Expressionary Events Features Bridal Hot List in a Video Interview

May 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

I have some exciting news that I can not wait to share with all of you on this lovely Monday morning. It is so fabulous, that you better sit down for this one. So grab your morning coffee, get comfy, and ready for some pretty amazing information.  Bridal Hot List had their first interview! I had the pleasure to be interviewed by the very talented Wedding Planner and Designer, Carmen Fuentes of Expressionary Events for Expression Spotlight. What an exciting moment for BHL. As chief editor of Bridal Hot List, I shared who we are, what we do, and what type of wedding details we feature on the blog.  I shared how we are not your typical wedding blog, and that we are THE resource for today’s bride, providing the hottest trends and tips. What got my heart bursting with joy was talking about the two (now three) TLC television shows we cover: TLC’s “Four Weddings” and “Something Borrowed, Something New” (added to the list is “I Found the Gown”). What was really great is when I shared some of the pretty exciting moments I have had at BHL. For example,  I had the wonderful opporunity in meeting top stylist, Sam Saboura, and fashion designer Kelly Nishimoto from ” Something Borrowed, Something New”. THAT was amazing because they provided me with some incredible wedding tips and trends. An interesting fact that I spoke of was that not all our readers are brides…we actually have grooms who are really intrigued by the tips and trends we provide. That is something that has motivated us to write more for the grooms. I mean, they are the other piece to the lovely duo of a wedding couple.

What really fills my heart with joy is the chance to share what I truly love and have a passion for. I love my job! How many people can say that? There are so many reasons and to name a few…I am constantly immersed in beautiful weddings, gorgeous inspirations, all the crazy talented people, and making some amazing connections with all of you. The brides and grooms, and wedding junkies are driving this wedding blog which I am so proud of.

I like to say a big THANK YOU to Carmen Fuentes for this truly amazing opportunity!

See the exclusive interview right here as it was featured on Expression Spotlight:

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Five Tips on How to Reuse an Old Wedding Gown by Kelly Nishimoto

April 14, 2013 Leave a Comment

What ranks tops in my book is a meaningful moment in life. One of these amazing moments is the day that you marry your best friend and get to share that love with your closest friends and family. The elements of your wedding day become memorable and sentimental pieces which you want to cherish forever. The bridal gown, that perfect gown which most brides search until the moment where they shed a tear, or smile so big their cheeks hurt, is a significant detail of the big day. It is the dress that some brides dream about since the time they were a little girl. The wedding gown is such an important element of the bride’s wedding day because it is the dress they get married in. That perfect dress is enjoyed for one magical day of love, until the time where the beautiful day comes to an end, and the dress goes back on the hanger.  Ladies, as much as we may want to keep on wearing that gown until the very last possible second, the reality is we can not. I know, I was sad too when I was told I can not wear my dress the next day to brunch. The thing is that brides want to keep on wearing their gown because of how it made them feel and what it symbolizes. I mean, it is the dress which you wore to one of the most important events in your life. That is a pretty amazing moment.  So, of course brides want to live in that dress forever if they could. Typically the bride will box up her wedding gown (after it is professionally preserved of course), and store away. I know, we can not even take a peak once in awhile at our bridal gown, or even put it on again.

What if I told you that you can see your dress again? Yes, you can grab the box which has your wedding gown in it, open it up, and reuse it for something in your life for today. Oh, I can not wait to tell you what to do next! Recently, I had the pleasure to hear the amazing and talented Kelly Nishimoto speak about bridal trends and bridal gowns.  Kelly is a fashion designer who stars in the hit TLC show, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. On the show, Kelly transforms a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. What I was most impressed with, was when she shared how an old wedding gown can be transformed into something new. Not just a brand new bridal gown, but into other fabulous things that can be as meaningful as the bridal gown itself.

Kelly shares five tips on how to reuse an old wedding gown:

  •   Make beautiful pillows…either for the ring bearer or as gifts for family members who may have a connection with the old dress.

Ring bearer pillow

  • Turn your mother’s or grandmother’s old vintage gown into a beautiful fabric bouquet for you to carry at your own wedding.

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  • Use past family gowns to make bedding for your first born.

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  • Use a family heirloom gown to make teddy bears for family members. The pearl buttons can be used as the eyes! You can also have a mini replica of your own gown made to fit a teddy bear.

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  • Get creative! Turn your old wedding gown into a party dress for you to wear for your anniversary or to future weddings that you attend! Dye it, reshape it, & make it new yet slightly familiar!

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Thank you Kelly for your amazing ideas!

 

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Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: Season One Finale

April 12, 2013 Leave a Comment

Do you know what I love? Weekends! What a better way to start the weekend then with a sneak peek for tonight’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”.  Tonight is the season one finale, so you must watch!  If you have missed any episodes, you are in luck, because you will be able to catch up on the re-runs.  Why should you watch this show if you haven’t already?  This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a tough one!

 

DSCF4421Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a classy, simple, and elegant dress for her rustic wedding. She has a super close relationship with her mother, so her mother really wants her to wear the dress she wore on her wedding day. It would be so special if she did. However, the bride is not a big fan of the 1980s dress. Puffy sleeves and all.

The bride is looking for a more up to date dress to compliment her upcoming wedding.  Kelly will use her stylish expertise  to transform this 1980s dress into a fabulous and fashionable gown fit for the 21st century.  Will Sam find a modren dress which will make this bride feel and look beautiful and gorgeous on her wedding day?  Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will she walk down the aisle in the dress her mother once wore?  Or will she fall in love with something new and personal to her? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! It is the finale, so make sure you don’t miss it!

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Unveiled Orange County: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

April 8, 2013 1 Comment

Happy Monday lovelies! It probably comes to no surprise that I am obsessed with all things wedding. I mean, I get to write about pretty wedding things all the time. Oh, how I love my job! Things really got better around here this weekend. I attended a fabulous wedding event right in my hometown of Orange County, California. Unveiled  stopped by the South Coast Plaza Village on Sunday April 7, 2013, showing off the best of what Orange County offers for brides and their grooms. So when I laid eyes on the incredible collection of Orange County’s finest wedding products, my obsession went into overdrive.  If that was not enough, the day got even better when a couple of fabulous TV stars stopped by. By this time, I could not stop smiling.  I am literally smiling from cheek to cheek.   Kelly Nishimoto and Sam Saboura from TLC’s hit show, “Something Borrowed, Something New” shared bridal trends with us. I was so impressed with what they were sharing, that many times I said to myself, “oh, I never knew that”, or “wow, that’s a really good idea!”. Stay tuned, because we will be sharing some of these bridal trends with you soon! So, now it is time to pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get real comfortable, and get ready to be inspired!

The highlight of my day was meeting Kelly and Sam!  It has been so much fun covering their show on Bridal Hot List, and seeing these two find or create amazing bridal gowns for brides. To finally meet in person, was such a lovely touch, the cherry on top, and the icing on the cake. Every Friday we share a sneak peek of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”, and this week is the finale, so make sure to check to tune in.IMG_4209

By the way, they are super sweet and such a delight to be around. Sam is easy going, and sweet. Kelly is real and honest, and so darn cute! I loved meeting them!
IMG_4190The Q/A session where they shared Bridal Trends. I was definitely inspired by what they shared. Thanks Kelly and Sam!
IMG_4145Gorgeous and stunning design! This was a “wow” factor for sure.  (Allure Events Atelier) Do you see the paper flowers on the wall behind the chair? Oh my, simply amazing! (Paper Flowers from Revelry Designs)
IMG_4142Imagine this look for your escort card table. What a beautiful way to draw you in. You see the lovely laced covered vases? Every detail is just gorgeous. (Flowers and Vases from Celios Design)
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I loved all the golds, white, and stunning mirrors. Elegant, whimsical, and romantic.
IMG_4157I love how there are different styled chairs around the farmer table. This look is perfect for a garden or rustic style wedding reception. (Classic Party Rentals)
IMG_4158I was really intrigued by these extraordinary boutonnieres. Succulents are the hot trend right now in wedding florals. (Briana Maxson Floral Design)
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IMG_4159Cute idea! Hanging photos off a rustic cart. This is a great touch for a vintage romantic wedding.
IMG_4152Gorgeous bridal gowns (The White Dress). 
IMG_4153Do you see that stunning headpiece? I love the intricate details. Beautiful!
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IMG_4167Sexy and romantic all in one. Did you know that the train can be taken off, and transformed into a fabulous party dress? So, when the reception gets started, you can change into a fun dress and dance the night away!
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IMG_4177Coppers, pinks, and peaches. What a fabulous combo for a sweet and romantic style wedding. (Megan Ondercin Event Design)
IMG_4163Gorgeous Cake (Christopher Garrens Cakes)
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Look at the details on this cake, I love it!
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Stopped off by the (Happy Photos) booth to see my friend, owner and photographer, Xuong. He is an incredible photographer!
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Thank you Unveiled, for an incredible wedding inspired experience.  I love weddings, and I love what I get to do everyday!
Stay tuned for more from some of these amazing wedding vendors right here on Bridal Hot List.
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Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: April 5th

April 5, 2013 Leave a Comment

It is Friday, and what a better way to start the weekend than with a new episode TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”.  We have the sneak peek right here! Have you been watching? It definitely a show to have marked as recording on your DVR! It is a fun show about a bride and her bridal gown. What can be better that this?  If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

DSC01671Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a dress which is romantic and classy for her modern vintage wedding. She has one request: A dress with sleeves! Her mother in-law to be has joined her in search of something new, but really like her to wear the gown she wore on her day. Yes, this bride and mother in-law to be, have a very loving and beautiful relationship.  Very rare! But how wonderful is that?

The bride fell in love with the gown that her mother in-law to be wore on her big day, but there are some details she is not so crazy about. Kelly also loves this 1970s dress, and will redesign and create a dress which has all the elements that the bride is looking for. Will Sam find a dress which has sleeves for this bride? Sam always finds something fabulous! Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be the dress that her groom’s mother wore on her wedding day? Or will she fall in love with a new dress which has everything she is looking for? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

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Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: March 29th

March 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Happy Friday! A happy one indeed. We have a sneak peek for tonight’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. Have you been watching? It definitely a show to have marked as recording on your DVR! It is a fun show about a bride and her bridal gown. What can be better that this?  If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

Courtney Still 4Courtney Still 15Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a dress which is fit and flare, and shows off her figure. Her grandmother wants her to wear the dress which makes her feel the happiest.  However, the bride’s mother has her heart set on something with tradition and all the sentimental elements.

What about her grandmother’s bridal gown that her mother wore on her wedding day?  As a little girl, the bride really liked her mother’s dress and thought to wear it on her wedding day. However today, the dress does not have what she is looking for. So, Kelly will have to do some of her magic and transform this not so “hot” dress into something fresh and fabulous for the bride.  Will Sam find a modren dress which will make this bride look and feel amazing?  Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be something borrowed, or something new? Will she fall back in love with her grandmother’s dress? Or will she walk down the aisle in a new dress which is personal to her? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

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Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: March 22nd

March 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

Spring is here and we are in love. We are also in love with Fridays. We are excited for this week’s episode of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. Have you been watching? It is such a fun and amazing show. If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

DSCF5080Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for that perfect dress which is classic and traditional, without showing too much. This bride wants a more modest look, but her mother wants her to show off some skin.

What about her mother’s second bridal gown that she wore on her wedding day? The simple dress does not have the all that the bride is looking for to compliment her classic vintage wedding. However, can Kelly transform this sentimental dress into something modest yet fabulous for the bride?  Will Sam find a dress which covers the bride up?  Or will the bride go with something that shows off her skin? Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be something borrowed, or something new? Will it be as modest as she imagined ir would be? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

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An Interview with TLC Star Kelly Nishimoto

February 25, 2013 Leave a Comment

Have you been watching the new show on TLC’s BrideDay lineup, “Something Borrowed,  Something New”, which airs Fridays 10/9c? We are having a blast watching this show. We are in love with all the fabulous details of each bride and their journey in finding the perfect dress. We are most intrigued by how a heirloom, previously worn dress can be transformed into a stylish and fashionable new gown! Who is the person behind this amazing transformation?  Kelly Nishimoto, a fashion designer and television personality who stars in “Something Borrowed, Something New”.  We were thrilled for the opportunity to interview Kelly. Kelly took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions.

Bridal Hot List: Welcome to Bridal Hot List, Kelly!  For our readers that aren’t familiar with you, could you tell me about yourself and what you do?

Kelly Nishimoto: I’m from a tiny town in Georgia (Roberta) population 800! Now, I’m a clothing designer in Los Angeles…I started off in Contemporary Collections including Red Carpet Dresses and suiting…and I ended up with a full blown casual lounge wear company! I also do a ton of custom orders including Bridal, Bridesmaids, & Mother of the Bride!

Bridal Hot List: Kelly, you’re a top fashion designer now. Can you tell me where you started and how you got into fashion design?

Kelly Nishimoto:  Well…I started sewing when I was 11. My dad bought me a sewing machine from Wal-mart for Xmas. It all went crazy from there! I made or modified my clothes throughout high school and taught various arts & crafts classes around town! I moved to Miami when I was 19 and started throwing my own runway shows… I used to make entire collections out of Reynolds Plastic Wrap! When I moved to Los Angeles, I started a real business in my garage and things moved forward from there! I launched my 1st full collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in 2005. I’ve since been in over 130 stores including Macy’s & Equinox.

Bridal Hot List: Some say that high success comes from having a passion for what they do. For you, where do you draw your inspiration from? What motivates you the most? At what points in your career did it help energize you to stick with it and find eventual success?

Kelly Nishimoto: I’m a dreamer…so I dream up most of my ideas…or believe it or not…the treadmill! I’m constantly day dreaming and when I come up with something genius…I stumble back to reality when I’ve fallen off! Lol! My passion comes from my desire to be successful. I’m super competitive…mostly with myself…I feel like I can always do more and better! When I was younger, the idea of success motivated me. Now…my family is my motivation. I want to be able to provide for my parents and my family…and I want to do it by being successful at what I love to do. Have I found success? Not by my own personal standards…What makes me stick with it is the fact that I refuse to give up! If I seriously wrote down my personal challenges with life and this business…you would think I was lying. Even during the filming of the show…life threw me some MAJOR curves that I will one day be comfortable enough to share. I’m still waiting for that moment when I can say…”Remember when? I think it’s right around the corner…so I’m going to stick to my journey!

Bridal Hot List: The Fashion world is always changing. How do fashion designers like yourself keep up with what is new and trendy?

Kelly Nishimoto: For the most part…I make what I feel like making… I never look at color trends or trend reports…honestly…and when I choose a color palette for my next collection…knock on wood…it’s aligned with the rest of the design world! Now, what I have a hard time keeping up with is the business! The business is ALWAYS changing…and that’s my biggest challenge! When I started, there was no Twitter or Facebook…trending…QR codes…etc…Whewww…I’m exhausted just thinking about everywhere I have to post 1 piece of news! Pinterest, Flicker, Website, Face book, Blog, Instagram…

Bridal Hot List: When you are recreating and designing an outfit for someone, what details do you focus on the most, and why?

Kelly Nishimoto: There are 3 things to consider…

1. Is the integrity of the original piece worth keeping? If so…I have to be careful not to change it into an unrecognizable piece.

2. What does the client expect or envision for the revamped piece? Are the clients expectations realistic?

3. Is the “new” possible to make out of the old? And if not…what is the compromise?

Bridal Hot List:  You are starring on a new show on TLC called “Something Borrowed, Something New”. For viewers, what is the most exciting and new fashion details they should tune in to see?

Kelly Nishimoto: What Sam & I are wearing? Just kidding! Viewers should tune in to see the transformations…Not only the transformation of an old dress…but theses brides and their families are transforming right in front of our eyes! They are all having new experiences…and these are very real! As for the fashion…wedding fashion is all the rage right now! Sam and I are constantly bringing what the designers are doing on the runway straight to the bride!

Bridal Hot List: For a fashion designer like yourself, what kind of opportunity does starring in a TLC show represent?

Kelly Nishimoto: It’s an opportunity for people to see me for who I am and for what I’ve been doing for years. It takes sooooo long to build a profitable fashion business. TLC is a wonderful platform to showcase what I do on a daily basis. I am forever grateful for Andrew Strauser for keeping me in the TLC loop for years & years…

Bridal Hot List:  By the end of your first season of the show, what goals are you hoping to accomplish?

Kelly Nishimoto: Besides a second, third, & forth season…One of my goals is to make a living doing what I love and to not have to continuously stress out about paying rent or having enough money for payroll! Also…I really want to give back to young girls who need guidance…Fashion is a great way to help the younger generation learn about hard work, dedication, presentation, communication skills, being properly dressed and well mannered for business…I feel like today’s youth are missing out on learning some crucial life skills…ones that are learned from a human and not the Internet.

Bridal Hot List: On the show, your job is to transform a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. What elements of the dress speaks to you the most? Is it ever difficult to tear up parts of a special gown and recreate it?

Kelly Nishimoto: I try and put myself in the mind of the person who made the dress in the first place…Especially if it’s an old dress! These aren’t “off the rack” like the 80’s dresses! I often wonder what they would do to the dress if they lived in modern times…I have had a hard time with 2 or 3 of the dresses. They were very special. One in particular hurt my feelings to cut up! But the end product was very true to the original dress and is EXACTLY what the bride wanted…

Now…when I get an ugly dress made with cheap fabric…I can’t wait to tear it up and make something new out of it! These don’t hurt my feeling at all! If anything stings…It’s the thought that designers really though those sleeves were cool! Lol!

Bridal Hot List: What are some tips on how to recycle the material from an old wedding dress?

Kelly Nishimoto: There are MANY things you can do! You don’t have to make it into a new wedding dress! You can turn it in to a party dress and dye it another color, you can make pillows, veils, head pieces, baby blankets, teddy bears, etc… So limitless!

Bridal Hot List: What are some of the best tips you can give the sentimental  brides that want to wear something old and special on their wedding day?

Kelly Nishimoto: Go for it! Don’t let your friends influence you! I’m not a vintage type of girl…but I definitely appreciate vintage and reusing beautiful things…

– Think outside the box! It doesn’t have to be used in a traditional way…GET CREATIVE!

– If you want a dress re-vamped…Spend the money on a professional unless you are REALY good at pattern making & sewing…Transforming a dress is harder than you think!

 

Bridal Hot List would like to extend our gratitude to Kelly and the TLC staff that helped make this interview possible.

 

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