Since yesterday was the one year anniversary of this blog and The Curvy Elle Shop, I felt it was very appropriate to finally finish my tale of my time in New York.  They kind of go hand in hand.  

I have been putting off writing this for a very long time. Mainly because I don’t want to hurt anyone or myself for that matter. No, the story isn’t bad, but things happen in life that act as catalysts for a new chapter. This is one of those type stories.

I ended Part II at the beginning of my final move to New York. This was the beginning of the end of a wonderful, heart wrenching, education in life and passions. I went on to participate in 3 different internships over a 6 month period of time. Eventually landing an Assistant Designer position with a very small Juniors/Juniors plus size company.

This position was a 3 month stint job (temporary). During this time my grandfather (back in California) fell and broke his hip. He ended up in the hospital for surgery and recovery. Like what happens with a lot of elderly people in hospitals, he came down with Pneumonia. We didn’t know if he would make it, but he battled through only to fall pray to a stroke that put him into a coma with massive brain bleeding. To skip over a very painful time in life, we will just say that we all stayed with him until his time on earth was over.

It may seem odd, but it was my grandfather’s death that acted as the “push” to get me to start my dream of selling plus size vintage. I actually did my first photo shoot (yes, I know this sounds weird) the day of his funeral.  My grandfather’s death acted as the birth of a new life in me. The beginning of this blog and shop.

I didn’t drop my career aspirations right away to begin this business. I had no idea if my vision would even work or if I would even like doing it. So, I kept on at my job and I worked on the blog and shop at night and on weekends.

When my position ended, I had to make a decision on where I wanted to take my life. Do I stay in New York and keep looking for Assistant positions? Or do I go home and try my hand at this new “hobby” I had started?

Losing someone can sometimes push you to see what is most important in life. I had already fallen in love with writing this blog and running the shop. My grandmother (who I am very close with) was dealing with the death of her husband of nearly 65 years–and I could see her withering away before my eyes. So, what do I do? Stay and work in an industry that doesn’t care if I live or die or love or hate? Or go home to those who love me and work for my own dreams instead of someone else’s?

After many debates and pro and con lists, I gave my 30 day notice for my room. I was going home. To a place I never pictured permanently being. Doing a business that I never thought I could really do.

July 2012, I left New York to build a new unknown life.  Ending my second chapter in my “Love Affair with New York.”



Yes, I am calling this my “Final Chapter”–BUT, I always like to say: “never say never!” The future will only be able to tell where New York and I will stand. And, there’s always VACAY!!!

4th of July 2012 waiting for the fire works. One of my last days in NYC.