EmpowerHer: Project Vanity’s 16th Anniversary
Project Vanity turned 16 last March 22, and it was like our own sweet 16 - a time for friends to come together and celebrate as we step into a new stage of life with the theme "Empower Her." It was a transformative afternoon for our community, with talks on personal style, eloquence, and personal finance, all in a room filled with energy and excitement about improving and achieving our ideal selves.
From left to right: Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Liz Lanuzo, and Ceej Tantengco-Malolos
Visualize to actualize
The afternoon kicked off with Liz Lanuzo diving into the world of fashion, offering insights on how to uplift your personal style. But this wasn't the usual advice you'd find flipping through a magazine; Liz provided a unique guide on how individuals can carve out their own distinct style. She highlighted the power of Pinterest and the importance of identifying style icons to help visualize your fashion goals. Liz emphasized that style is incredibly personal – it's like your own personal essay. No single style fits all because what works for you is uniquely yours.
She shared a simple yet impactful first step to enhance your wardrobe: invest in quality. It's not just about saving time and money; it's about elevating your style without cluttering your closet with items that don't last. While there's no magic brand or piece that fixes everything, Liz did recommend one must-have: Levi's 501 jeans, a versatile addition that can elevate any look.
Our community thrives on diversity, welcoming members from all walks of life who bring invaluable perspectives. Following Liz's segment, one of our esteemed members shared how the advice and experiences shared at events like these have refined her style – a fact confirmed by daily compliments on her outfits. Seeing her confidence, matched with a stunning top and the perfect red manicure, was a reminder of the timeless chic we all aspire to embody as we grow older.
Your voice matters because you matter
In a brief yet impactful segment, Ceej Tantengco-Malolos significantly enhanced our understanding of what it means to be a more confident speaker. She illuminated that confidence need not stem from bravado but can arise from recognizing that each woman possesses a unique voice, shaped by her distinct experiences. It's about embracing the belief that our stories are worth sharing. Ceej conveyed that any apprehensions about speaking could be set aside once we acknowledge that the regret of missing our moment would far outweigh any momentary discomfort. By focusing less on our worries and more on active listening, we can improve our conversational skills and leave a more memorable impression on our audience.
Attendees were introduced to the analogy of a person as a diamond, possessing multiple facets. Authenticity, as Ceej explained, doesn't mean we have to reveal every aspect of ourselves simultaneously; rather, it's about intentionally choosing which facet to present in any given situation.
Date your finances
In a fireside chat with Reese Fernandez, guests had the unique opportunity to dive deep into their finance questions with the founder and owner of Rags2Riches (R2R). Despite the success of R2R, Reese shared a relatable perspective, admitting that math, numbers, and dealing with money weren't exactly her cup of tea. However, the responsibility towards her team led her to a crucial realization: a dislike for numbers doesn't exempt one from managing them effectively. She encouraged starting with the basics—keeping track of money coming in and going out to grasp where the cash flow stands.
Reese's approachable strategy involves "dating our finances," suggesting regular monthly or weekly sessions to review statements and bills. This routine helps in staying informed and maintaining control over one’s financial health. Amidst discussions on handling inflation and the quest for more, she emphasized assessing what you have more of: money or time. For those with money, she recommended exploring passive income opportunities. For those with more time, finding a side hustle could be the answer. In today's world, Reese highlighted, engaging in a hustle is not only necessary but there's absolutely no shame in it.
What sets Project Vanity apart from other beauty spaces is its focus on empowerment that goes beyond just beauty. We love makeup and skincare, but we equally love the self-expression and confidence it brings. It's a place that reminds the modern Filipina she's not alone in her struggles and journey. Our community, made up of women of all ages and experiences, is just as comfortable sharing perfume recommendations as it is offering tips on dealing with the challenges of womanhood. The longevity of Project Vanity, lasting 16 years in a world where short-form content is king, is a testament to its impact. This community is Liz Lanuzo’s way of helping women see someone they admire and know they can achieve just as much, if not more.
Project Vanity is a thriving community of beauty and lifestyle enthusiasts and are always ready to talk about the different ways that makeup and skincare can promote self-care and confidence building. Join the conversation at The Project Vanity Community Facebook group and we hope to see you next year!
The Project Vanity Team, from left to right: Katsy Faustino, Rae Regalado, Claire Reyes, Liz Lanuzo, Abiele Bernardo, Daphne Rento, Sabine del Prado, and Jon Azul
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for helping to make this event possible: Beautybox/K-Pallete, GRWM Cosmetics, Colourette, Five Beauty, Skin Poem, Dermtropics, Laneige, Elizabeth Arden, and Parlon