MADE by Jasmine Browley
For more than a decade, Jeannie Mai has provided her TV viewers and countless social media followers with pointed self-improvement advice through down-to-earth fashion tips. As of late, however, the styling expert is getting more personal.
As an ambassador for ReimagineMyself.com, The Real co-host is helping multiple sclerosis survivors change the way they look at look at themselves while battling the debilitating disease.
“My aunt Linh has MS and has had to deal with some really difficult health challenges over the years,” she said. “There have definitely been some heartbreaking physical and emotional consequences.”
Her aunt been living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) for more than 13 years.
MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system impacts 2.3 million people worldwide and often strikes in the prime of their life. Approximately 85 percent of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing MS, the most common form of the disease.
Since Linh’s diagnosis and subsequent personality changes, Jeannie has made it made her mission to inspire not only her aunt, but women with MS all over the world to continue to strive towards being the best versions of themselves through education, empowerment and practical tips that can be immediately applied to their everyday lives.
“My goal is to help women like my aunt reclaim the self-confidence they deserve but may have lost because of an illness like MS.”
She talked to MADE Magazine in this exclusive interview about how the illness stripped her aunt of independence, self-confidence and sense of fashion and how Jeannie helped her reclaim all she lost.
Why did you become involved with Reimagine Myself?
My aunt became a really different person after her diagnosis and since I try to regularly spend time with her, I was really affected by the changes. She was no longer able to do everyday things like dress herself, or button her shirt or anything she would’ve normally been able to do. Reimagine Myself provided me with a great way to connect with her since it’s an online community that allows ambassadors with MS to share their experiences and walk their journey with the illness together.
What helpful styling tips do you have for those living with MS?
Avoid wearing anything that’s too fussy to wear, like shirts with tiny buttons. My aunt would often get down on herself for not being able to fasten those types of blouses until I stepped in and made some adjustments. Also, choose bright colors and patterns to lift spirits. I always grab things that reflect the mood that I want to have, so I suggest MS survivors do the same.
Where can we go for more style inspiration from you, including advice you have given her Aunt Linh?
My style journey with my Aunt Linh is available on ReimagineMyself.com along with the inspiring stories of other MS survivors as well.
Jeannie Mae can be followed @JeannieMai and TheJeannieMai.com.
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