What is FaceForward about?

Hi, I am Kathleen, the founder of FaceForward.

My goal is to inspire people to celebrate, embrace and love their true selves while spreading positivity along the way. In a world full of struggles and judgments, I encourage you to embrace your journey and inspire others to follow theirs.

I have a true passion for learning, teaching, spreading awareness and acceptance.

I had the privilege to teach High School Special Education for almost 20 years and truly believed it is what I was born to do. That beautiful chapter of my life ended when I was struck with Trigeminal Neuralgia (nicknamed the “Suicide Disease”) in 2013. Medical professionals and sufferers alike consider this condition to be the most painful experience the human body can endure. I have battled this horrific affliction for over 10 years now in addition to anxiety, social anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, panic attacks, trauma, miscarriages, PTSD, domestic violence, 2 brain surgeries, chronic migraines, other neuralgias, chronic facial pain, divorce, being a single mom, financial struggles, loving those with addictions and losing too many to suicide.

I spent too much time hiding, feeling pain, isolation, shame, sadness, wishing I were different and looking at what I lost or couldn’t do anymore. I realized I needed to stop looking back and FaceForward. I choose to embrace who I am, look at my blessings even through the hardest of days and stay the course of positivity.

I realize I can love my unique self, still pursue my passion (just differently) to help others love themselves, their circumstances and even spread positivity in a world that so desperately needs it.

For me fashion is a way to express ourselves and our identities. FaceForward is created with an effort to break the stigma associated with mental illness. This brand is about creating fashion with a social conscience because it is our responsibility to be mindful of the world, all the people in it, as well as for generations to come. We all face struggles, obstacles and challenges in life but we can FaceForward and even be grateful for the small joys and victories that we experience.

We give back to multiple organizations including FPA (Facial Pain Association), NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and more!