By Shayna Mace | Photography by Hillary Schave
When 2022 Woman to Watch Brandie de la Rosa stopped into BRAVA’s office back in January, she mentioned planning was already underway for a spring fashion show she’s hosting to highlight domestic violence survivors who have dealt with trauma and come out on the other side. In true Women to Watch fashion, her work is never done — and her E3Inspire Fashion Show 2022 is taking place on March 24.
The show is close to her heart as de la Rosa is a domestic abuse survivor herself. De la Rosa is also founder and CEO of E3inspire, which educates businesses on the impacts of domestic violence on their employees and workplace, and helps companies design and implement solutions through proactive measures to support staff who are dealing with this type of trauma. We talked to de la Rosa about her upcoming show.
Why did you decide to host this fashion show?
I wanted to put on this first annual fashion show for E3inspire because I wanted survivors of domestic violence to feel special, to be proud of their scars and to know what happened to them does not define them. I wanted a night for them to just be free, feel confident, and let the world see how they turned their pain into production. I also intend for this show to highlight the ways this can impact anyone from any background or walk of life. It will aim to create an energetic and positive environment to showcase how victims have turned their [domestic abuse] trauma into triumph.
Why did you gravitate toward putting on a fashion show?
Years ago, I was a model, and I used to feel so pretty and confident walking down the runway wearing designer clothes and getting my hair and makeup done. I thought what better way to celebrate survivors of domestic violence than to combine my previous passion of fashion with positivity and purpose by celebrating survivors of domestic violence? I want them to be able to feel pampered the way that I used to, except they will have their head held high, shoulders back, walking with a purpose.
What community partners are you working with on the event?
This year we are partnering with Little John’s Kitchens, who is acting as the fiscal agent for E3inspire, and Briarpatch Youth Services, who are [both] committed to making our first annual fashion show event one to remember! As a thank-you for their partnerships, E3inspire will also be donating a portion of our proceeds to both organizations.
Briarpatch strives to strengthen the lives of youth and families. The agency offers a wide array of services, working with local government and other nonprofits, to help runaway homeless and at-risk youth. Little John’s takes excess food from their grocery partners and turns it into amazing meals. This nonprofit utilizes its new, state-of-the-art kitchen to train individuals, such as survivors of domestic violence, in the culinary arts.
And there are a number of other local companies donating their time and products.
The models’ clothing will be provided by Bo2s Lady Designs from West Towne Mall and by the iconic Jazzman men’s clothing store. Sehade Carter is providing fundraising and event consultation. Carbon World Health is donating a Six Week Carbon Experience package. Simply Impeccable Fudge is providing their incredible caramel delights. DJ Romy will be the DJ for the night. DeVries Media LLC will be our premier videographer. OnlyOne Photography and AngelHeartPhoto will be the photographers. Little John’s Kitchens will also be providing the appetizers. Madison Top Co. is providing the [backgrounds for photos]. The Bruce Company is donating a gift card. Dane County is generously providing deputies to volunteer to help set up.
The E3inspire Fashion Show 2022 is taking place on March 24, 2022, from 6-9 p.m. at Goodman Community Center, 214 Waubesa St. eventbrite.com/e/e3inspire-fashion-show-2022-tickets-273966349727
