Heroes of Hope Breast Cancer Calendar

A calendar featuring Sexy Skins clothing and models is something which I have had the desire to do for some time. I approached New England Walkers for Knockers, Brenda Smith with the idea for a collaboration on such a calendar with the intent to raise money toward the cure for breast cancer. It was agreed that the models should be people who have been afflicted with the disease, giving them a podium to share their stories, and educate the world about this horrific disease. Five of our models chose to wear Sexy Skins.

Through my experience watching as my sister battled Leukemia, I developed an understanding for how much people have to endure while battling a disease. Therefore, it became my personal desire for every person posing in front of the lens for our calendar, to feel extraordinarily beautiful or handsome, and comfortable. For if it was just this one day, I wanted to be somewhat responsible for bringing to their lives, a bit of peace, normalcy, contentment, and self-confidence. My role changed from fashion designer to photo stylist, as I assisted our photographer on the shoots.

The Heroes for Hope Breast Cancer Calendar came out smashingly gorgeous! And it's all because of our team of people who donated their time and energy, and shared their incredible talents with us and the world! I was truly blessed to work with; graphic designer, Lori Elwell, Arielle Andrews of Seacoast Harley Davidson, the extremely talented photographer, Cynthia August, and project coordinator, Brenda Smith of NE-W4K.

The Heroes of Hope Breast Calendar is complete and are now for sale!!
To purchase go to, http://www.ne-w4k.org/ . All proceeds are donated toward helping those who are suffering with breast cancer.

Check out the video above to get a behind the scenes peek during one set of photo shoots. You may be able to tell how this experience blessed all who were involved. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!!! Together, we have made a difference!!!!

Heroes of Hope Part 2

The photo shoots for the Heroes of Hope Breast Calendar are now complete!! This past weekend, Cynthia August shot the remaining models, all themselves are either survivors, or currently undergoing treatment. The first to have their photos taken were Kelly and her son Ryan. Ryan, at just 10 years old, wrote and dedicated a rap song to his Mom, the song which was the inspiration for Kelly's survival. Janice was up next and brought with her to incorporate in her shoot; her coyote pelt, blue bird feathers, and a few other items. We also photographed Ed, an 81 year old veteran who I must say does not act or look like his age, Pauline, and Darleen. You can read all of our models stories in the calendar. To place your order, go to, http://www.ne-w4k.org/ .

After most of my creative responsibilities for the production of this calendar are complete, I'm once again left saying, "there are just no words" to describe what a journey this has been. I truly have been touched by each and every person I have met on this project. Even if in your life at this very moment you feel as if you're not in the position to help another, try. The littlest act of kindness goes an incredibly long way. And trust me when I say, you will be rewarded. Start here by spreading the word about our project. Pass along this blog entry, the website above, purchase a calendar, or make a donation. It will not only make a difference in the lives of many, but yours too.

Below, are some candid images I took during the last round of shoots. I hope you enjoy them!! And, I hope you do check out the link, spread the word, and become a sponsor! Together, WE CAN make a difference!! Thank You! ♥


Kelly and Ryan


Kelly and Ryan on the set of their photo shoot


Me styling Janice's shoot


The beautiful Miss Janice


Ed on the set of his shoot


Ed looking incredibly dapper


Pauline and I, flying high


Pauline posing for Cynthia


Miss Darleen having a chat with our talented photographer


Darleen and Jeffrey, who assisted Cynthia during our shoots

Heroes of Hope

I spent two entire days with photographer, Cynthia August, and four breast cancer survivors; Michelle, Diane, Joanne, and Heather, capturing images for Heroes of Hope 2011-2012 Breast Cancer Calendar. I cannot remember the last time I have ever felt as moved as I did during that weekend. I'm extremely grateful to have had this opportunity!

Below, are some candid images I took. I hope you enjoy them!! And, I hope you do check out the link, spread the word, and become a sponsor! Together, WE CAN make a difference!!

http://www.ne-w4k.org/Heroes-of-Hope-~-Stories-of-Strength%2C-Courage-and-Survival.php

Cynthia August working a little magic on Heather.

Cynthia working her magic with a camera and lens.

Diane before we got her ready for her shoot.

Diane waiting patiently for her turn.

Michelle, ready and eager to get on her husband's Harley, and have her photo taken!

Michelle looking in the mirror.

Michelle posing on Joe's Harley.

My favorite photo of Mish.

Joanne getting Willie ready for his shoot.

A shot of Joanne's shoot from a distance.

Joanne wearing her custom Sexy Skins jacket, and Willie in his Sexy Skins
matching leather hat.

Beautiful Heather

Heather and Lisa calming the horse

Heather wearing my Blanket Cloak in front of the waterfall.

There are no Words

This past Saturday and Sunday, I spent both days with photographer, Cynthia August, and four breast cancer survivors; Michelle, Diane, Joanne, and Heather. I hate to admit it, but on my hour-long drive to the studio of our talented photographer, I was feeling a little selfish thinking of all the other things I could have been doing and so desperately needed to be doing, and how much of my time and money I was donating. Then I arrived to see Cynthia standing in the driveway as a motorcycle was being unloaded from the trailer, and my high school and college best friend, Michelle, waving from the studio window.

Every negative feeling I had on my drive down, dissipated. I was no longer thinking about anything else but the moment at hand as I got to dress and style these lovely ladies and help them to feel beautiful and sexy. I also witnessed how happy they were to be working with me, to be wearing my clothing, and how appreciative and grateful toward me for my efforts in this project to raise money for the cause.

I cannot remember the last time I have ever felt so moved as I did this weekend. There are just no words to describe the feeling. If you can, take some time and volunteer. Even if this time in your life isn't the most opportune, do it. YOU WILL BE BLESSED!

If you're a wee bit curious as to what this project is about....Sexy Skins, Cynthia August Images, New England Walkers for Knockers and Seacoast Harley Davidson are creating a calendar with breast cancer survivors and their stories. Monies raised will be donated toward the cause. Want to help? See sample calendar and the sponsorship leaflet below.

Sarah's Ride!!!

Sexy Skins will be in attendance at Seacoast Harley Davidson in North Hampton, NH on September 11, and we will have Spirit Cuffs to sell with $1.00 of the sale of each cuff being donated to Sarah. Please stop by, have some fun, and show your support!!!

New England Walkers for Knockers Ride for the Cure

Please join us on October 9 for the Ride for the Cure!!!

And if you don't ride but would like to show your support and have fun too, then join us for The After Ride Bash at Jillian's in downtown Manchester, NH!!

Wow!!!

I first met Brenda Smith, founder of New England Walkers for Knockers, after our fashion show during Laconia Bike Week. She was looking for support for the 1st Annual Ride for the Cure which she is organizing. I felt compelled to help but wasn't sure to what capacity until while sitting at my son's baseball practice when the light bulb went off during a conversation with another Mom about Sexy Skins, business, and some of our products. Instantly, the gates were flooded with ideas as I hurried to write them down as fast as I could. I couldn't wait to contact Brenda! Then Lisa from Bizznatchbling, then Glynis from Sweetshot Photography, and the Wow Team grew....with the inclusion of Brenda's right hand woman, Lori, and, Arielle, Marketing Director from Seacoast Harley Davidson.

I'm sure you are saying to yourself right now, "Wow, what the heck is she talking about???" Well Brenda and I have assembled the most dynamic, energetic, and talented business women in the NH area, and Brent our only male member, to work together to create one great charity ride and a helluva good time to raise money for Breast Cancer!! You should see what we are working on as our team continues to evolve and grow with the possible inclusion of two more dynamic women! I am so pumped!! All I can say at this very moment is, stay tuned folks......the BEST is yet to come!!!

Happy Dance, Happy Dance---I'm doing a Happy Dance right now!!


Photograph: Courtesy of Glynis Citarelli, Sweetshot Photography
To view more photos from our first "Wow" meeting, click here,
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/sweetshotphotography/sets/72157624488423942/

Win at Seacoast Harley Davidson - Proceeds donated to Women with Breast Cancer

Freya is on display and up for bidding in a silent auction at
Seacoast Harley Davidson in N. Hampton, NH. Phone in bids are accepted!! Call 603-964- 9959 or 888-333-0001. The winner will be announced at Seacoast Harley Davidson's Customer Appreciation Day this Saturday, May 16th.

♥♥♥♥ The winner will have Freya made to fit them - this is a custom piece, hand-crafted from Top Grade Genuine Cowhide Leather, and lined with 100% Pure Silk...Only the Best for the Best. ♥♥♥♥


Sexy Skins Suede and Leather Fashions, based in Newmarket NH, teamed up with Seacoast Harley Davidson in North Hampton, NH, and Brenda Fox – journalist, stunt person and high-profile motorcycle enthusiast from Los Angeles, to bring aid to women who are battling with both breast cancer and finances. Brenda’s own personal battle with the disease has created the opportunity for her, through “Every Woman Counts”, a program which provides low-income women access to screening, diagnostic and follow-up services for breast and cervical cancer, to meet women who do not have insurance or the means to pay their medical bills. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in the United States. To find breast cancer early, the National Cancer Institute recommends that women in their 40s and older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

At their Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 16, Seacoast Harley Davidson will be announcing the winner of a beautiful, custom-made lady’s biker vest, “Freya”, created by Sexy Skins designer, Lisa Cantalupo. “It was shortly after my oldest sister died from Leukemia that one of my clients, bike builder Alan Lee, told me about Brenda and her battle with breast cancer," says Lisa. "When I learned about what she had endured - not only was she faced with having to fight for her life, but at the same time she had to worry about how she was going to pay for it - I felt the need to do something so women can focus on their healing, and nothing else. I’m not stopping with Freya either. In honor of my sister Dianne, Sexy Skins Suede and Leather Fashions will donate to,” Women Motorcyclist”, the platform which Brenda has established to support women with Breast cancer, $5.00 from the sale of each “Love Pouch”, the name chosen by my children for the hand-crafted leather pouch with a red heart.”

Lisa, a motorcycle rider herself, designed Freya with the lady biker in mind; however, this vest is perfect for women who desire classic style with a bit of rocker flare. Double zipper in front, zippered sides and front zippered pockets, and hand-stitched ribbing accentuate the hips; the vest is halter style with a Sexy Skins signature collar.

Brenda Fox is committed to helping women overcome the challenges related to breast cancer. She says “The motorcycle industry had given me support at a time when my life crashed. Now, I can support others through projects like “Freya”. I am grateful to have the opportunity.”

This is a silent auction. Phone-in bids are accepted for those who do not live nearby. To place your bid or get more information, please call Seacoast Harley Davidson at 603-964- 9959 or 888-333-0001. For questions regarding Freya, please call Sexy Skins Suede and Leather Fashions at 603-969-6684 or email, sexyskins@comcast.net.

The organizers offer special thanks to Sexy Skins Suede and Leather Fashions, Seacoast Harley Davidson, Brenda Fox, MacDonald Leathers, model Joanna Karambelas, photographer Jamie Wade and all those who have donated their time and effort.

Freya!!

Freya, the best lady biker vest ever, is on display at Seacoast Harley Davidson and is waiting for your bid!!! The winner will receive Freya, custom made to fit them! And, can even join me when I go choose their hide!!

Model, Joanna.

Photographs, courtesy of Jamie Wade. http://www.jamiewade.com/