Christopher MATZ
Finding Strength Within: The Power of Sobriety, Gratitude, and Humility
In a world constantly pushing us toward more—more success, more possessions, more distractions—our mental health can quietly unravel. But the path to peace often lies not in accumulation, but in letting go.
Sobriety is more than abstaining from substances; it’s about clarity. It’s choosing presence over escape, and healing over hiding. When we live sober, we begin to see ourselves clearly—our habits, our fears, our strengths. And with that vision comes the chance to truly grow.
Gratitude transforms our mindset. In the noise of daily life, it reminds us of what we do have. Even on dark days, the simple act of naming one thing we’re thankful for—a friend, a sunrise, a moment of calm—can shift our perspective and lighten the emotional load.
Humility grounds us. It teaches us that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage. It reminds us that we’re not alone, and that strength often comes from admitting our vulnerabilities.
Together, sobriety, gratitude, and humility create a powerful trio. They center us, connect us, and most importantly, they heal us. In embracing them, we don’t just improve mental health—we reclaim our peace, one grounded moment at a time.
Chloe Diaz
Recognizing What You Deserve, And What You Don’t.
“I’ve been learning how to love, take care of myself and recognizing what I deserve and what I don’t deserve. I believe mental health is a huge turning point towards success and that’s what I want for myself- to succeed and to invest in my own potential and my well being.”
Elijah Keiler
If you wait for perfect weather you’ll never plant your seeds.
“It can be easy to focus on tomorrow, next week, or the years ahead. But finding the joys in today and doing what needs to be done today, truly living in the moment has helped me in my time. Also, understanding it’s okay to not be on “go” all the time. Finding time for oneself to reset is big for me.”
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Olga Ivanidi
Now, as Executive Producer of the Fashion 4 Ukraine runway show in New York City, mental health is crucial to my success. Launching the show in September 2024, followed by a sold-out show in February 2025, I quickly learned how vital it is to manage stress in a high-pressure environment. Here’s how I stay grounded amid the chaos of producing one of New York Fashion Week’s most anticipated events:
1) Stay Calm in the Storm: One of the biggest challenges in producing a show is managing everyone’s emotions and expectations—plus your own. On show day, with nearly 100 people involved, stress runs high. I learned to step back, detach from emotions, and stay calm. Instead of reacting to every meltdown, I focused on solutions and listening. Before the show, late-night conversations with models and designers, and sometimes literally holding their hand, often required me to guide them through moments of doubt. Staying cool was crucial; without it, the show wouldn’t have happened.
2)Let Go of Perfectionism: I’ve struggled with perfectionism, especially as a producer where I felt responsible for everything. I used to beat myself up over every small mishap, but I’ve learned to accept that mistakes are part of the process. This shift has freed me up creatively. We now plan earlier, giving us time to solve issues without feeling too overwhelmed. Last-minute model changes are common, but with preparation, they’ve become routine, and the audience rarely notices—they just enjoy the show.
3) Rest is Essential: People often imagine producing fashion shows as glamorous, but the reality is far from it. The long hours, tight budgets, and technical logistics are draining. I vividly remember the moment before our last show when I became so overwhelmed by last-minute vendor changes and entertainment additions that I developed a nervous hiccup. It wasn’t until I completely unplugged—turning off my phone, booking a massage, and enjoying a meal with my loved ones—that I could reset. That time for myself gave me the strength to move forward and handle everything with a clear mind. I've also learned to delegate more to my support production team to avoid burnout.
At the end of the day, producing a fashion show is like balancing chaos and calm. You bloom under pressure, patch yourself up when needed, and keep moving forward. True strength isn’t about staying perfect—it’s about thriving through the mess. Protect your peace, and remember: every beautiful thing you create begins with taking care of yourself first.
Breaking the Silence: Embracing Mental Health as a Ukrainian Immigrant in the Fashion World.
Growing up in a Ukrainian household, mental health was a foreign concept. Problems were dealt with in silence, therapy was taboo, and depression was a label no one dared to wear. But when I moved to the U.S., I encountered a different world where talking about mental health was normal, even empowering.
It wasn’t until I faced the aftermath of domestic violence that I realized the true value of therapy. It became a necessity, not a choice. Therapy helped me set boundaries as an empath, prioritize my well-being, and redefine strength—not as silent endurance, but as the courage to seek help.