her role as a business owner and family law attorney with wedding planning wasn’t easy, but Candice knew how to prepare. “Perfect execution is preparation,” she says. “I prepare tirelessly for my trials. I prepared tirelessly for our wedding.” She built out detailed task lists, delegated wherever possible, and reserved weekends for planning with florists and vendors. This kept her grounded and present for both her legal work and the joy of designing a meaningful event. The Dress That Took Her Breath Away It took six months and nearly 50 gowns. Most dresses felt outdated or simply didn’t feel like her. Her sister kept encouraging her to keep going. Then, she found it. “I cried the moment I tried it on,” Candice says. “I knew instantly it was the one. I felt sexy, yet elegant.” Walking Toward Love The ceremony was the most unforgettable moment of her day. “Walking down the aisle, surrounded by family, friends, and a stunning floral backdrop in front of our Persian spread. It was pure magic,” she shares. “After everything we’d been through, I found myself giggling as I walked toward my husband.” Rather than have others give speeches, Candice and Paul chose to turn the spotlight back on their guests. “We gave a heartfelt thank-you to our guests for being part of our lives and supporting us,” she says. They also skipped the traditional post-ceremony retreat and spent the cocktail hour mingling with friends and family. A Family Law Lens on Love Candice sees the full spectrum of relationships every day in her work. That perspective shaped her appreciation for the good. “Seeing the best, worst, and ugliest sides of relationships and marriage daily has made me cherish the good even more,” she says. “With the right partner, marriage becomes a conscious choice to build something beautiful.” Candice’s advice to ambitious brides? Start early: Secure your venue and key vendors (planner, florist, photographer, DJ/band). Start small: Tackle one task each weekend, and adjust your schedule to meet vendors mid-week if needed. Take time off: Block out the week before the wedding for self-care and calm. Choosing Love Every Day To me, marriage means knowing you’re on the same team. It's setting an intention every day to be loving and kind. Life can be challenging. Marriage doesn’t have to be—if the intention, healthy love, and commitment are there. The Woman Behind the Vows Beyond her bridal moment, Candice is a powerhouse in her own right. As the founder of Madanipour Law Group, she specializes in family law, high-asset cases, prenups, and executive divorces, offering strength, strategy, and compassionate advocacy for her clients. Her work empowers others to move through some of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity and confidence. LEARN MORE AT www.madanipourlawgroup.com Candice’s WeddingVendor Team: Planning & Coordination: @talaevents Venue and Caterer: @veanewportbeach Photography & Videography: @satginstudio Floral Design: @floralcreationsbyenzo Sofreh Aghd Design: @sofrehbyafsanehsargordan Appetizers & Desserts: @111_catering Cake: @sweettraders Rentals: @harryspartyrental Dress Boutique: @thewhitedresscdm Dress Designer: @galialahav Hair & Makeup: @styles_by_negar Skincare (pre-wedding prep): @ocskincarecenter DJ & Entertainment: @deejayal Pre-wedding Alignment: @lightforce_alchemy Officiant: @shallyzomorodi

Lessons from my time at the Jewelry Mart. The mistakes, the blessings, and the timing of the universe. At this stage of my life, I truly believe in the timing of the universe. Everything happens exactly when it’s meant to. For years, I used to think my time at the Jewelry Mart was a waste, that those years didn’t move me forward fast enough. But now, looking back, I see it differently. Those years were part of the plan. They were my lessons, my preparation, and the foundation that helped me become who I am today. When I first started my business at the Jewelry Mart, I didn’t have business experience. There was no Google, no ChatGPT, no navigation system, just me, a dream, and the people around me. And I trusted them, because I didn’t know any better. Soon after I started working there, I began doing what everyone else was doing. I thought, they’ve been in business longer than me, they must know what they’re doing. So I followed their lead. But instead of getting better, everything got worse. I was buying the wrong inventory, pricing things incorrectly, and slowly forgetting everything I had learned at Johnson Jewelers. I was operating like a “Jewelry Mart person,” without realizing that everything I was doing was wrong. Those years were full of costly mistakes and frustrating lessons, many of which make me laugh now, but back then, they felt heavy and discouraging. One of my biggest mistakes was not investing in technology early on. When I worked at Johnson Jewelers, we used a point-of-sale system. When I started Brax, I called the company to get one, and they told me it would cost $5,000. I thought that was too much, so I decided to use paper receipts instead and spend that money on merchandise. I didn’t realize that decision would put me nearly ten years behind. Eight years later, I finally invested in that system, and it changed everything. I remember asking one of the “experienced” jewelers how he managed his inventory. He proudly said, “Take a picture of your showcases. A year later, take another one and compare. If you have more inventory, you’re doing great.” I didn’t know it then, but that was completely wrong. Years later, I learned that having too much inventory means you’re managing it poorly. Another time, I asked someone for directions to downtown L.A. He said, “Just take the 5 freeway, you’ll see the downtown exit somewhere.” I drove for hours, completely lost, until I finally called my husband. When I told him where I was, he said, “Turn around, you’re almost in San Francisco!” No one even thought to give me an address or a MapQuest link. And then there was the “DBA” story. I was filling out a form that asked for my DBA, and I had no idea what that meant. I walked around the booths asking everyone, but no one knew. Finally, one woman called her husband, a wholesaler, and came back saying, “It means Doing Business As.” That was how I learned, one small thing at a time. Someone once told me to buy ready-made castings, add loose stones, and sell them as my own designs. I tried it, made three or four pieces, but when I saw the final result, I felt nothing. It wasn’t me. That was the last time I followed advice that didn’t feel right in my heart. Looking back now, I can laugh at those stories, but at the time, they were frustrating. I didn’t understand why everything felt so hard, or why I was surrounded by so many wrong answers. My husband used to tell me, This is your residency. Every businesswoman has to go through her tough years to learn. And he was right. Over time, I realized something important: never take advice blindly. Always ask people to share their experience, what they’ve actually lived. That’s where real wisdom comes from. When I finally decided to leave the Jewelry Mart and told everyone that I had rented a store in Newport Beach, they all said I was making the biggest mistake of my life. It was the middle of a recession, and they told me I’d never survive, that I’d be out of business in months. But by then, I had learned to trust myself. I stopped listening to fear. And I’m so glad I did, because even though the Jewelry Mart was a tough chapter, it also gave me some of the biggest blessings of my life. That’s where I met Sako, my jeweler, who’s been with me for more than 20 years. He helped me set up my repair room in my Newport Beach store and has been one of my greatest blessings, loyal, talented, and kind. If it weren’t for those Jewelry Mart years, I would never have met him. I worked at the Jewelry Mart from 2005 to 2009. For a long time, I thought of those years as wasted. But now, I see them as the foundation of everything that came after. Because if I hadn’t been there, if I hadn’t waited, I never would have found my Newport Beach store. It was 2009, during the recession, when so many stores were closing. The space that became Brax Jewelers Newport was empty, waiting for me. Now, I can see it clearly, the timing of it all. The universe had me exactly where I needed to be, learning the lessons I needed to learn, meeting the people who would become part of my story, and waiting for the right door to open. The Jewelry Mart years weren’t wasted time, they were divine timing. They were the years that taught me everything.

How one book, years of trial and error, and a few “super employees” helped me build the system that finally gave me freedom, in business and in life. One of the best business books I’ve ever read is The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It was around 2013 when I came across it, and that book completely changed the way I saw my business. At the time, I was doing everything myself, selling, marketing, buying, accounting, cleaning, following up with customers… you name it. I was the first to open the store and the last to leave. Whenever I hired someone, I still couldn’t let go. I’d end up saying, “You don’t know how to do it, I’ll just do it myself.” And of course, I’d end up exhausted, frustrated, and blaming the employees. For years, I thought the problem was them. Then I thought maybe it was me, maybe I wasn’t a strong enough leader to attract the right people. But the truth was, I didn’t have a system. Over the years, I was blessed to work with a few incredible women, what I like to call my super employees. They helped shape my business in ways I’ll never forget. One of them, a single mom with two kids, was offered a higher-paying position at a large jewelry chain. I couldn’t match the offer, so I told her to take it, because she deserved it. She’s still a good friend of mine, and she’ll always have a special place in my heart. When she left, I was terrified. I thought sales would drop, but they didn’t. I hired someone else, and surprisingly, the business continued to run just fine. The same thing happened with my next super employee, and the one after that. That’s when I realized something powerful: my business was no longer dependent on any one person, not even me. Around that time, I began implementing the system that would change everything. I learned a method from a business training that said: Write down every task your business needs to run, and draw boxes around them. Then, write the name of the person responsible for each box. The rule was simple, only one name per box. If two people shared responsibility for the same thing, something would eventually go wrong. You can have one person’s name appear in many boxes, but never two names in one. At first, my name was in every box. Slowly, one by one, I started replacing my name with someone else’s. That’s how I started to build a true system. And that’s when my business began to run without me. I also learned another important lesson: you have to build your business around good people. It's not just about skill, it’s about attitude, energy, and alignment with your values. If someone isn’t a team player or constantly creates tension, you have to let them go. No matter how difficult it feels. In the beginning, I used to struggle deeply with firing anyone. It felt personal. But I eventually realized that letting go isn’t cruelty, it’s kindness. When you release someone who isn’t the right fit, you give them the freedom to find where they truly belong. Looking back now, I understand why the book said: “Systems run the business. People run the systems.” Creating a system gave me freedom, not just in business, but in life. It allowed me to focus on what I love most: designing, connecting with people, and building a brand that reflects my heart. It took years, mistakes, and a lot of learning, but I’m proud of the woman and leader I’ve become along the way. Today, my business runs with structure and intention, and that gives me peace. I no longer see growth as reaching a destination, I see it as becoming more of who I was always meant to be.

Amy with Randy Johnson (right), the founder of Johnson Jewelers in El Paso, Texas The unexpected moment that led me into the jewelry business and changed the course of my life. I didn’t know that buying a set of jewelry for my sister would change my life forever. Let’s go back many years, to the day I finally received my green card. I was ready to leave Iran and start over in the United States. I had just finished my degree in electrical engineering and even started a small company with my university friends called Max Electronic. Maybe that’s why I later named my own company Brax. I’ve always loved names that end with an “X.” Before my trip, my mom and I went to a well-known jeweler, a man famous for his taste, to pick out a ring and necklace for my sister, who was already living in the U.S. He asked whether we wanted the center stone to be blue topaz or turquoise. We couldn’t decide, so he suggested setting one and giving me the other to take to her, in case she wanted to switch later. We loved the idea and bought both. While we were there, I ran into an old kindergarten friend who was buying a ruby necklace for his new bride. I remember watching the deep red glow of that stone, completely mesmerized. I didn’t know it then, but something inside me shifted, like my heart opened to a beauty and emotion I had never felt before. A few weeks later, I landed in the United States, scared, lost, and with no plan. At my sister’s house, I gave her the jewelry, and she immediately decided she preferred the turquoise. The next day she said, “Let’s go to my jeweler in Laguna Niguel, they can switch the stone for me.” That’s how I met Tony. Tony and his manager, Roger, were two Lebanese men, among the most respected, kind, and honorable people I have ever met. When I first told Tony that I had just arrived, spoke little English, and didn’t know what to do with my life, he smiled warmly and said, “Would you like to work for me?” I was shocked. I told him I had no experience with jewelry. But he said, “That’s okay. We just want a friendly face by the door, someone who makes people feel welcome.” I accepted, and from that moment, my life began to change. Tony and Roger treated me like family, like a sister. They were patient, respectful, and genuinely kind. Working there, I learned so much about people, beauty, and integrity. And even years later, Tony continued to support me. When I eventually started Brax Jewelers, he introduced me to vendors and helped me navigate the industry with wisdom and generosity. I will forever be grateful to him for that. At the time, though, I was just a young woman trying to figure out her place in a new country. I spent my days learning, organizing jewelry, and flipping through GIA magazines that arrived in the mail. The world of gemstones fascinated me, and little by little, I found myself falling in love with the craft. Soon after, I met my husband, who was completing his medical residency in Texas. We got engaged, and I moved to El Paso to be with him. At first, I tried to enjoy being at home, painting, exercising, cooking. But after a week, I realized that while I loved those things, they didn’t fulfill me. I needed purpose. I even enrolled in a master’s program at Texas Tech, but within days I knew engineering wasn’t my calling. I didn’t want to spend my life doing something that didn’t light up my heart. One afternoon, while out shopping near our apartment, I noticed a row of jewelry stores. Something inside me whispered, “Why not go back to what you loved in California?” So I did. I interviewed at several stores, and every one of them offered me a job. I chose the one that paid the least, Johnson Jewelers , because the energy there felt right. The people were kind, the environment warm. My boss, Randy, was an incredible mentor, smart, humble, and inspiring. Working there brought me joy, and I began taking online GIA courses to learn everything I could about gemstones and diamonds. One day, while walking through the store, I felt that same spark from years ago, that same quiet certainty. I went home and told my husband, “I know what I want to do with my life. I want to open my own jewelry store one day when we move back to California.” At that time, moving back was still about a year away, and my plan was to open my store within five years. But the universe had other plans. Only a few months later, my husband got an unexpected offer from USC in California, something beyond what we could have imagined. Within weeks, we were packing our things, moving back home to California, closer to our families and, as I now know, closer to my destiny. Even then, I wasn’t planning to open my store right away. I had no money, no inventory, no plan. I just wanted a job that didn’t require working Sundays so I could spend that day with my husband. After several interviews, I found a jewelry mart that was closed on Sundays. During my interview, the owner pointed to an empty booth and said, “I’ll put merchandise there, and you can sell it like it’s your own store.” Something clicked. Why couldn’t I do that myself? That question changed everything. Soon after, I found the Fullerton Jewelry Mart, close to my husband’s commute to USC and our new apartment in La Habra. I rented a small booth, bought a few pieces, and opened my doors. That’s how Brax Jewelers was born. Randy remained a supporter long after I left Texas. A year after I opened, he visited me at the jewelry mart, and years later, when I opened my second location in Laguna Niguel, he flew all the way from El Paso to attend my grand opening. Seeing him there meant the world to me. I’ve been blessed with incredible people, mentors who believed in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself. And now, for the young women working at Brax Jewelers, my dream is to give them the same opportunity I was given. I’d like to franchise Brax one day, and help these talented women open their own stores, their own versions of Brax, while having my full support behind them. If someone has that same fire I once had, that dream of building something beautiful, I’ll be there to help her make it happen. Because in the end, this journey isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about faith, timing, and the quiet courage to trust the path in front of you, even when you can’t see where it leads. The girl who once stood by the door of someone else’s store had no idea she would one day open her own, and many more to come. She just followed the spark in her heart. And somewhere along the way, she didn’t just start a business. She became her.

Amy with her two beautiful daughters. The universe has a mysterious way of guiding us. At a time when I was lost between ambition and timing, it sent me a gentle messenger who reminded me that motherhood isn’t something you schedule, it’s something your soul calls for. Motherhood is the most beautiful and the most demanding job in the world. It changes everything: your priorities, your strength, and your heart. And when you’re a working mom, especially a business owner, the balance between building your dream and raising your children becomes both your greatest challenge and your greatest joy. There’s never a perfect time. There’s never a perfect plan. Somehow, you just do it, with love, instinct, and a strength you didn’t know you had. Many years ago, while I was working at my booth at the jewelry mart, I met a sweet woman named Kim who was visiting from Canada. She came in with her beautiful four-year-old daughter, they were in town to visit Disneyland. Kim wanted to upgrade her diamond ring, and as always, we started talking and connecting. Kim was a very special human who came into my life, and I’ve always believed that we don’t meet people by accident. There’s a reason every soul crosses our path. She shared her story with me, that she had focused on her career for years and didn’t start trying for children until she was 37. When she struggled to get pregnant, she began the IVF journey, but even that didn’t work. It wasn’t until she was 45 that she finally had her daughter. Then she looked me straight in the eye and said something I will never forget: Don’t think you can just decide when it’s the right time to have a child. The right moment will never come. Do it while you can, while you’re young. Her words stayed with me. I told my husband about her, and he agreed. We decided to start a family. I wasn’t expecting it to happen quickly, but less than a year after opening my new store, I was pregnant. My first daughter was born in August 2010, one year after I opened Brax Jewelers in Newport Beach in 2009. At that time, my business wasn’t fully established. I didn’t have the right employees, I didn’t have enough customers, and I couldn’t afford to be away from the store. But I also couldn’t imagine leaving my baby with a sitter every day. So I decided to do both. I turned my office into a full nursery. I borrowed everything from my sister, the baby bed, the changing table, the stroller. Three days a week, I brought my daughter with me to the store, and the other three, she stayed with my mom or the babysitter. Those were some of the hardest, and sweetest, years of my life. She took her naps in that office. I’d feed her, change her, put her down, and then rush out to help customers. She learned to crawl in the store. She took her first steps in the store. She even had her little spot in the corner where she’d dance when music played. Now, when she visits the store, I still show her the exact place where she learned to walk, the spot where she stood to go potty, and we both laugh. Kim continued to visit me for the next four or five years, each time coming to California with her husband and daughter to visit Disneyland. She would stop by my Newport Beach store, meet my daughter, and buy a diamond piece each year. We had built a special friendship, and I always looked forward to seeing her and her family. Then, many years later, a man and a beautiful teenage girl came into my store. As soon as I saw them, I recognized the girl, it was Kim’s daughter. Her father told me, with sadness in his voice, that Kim had passed away. He said they were keeping their tradition, visiting Disneyland and stopping by my store, in her memory. That day, her daughter bought a pair of diamond earrings. She was fifteen, the same little girl who had once been four years old when I met her mother. I’ll never forget Kim. She will always have a place in my heart. She’s the reason I decided to become a mother, and because of her, I have my two beautiful daughters today. Rest inpeace, Kim. When my second daughter was born, I tried to do the same thing, bring her with me to the store, but with two babies, it became impossible. Thankfully, by that time I had a better system and a few great employees. I started cutting back my hours so I could spend more time with my kids. Throughout everything, I’ve always listened to my instincts, and my kids have always come first. When my second daughter was three months old, one Friday morning, I was getting ready for work and felt that something wasn’t right. I can’t explain it. I just knew. It was around 11 a.m. I was rushing, we were short-staffed, I had multiple packages to ship, and only one employee at the store. But I couldn’t shake this feeling that something was off with her. I called her doctor and said, “I need to bring her for a check-up. I feel like something is wrong.” The nurse told me they had an appointment in half an hour and another one on Mondaymmorning. I paused for a second and said, “Okay, let’s do Monday morning.” But as she was setting up the appointment, that strong mother’s instinct came over me, a voice that said, Go now . I made a U-turn in the car, called the nurse back, and said, “You know what? Change the appointment. I’m going to bring her right now.” I went home, picked her up, and took her to the doctor. Within minutes of getting there, they called an ambulance, and we went straight to the hospital. We stayed there for two weeks. I won’t go into the details, but by the grace of God, she came home healthy and happy. That experience changed me forever. It reminded me that a mother’s intuition is powerful, sacred, and always right. From that day on, I promised myself that my kids would always come before my business. Whenever they had something going on, a performance, a field trip, a school event, I canceled everything to be there. I learned that it’s okay to lose a sale, to reschedule a meeting, or to close early, because those moments with your children never come back. Although I’ve always tried to be present for all their activities and school events, I still missed a lot. But I did the best that I could. I always tell my daughters that I’m human, and I try my best, but the mom guilt is always there. I think it never really goes away, whether you’re a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. I truly believe that both paths are equally hard and equally beautiful. Stay-at-home moms have a strength I deeply admire, it’s the hardest job in the world, and I know I couldn’t do it. This is the path I chose: to build a business that gives my daughters an example of courage, work ethic, and independence, while always knowing that they come first. And to every mom reading this, whether you’re running a business, running a home, or just trying to make it through the day, please remember this: You are doing better than you think. There’s no such thing as the perfect mom, only a loving one. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do your best, and that’s enough. Be proud of yourself. You are raising tiny humans while chasing your own dreams. That’s not weakness, that’s strength in its purest form. We all carry guilt, but we also carry grace. So take a deep breath, forgive yourself, and know that your children don’t need a perfect mom, they just need you.

A Love That Was Meant To Be Kelli and Joe’s love story began at a birthday party where fate did what it does best. “As soon as we locked eyes, we were literally inseparable,” Kelli recalls. Their connection was instant, magnetic, and electric. One that drowned out the room and turned strangers into soulmates in a single night. Within a year, they were engaged, proof that when love is this right, you don’t waste a second. The Surprise That Changed Everything Joe’s proposal was equal parts spontaneity and sincerity. What Kelli thought was a casual last-minute weekend trip to Catalina Island became the backdrop to one of the most unforgettable moments of her life. “I turned to Joe and asked if we were in the wrong place,” she writes, describing the hillside trail he brought her up under the guise of hotel happy hour. But there, with tears in his eyes and the harbor behind them, he said her full name, and everything changed. “I blacked out in that moment and forgot how to speak,” Kelli says. “All I did know was that I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with this man.” The Ariel Moment Kelli’s childhood dream was to get married barefoot on the beach, sparkles and all. Her inspiration? Ariel. Her reality? Even better. When she walked into Blush Bridal Couture, one dress stood out.  “The sparkles were captivating,” she says. It was love at first try-on. With a plunging back, embroidered shimmer, and a dramatic train, it made her feel like royalty.  “I would sleep in it if I could. I love it that much.” For Kelli and Joe, the wedding had to be by the water. They met on the beach, fell in love on the beach, got engaged overlooking the beach, and naturally, said “I do” with the ocean crashing behind them. They chose a theme of tropical elegance: white orchids, monstera leaves, halved coconuts, seashells, and golden accents set the stage for a wedding that felt both elevated and effortlessly them. The most emotional moments? Walking down the aisle with her brothers in honor of her late father and exchanging vows with Joe in front of their loved ones. “I wish more than anything in the world that my dad could have met my husband,” she shares. But in those sacred moments, he was there. The day flew by, something every bride hears, and Kelli confirms. “Let go and have fun,” she says. “No one else knows what’s supposed to happen anyway.” The Magic Touches Kelli’s creativity brought her wedding to life. From DIY pearl-seashell seating charts to floating candlelit coconuts, every detail was intentional.  “I flourish when I’m creating,” she shares. The couple even hired magician bartenders (@magicandcocktails) to keep guests dazzled between dances. The energy? Unmatched. “Not a single person was left in their seat,” Kelli laughs. Their beachside celebration quickly became a high-energy, love-fueled dance party where Irish heritage, soulmates, and soul music collided. “The dance floor had it coming.” The Calm After the Joy Now in what she calls her “Relaxed Girl Era,” Kelli reflects on the season with deep gratitude. Their honeymoon in Bali and Italy gave them time to breathe, connect, and dream. “We have never felt more connected and stable than now,” she says. “Joe is my best friend, my teammate, and the love of my life.” For the Brides-to-Be Planning a wedding isn’t easy, Kelli admits. “Don’t burn yourself out at the beginning. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Her advice? Pace yourself, use a planner if possible, don’t obsess over the tiny details, and remember why you’re doing it all. “Stay present. Do what makes you and your spouse happy. That’s what truly matters.” Vendor Team: Wedding Coordinator: @sparklingsoirees Photography: @cumminscollective Videography: @riowalksfilms Music: @jbsalazarmusic @extremedjservice Bartenders: @magicandcocktails Florals: @fantasyfloraldesigns Dress: @blushbridalcouture Rentals: @bakerparty Cake: @susiecakesbakery Catering: @sundriedtomatobistro @woodranch Photobooth: @pixsterphotobooth Event Staff: @atouch_of_light Bridal Hair /Makeup: @ellabellasalonoc Bridesmaids Hair /Makeup: @vanitybelles Transportation: Laguna Beach Trolley Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey Groomsmen Suits: State and Liberty

One of my greatest joys in life is my employees. I truly love each and every one of them. If I can do something to boost their confidence, to help them see their own potential, that gives me so much joy. Maybe that came from my mom. She was a teacher, and she cared deeply about helping others grow. But before I built this amazing team of Brax Girls who now run my brand better than I ever could, I went through many failures. And I’ll admit… one of my weakest skills used to be hiring the right people. My First Employee: Becky It was 2005. I was at the Fullerton Jewelry Mart, where I had just expanded my booth into two sections. That might sound exciting, but it came with a challenge, managing both sides in a place where business felt like a constant battle. At the Jewelry Mart, every customer who walked in was fair game. If you didn’t grab their attention instantly, they’d move to the next booth and you’d lose the sale. It was chaos. My husband used to tell me, 'This is your residency, hard, but full of lessons.' And he was right. That Christmas, I needed help. There was a sweet older lady named Becky who used to shop with me often. She was in her 70s, full of charm, and always made me laugh. I decided to hire her as my first employee. In the beginning, she was wonderful, bringing me lunch, working a few days a week, and helping with customers. But over time, things changed. She started falling asleep at work and getting frustrated easily. I knew it wasn’t working out, so I let her go. Years later, when I heard that Becky had passed away, I still remembered her face, kind and gentle. She was my first employee, and in many ways, my first teacher in business. The One Who Broke My Heart After Becky, I found someone much younger, full of energy and excitement. I thought I could teach her everything: the business, the sales, the charm of customer service. But what I didn’t realize back then was that personality, class, and ethics are not things you can teach someone, they have to already have them. I won’t go into too many details, but she became one of my biggest lessons. I treated her like family. I helped her, mentored her, even invited her to my home for Thanksgiving when she had no one else. But she betrayed me. She stole my customer list, copied my business, my tagline, even opened a store right next to mine. I was hurt, deeply. Angry for years. One day, my husband and I were walking by her store. She was inside, pretending not to see us, acting busy, avoiding eye contact. I looked at her and told my husband, 'You know what? I forgive her. I’m sending her my blessing.' A week later, her store closed. She moved out of our city and out of my life entirely. And one lesson I’ll never forget from that chapter was this: forgiveness. Because even after everything she did, my business didn’t suffer. In fact, it grew. She didn’t hurt me; she pushed me. She was the reason I found the courage to step out of my comfort zone and invest heavily in my business, to bring in high-end designers like Christopher Designs, Gabriel & Co., CrownRing, and many more. If it hadn’t been for that experience, I probably would have stayed where I was, comfortable, content, and safe. But because of her, I wanted to build something she couldn’t copy. I wanted to elevate, to create something bigger, something mine. And when I did, my business went to the next level. One of my greatest life lessons came from that chapter: When the Creator wants to give you something amazing, sometimes you have to go through heartbreak or discomfort. Because your heart, your 'vessel', needs to open up to receive what’s meant for you. Now, whenever something goes wrong or life gets hectic, I remind myself that after every storm comes a blessing. Looking back, I’m grateful for what she did, even though it hurt deeply, because if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She was a passenger in my life, someone meant to come, shake things up, and push me to the next level. And for that, I truly thank her. Learning to Hire from the Heart After that, I hired many people, some stayed for a while, some for only a short time. But each one of them taught me something. Every experience shaped me into a better leader and helped me define what it truly means to be a Brax Girl. When I say 'Brax Girl,' it’s never about gender, it’s about an energy, a mindset, and a heart. A Brax Girl is anyone who believes in kindness, growth, confidence, and purpose. Over the years, I’ve met incredible women and men who embody that same spirit. So when I say I hire Brax Girls, what I really mean is, I hire people who believe in the mission, who bring love and light into the workplace, and who want to become better every day. Now, we have core values, not just rules, but the heart of our culture. At Brax, we believe: You must be kind and caring in all that you do. You must have a willingness to learn and grow constantly. And you must have a purpose, a reason to wake up and become better every day. The Power of a Great Team One thing I’m most proud of as a leader is that I never say I know best or I’m the reason we’re successful. Because the truth is, success is never built by one person. It’s built by hearts working together toward the same dream. Every woman on my team brings something unique, her kindness, her creativity, her courage, her energy. I see myself not as their boss, but as their biggest supporter. My role is to empower them, to lift them up, and to remind them how capable and powerful they already are. At Brax, we believe that confidence is contagious, when one woman rises, she pulls the others up with her. Together, We Are Unlimited Today, I’m incredibly blessed to have eight amazing women on my team, true Brax Girls. Each woman brings something special to our mission. They bring energy, loyalty, and love to everything they do. My employees genuinely love coming to work. Mondays aren’t hard for them, they look forward to being here. Seeing that kind of happiness and excitement fills me with so much joy and reminds me why I do what I do. My goal is to keep the Brax environment always like that, full of positivity, passion, and purpose. Every morning, I remind them of their power. At every store, we have a board with our goals and numbers, and at the top, there’s a quote from the movie Wicked: 'Together, we are unlimited.' And I truly believe that. Two of our incredible team members work remotely from the Philippines, and even though we’ve never met in person, they both carry the spirit of a true Brax Girl. Their dedication, creativity, and positivity inspire me every day, and I genuinely enjoy working with them. That’s what being a Brax Girl is all about. Not just working a job… but becoming her, the woman you were always meant to be.

Amy with her husband, Dr Mike at Brax Newport Beach Grand Opening in 2009. In 2005, I started my business at the Jewelry Mart with so much excitement and joy. I worked hard every day, building my website, borrowing money from anyone who believed in me, and pouring my heart into every detail of my little dream. But then, only two years after I started my business, the Great Recession hit at the end of 2007. It wasn’t just slow business, it was devastation. Jewelry, which people usually buy to celebrate milestones, was suddenly the last thing on anyone’s mind. All around the country, small mom-and-pop jewelry stores were closing their doors. At the Mart, you could see it in people’s faces, jewelers who once thrived were suddenly desperate, worried, hopeless. For me, it meant days and weeks sitting in the Mart without a single customer walking in. I checked my bank account constantly, trying to calculate if I could pay my expenses, my loans, my rent. And at night, I cried. Everyone told me maybe I should close my business. Maybe I should go back to school, become a lawyer, or a nurse, something “safe.” But for me, that wasn’t safety. That was failure. That was abandoning my passion. That was stopping my becoming. It was one of the most painful seasons of my life. What Pain Taught Me Looking back, I know now that pain wasn’t there to break me. It was there to build me. The recession taught me that no matter how hard I worked, there would always be things I couldn’t control. I couldn’t change the economy. I couldn’t force customers to walk into the Jewelry Mart. I couldn’t stop the empty days when bills and loans piled higher than sales. That pain humbled me, reminding me that control is an illusion. But pain also demanded that I make a choice: give up, or keep going. People told me to close my business, to go back to school, to become something “safer.” It would have been easier to settle, but I knew that would mean abandoning my passion. That pain forced me to be brave, to bet on myself, and to believe in the vision I had, even when no one else did. Pain shattered the ego that thought I could do it all alone. It broke down the false beliefs, that I wasn’t enough, that I didn’t deserve more, that maybe I had to stop dreaming. And once those illusions were gone, I discovered a deeper strength. That’s when I realized something: being a Brax Girl isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about surviving the moments that almost break you, and using them to become stronger. It’s about letting pain strip you down to your truth, then rebuilding yourself into a woman who refuses to quit. Pain didn’t just make me tougher. It made me truer. It made me a Brax Girl. Taking the Risk So in 2009, despite the recession and despite the fear, I made a decision that would change everything: I opened my Newport Beach store. That location had been abandoned by the previous owner who went out of business during the recession. The truth is, if the economy had been good, I could never have rented that spot, but what looked like devastation opened the very door I needed. When we sat down to sign the lease, I could tell the landlord didn’t have much confidence in me. Deep down, I’m sure he was thinking, 'What am I doing leasing my place to this young girl?' But his space had been sitting empty, and he was hurting too because of the economy, so he didn’t have many options. What gave him the confidence to move forward was my husband. He had just started his career as a medical doctor, and the landlord knew that no matter how bad the economy got, he would still have a steady job. So he required a personal guarantee from him and made sure his name was on the lease. But here’s the truth: from day one, my husband believed in me. Even at the hardest time, with the economy collapsing around us, he trusted that I could do it. He encouraged me to sign the lease, to take the risk, to step into the unknown, and without that belief, I might never have taken the leap. At the time, I had no customer base. No money. No inventory. What I did have were two credit cards, each with a $40,000 limit. I remember applying for personal credit cards and taking cash advances left and right, anything I could do to pull together enough money to start. I took the risk and jumped in, signing the lease, filling the empty space, and building my dream from nothing but faith and grit. Those first two weeks after I got the key are memories I’ll never forget. To save money, I spray-painted my old displays instead of buying new ones. I bought brown spray paint, laid out a sheet on the floor, and started painting over my old white displays. After a few hours, my finger was sore from pressing the spray can. I had to leave both doors open because of the smell. It makes me laugh now, but I wish I had a picture of my face in that moment, covered in fumes, determined to make it work. And then, just days later, someone broke into my empty store, when I had no jewelry inside yet! Thankfully, I had left the safe door open, so they didn’t damage it trying to break in. These memories are funny to me now, but at the time they were incredibly stressful. They were part of the messy, painful, and imperfect beginning, the reality of what it takes to build something from nothing. One of my vendors told me, 'Girl, you’ve got guts.' He was right. And it was terrifying. But that leap, born out of pain and uncertainty, became the foundation of everything Brax is today, and oh boy, when I finally opened my doors, that’s when the real struggle began. But that’s a whole new story. Still Becoming Even now, almost two decades later, there are moments when the responsibility feels too heavy. There are days I break down, when I sit quietly in my closet and let a few tears fall. But I’ve learned not to fight those moments. I let myself feel them. Because I know they are not weakness, they are growth. They are the cleansing and the expanding. They are the tears of becoming. And then, I get up. I move forward. I continue. Because that’s what pain is meant to do, not to stop us, but to shape us into who we are becoming.

Along the journey of building my business, one thing has always helped me survive the hard seasons: books. Whenever I felt stuck, when I didn’t know what to do, when I felt like giving up, I turned to a good book. I would read, learn, and bring what I discovered back into my business. And time after time, it helped me keep moving forward. One of the women I’ve always admired is Kendra Scott. She started by hand-making jewelry in her home and grew it into a billion-dollar company. I’ve always felt a connection with her because of our similar beginnings, and I followed her personal Instagram closely. So of course, when she released her book, Born to Shine , I was one of the very first to buy it. While reading, one chapter stopped me in my tracks. She shared how she had joined an organization when her business was around $1.5 million. In her very first seminar, someone told the group: “One of you is sitting on a billion-dollar chair.” She didn’t know at the time that it was her. I put the book down and immediately searched for that organization: Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). Deep down, I knew I had to be part of it, but I also knew it would take courage to step into that world. And to explain why “standing tall” in that interview room mattered so much, let me take you back to when I was only 11 years old. Where It All Began I grew up in Iran, where women faced legal and social barriers just because of their gender. When my father passed away, my mother wasn’t allowed by law to become my guardian, that role defaulted to my uncle. At 11, I had to go to court and prove I was old enough to be my own guardian. My mother, courageous and determined, told me: “We will go to court, and you will stand for yourself.” I practiced my signature, learned what a bank account meant, and mastered how to sign checks. I was prepared to answer serious financial questions. But when I stood in front of the judge, he didn’t take me seriously. Almost joking, he asked if I was old enough to cook, or if I knew how to pray “like a good Muslim girl” who could get married. Even then, I felt the sting of being underestimated, reduced to roles I had no interest in proving. Then, he finally asked me the real questions: Did I know how to sign my name? Did I know what a bank account was? Could I write a check? I answered yes to each one, my heart pounding. That day, I was granted guardianship. I received my own signature and a bank account, independence at just 11 years old. That experience shaped a core truth in me: I can stand tall, even when I’m told I don’t belong. Walking Into EO Fast forward to February 2023. I had just signed the lease for my second location in Laguna Niguel and was in the middle of construction. My schedule was overflowing, and I remember thinking, “Why am I making life even busier by applying to EO?” But the day of my interview, everything came full circle. I walked into a room of 12 men, with another 10–12 sitting across from me, each taking turns asking questions. I was the only woman in the room. Not only that, I was also an immigrant, someone who didn’t grow up in America, who spoke with an accent, who didn’t always understand the “big business” words being used by men running $10–20 million companies. It was overwhelming. But just like that 11-year-old girl in Iran, I stood tall. I answered with confidence. I presented my business with pride. And I left the room knowing that, no matter how intimidating it felt, I had the courage to be there. And what meant the most: they welcomed me. They let me in. And they gave me the chance to grow alongside them. What EO Gave Me and What I Learned When I first joined EO, I thought it would simply make me a better businesswoman. What I didn’t expect was that it would also make me a better person. One of the most powerful rules in EO is that we never give advice, we only share experiences. That lesson changed everything for me. Instead of telling my kids what to do, I now share my own experiences from when I was their age. I do the same with my employees, my friends, and the people around me. It builds trust, connection, and respect in a way advice never could. Another lesson that transformed me came from a conversation with a fellow member. He told me: “If a person who runs a $10 million business loses everything, within a year they’ll build another $10 million business. If a person who runs a $1 million business loses everything, within a year they’ll build another $1 million business. If you want to run a $10 million business, you need to become a $10 million person.” That truth hit me deeply. It reminded me that growing a business starts with growing yourself. And as part of EO, I’ve been surrounded by brilliant entrepreneurs who constantly recommend books that have stretched my mind and sharpened my leadership. A few that have made a lasting impact on me are: • 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan • Who Not How by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan • The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy • The Art of Living by Thích Nhnt Hnnh • Good to Great by Jim Collins • Atomic Habits by James Clear …and many more. Each one gave me new perspectives on growth, leadership, and the way I approach building Brax. And that’s what Becoming Her means to me. Every single day, I work to become a better version of myself, for my family, for my business, and for the women I hope to inspire. I am deeply grateful for my EO community, who has transformed me in the past two years and given me lessons that will stay with me for life. Closing At Brax Jewelers, one of our core values is learning and growing. Whenever I hire new employees, I tell my team: “Let’s see if she’s a true Brax Girl. If she is, she’ll slay with us. If she’s not, she won’t be able to keep up, and that’s okay.” Every year, I raise the floor higher and higher. At Brax, I only want high performers, women who are resilient, hungry to grow, and unafraid to shine. That’s who we are. That’s where we’re going. And that’s what it means to be a Brax Girl. Thank you for reading.

This morning, as I was responding to a few customers before opening the store, I had a flashback. Customer service has always been at the heart of Brax Jewelers. From the beginning, I promised myself I would go above and beyond to take care of my clients. If they needed me, I would show up, no matter what. Today, my team and I have a streamlined system where every employee has their own profile, but all client messages come through one number. It’s efficient, it’s professional, and it keeps things running smoothly. But if a message slips through after hours, I still step in. I don’t like leaving customers waiting when they reach out. Ten years ago, it was very different. Back then, I gave every single customer my personal cell phone number, and I was the only one responding. Looking back, it seems crazy. But to me, it was just part of my responsibility. And when I think about it, two moments stand out as proof of just how far I’ve gone for my clients. No. 2: In Labor I was in the hospital, my water had broken, and I had just gotten the epidural. My first daughter was on her way into the world, and a customer was texting me about picking up his engagement ring. I reassured him: everything was ready, the certificates were in order, and my staff could hand him the ring. But he insisted: "Can you please be there? I just want to get it from you." Finally, I told him the truth: “I would love to, but unfortunately I’m in labor. I’m about to give birth in a few hours.” He was shocked, embarrassed, apologizing nonstop. I laughed and told him, “It’s fine. I have my epidural, I can still text.” Even then, in one of the most important moments of my life, I couldn’t leave a customer hanging. No. 1: In the Ambulance Another moment I’ll never forget was the first time I ever rode in an ambulance. I was sitting inside, terrified, holding my newborn in an emergency situation. My husband was following in the car behind us. The paramedics were talking quietly, deciding what steps might need to be taken, and I was barely holding back my tears. And then my phone buzzed. It was one of my dear clients, someone I trusted and cared for, asking a quick question about a ring and whether she could stop by the store tomorrow. I answered her calmly, as if nothing unusual was happening around me. Then I explained gently that I wouldn’t be at the store the next day because my baby was in the hospital. She was a doctor, and her immediate reassurance gave me strength in that moment. She told me not to worry, that everything would be fine. She even checked in on me while I was at the hospital. Today, she’s still not just a loyal client, she’s become a loving friend. The Lesson I’ve had many wild moments like these, but these two stand out because they remind me just how deeply I’ve always taken my responsibility to my clients. Sometimes I laugh at myself, even if I were on my deathbed, if a customer texted me about a diamond, I’d probably answer right before I closed my eyes. That’s how serious I take service. At Brax, customer service isn’t just a policy. It isn’t a rule or a guideline. It’s who we are. And for me, it’s also part of what it means to be a Brax Girl, to lead with heart, to serve with integrity, and to always show up for the people who trust us.

Early sketch of the emerald piece by Amy, to be unveiled at Brax’s 20th Anniversary and the Gabriel & Co. Trunk Show. An Emerald Set That Speaks to the Rarest Kind of Woman In 2009, when I opened my Newport store, I had a quiet dream. I wanted to create my own jewelry line, pieces that felt personal, meaningful, and mine. I made a few designs in those early days, full of excitement and hope. But the response wasn’t what I expected. One moment stayed with me. A friend was visiting my store, and my mom, always the proud supporter, encouraged her to share it with her daughter, someone who adored fine jewelry. "Her taste is… more extravagant. She only shops at high-end places. This wouldn’t really impress her." I smiled politely. But inside, something in me dimmed. I quietly stopped designing. Because somewhere in my heart, I started to wonder if maybe they were right. But over time, I realized something. Not every seed blooms right away. Sometimes it needs time, and the right season. That season arrived in 2023. After nearly two decades of growing Brax Jewelers, I finally returned to something I had quietly let go of: designing my own line. In 2023, I began again, not with pressure, but with passion. And now, in 2025, as I celebrate 20 years of building Brax, I knew I wanted to create something unforgettable. So in June, during the JCK Show in Las Vegas, I visited the AGTA Gem Show. I wasn’t looking for something trendy. I was looking for something real. I must’ve looked at over a hundred emeralds, comparing shades, origins, shapes. Should I go with Colombian? Zambian? In the end, it wasn’t about what was more popular, it was about what spoke to me. The Zambian emeralds had a depth and richness that pulled me in. I selected two breathtaking, pear-shaped stones, 8 carats each, with GIA certification. I added smaller accent stones for balance, and slowly, the vision became clear. The Lotus and the Emerald The earrings I’m creating are inspired by my signature lotus design. The lotus has always meant something special to me, it grows from the darkest water, yet blossoms with beauty and grace. And then there’s the emerald, a stone long associated with rebirth, wisdom, intuition, and growth. It’s believed to bring emotional healing, clarity, and even luck to the wearer. But for me, these emeralds represent something even more personal: Resilience. Patience. Becoming. They are not just rare stones, they are a reflection of the woman I had to become over 20 years of building, breaking, rebuilding, and rising again. Together, the lotus and the emerald reflect what this journey has meant to me: Rising through uncertainty. Finding beauty in resilience. Creating something meaningful, even when no one is watching. Made with Love, Not Permission This design wasn’t created with trends in mind, it was created with intention, with meaning, and with love. I didn’t design it for a market or a moment. I designed it from my heart. Not to chase approval… But to honor the joy I feel when I create something beautiful. If someone connects with it and wants to make it theirs, that would be truly special. But if it simply lives in my store as a quiet expression of my journey, that’s more than enough for me. Because this piece already holds value, not just in what it’s made of, but in what it represents. And that’s something I’ll always be proud of. The Unveiling I’ll be revealing this emerald and diamond set for the first time at my 20-Year Anniversary Celebration. Not as a pitch. Not as a product. But as a symbol of the woman I’ve become, and the artist I’m still becoming. Thank you for letting me share this piece of my story with you. Not every piece I make tells my story, but this one holds every chapter.

A Story Rooted in Grace Farah Kafaipour’s journey began far from the real estate signs and sun-soaked homes of Southern California. Originally from Iran, Farah came to the United States in search of a brighter future, armed with hope, independence, and a quiet strength that would define every chapter of her life. Today, she’s a powerhouse real estate expert with two decades of experience guiding families across Los Angeles and Orange County. Her Persian heritage continues to shape her every move. Beauty, hospitality, and resilience aren’t just values, they’re part of her DNA. In every transaction, Farah brings warmth, thoughtfulness, and professionalism, turning home buying into something far more meaningful: a moment of human connection. She is also known for her impeccable fashion sense and timeless elegance, gracing every room with confidence and style. Strength in Stillness For Farah, being an empowered woman doesn’t require volume. It requires presence. Her strength shows up in consistency, compassion, and a refusal to quit even when the path is uncertain. The moment she left Iran to continue her education in a new country, without the comfort of family and during a time of conflict, she began cultivating an unshakable sense of self-reliance. Through the years, she’s balanced education, motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship. All while staying true to her values. Her legacy is being built not just through contracts and closings, but through the lives she touches. Like the family who lost everything in a wildfire, and through Farah’s help, found hope, and home again. Woman, Mother, Visionary Farah’s mantra, “Trust the process,” is a compass she returns to in every storm. Whether navigating the real estate market or personal challenges, she moves with grace and groundedness. Her advice to other women is simple but powerful: Don’t wait for perfect timing. Start now, trust your instincts, and never shrink yourself. "Trust the process. Life has a way of unfolding even when we can't see the full picture." She also reminds us that ambition and rest are not opposites. “It’s not always about balance. It’s about awareness.” Farah prioritizes moments in nature, quiet reflection, and family, knowing that caring for herself helps her show up fully for others. Jewelry that carries her story Of all the diamonds she’s seen, Farah’s most cherished piece is a simple necklace passed down from her paternal grandmother when she left Iran. It’s not just timeless. It’s deeply symbolic. A thread to her past. A reminder of strength. A quiet piece that carries generations of courage. "It’s more than jewelry. It’s a thread to where I come from." A Legacy of Light "Being an empowered woman doesn’t require volume. It requires presence." Farah Kafaipour isn’t just selling homes. She’s helping people find belonging. She’s redefining what it means to lead with heart, to empower without ego, and to succeed with soul. Her story is one of vision, resilience, and undeniable grace. Through every home she sells and every life she touches, she leaves behind something more than a legacy—she leaves behind light. "I want to be remembered as someone who led with heart, helped people feel seen, and always lifted others up."