The Inspiring Beginning of My Big Sis’ Closet
January 12, 2025 | Woodland Hills, California
Every journey has a beginning, and for My Big Sis’ Closet, that beginning is rooted in the resilience and strength of three remarkable young girls. Our first event, held at a home in Woodland Hills, was born out of an urgent need to restore hope and joy to those who had been displaced by the devastating Palisades fire.
These three girls and their mothers shared a heartbreaking reality with us. After being forced to evacuate their homes with a little more than the clothes on their backs, they found themselves digging through piles of donations at relief centers — an unimaginable experience, especially for teenage girls navigating such a formative stage of life. Their mothers spoke of the trauma and fear of leaving behind their safe spaces, cherished memories, and a sense of normalcy.
At My Big Sis’ Closet, we knew we had to do more than provide clothes; we needed to create an experience that brought comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy. Inspired by my own relationship with my little sister, where borrowing clothes has always been a special part of our bond, I envisioned an environment where these girls could feel like they were shopping from their big sister’s closet — safe, familiar, and empowering.
A Party to Remembers
Our first event was nothing short of magical. We transformed a challenging situation into a “party-like environment” designed to make these girls feel special and celebrated. Each girl got to pick out new outfits, experiment with makeup, and participate in a fun fashion show and photoshoot to showcase their new looks.
And the best part? We ended the day with a dance party, complete with music, laughter, and moments of pure joy that reminded us all of the resilience of young hearts. Seeing their smiles light up the room was a powerful reminder of why we started this mission in the first place.
Inspiration for a Movement
These three girls are the heartbeat of My Big Sis’ Closet. They inspired us to grow our mission further than we ever imagined. Their courage and ability to find moments of happiness in the face of such unimaginable loss moved us deeply. At an age where they are still discovering who they are and finding their place in the world, they showed incredible strength despite having their lives uprooted.
For me, it was personal. As a big sister, I know how important it is to create a space that feels warm, safe, and empowering, These girls deserve to feel cared for, to be reminded of their worth, and to have moments of normalcy during such an overwhelming time.
A Mission to Uplift
My Big Sis’ Closet isn’t just about clothes — it’s about creating a community where young girls can feel supported, celebrated, and seen. Whether it’s through hosting events like this one or finding ways to make rebuilding a little more joyful, we’re here to bring glimmer moments to those who need them most.
To the three girls who inspired us: thank you for showing us the power of resilience and hope, You are the reason we are driven to expand our mission and touch the lives of more girls facing similar challenges.
This is just the beginning. Together, we can create more moments of joy, connection, and empowerment.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to join our growing community!
With love,
Maddie
Founder, My Big Sis’ Closet
