Mary Fanaro, flanked by friends Aniston, Crow and Cox above, was right at the finish line.
Watching a Live Eight charity concert inspired her to contribute towards easing poverty in Africa. After mulling over several ideas she decided on a fashion label, proceeds from which would go towards charity initiatives. Fanaro chose the name Omni Peace and began a series of meetings, proposals and fund raising. Two years later she found herself days away from formally launching her line and transforming her dream into reality.
Then she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Doctors ordered the entrepreneur to begin chemo therapy immediately. Yet, instead of shelving her plans, she struck a bargain: a few more days to complete the launch and she'd begin treatment. They agreed and Fanaro flew off to New York to meet with buyers and boutiques then back to Los Angeles to do the same. What followed next for Fanaro was a simultaneous struggle to keep herself and her vision alive.
She won.
Five years later, the L.A based social entrepreneur is flourishing, and so is Omni Peace. In the time since, Fanaro has transformed it from a little known t-shirt line to a buzzed about brand spotted on fans like Lindsay Lohan and Naomi Campbell. Her pieces are available online and nationwide at specialty boutiques. Along the way Fanaro's good friends, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox and Sheryl Crow have pitched in to lend their celebrity status and support.
Beyond the glam, Omni Peace is actually making an impact. Since launching the label has raised over half a million dollars to help women and children in Africa with an emphasis on Congo and Senegal. Her story answers perfectly the question she poses to others on her website: does fashion save lives? It seems to have saved hers.
I caught up with the her to chat about her inspiration, her hurdles and her triumph.
For the full story check it out here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zandile-blay/jennifer-aniston-courtney_b_361978.html
