Walked In Wearing a Dress. I Walked Out With a Fuller Heart.

There are events that make you smile… and then there are events that stay with you. This one left a mark on my heart.

Let me set the scene.

A few months ago, I was invited to help creatively direct and choreograph the House of Graces Summer Collection Charity Fashion Show, a collaboration with my heart project, Beyond Borders Cameroon.

It sounded exciting. It was also terrifying.

I remember standing in the middle of the hall before the show started, staring at rows of empty chairs, thinking:
“What if no one comes?” “What if these seats stay empty?” The anxiety was real. People did show up, but much later. We filled up some seats though not all.

That little voice of imposter syndrome whispered, “Who do you think you are?” But I had to block out the noise and focus. I showed up for the cause. I showed up for the kids. I showed up for the version of me who once only dreamed of moments like this.

Why This Show Was Deeper Than Fashion

It was a purposeful show, and it takes a level of heart to be able to put it together. During my presentation for Beyond Borders Cameroon, I opened up about how House of Graces played a role in shaping who I am today.

Working on this show with Assick, the founder of HOG, was incredible. She saw something in me when no one did and believed in me before the titles. All our sleepless nights and endless fittings appointments culminated here. Whenever I have a pageant or event, she’s the first person I call.

It was emotional to see how far we’ve come—from just planning outfits to now organizing a whole collection fashion show for good. A first for both of us.

Thanks to this show, we were able to:

• Cover a full year of school for 2 displaced children in the South West region of Cameroon
• Provide chalk for a whole school year
• Gift exercise books so kids can learn with dignity

That’s the kind of impact we need more of. That’s the Africa I believe in.

Of course, the fashion was UNREAL. House of Graces’ summer collection didn’t just deliver—it brought the runway to life. From bold prints that danced with each step to flowy silhouettes that hugged the models like poetry. Everyone in the room was cheerful, supportive, and just happy to be there.

Every single model slayed—from Fatimata (GNTM 2025 candidate) to Elsé, to Yvanna who helped me choreograph the entire show, to the stunning women and beauty queens who came from far just to walk the show—it was beyond inspiring.

But what made it special wasn’t just the walk. It was the energy backstage, the laughter, the love, the sisterhood, the “we’re doing this for something bigger” vibe that you could literally feel in the air. No egos. No drama. Just purpose-driven women making magic.

Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)

As African creatives and models, we’re often underrepresented. We don’t always get the spotlight, the budget, or the stage. But events like this remind us: we can build our own platforms. And when we do, we create an impact, no matter how small.

So if you ever get the chance to:

• Support House of Graces or any African brand putting heart into their work
• Attend a charity fashion show like this
• Partner with creatives making impact through beauty

Please go. Show up. Give. Support. You never know how far that will reach.

To everyone who came, cheered, donated, watched, or simply reposted: You were part of something bigger. You helped us touch lives with fabric.

And if you’re reading this wondering if you can create something impactful too, let this be your reminder:
Start messy. Start scared. But start anyway.

With a grateful heart,
Stephanie Oben
Founder, Beyond Borders Cameroon & Wear Your Crown Workshop