Left to right : Serena Bond , Lana Naumeyer and Kelly Daughtery at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco , in Pittsburgh .
Photo : Lila Rodrigues even Pittsburgh . Her work is strictly a passion — she doesn ’ t sell any of her pieces — and it is all for charitable purposes .
“ The commitment I have is to myself . I have to please myself . I have to like what I do . What is important for me is to live this as a passion , as a charity . I never feel good just writing a check and putting it in the mail . I feel so artificial . I feel I am not helping anything .”
Being involved in the event makes her feel like she is contributing much more . “ I have to call my models . I have to feed them . I have to organize what pieces I want to take . I have to be there early […] it makes me feel like I am doing more than giving money .”
Neumeyer strongly feels one must be born a designer , but anyone can be creative . Inspiration , however , must be continually self-motivated .
“ You know , a person ’ s creativity is important for doing anything . You can be a fashion designer . You can be a food designer . You can be creative with your financial situation . One of the most important things we have to have — and that we can develop and improve — is creativity .”
Neumeyer continues , “ Some people say to me ‘ I ’ m not creative !’ And I say ‘ Why not ?’ Have you tried ? Do you make an effort to do better and better and better ? It ’ s like exercise . Exercise your creativity !”
Exercise and passion has made this designer one with a heart of gold . n
WINTER 2017 INSPIRING LIVES 89