WESTFIELD OWN YOUR STORY

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In celebration of Autumn/Winter 16, Westfield Marion, Tea Tree Plaza and West Lakes went in search of South Australian’s who have owned their story despite adversity. After receiving hundreds of nominations, three exceptionally worthy recipients in Vanessa, Riarna and Jan were selected. Each of these women have shown enormous courage. You can watch a video about their stories below.

Westfield wanted to acknowledge their strength with a one-on-one styling session with a Westfield Senior Stylist and a $1000 Westfield Gift Card. Westfield wants to further empower these incredible women and encourage them to embrace their individuality and express themselves through style. Each of the women will be ‘revealed’ to their families and shoppers, in-centre at Westfield’s Fashion Weekend on Saturday March 19.

Vanessa’s Story

Back in 2011, Vanessa lost her only daughter, four year old Elle, to a heart condition. For Vanessa her life has changed inextricably, but she has learnt to bravely carry on, inspired by her two sons, husband and the late Elle. Determined to honour the memory of her gorgeous daughter, Vanessa launched her own business Elle Hill, specialising in hand stamped jewellery designs. Vanessa loves doing this because every day she gets to create beautiful pieces that reflect the value of family. Westfield Marion Senior Stylist, Damian Porcaro, is inspired to take Vanessa shopping and give her the confidence that feeling good in your clothes can provide.

Riarna’s Story

In 2015 Riarna was diagnosed with stage 3 Cervical Cancer, but she fought it. She is now an ambassador for the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation and has started a soon to be launched website Nourish, Nurture, Live, which is designed to help other women live a healthier and more mindful life. Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Senior Stylist, Danielle Symes, is excited to hit the shops with Riarna, to help her to further define her already awesome style.

Jan’s Story

Jan is a mum of three and has a long history of serving her local community. Recently she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, but despite this changing her life in many ways, she has not let it stop her giving back and making others laugh. For Westfield West Lakes Senior Stylist, Lauren Dilena, being a part of Jan’s story is an opportunity to take her shopping and make her feel beautiful, build her confidence and have some fun!