Acknowledgments

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge those who assisted in making this book a reality. From my family and friends who supported me in every manner imaginable, to the investors who believed in my dream, and the partnerships that went wrong but made me stronger. Many are mentioned in great length in this book, but many are not. I thank you all for the unforgettable journey.

A special recognition to my extraordinary Iran for teaching me tradition, culture, and the true meaning of love. Cheers to America for the endless possibilities and opportunities.

To my business mentor, Harry R. Haury, for believing I could do it, and for continuing to support my dreams even at times when they seemed entirely out of reach. Without you I would never be where I am today.

To Michele Shapiro, Abigail Pesta, and Joanna Coles for giving me countless opportunities to give voice to my mission. Your influence and triumphs continue to inspire me every day.

To my remarkable agent, Jessica Regel from Foundry Media, for trusting in this book and enthusiastically helping me find a home for it. To my Sourcebooks family for hearing my voice in the manuscript and giving me a way to share my voyage. To my amazing editors, Grace Menary-Winefield and Shana Drehs, for directing me through this expedition and bringing out my best every day.

To my father for showing me what entrepreneurship looks like in the most effective way. Thank you, Baba, for giving me the most amazing childhood anyone could possibly experience. To my stunning aunt Soodie Maleki for all her support; thank you for showing me what a striking, strong, independent woman looks like in real life. To my brother for loving me unconditionally. Chelsey Orth, you managed to make me smile when my soul was crying. Pamela Woodfield, I could never navigate this path without your support.

And to my beautiful mother: For all the times that you have selflessly been there, for all the times that you taught me to believe, for all the times that you gave me strength, for all the times that you made me value the true definition of love and respect.

You are the strongest woman I will ever know. I thank you for the life you gave me, I thank you for being you, I thank you for putting up with me, I thank you for being my number-one fan, and I thank you for never giving up on me.

You truly are an angel, and I am so powerfully blessed and honored to call you my mother. I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for believing I could write this book and encouraging me every day to follow my dreams.

My sincere appreciation to everyone who reads this book and all my amazing supporters who wear my designs. I hope to be able to inspire you as much as you inspire me every day.

Much love,