Entrepreneur Karen Michelle and non-profit Artists for Trauma (AFT) held The Love Your Body Event (LYB) this fall at the beautiful Luxe Hotel Sunset. Over 1,400 attendees enjoyed the annual all-inclusive red carpet, fashion show, art show and shopping extravaganza!

LYB, created by Karen Michelle, is about self-esteem and empowerment of women and girls of all ages, shapes and backgrounds. AFT was founded by Laura Sharpe and inspired by her personal journey to recovery in which she connected with the world of art as a source of healing from the near-mortal wounds she sustained in a tragic helicopter accident. Together, Karen Michelle and Laura Sharpe’s goal is to lead the way in all-inclusive, female empowering events.

At this fall’s event, America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer 2019 winner singer Kechi performed as well as modeled in the fashion show. Understanding the therapeutic benefits of art in the process of healing, Artists for Trauma and Karen Michelle added Artists in the Garden to the 2021 event. This Silent Auction raised thousands of dollars for the building of the ADA certified AFT “Artists Retreat” at the Risk Rock Studios in Thousand Oaks. Collaborating with Kelly “Risk” Graval, this signature brick-and-mortar art studio will help adaptive artists recover from life altering traumas. Kelly “Risk” Graval, an artist in all material, headlined the event along with fellow artists Tommy Hollenstein, Richard Bell, Stacia Gates, Vanessa Garcia, Living Art by Ilana,

Pablo Damas and others.

A special part of the day was the presentation of the Karen Michelle Humanitarian Heart Award. The 2021 award recipient was Face Forward International CEO/founder Deborah Alessi. As a voice for those in need, Deborah Alessi works tirelessly to help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other cruel acts. Face Forward allows these survivors to have access to important surgical care and emotional counseling free of charge. Her husband, Dr. David Alessi, accepted the award on her behalf.

Sponsors included Nashville’s 3rd Eye HI; Andrew S. Frankel, M.D. Beverly Hills; Destiny Candle; Mickey Fine Pharmacy; Sharpe Interior Systems; The Knot; Coco Vinny; See’s Candies; Rollettes; Special Needz Coffee; Sahar Allure; Delcourt Insurance and many others. In addition, The LYB Event included non-profits such as The Ovarian Cancer Circle, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and more.