𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗢𝗡 + 𝗔𝗥𝗧 + 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

As an immigrant, it’s very hard to look at what’s happening daily. The disproportionate targeting in Brown communities, the exclusion of belonging in America for people of color and Indigenous people, and that many of the people imposing harsh immigration restrictions don’t have a migration heritage that includes being ‘native’ to the U.S. When I think back on my immigration story, I think of how hard my parents worked to get to where they are, I think of the stories I’ve heard of people seeking a better life for themselves and at times their families. I think of the empathy that’s lacking, and how many people can’t grasp the desperation and hardship it must take for someone to leave everything and everyone they have for the hope of finding opportunities and creating a new life. As a kid I grew up with that hope and was empowered that I could do what I set my mind to because even if we struggled, we were in the “land of opportunity.” I witnessed the ‘American Dream’ and lived those moments that led to my path today. I started my company with a verse in mind; “To whom much is given, much is expected,” I carry those words deeply. I would not be here if immigration didn’t exist, and our nation would not be so rich in culture without the diversity of each immigrant. You see, my parents won a visa lottery that allowed us to come to the U.S. they’ve told me the wonderful movie-like story of all of us being on American Airlines for the first time and I’ve seen the happiness in my dad’s eyes when he described that moment, of coming to a country where anything would be possible. Where someone coming from one of the poorest towns in Lima, Peru, could work hard to one day own a house, help his family back home financially and eventually move his kids to the suburbs so that they could have opportunities he was never given. We are your neighbors, we are business owners, we are your friends, and we are you. While many people may be discouraged from talking about immigration, I encourage you to share your migration history. #immigrationhistory #latinosunidos #inmigrantes #businesswomen

𝔒𝔠𝔱𝔬𝔟𝔢𝔯, you’re right on time. Oh how we miss the 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭! We’re looking forward to seeing your looks with much creativity and inspiration. This year’s show is themed around fashion, romance, and love, entitled, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚: 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣 Inspired by the enduring power of human connection, the @chicagofashionshowcase explores love as both muse and movement, where individuality meets collective spirit. This season is a celebration of creativity, unity, expression and the timeless allure of coming together through fashion. Whether you opt for a sleek statement piece, an elevated look for everyday, or a touch of glamour that is fall-inspired, the key is to show up confident and let your look tell your story. We’ll see you on the red carpet, entry begins at 5 PM and we’ll kick off the evening with drinks, light bites, music, dance performances, live art painting and of course shopping @x.markstheshop where you can discover brands & much, much more! #chicagofashionshowcase #mintedmediaproductions #chicagofashioninfluencer #chicagoevents #choosechicago #runwayshows

10 years ago, Wendy, founder of Minted Media Productions took a leap of faith and hosted her very first solo fashion show right here at State & Erie in downtown Chicago. What started as a dream and a handful of creatives has grown into a powerful platform for designers, models, and artists seeking space to be seen and celebrated. Today, the @chicagofashionshowcase continues its mission by uplifting the city’s fashion community and creating opportunities for emerging talent. As we gear up for our next showcase this October, we invite you to be part of the legacy. #ChicagoFashion #MintedMediaProductions #ChicagoFashionShowcase #SupportLocalTalent #ChicagoCreatives #FashionForward

Last batch of red carpet looks during @chicagofashionshowcase A little #throwback on this gloomy Saturday. The question remains, should we bring back the glambot this year? #chicagofashionshowcase #chicagoevents #redcarpetstyle #chicagoinfluencers

We love seeing all the different bags on the red carpet. Glambot at #chicagofashionshowcase 2014 #chicagofashiondesigner #chicagomodels #redcarpetfashion #glambot

Red carpet fun with our glam bot, tag a friend you recognize. Should we bring back this back for 2026? #chicagofashionshowcase #redcarpetlooks #glambot #photobooth

2024 was the year of the Glambot, many clips were uploaded to the website, but never to instagram so we thought today would be the best day to have a little throwback action. Should we bring back the Glambot in 2026? Tag a friend if you see them! #glambot #chicagofashionshowcase #fashionphotography #redcarpetfashion

PSA: If you’re feeling heavy today, come sit down. I have something to share ☕️ Sometimes we think that a setback is the end, but they’re actually the beginning of something new. At the beginning of the year, I was in a car accident that left me with a concussion, neck sprain, doctors visits, a recovery time of over two months, and so much physical therapy. In spite of all of that, what I was most concerned about was my inability to look at screens. Take away the loud music, the movie, the TV, going to restaurants and coffee shops, but to take my creative passion, well that felt horrible. I’m sure most people might not agree, however my work is more than just a job. I created this company with a drive to create a platform and that feeds me in ways that other “jobs” could never. So if you’re feeling low today, this message is for you. It will pass. It will get better. And you will come back from what you’re going through stronger. 💐 #recoverymode #businesswomen #itgetsbetter #healthjourney

Red carpet talks with @whos_wearing_what_ at @chicagofashionshowcase are always a moment for our guests to show us their looks before the show. What designer do you want to see on our runway? #redcarpetready #interviewseries #chicagofashionshowcase #chicagoinfluencer

Models, how are you feeling before the show? The general consensus is that excitement triumphs all other emotions before the start of @chicagofashionshowcase We want our models feeling that buzz of excitement, we think it drives them to perform better & want to do their best on the runway. An emotion that can be felt by the audience. #chicagofashionshowcase #modelmoments #beforetheshow #chicagofashionblogger

Shout out to @makeupby.jmilla for your assist during @chicagofashionshowcase & @josedeleonmakeup for creating not one but two very gorgeous runway looks for the show. Models were perfection, to take a look yourself check out our feed. #chicagofashionshowcase #makeuptips #backstagepass #chicagohairstylists

Small Business Spotlight: Erica is the owner of @kikas.jewelry a latina-owned business specializing in rings, necklaces, and more. We loved having this brand pop up at @x.markstheshop inside #chicagofashionshowcase. Make sure to check them out & support small. 🛍️ #womanowned #chicagosmallbusiness