We're talking, Petra Nemcova, Supermodel, Philanthropist, Ambassador at Large and Entrepreneur on The Haute Report's Casual Monday.
Petra made a personal appearance at our favorite Neiman Marcus store with Co-Founder/Brand Expert, Christian Hosford and her international luxury home decor brand ~ Be The Light New York, "The World Collection" of luxury scented candles. And, of course, we were there to get the scoop on Petra and her Be The Light New York.
#GiftsThatGiveBack
Before Christian gives us a tour, here's a few reasons why we LOVE Petra…
The Supermodel - We've seen her in many campaigns from La Perla to Cartier, Victoria Secret and many more! Sports Illustrated 50th anniversary edition featured Petra as one of the "legends". We've also seen her on dancing with the stars.
Taking her celebrity to new heights comes Petra the Philanthropist. Founder and Chairman of Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) whose mission is to build schools and restore hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural resources. With HHF, she's been able to rebuild 95 schools, benefiting more than 46,000 children as well as over 400,000 community members. HHF, currently active in 9 countries - Thailand, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, U.S., Haiti, Columbia and Philippines.
"We can't control nature, but we can control the actions we take! - Petra Nemcova
Ambassador at large for Haiti - with a goal to uplift the people of Haiti, she's bringing awareness about Haiti's culture, beauty, it's development and opportunities!
(We Heart Petra!!!!)
The Entrepreneur - inspired by her life of traveling to fascinating countries, BTLNY brings "meaningful treasures from travels" which enrich homes and lives. #GiftsThatGiveBack with 10% from all products supports rebuilding of safe schools through HappyHeartsFund.org
I can go on and on about Petra but let's move on to BTLNY!
Christian begins to give me a tour of "The World Collection" luxury scented candles.
Starting in America with BlueBell Bliss inspired by Blue Bell fields, here, in Texas.
(I take a whiff of the candle… Mmmmm!...)
BlueBell is the symbol of "Gratitude", he explains, another way to say, "Thank You". A great gift for when you need to say, "Thank You". Consider the American BlueBell, he adds.
Stressed or a long day? Christian says, "consider the Indonesia Patchouli Peace - using a lot of patchouli - inspired by the "peacefulness" of a lifestyle and a part of the world. Great to take a bath with!"
Are you in the holiday mood?
Of course! It's the Holidays!!!
Consider the Czech Holiday Cookie. Now, this is all about togetherness of family, Christian explains. Inspired by traditions of the Czech Republuc - that familes come together for the Holidays and make cookies. And, it's the actual scent of the cookies.
(Mmmm… it really does. I'm hungry…)
We're heading off to Spain - Spanish Saffron Heat - he ask that I count to 5 while taking in the scent because there's an after kick to it - starts off subtle, then comes on strong. Uses Saffron which only two candles in the world use it. Saffron also known as an aphrodisiac which brings us to "Passion" - you want it slow… So, it's designed to have multiple levels of intensity, whereas other candles have a nice, clean, even burn.
CH: Now, do you like chocolate?
GB: Pffffffffft! I'm actually more than heavily addicted to chocolate! (Chuckles…)
Christian adds, well, you may enjoy this - Mexican Cacao Mystique - inspired by the Mayan Culture who drink a spicy Cacao (hot chocolate) at the end of day to celebrate.
"Celebration of Life"
(Of course! I'm in love! DUHHHH!!!)
Last on our journey is the Haitian Hisbiscus Breeze ~ "Beauty & Strength" - inspired by the Hibiscus flower in Haiti and strength.
CH: Which of these were your favorite?
GB: I enjoyed the Peacefulness, Celebration of Life and the Beauty & Strength also stuck with me.
Here am I with the oh so beautiful, Petra Nemcova! Just as she is in pictures, magazines and T.V - beautiful! In person, STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS!!!
(Should have worn my red lips! We could of been twins that day… HA!)
While standing around taking pics of Petra in action, a light bulb came on and said, "Tis the Season to give #giftsthatgiveback", so, I hopped in line to make my purchase…
The artwork on the casing is custom and it's printed on 3 sides of each jar. Hand-drawn by Christian himself, a 5-day process due to the jar being a big intra glass, you'll have to use a diamond to get it off, making each of the jars it's own little many treasure!
When the candle burns out, the jar is a definite keeper!
If you hold it to the light, it's translucent. When the wax burns, it gives off a great array of color.
LOVE IT!!!
A luxury candle experience that's special and meaningful!
When purchasing a gift for someone, you want them to know that you put thought into it, you want them to remember that thoughtfulness and enjoy it - CH
In the mood for giving so I'm giving and giving back at the same time (smiles…)
Yesssss! It has arrived!
Personally signed by Petra for one of my best girlfriends as a house-warming gift since she just purchased her very first home!
I told her she drives me insane and not to ask for any more house-warming gifts! LOL!
All in all, I felt extremely awesome with my purchase, helping to build schools! The peacefulness I get when sniffing the scent of this luxury candle, almost makes me not want to give it up! Thinking… Thinking…
Be The Light!!!
#GiftsThatGiveBack
#TeamNeimanMarcus
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