hapter 18
Evere breaking free from Milo, Elans had but an entirely new life in LA.
The ment she stepped off the plane at LAX. Darcy and the whole team were waiting for her. When they talked about their vision their eyes blazed with passion. Teminding Elvana of who she’d been before she’d lest herself in a marriage that never valued her. If it hadn’t been for Mils, she would have taken this leap years ago|||
They grabbed dumer together, then immediately dove into work. Building a fashion studio from scratch meant handling everything personally–scouting locations in West Itallywood, overseeing renovations, registering the business, hiring talent… Going from zero to something real wamt easy, but Eliana stacked every challenge with ferre determination. She didnt have time to waste thinking about Miln anymore.[]
After months of relentless work, the studio finally sorted coming together
When Darcy asked what to name it. Elana thought for a moment and wrote down “Lumina Studios“|||
She wanted both her studio and her dature to shine to be bamines, brilliant, everything her old life had never allowed her to be. A beacon in the fashion world that represented rebirth and brillance
Darcy loved it immediately. “Perfect. This is your rebirth, babe, Lumina i
With their small but dedicated to am–Darcy handling operations, creative directors May and James bringing fresh perspectives–they launched into 1.A’s competitive Dashion scene
The beginning was brutal. No major clients, established designers looking down on them, and during their worst stretch, they lived on takeout and pure determination. But this studio carried their dreams, and Eliana refused to give up no matter how tough it got.||
Their breakthrough came when they entered the Enverging Designers Showcase at LA Fashion Week. It was a huge risk–they’d invested everything into five pieces that represented Eliana’s vioon: mustainable luxury with bold, architectural lines that celebrated women’s strength |||
The night of the show, Eliana watched frees backstage as their models walked the runway. The collection was called “Phoenix–each piece telling the story of a woman rising from ashes, becoming more powerful than before []
The audience response was electric. Fashion editors were taking notes, buyers were pulling out their phones and by the end of the show. Lumina Studios had three major department stores wanting to place orders.]]
“Holy shit, Eliana, we did it!” Maya screamed hackstage as orders started flooding in||
That showcase changed everything. Within weeks, they’d gene from struggling unknowns to the hottest new studio in LA
Six months later, they had their own showroom in the Arts District and were turning down clients ||
Then Nathan Johnson joined them._|
Flans had discovered his work on Instagram–architectural jewelry that perfectly complemented her aesthetic vision. His pieces were like wearable sculptures, bold and beautiful Shed reached out immediately, even though they could barely afford another team member|||
Nathan had heard about the buzz around Lumina and was intrigued by Eliana’s reputation as someone who was redefining sustainable fashion. When they met at a coffee shop in Vendor, the creative chemistry was instant.]
I want to create pieces that make women feel invincible, he’d told her, his eyes intense with passion.]
That’s exactly what we’re doing here.” Eliana had replied, and she’d known he was meant to be part of their team
How, a year later, they were celebrating another major adestone.)
“To completing our biggest contract yet–the Sunset Boulevard boutique chain” Eliana raised her champagne glass, her face glowing with pride and accomplishment |
“Cheers! Elana, you’re absolutely killing james whooped_||
“Gol you’ve turned us all into milionaires Maya laughed
“Dont forget Nathans jewelry line–those pieces are flying off the racks added Sarah, their newest intern
Everyone cliked glasses as Nathan uded modestly, lungh his eyes stayed fed an Eliana |
“I ll because of Eliana’s vision. She saw what this could become when the best of were dreaming small“]
Cana del bersell blushing under his intense gaze. Nathan had been nothing but professional, but lately, she’d caught him looking at her like she was something precious stie quickly turned to chat with Maya, her heart dung weird fluttery things she wount ready to analyze
The contrast with her old life was stark. Back then, she made herself small, invisible, grateful for scraps of attention. Now she was the creative director of a thriving, media, respected in her field, financially independent, and surrounded by people who hued her talent.
She’d built this Created something beautiful and successful with her own hands.||
Looking around at her team–hen chimen family–Eliana felt a profound sense of belonging
This was who she really was Thin was her true self.
